skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--'Standby' for decision on cutting two-metre rule, firms told

Businesses have been told to `` standby '' for a decision on whether the two-metre social distancing rule will be eased .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps promised businesses the government review on halving how far apart people should stay to avoid spreading coronavirus will not be a `` long process '' .
He admitted there is `` pressure '' to relax the guidance , given the World Health Organisation says it should be `` at least one metre '' and some Conservative MPs claim 3.5 million jobs are at risk if the restrictions are n't eased .
`` This wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's important to get it right , '' Mr Shapps told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast .
`` As everybody knows there is lots of different evidence coming in from around the world where different countries are using different amounts of space .
`` We must not go back to the virus spreading virulently within society . ''
Britons have been told since COVID-19 cases surged in March to maintain social distancing when around others from outside their own household .
This has meant trying to keep two metres ( 6.5ft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at work and in shops .
Government guidance acknowledges that `` this will not always be possible '' , but adds that the risk of infection increases the closer you are to someone with the virus .
Campaigners calling for the two-metre rule to be halved say it would allow more children to return to school and businesses like bars and restaurants and smaller shops to reopen .
Professors Carl Heneghan and Tom Jefferson , academics at the Oxford University Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine , said that `` the evidence informing policy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They wrote in the Daily Telegraph on Monday that evidence shows the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher in healthcare settings than in the community and higher indoors than outdoors but `` can not say '' if `` there is any measured distance that reduces your risk '' .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has defended the current policy , saying on Monday : `` There 's no magic to one or other particular measure , there will be different levels of risk whether it 's at two metres , one-and-a-half metres or one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure that all of the policy judgements that we rightly as politicians take and are accountable for are underpinned by the science . ''
The review into cutting the distance was confirmed over the weekend , with Chancellor Rishi Sunak vowing that it will be ministers rather than the government 's scientific advisers who will take the final decision on whether to change policy .
Some experts , including the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty , have previously signalled their reluctance to see any easing while the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world when it comes to how much room to allow for social distancing .
France , Denmark and Singapore are among the nations that say it should be one metre .
But the UK is not an international outlier when it comes to advocating two metres : Canada and Spain have the same guidance in place .

Businesses have been told to "standby" for a decision on whether the two-metre social distancing rule will be eased.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps promised businesses the government review on halving how far apart people should stay to avoid spreading coronavirus will not be a "long process".
He admitted there is "pressure" to relax the guidance, given the World Health Organisation says it should be "at least one metre" and some Conservative MPs claim 3.5 million jobs are at risk if the restrictions aren't eased.
Image: More shops will be allowed to reopen if they can do so safely from 4 July
"This won't be a long process but it's important to get it right," Mr Shapps told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast.
"As everybody knows there is lots of different evidence coming in from around the world where different countries are using different amounts of space.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Shapps: 'We've wrapped our arms around families'
"We must not go back to the virus spreading virulently within society."
Britons have been told since COVID-19 cases surged in March to maintain social distancing when around others from outside their own household.
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This has meant trying to keep two metres (6.5ft) apart from others when outside, at work and in shops.
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Government guidance acknowledges that "this will not always be possible", but adds that the risk of infection increases the closer you are to someone with the virus.
Image: The WHO says the distance could be 'at least one metre'
Campaigners calling for the two-metre rule to be halved say it would allow more children to return to school and businesses like bars and restaurants and smaller shops to reopen.
Professors Carl Heneghan and Tom Jefferson, academics at the Oxford University Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, said that "the evidence informing policy in this outbreak is poor quality".
They wrote in the Daily Telegraph on Monday that evidence shows the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher in healthcare settings than in the community and higher indoors than outdoors but "cannot say" if "there is any measured distance that reduces your risk".
Image: Campaigners say halving the distance could help schools reopen quicker
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has defended the current policy, saying on Monday: "There's no magic to one or other particular measure, there will be different levels of risk whether it's at two metres, one-and-a-half metres or one metre.
"We are still going to make sure that all of the policy judgements that we rightly as politicians take and are accountable for are underpinned by the science."
The review into cutting the distance was confirmed over the weekend, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak vowing that it will be ministers rather than the government's scientific advisers who will take the final decision on whether to change policy.
Some experts, including the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty, have previously signalled their reluctance to see any easing while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
There are different rules across the world when it comes to how much room to allow for social distancing.
France, Denmark and Singapore are among the nations that say it should be one metre.
But the UK is not an international outlier when it comes to advocating two metres: Canada and Spain have the same guidance in place.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--Error on quarantine form allows travellers from Yugoslavia and East Germany

Travellers arriving in the UK going into quarantine were able to declare they had come from countries that no longer exist - including the USSR and East Germany .
The Home Office admitted it used the wrong list of countries for an online system anyone coming to Britain must complete within 48 hours of their trip .
Options in the pre-written list of places included Yugoslavia , which dissolved in the early 1990s , Southern Rhodesia in southern Africa and the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean .
Some of the countries have not existed for decades , and may raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system to ensure those arriving in the UK self-isolate for two weeks as required .
A government spokesperson said the system which mistakenly `` used a list of possible countries where people could have been born '' had since been fixed .
They initially told anyone still experiencing the error should `` continue using the form given that all countries are still included '' .
`` I just had to try this to see if it was true , '' one wrote .
`` The drop down box for your country of residence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one is hilariously out of date .
`` Apart from the DDR and USSR , it includes Czechoslovakia , Yugoslavia , Burma . ''
Another lamented the mishap-prone former transport secretary : `` Is Chris Grayling sorting this out ? ''
While a third joked : `` Could be for people travelling into the UK by time machine ? ''
The quarantine system was introduced just over a week ago .
Some have complained it came into force too late , months after Britons were told to go into lockdown .
Others are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curtailed to help the tourism and aviation industries .
A spokesman for the prime minister said on Monday that `` no fines have been issued '' to anyone for breaking the quarantine rules .

Travellers arriving in the UK going into quarantine were able to declare they had come from countries that no longer exist - including the USSR and East Germany.
The Home Office admitted it used the wrong list of countries for an online system anyone coming to Britain must complete within 48 hours of their trip.
Options in the pre-written list of places included Yugoslavia, which dissolved in the early 1990s, Southern Rhodesia in southern Africa and the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean.
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Some of the countries have not existed for decades, and may raise questions about the readiness of the new system to ensure those arriving in the UK self-isolate for two weeks as required.
A government spokesperson said the system which mistakenly "used a list of possible countries where people could have been born" had since been fixed.
They initially told anyone still experiencing the error to "continue using the form given that all countries are still included".
Several unimpressed Twitter users experienced the problem.
Image: There are fears over how hard the policy could hit the aviation industry
"I just had to try this to see if it was true," one wrote. "The drop down box for your country of residence is up to date, but this one is hilariously out of date.
"Apart from the DDR and USSR, it includes Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Burma."
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Another lamented the mishap-prone former transport secretary: "Is Chris Grayling sorting this out?"
While a third joked: "Could be for people travelling into the UK by time machine?"
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The quarantine system was introduced just over a week ago.
Some have complained it came into force too late, months after Britons were told to go into lockdown.
Others are campaigning for it to be scrapped or curtailed to help the tourism and aviation industries.
A spokesman for the prime minister said on Monday that "no fines have been issued" to anyone for breaking the quarantine rules.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--Home Office does not know how many people are in UK illegally - report

An up-to-date estimate of the number of illegal immigrants in the United Kingdom has not been produced for 15 years , according to a report .
The National Audit Office ( NAO ) said the last estimate in 2005 suggested there were around 430,000 people in the country with no right to remain .
But independent research since has put the figure at more than one million , Whitehall 's spending watchdog said .
The NAO 's report into the Home Office 's immigration enforcement directorate said the department had estimated demand for immigration enforcement activity .
This was put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
But the report said there was no baseline given against which progress can be measured or to demonstrate whether demand is rising or falling .
The watchdog concluded that despite collecting information around its mission and objectives , the Home Office often can not demonstrate whether its measures are working .
In the year to October 2019 , detected attempts by people to come into the UK by clandestine means increased to 46,900 .
However , the NAO said it was not clear if this was because more attempts were being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Its report added that the Home Office is not able to assess whether its measures to stop people accessing government-funded services `` have any meaningful impact on the likelihood that an individual will leave the UK voluntarily '' .
The watchdog said the Home Office could `` improve its understanding of the full scale of the illegal population in the UK and identify new ways to address some of the challenges it faces '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce estimates of `` hidden activity '' .
A Pew Research Centre estimate last year put the population of illegal immigrants in the UK at 1.2 million , but the NAO said it had not attempted to verify that figure .
`` Although there would be significant uncertainty around any estimate it [ the department ] developed , such an estimate could help the department to demonstrate that its activities are effective in deterring attempts to enter or remain in the UK illegally , '' the report said .
Meg Hillier , chairwoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the analysis demonstrated that the Home Office `` has no idea how many people are in the country illegally and does n't seem interested in finding out '' .
The Labour MP added : `` It ca n't demonstrate that its actions to control illegal immigration are working as intended , and does n't understand how different aspects of its work fit together . ''
NAO head Gareth Davies said that immigration enforcement was `` by its very nature '' a `` complex and challenging '' task .
`` While the Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement activity , it can not demonstrate that overall performance is improving , '' he added .
`` The department needs a better understanding of the impact of its immigration enforcement activity on its overarching vision to reduce the size of the illegal population and the harm it causes . ''
A Home Office spokesman said : `` We have taken back control of our immigration system and for the first time in a generation , we will have full control over who comes and stays here .
`` As this report acknowledges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offending is complicated and we are consistently looking at ways to get ahead of the organised gangs behind it .
`` We work tirelessly with international partners and agencies , such as the NCA , to tackle illegal migration , close down routes for people smuggling and return those with no right to remain in the UK wherever possible .
`` We make no apology for seeking to deport foreign national offenders and since 2010 we have removed more than 53,000 criminals . ''

An up-to-date estimate of the number of illegal immigrants in the United Kingdom has not been produced for 15 years, according to a report.
The National Audit Office (NAO) said the last estimate in 2005 suggested there were around 430,000 people in the country with no right to remain.
But independent research since has put the figure at more than one million, Whitehall's spending watchdog said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 February: Priti Patel on immigration overhaul
The NAO's report into the Home Office's immigration enforcement directorate said the department had estimated demand for immigration enforcement activity.
This was put at between 240,000 and 320,000 cases a year.
But the report said there was no baseline given against which progress can be measured or to demonstrate whether demand is rising or falling.
The watchdog concluded that despite collecting information around its mission and objectives, the Home Office often cannot demonstrate whether its measures are working.
In the year to October 2019, detected attempts by people to come into the UK by clandestine means increased to 46,900.
However, the NAO said it was not clear if this was because more attempts were being made or if there was better detection.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Its report added that the Home Office is not able to assess whether its measures to stop people accessing government-funded services "have any meaningful impact on the likelihood that an individual will leave the UK voluntarily".
The watchdog said the Home Office could "improve its understanding of the full scale of the illegal population in the UK and identify new ways to address some of the challenges it faces" by looking at how other parts of government produce estimates of "hidden activity".
A Pew Research Centre estimate last year put the population of illegal immigrants in the UK at 1.2 million, but the NAO said it had not attempted to verify that figure.
"Although there would be significant uncertainty around any estimate it [the department] developed, such an estimate could help the department to demonstrate that its activities are effective in deterring attempts to enter or remain in the UK illegally," the report said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 May: Immigration legislation passed by MPs
Meg Hillier, chairwoman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, said the analysis demonstrated that the Home Office "has no idea how many people are in the country illegally and doesn't seem interested in finding out".
The Labour MP added: "It can't demonstrate that its actions to control illegal immigration are working as intended, and doesn't understand how different aspects of its work fit together."
NAO head Gareth Davies said that immigration enforcement was "by its very nature" a "complex and challenging" task.
"While the Home Office has introduced significant changes to its enforcement activity, it cannot demonstrate that overall performance is improving," he added.
"The department needs a better understanding of the impact of its immigration enforcement activity on its overarching vision to reduce the size of the illegal population and the harm it causes."
A Home Office spokesman said: "We have taken back control of our immigration system and for the first time in a generation, we will have full control over who comes and stays here.
"As this report acknowledges, the nature of immigration crime and offending is complicated and we are consistently looking at ways to get ahead of the organised gangs behind it.
"We work tirelessly with international partners and agencies, such as the NCA, to tackle illegal migration, close down routes for people smuggling and return those with no right to remain in the UK wherever possible.
"We make no apology for seeking to deport foreign national offenders and since 2010 we have removed more than 53,000 criminals."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--Johnson believes UK has 'turned the tide' in coronavirus fight

The prime minister says he believes the UK has `` turned the tide '' in the fight against coronavirus .
Boris Johnson made the claim during his appearance at the latest COVID-19 news briefing in Downing Street on Tuesday .
It came after he was asked about his assertion back in March that the UK could `` turn the tide '' on the coronavirus within 12 weeks .
`` I really think we did , '' the PM said , adding that `` we went through the peak '' and have `` flattened the sombrero '' .
Mr Johnson added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of lives at least '' have been saved through a collective effort to control the spread of the virus .
He acknowledged the last few months have been a `` very , very difficult time for our country - but we are coming through it '' .
Mr Johnson continued : `` We are now starting to see - with drugs like dexamethasone and the idea that perhaps you could combine that with other things - we are seeing the first chink of light , which I was perhaps a bit dubious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first chink of light and the hope that there will be preparations , treatments - there already are - that could make a big difference to mortality rates and we are making big investments in vaccines .
`` None of that negates the importance of us continuing to follow the rules , control the virus and save lives . ''
The PM declared : `` We 've turned the tide on it , we have n't yet , finally , defeated it . ''
Critics of the government 's handling of the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party - allege that Mr Johnson was too slow in introducing the lockdown .
They contend that if he had acted sooner , many lives would have been saved .
One of the government 's former key advisers told MPs earlier this month that deaths could have been reduced `` by at least half '' if the lockdown had been introduced sooner .
Professor Neil Ferguson , of London 's Imperial College , told the Commons science committee : `` The epidemic was doubling every three to four days before lockdown interventions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' So , had we introduced lockdown measures a week earlier , we would have reduced the final toll by at least a half . ''
Critics of the government 's handling of the outbreak also point to the fact that the UK has the third highest number of recorded COVID-19 deaths in the world ( 41,969 ) .
This more than other European nations like Italy , France , Spain and Germany .
But ministers have argued that international comparisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in how deaths are recorded and data collected .

The prime minister says he believes the UK has "turned the tide" in the fight against coronavirus.
Boris Johnson made the claim during his appearance at the latest COVID-19 news briefing in Downing Street on Tuesday.
It came after he was asked about his assertion back in March that the UK could "turn the tide" on the coronavirus within 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 March: UK can 'turn the tide within 12 weeks'
"I really think we did," the PM said, adding that "we went through the peak" and have "flattened the sombrero".
Mr Johnson added that "many, many tens of thousands of lives at least" have been saved through a collective effort to control the spread of the virus.
He acknowledged the last few months have been a "very, very difficult time for our country - but we are coming through it".
Mr Johnson continued: "We are now starting to see - with drugs like dexamethasone and the idea that perhaps you could combine that with other things - we are seeing the first chink of light, which I was perhaps a bit dubious about.
"We are seeing the first chink of light and the hope that there will be preparations, treatments - there already are - that could make a big difference to mortality rates and we are making big investments in vaccines.
"None of that negates the importance of us continuing to follow the rules, control the virus and save lives."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 'COVID-19 drug breakthrough is cause to celebrate'
The PM declared: "We've turned the tide on it, we haven't yet, finally, defeated it."
Critics of the government's handling of the crisis, including Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party - allege that Mr Johnson was too slow in introducing the lockdown.
They contend that if he had acted sooner, many lives would have been saved.
One of the government's former key advisers told MPs earlier this month that deaths could have been reduced "by at least half" if the lockdown had been introduced sooner.
Professor Neil Ferguson, of London's Imperial College, told the Commons science committee: "The epidemic was doubling every three to four days before lockdown interventions were introduced.
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"So, had we introduced lockdown measures a week earlier, we would have reduced the final toll by at least a half."
Critics of the government's handling of the outbreak also point to the fact that the UK has the third highest number of recorded COVID-19 deaths in the world (41,969).
This more than other European nations like Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
But ministers have argued that international comparisons are not comparing like-for-like due to differences in how deaths are recorded and data collected.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--Racism a factor in disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups, review finds

The disproportionate impact of coronavirus on black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people is due - in part - to racism and social and economic inequalities , according to a new report .
The Public Health England ( PHE ) report , published on Tuesday , builds on its previous study of COVID-19 data .
After that study found there was a `` disproportionate '' impact of coronavirus on people from BAME groups , PHE spoke with more than 4,000 people who represent the views of those communities .
The new report says that `` stakeholders pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more specifically by BAME key workers as a root cause affecting health , and exposure risk and disease progression risk '' .
This part of the document had already been obtained by Sky News ahead of the report 's publication .
`` Racial discrimination affects people 's life chances - and the stress associated with being discriminated against based on race/ethnicity affects mental and physical health , '' the report adds .
`` Issues of stigma with COVID-19 were identified as negatively impacting health-seeking behaviours .
`` Fear of diagnosis and death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how BAME groups took up opportunities to get tested and their likelihood of presenting early for treatment and care .
`` For many BAME groups , lack of trust of NHS services and healthcare treatment resulted in their reluctance to seek care on a timely basis , and late presentation with disease . ''
In its conclusions , the report found : `` The unequal impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities may be explained by a number of factors ranging from social and economic inequalities , racism , discrimination and stigma , occupational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions that increase the severity of disease including obesity , diabetes , CVD and asthma .
`` Unpacking the relative contributions made by different factors is challenging as they do not all act independently . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Those people who PHE spoke to were said to have `` both clearly and consistently expressed '' that a failure to explicitly consider ethnicity , racism and structural disadvantage in the response to coronavirus would risk a `` partial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ineffective intervention .
The PHE document listed a series of recommendations for future action .
These included the comprehensive collection and recording of ethnicity data as part of routine NHS and social care systems ; the funding and development of `` culturally competent '' COVID-19 education and prevention campaigns ; and an effort to ensure that coronavirus recovery strategies actively reduce inequalities .
In a letter to the government 's equalities minister Kemi Badenoch , PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said the report 's insights `` make for humbling reading '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement for tangible actions , provided at scale and pace , with a commitment to address the underlying factors of inequality , '' he added .
Marsha de Cordova , Labour 's shadow women and equalities secretary , said : `` This report provides even more evidence of the structural and racial inequalities which have led to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting BAME communities across the UK so very hard .
`` Thousands of people and organisations have made it clear that urgent , collaborative and decisive action is needed .
`` The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a second wave of coronavirus . ''
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
On Tuesday night at 8pm , Sky News will broadcast global debate show Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
It will look at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examine institutional racism and how we fix it .

The disproportionate impact of coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people is due - in part - to racism and social and economic inequalities, according to a new report.
The Public Health England (PHE) report, published on Tuesday, builds on its previous study of COVID-19 data.
After that study found there was a "disproportionate" impact of coronavirus on people from BAME groups, PHE spoke with more than 4,000 people who represent the views of those communities.
The new report says that "stakeholders pointed to racism and discrimination experienced by communities and more specifically by BAME key workers as a root cause affecting health, and exposure risk and disease progression risk".
This part of the document had already been obtained by Sky News ahead of the report's publication.
"Racial discrimination affects people's life chances - and the stress associated with being discriminated against based on race/ethnicity affects mental and physical health," the report adds.
"Issues of stigma with COVID-19 were identified as negatively impacting health-seeking behaviours.
"Fear of diagnosis and death from COVID-19 was identified as negatively impacting how BAME groups took up opportunities to get tested and their likelihood of presenting early for treatment and care.
"For many BAME groups, lack of trust of NHS services and healthcare treatment resulted in their reluctance to seek care on a timely basis, and late presentation with disease."
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Image: Some of those from BAME backgrounds who have died with coronavirus in the UK
In its conclusions, the report found: "The unequal impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities may be explained by a number of factors ranging from social and economic inequalities, racism, discrimination and stigma, occupational risk, inequalities in the prevalence of conditions that increase the severity of disease including obesity, diabetes, CVD and asthma.
"Unpacking the relative contributions made by different factors is challenging as they do not all act independently."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Those people who PHE spoke to were said to have "both clearly and consistently expressed" that a failure to explicitly consider ethnicity, racism and structural disadvantage in the response to coronavirus would risk a "partial understanding" of poor health outcomes and ineffective intervention.
The PHE document listed a series of recommendations for future action.
These included the comprehensive collection and recording of ethnicity data as part of routine NHS and social care systems; the funding and development of "culturally competent" COVID-19 education and prevention campaigns; and an effort to ensure that coronavirus recovery strategies actively reduce inequalities.
Image: A previous report already found there is a 'disproportionate' impact on people from BAME groups
In a letter to the government's equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said the report's insights "make for humbling reading".
"The clear message from stakeholders was the requirement for tangible actions, provided at scale and pace, with a commitment to address the underlying factors of inequality," he added.
Marsha de Cordova, Labour's shadow women and equalities secretary, said: "This report provides even more evidence of the structural and racial inequalities which have led to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting BAME communities across the UK so very hard.
"Thousands of people and organisations have made it clear that urgent, collaborative and decisive action is needed.
"The government cannot make the same mistakes if there is a second wave of coronavirus."
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
On Tuesday night at 8pm, Sky News will broadcast global debate show Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
It will look at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examine institutional racism and how we fix it.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--PM phones Marcus Rashford after U-turn on free school meals

Marcus Rashford has thanked Boris Johnson `` for U-turning '' on a decision to scrap free school meals after the prime minister called him on the phone .
A spokesperson for the striker said he spoke with the PM this afternoon .
`` They discussed the importance of making our vulnerable children a priority and Marcus thanked the prime minister for U-turning on a decision that could have been detrimental to the stability of families across the country , '' a statement said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rashford within half an hour of reaching out to check on his availability .
The player had been training with fellow United players this morning .
Speaking in Downing Street 's daily coronavirus briefing , the PM claimed he had only become aware of the England player 's campaign today .
He said he had called to `` congratulate him '' on the campaign , adding : `` I thank him for what he 's done . ''
The PM 's spokesman had earlier announced the climbdown , revealing vouchers - for £15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to around 1.3 million children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme , and will last for six weeks .
The spokesman said Mr Johnson `` understands children and parents face unprecedented situations '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
He added that payment would be made through vouchers - most likely a one-off six-week voucher , to be given to eligible families at the end of term and which can be spent in supermarkets .
Rashford , 22 , has received an outpouring of praise for his efforts from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounted on the prime minister as a multitude of prominent figures and politicians - including a series of Tory MPs - voiced their support .
It came little more than 40 hours after the player posted an open letter calling on the government to overturn its decision to end the voucher programme over the summer holidays .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters joined those lauding Rashford , telling Sky News : `` I think it 's fantastic .
Congratulations to Marcus .
His perseverance , the way he has gone about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a really important and heart-moving cause .
I offer my congratulations to him . ''

Marcus Rashford has thanked Boris Johnson "for U-turning" on a decision to scrap free school meals after the prime minister called him on the phone.
A spokesperson for the striker said he spoke with the PM this afternoon.
"They discussed the importance of making our vulnerable children a priority and Marcus thanked the prime minister for U-turning on a decision that could have been detrimental to the stability of families across the country," a statement said.
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Sky News understands Mr Johnson called Rashford within half an hour of reaching out to check on his availability. The player had been training with fellow United players this morning.
Speaking in Downing Street's daily coronavirus briefing, the PM claimed he had only become aware of the England player's campaign today.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 'We've wrapped our arms around families'
He said he had called to "congratulate him" on the campaign, adding: "I thank him for what he's done."
The PM's spokesman had earlier announced the climbdown, revealing vouchers - for £15 a week - would be made available to around 1.3 million children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme, and will last for six weeks.
The spokesman said Mr Johnson "understands children and parents face unprecedented situations" during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Rashford's food voucher plea to government
He added that payment would be made through vouchers - most likely a one-off six-week voucher, to be given to eligible families at the end of term and which can be spent in supermarkets.
Rashford, 22, has received an outpouring of praise for his efforts from across the world of football and beyond.
Pressure mounted on the prime minister as a multitude of prominent figures and politicians - including a series of Tory MPs - voiced their support.
It came little more than 40 hours after the player posted an open letter calling on the government to overturn its decision to end the voucher programme over the summer holidays.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters joined those lauding Rashford, telling Sky News: "I think it's fantastic. Congratulations to Marcus. His perseverance, the way he has gone about it, have obviously moved government.
"It's a really important and heart-moving cause. I offer my congratulations to him."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--'Giant cashpoint' of aid to be curbed with Foreign Office merger

A new government department will be created to run all foreign policy and control billions of pounds of international aid , the prime minister has announced .
The Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office is set to be up and running in September .
It will be a merger of the historic Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) and the Department For International Development ( DFID ) .
Boris Johnson revealed the significant shakeup to the UK 's worldwide footprint in a speech on `` global Britain '' in the House of Commons .
`` We tolerate an inherent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working independently '' , he said , lamenting a lack of co-ordination between the two current departments , whose roles date back to 1997 .
`` We must strengthen our position in an intensely competitive world by making sensible changes , '' he told MPs on Tuesday .
`` This will unite our aid with our diplomacy and bring them together in our international effort . ''
He added : `` For too long frankly UK overseas aid has been treated as some giant cashpoint in the sky that arrives without any reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Keir Starmer said the announcement was only `` tactics of pure distraction '' to divert attention away from the government 's free school meals U-turn , news more than 600,000 workers lost their jobs during lockdown and that the UK has one of the highest coronavirus death tolls in the world .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He accused the government of ripping up `` cross-party consensus '' on international aid .
While former Conservative prime minister David Cameron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the merger `` a mistake '' that will lead to `` less expertise , less voice for development at the top table and ultimately less respect for the UK overseas '' .
Tory MP and former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell also said it is a `` quite extraordinary mistake '' that will `` destroy one of the most effective and respected engines of international development anywhere in the world '' .
`` Many of the senior figures who are key to Britain 's role as a development superpower will likely leave and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a stroke destroying a key aspect of global Britain , '' he added .
Christine Allen , director of the aid agency CAFOD , said the prime minister 's announcement was `` seriously misguided '' .
`` We believe the aid budget 's sole focus should be on helping the world 's poorest people , and that is how Britain will get the respect of other countries and their people , '' she said .
`` Our support for our brothers and sisters living in poverty should n't be contingent on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it - we must have a clear distinction between our aid budget and money spent on British interests . ''
Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , will be the minister in charge of the new department .
Anne Marie Trevelyan , the international development secretary , will stay in post for now but is expected to lose her cabinet position once the new ministry opens .
There are not set to be any compulsory redundancies as a result of the merger , though there will only one secretary of state and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two departments will also have to be settled .
Foreign office staff have long complained that their opposite numbers in DFID are often better paid and have better conditions Officials say the merger is designed to make UK foreign policy and aid spending more coherent and effective in an increasingly competitive world .
Britain has the third largest international development budget and the third largest diplomatic network .
But the timing of the announcement will raise eyebrows as it is coming ahead of rather than as a result of a major review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been delayed because of coronavirus - expected to conclude next month .
With national income plunging because of coronavirus , the need to focus UK spending more efficiently appears to have been a factor in the timing of the merger announcement .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is understood that a commitment to spend 0.7 percent of national income of international aid will not change .
The definition of what the UK counts as aid will for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however this will all be considered as part of the review , opening up the possibility of the UK changing that definition and perhaps allowing its aid budget to be spent on more projects that have a greater benefit to UK foreign policy goals than on international humanitarian goals .
Officials say the timing of announcement was also because of the need to have the new department ready before the UN General Assembly in September and ahead of the 75th anniversary of the UN next year .
Another factor is thought to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK hosts a major conference on climate change .
Critics may question the validity of these justifications however .

A new government department will be created to run all foreign policy and control billions of pounds of international aid, the prime minister has announced.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is set to be up and running in September.
It will be a merger of the historic Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department For International Development (DFID).
Image: Dominic Raab will be in charge of the new department
Boris Johnson revealed the significant shakeup to the UK's worldwide footprint in a speech on "global Britain" in the House of Commons.
"We tolerate an inherent risk of our left and right hands working independently", he said, lamenting a lack of co-ordination between the two current departments, whose roles date back to 1997.
"We must strengthen our position in an intensely competitive world by making sensible changes," he told MPs on Tuesday.
"This will unite our aid with our diplomacy and bring them together in our international effort."
He added: "For too long frankly UK overseas aid has been treated as some giant cashpoint in the sky that arrives without any reference to UK interest."
Labour's Sir Keir Starmer said the announcement was only "tactics of pure distraction" to divert attention away from the government's free school meals U-turn, news more than 600,000 workers lost their jobs during lockdown and that the UK has one of the highest coronavirus death tolls in the world.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He accused the government of ripping up "cross-party consensus" on international aid.
While former Conservative prime minister David Cameron made a rare public intervention to call the merger "a mistake" that will lead to "less expertise, less voice for development at the top table and ultimately less respect for the UK overseas".
Image: The former PM said it would mean 'less respect for the UK overseas'
Tory MP and former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell also said it is a "quite extraordinary mistake" that will "destroy one of the most effective and respected engines of international development anywhere in the world".
"Many of the senior figures who are key to Britain's role as a development superpower will likely leave and go elsewhere in the international system - at a stroke destroying a key aspect of global Britain," he added.
Image: The two departments' relationship was set up in 1997
Christine Allen, director of the aid agency CAFOD, said the prime minister's announcement was "seriously misguided".
"We believe the aid budget's sole focus should be on helping the world's poorest people, and that is how Britain will get the respect of other countries and their people," she said.
"Our support for our brothers and sisters living in poverty shouldn't be contingent on what we as Britain can get out of it - we must have a clear distinction between our aid budget and money spent on British interests."
Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, will be the minister in charge of the new department.
Anne Marie Trevelyan, the international development secretary, will stay in post for now but is expected to lose her cabinet position once the new ministry opens.
There are not set to be any compulsory redundancies as a result of the merger, though there will only one secretary of state and one permanent secretary.
Discrepancies in salaries between the two departments will also have to be settled. Foreign office staff have long complained that their opposite numbers in DFID are often better paid and have better conditions
Officials say the merger is designed to make UK foreign policy and aid spending more coherent and effective in an increasingly competitive world.
Image: Ms Trevelyan is set to lose her job as a cabinet minister
Britain has the third largest international development budget and the third largest diplomatic network.
But the timing of the announcement will raise eyebrows as it is coming ahead of rather than as a result of a major review of foreign, defence and aid policy that has been delayed because of coronavirus - expected to conclude next month.
With national income plunging because of coronavirus, the need to focus UK spending more efficiently appears to have been a factor in the timing of the merger announcement.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It is understood that a commitment to spend 0.7 percent of national income of international aid will not change.
The definition of what the UK counts as aid will for now remain the internationally recognised definition.
Crucially however this will all be considered as part of the review, opening up the possibility of the UK changing that definition and perhaps allowing its aid budget to be spent on more projects that have a greater benefit to UK foreign policy goals than on international humanitarian goals.
Officials say the timing of announcement was also because of the need to have the new department ready before the UN General Assembly in September and ahead of the 75th anniversary of the UN next year.
Another factor is thought to be the need to do the shakeup before the UK hosts a major conference on climate change.
Critics may question the validity of these justifications however.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--Labour accuse PM of waging 'culture war' in row over racial inequalities review

Labour have accused the prime minister of engaging in a `` culture war '' , amid a growing row over the government 's new commission on racial inequalities .
Boris Johnson has announced the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities following Black Lives Matter protests around the UK in recent weeks .
But the involvement of Downing Street aide Munira Mirza - who has cast doubt on the existence of institutional racism and criticised what she says is the `` culture of grievance '' among anti-racism campaigners - has provoked criticism .
According to The Guardian , the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily involved in establishing the commission .
The involvement of Ms Mirza , the head of the No 10 policy unit , was condemned by shadow justice secretary David Lammy , who says Ms Mirza 's involvement `` further undermines '' the commission .
Mr Lammy , who led a review into the treatment of BAME ( Black Asian and minority ethnic ) groups in the justice system for the Conservative government under David Cameron and Theresa May , said : `` My review was welcomed by all parties : [ Jeremy ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Munira Mirza went out of her way to attack it . ''
Mr Lammy accused the PM of not listening to BLM campaigners and instead trying to `` wage a culture war '' .
Number 10 defended Ms Mirza 's involvement in setting up the commission .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said the commission will be led by an `` independent figure '' who will be revealed `` in due course '' .
`` Munira is the prime minister 's head of policy , so you would expect her to be involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
And Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was `` one of the most talented people working in government '' and had `` dedicated years of her life to public service '' .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Mirza served as one of Mr Johnson 's deputy mayors when he was in City Hall from 2008 to 2016 .
She used an article on the Spiked website in 2017 to criticise the Lammy review .
Ms Mirza said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BAME people did not trust the justice system because of `` institutional bias and discrimination '' .
She wrote : `` Certainly there is a historic legacy here from previous decades , but it is equally possible that the current accusations of institutional racism by lobbyists and activists - a perception more than a reality - is behind the further corrosion of public trust . ''
And in an article for The Sun newspaper last month , Ms Mirza said : `` By appeasing the anti-racism lobby and affirming its culture of grievance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not making Britain a fairer place but harming the very people they aspire to help . ''
The PM has defended his commission , following criticism that action needed to be taken now rather than once it has reported back .
Mr Johnson has also been criticised for saying he wanted to end the `` sense of '' victimisation and discrimination .
`` The whole point of having a review is to look at the areas where people feel there 's more that needs to be done , '' the PM said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is learn now very fast what fresh changes we need to make .
`` What I feel most strongly is that there are so many positive stories that are not being heard .
`` Things really are changing .
You 're seeing young black kids now doing better in some of the most difficult subjects in school than they were ever before , more going to top universities .
`` We need to start telling that story and building up a culture of high expectations , a narrative about success , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discrimination that unquestionably exists . ''
The review will also look at poor educational outcomes for white working class boys , Number 10 said .
It will report directly to the PM and be overseen by Kemi Badenoch , the equalities minister .

Labour have accused the prime minister of engaging in a "culture war", amid a growing row over the government's new commission on racial inequalities.
Boris Johnson has announced the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities following Black Lives Matter protests around the UK in recent weeks.
But the involvement of Downing Street aide Munira Mirza - who has cast doubt on the existence of institutional racism and criticised what she says is the "culture of grievance" among anti-racism campaigners - has provoked criticism.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 PM's review 'dreamed up on back of fag packet'
According to The Guardian, the head of the Number 10 policy unit has been heavily involved in establishing the commission.
The involvement of Ms Mirza, the head of the No 10 policy unit, was condemned by shadow justice secretary David Lammy, who says Ms Mirza's involvement "further undermines" the commission.
Mr Lammy, who led a review into the treatment of BAME (Black Asian and minority ethnic) groups in the justice system for the Conservative government under David Cameron and Theresa May, said: "My review was welcomed by all parties: [Jeremy] Corbyn, Cameron and May.
"But Munira Mirza went out of her way to attack it."
Mr Lammy accused the PM of not listening to BLM campaigners and instead trying to "wage a culture war".
Image: The home secretary described Ms Mirza as 'one of the most talented people working in government'
Number 10 defended Ms Mirza's involvement in setting up the commission.
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Mr Johnson's spokesman said the commission will be led by an "independent figure" who will be revealed "in due course".
"Munira is the prime minister's head of policy, so you would expect her to be involved in setting this up," he said.
And Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was "one of the most talented people working in government" and had "dedicated years of her life to public service".
"This orchestrated pile-on is deeply unpleasant," Ms Patel added.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Mirza served as one of Mr Johnson's deputy mayors when he was in City Hall from 2008 to 2016.
She used an article on the Spiked website in 2017 to criticise the Lammy review.
Ms Mirza said the senior Labour MP had implied that BAME people did not trust the justice system because of "institutional bias and discrimination".
She wrote: "Certainly there is a historic legacy here from previous decades, but it is equally possible that the current accusations of institutional racism by lobbyists and activists - a perception more than a reality - is behind the further corrosion of public trust."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Positive stories on race 'not being heard' - PM
And in an article for The Sun newspaper last month, Ms Mirza said: "By appeasing the anti-racism lobby and affirming its culture of grievance, public institutions and business leaders are not making Britain a fairer place but harming the very people they aspire to help."
The PM has defended his commission, following criticism that action needed to be taken now rather than once it has reported back.
Mr Johnson has also been criticised for saying he wanted to end the "sense of" victimisation and discrimination.
"The whole point of having a review is to look at the areas where people feel there's more that needs to be done," the PM said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Raab quizzed over PM's new racism review
"I think what we want to do is learn now very fast what fresh changes we need to make.
"What I feel most strongly is that there are so many positive stories that are not being heard.
"Things really are changing. You're seeing young black kids now doing better in some of the most difficult subjects in school than they were ever before, more going to top universities.
"We need to start telling that story and building up a culture of high expectations, a narrative about success, as well as stamping out the racism and the discrimination that unquestionably exists."
The review will also look at poor educational outcomes for white working class boys, Number 10 said.
It will report directly to the PM and be overseen by Kemi Badenoch, the equalities minister.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-16--Boris Johnson's jet gets 'Union Jack makeover'

A military aircraft is receiving a secret makeover to give Boris Johnson and senior cabinet ministers a patriotic-coloured jet for official travel , defence sources said .
One source said the paint job sounded like something `` from Austin Powers '' .
The source said the RAF Voyager transport plane would be transformed from plain grey - a colour Mr Johnson has in the past complained about - to sporting the UK 's red , white and blue on the rear of its fuselage and up the fin .
`` Boris does n't like it being grey .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said .
The Voyager is receiving its makeover at an airport in Cambridge , according to the source .
It is expected to be finished by the back end of this month .
A second defence source also said he thought the plane was being repainted .
A spokesman for the Royal Air Force said : `` An RAF Voyager is currently in Cambridgeshire for pre-planned works '' An RAF-linked social media account said last week on Twitter that a Voyager aircraft was travelling to the Cambridge airfield .
`` This flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carried out at Marshall Aerospace '' , the tweet , by RAF Brize Norton , said .
Mr Johnson , as foreign secretary in 2018 , said he would like a `` Brexit plane '' to help him travel the world .
He made the comments after complaining about the unavailability of the `` grey '' Voyager aircraft that is also used by members of the Royal Family .
At that time Mr Johnson said spending money on a new aircraft , which would promote the government 's vision of global Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not `` exorbitant '' .
Former prime minister Tony Blair previously planned for a prime ministerial plane but the idea was scrapped by his successor Gordon Brown to save money .
In 2016 when David Cameron was prime minister , an adapted aircraft from the RAF 's A330 Voyager fleet started providing VIP transport .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was dubbed `` Cam Force One '' - a play on the US president 's Air Force One .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's multiple users made it hard to book .
`` It never seems to be available .
I do n't know who uses it , but it never seems to be available , '' he said .
`` Also , why does it have to be grey ? ''

A military aircraft is receiving a secret makeover to give Boris Johnson and senior cabinet ministers a patriotic-coloured jet for official travel, defence sources said.
One source said the paint job sounded like something "from Austin Powers".
The source said the RAF Voyager transport plane would be transformed from plain grey - a colour Mr Johnson has in the past complained about - to sporting the UK's red, white and blue on the rear of its fuselage and up the fin.
"Boris doesn't like it being grey. He is getting it painted up," the source said.
The Voyager is receiving its makeover at an airport in Cambridge, according to the source. It is expected to be finished by the back end of this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 'The faster, the better' on Brexit deal - PM
A second defence source also said he thought the plane was being repainted.
A spokesman for the Royal Air Force said: "An RAF Voyager is currently in Cambridgeshire for pre-planned works"
An RAF-linked social media account said last week on Twitter that a Voyager aircraft was travelling to the Cambridge airfield.
"This flight is necessary to enable scheduled maintenance to be carried out at Marshall Aerospace", the tweet, by RAF Brize Norton, said.
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Mr Johnson, as foreign secretary in 2018, said he would like a "Brexit plane" to help him travel the world.
He made the comments after complaining about the unavailability of the "grey" Voyager aircraft that is also used by members of the Royal Family.
At that time Mr Johnson said spending money on a new aircraft, which would promote the government's vision of global Britain, would be justified if costs were not "exorbitant".
Former prime minister Tony Blair previously planned for a prime ministerial plane but the idea was scrapped by his successor Gordon Brown to save money.
In 2016 when David Cameron was prime minister, an adapted aircraft from the RAF's A330 Voyager fleet started providing VIP transport.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It was dubbed "Cam Force One" - a play on the US president's Air Force One.
Two years later Mr Johnson said the aircraft's multiple users made it hard to book.
"It never seems to be available. I don't know who uses it, but it never seems to be available," he said. "Also, why does it have to be grey?"


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Hancock thanks 'Daniel Rashford' for campaign which forced U-turn

The health secretary has explained why he accidentally called Marcus Rashford `` Daniel '' while praising him on Sky News for leading a campaign to extend free school meals .
Matt Hancock made the slip of the tongue speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast as he explained why the government U-turned to support the England footballer 's plea .
Rashford , 22 , succeeded in convincing Boris Johnson to extend free school meals to children from disadvantaged backgrounds through the summer holidays .
Asked why the government changed its mind after initially refusing , Mr Hancock said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister talked to Daniel Rashford .
`` He considered it and made his decision .
The minister later told radio station LBC that his child 's fondness for JK Rowling novels may have been to blame and `` maybe I had Harry Potter on the mind '' .
Mr Hancock later explained confusing Rashford 's first name by suggesting he had the Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe on his mind .
`` My seven-year-old listens to Harry Potter and reads Harry Potter avidly , including at 5.30 this morning when I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round , '' he told LBC .
Mr Hancock suggested it had been `` too early in the morning '' and laughed as he told BBC Breakfast : `` I completely misspoke . ''
Manchester United striker Rashford , 22 , appeared to joke about the incident , responding on Twitter by saying `` I 've been called much worse over the last couple of days '' with a laughing face emoji .
Mr Hancock replied with a head in hands emoji and added : `` Too early .
But in all seriousness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation . ''
Labour 's shadow justice secretary David Lammy gave a light-hearted response : `` Good to see Matt Hancock giving Daniel Rashford the praise he deserves .
A true Manchester Athletic fan . ''
Rashford has spoken to Sky Sports News about why he launched the campaign in the first place , as someone whose family used to rely on free school meals .
He said he hopes he can use his profile to help change society for the better and that people are now `` willing to make that first @ @ @ @ @ @

The health secretary has explained why he accidentally called Marcus Rashford "Daniel" while praising him on Sky News for leading a campaign to extend free school meals.
Matt Hancock made the slip of the tongue speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast as he explained why the government U-turned to support the England footballer's plea.
Rashford, 22, succeeded in convincing Boris Johnson to extend free school meals to children from disadvantaged backgrounds through the summer holidays.
Image: Free school meals will be provided to some pupils through the summer holidays
Asked why the government changed its mind after initially refusing, Mr Hancock said: "I'll tell you what happened, the prime minister talked to Daniel Rashford.
"He considered it and made his decision.
"I think it's terrific."
The minister later told radio station LBC that his child's fondness for JK Rowling novels may have been to blame and "maybe I had Harry Potter on the mind".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Mr Hancock later explained confusing Rashford's first name by suggesting he had the Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe on his mind.
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"My seven-year-old listens to Harry Potter and reads Harry Potter avidly, including at 5.30 this morning when I got up to do this morning's media round," he told LBC.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 Rashford on poverty: 'I've seen how it spirals'
Mr Hancock suggested it had been "too early in the morning" and laughed as he told BBC Breakfast: "I completely misspoke."
Manchester United striker Rashford, 22, appeared to joke about the incident, responding on Twitter by saying "I've been called much worse over the last couple of days" with a laughing face emoji.
Mr Hancock replied with a head in hands emoji and added: "Too early. But in all seriousness Marcus you're a credit to the nation."
Labour's shadow justice secretary David Lammy gave a light-hearted response: "Good to see Matt Hancock giving Daniel Rashford the praise he deserves. A true Manchester Athletic fan."
Rashford has spoken to Sky Sports News about why he launched the campaign in the first place, as someone whose family used to rely on free school meals.
He said he hopes he can use his profile to help change society for the better and that people are now "willing to make that first step towards being heard".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Send cenotaph vandals to 'battle camps', minister demands

People who desecrate war memorials should be sent to `` battle camps '' to face justice , a minister has urged .
Penny Mordaunt , the paymaster general in the Cabinet Office and a former defence secretary , called for the move after Black Lives Matter protests and counter-demonstrations in London .
Ms Mordaunt said there were some `` disturbing scenes '' including the `` desecration '' of the cenotaph on Whitehall .
The Royal Navy reservist said : `` I know from having spent some time in uniform and working closely with our armed forces for many years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men and women feel towards everyone in our country ... '' In desecrating such memorials some protesters sent a message to veterans and all those in uniform today : your life does n't matter to me .
`` Whatever the motivations for such acts , they should be condemned in the strongest terms and are totally against the values of the people of our country , of every creed and colour .
`` I fully understand therefore why people have been moved to protect those memorials , and the immense anger felt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buckland to give judges new powers to hand out a less traditional sentences .
`` I would like to suggest that for some found guilty of vandalising such memorials they might benefit from some time spent with our service personnel - perhaps at a battle camp , '' she wrote in a letter to him .
`` That might give them a new appreciation of just what these people go through for their sakes .
`` They are their armed forces .
They should be respected and treasured . ''
A source close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea but said he was already consulting MPs on a new bill to give judges the ability to hand down tougher sentences and fines to people who desecrate war memorials .
The source added he `` shares their objectives '' although `` no decisions have been made as to how we can make this happen yet '' .

People who desecrate war memorials should be sent to "battle camps" to face justice, a minister has urged.
Penny Mordaunt, the paymaster general in the Cabinet Office and a former defence secretary, called for the move after Black Lives Matter protests and counter-demonstrations in London.
Ms Mordaunt said there were some "disturbing scenes" including the "desecration" of the cenotaph on Whitehall.
Image: Scaffolding was later put up around it to protect the war memorial
The Royal Navy reservist said: "I know from having spent some time in uniform and working closely with our armed forces for many years, the sense of care and duty those men and women feel towards everyone in our country...
"In desecrating such memorials some protesters sent a message to veterans and all those in uniform today: your life doesn't matter to me.
"Whatever the motivations for such acts, they should be condemned in the strongest terms and are totally against the values of the people of our country, of every creed and colour.
Image: Ms Mordaunt is a former defence secretary
"I fully understand therefore why people have been moved to protect those memorials, and the immense anger felt."
She called on Justice Secretary Robert Buckland to give judges new powers to hand out a less traditional sentences.
"I would like to suggest that for some found guilty of vandalising such memorials they might benefit from some time spent with our service personnel - perhaps at a battle camp," she wrote in a letter to him.
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"That might give them a new appreciation of just what these people go through for their sakes.
"They are their armed forces. They should be respected and treasured."
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A source close to Mr Buckland did not dismiss the idea but said he was already consulting MPs on a new bill to give judges the ability to hand down tougher sentences and fines to people who desecrate war memorials.
The source added he "shares their objectives" although "no decisions have been made as to how we can make this happen yet".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Brexit: UK-Australia trade deal could be agreed 'fairly soon'

Britain and Australia need each other more than ever at this time of acute global tension , the Australian high commissioner said as the two sides launch trade talks .
The UK is also kicking off trade negotiations with New Zealand on Wednesday in a new era for British diplomacy outside the European Union .
Australian high commissioner George Brandis told Sky News a free trade agreement ( FTA ) with London is a `` top priority '' for Canberra and signalled one could be agreed `` fairly soon '' .
But the bond is more than a business opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another stand up for shared values like democracy and the rule of law in the face of challenges from rising powers like China , the top diplomat said .
`` At a time when there are tensions in the world that are growing more acute - and which have been dramatised and thrown in very stark relief by the COVID crisis - the benefit , the importance to each other of like-minded , free-trading liberal democracies like Britain and Australia has never been greater , '' the high commissioner told Sky News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eyes intelligence sharing alliance along with the United States , Canada and New Zealand .
It is a forum that looks set to have increased prominence as Western allies struggle against the authoritarian tendencies of rivals like China , Russia and Iran .
`` We live in an increasingly difficult , contested world and like-minded nations - people who see the world through similar eyes with similar values like commitment to democracy , liberal societies and freedom - increasingly need to co-operate against potential adversaries '' , Mr Brandis said .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is strategic co-operation , diplomatic co-operation , intelligence sharing , and in trade - countries like Britain and Australia find that we are more bound together .
`` Our interests and our values are more closely wound up together than has ever been the case before . ''
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison should have travelled to the UK this week to meet Boris Johnson in person to kick off the trade talks .
But the coronavirus pandemic derailed those plans .
Instead the two men are set to speak via video conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for life after Brexit is founded on boosting exports to the Indo-Pacific region - set to be the centre of global economic growth this century .
Liz Truss , the international trade secretary , said UK businesses traded £29bn in goods and services with Australia and New Zealand last year .
`` Pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific will diversify our trade , increase the resilience of our supply chains and ensure the UK is less vulnerable to political and economic shocks in certain parts of the world , '' she said .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian officials that nurturing ties will reduce the impact of economic pressure from countries like China during disagreements .
Canberra has come under fire from Beijing after Mr Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 , which was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
His remarks prompted Chinese calls for a boycott of Australian goods .
The UK has similarly felt pressure from China after speaking out against Chinese plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong .
Mr Brandis said Britain and Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that his country 's relationship with Beijing shows it is possible to trade with China and to disagree .
`` China is Australia 's largest trading partner .
It represents 40 % of our trade .
We have a free trade agreement with China , '' he said .
`` The Australian relationship with China demonstrates that you can have a healthy , successful trading and commercial relationship with China while at the same time not being afraid to stand up for your own values as a liberal democracy . ''
Pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading partners and reduce reliance on Beijing , the high commissioner said he did not want to make the conversation about China .
Instead , speaking more broadly , he said : `` There are obvious advantages of two countries like Australia and the United Kingdom having a close trading relationship because our systems are complementary , our system of laws is similar , our values are similar , interests are similar , we speak the same language , we have the same Queen .
`` In every dimension it 's possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries . ''
For example , he hoped having the UK as an independent voice around the table at the World Trade Organisation would bolster support for multilateral , free and open trade , pushing back on protectionism and barriers .
The high commissioner noted that the UK was Australia 's most important trading partner until 1973 when London joined the European Economic Community , which became the EU .
It is now ranked seventh but Mr Brandis said there is scope to improve .
He was upbeat about Britain 's prospects even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the world can not compensate for the UK leaving the EU , especially as London still needs to agree on the shape of a future relationship with Brussels before the end of the year .
`` I do n't comment on what may happen between the United kingdom and the EU after 31 December , '' the high commissioner said .
`` I simply make this point : The voices of pessimism in discussions about global trade are always in the end thwarted by the reality because merchants , traders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the most profitable markets .
`` The most rapidly growing markets in the world at the moment , and as far as the eye can see , are in the region to the north of Australia . ''
: : Listen to the The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Canberra has yet to finalise a trade deal with the rest of the EU after two years of talks .
Mr Brandis , a former attorney general and seasoned politician , predicted the UK-Australia agreement would be completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK also wants to join a Pacific trade group , that includes Australia , called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) .
`` With the FTA between Australia and the United Kingdom wound up , as I hope it will be fairly soon , Australia does expect to be a voice around the table supporting Britain 's aspiration to accede to that plurilateral trade agreement as well , '' the high commissioner added .

Britain and Australia need each other more than ever at this time of acute global tension, the Australian high commissioner said as the two sides launch trade talks.
The UK is also kicking off trade negotiations with New Zealand on Wednesday in a new era for British diplomacy outside the European Union.
Australian high commissioner George Brandis told Sky News a free trade agreement (FTA) with London is a "top priority" for Canberra and signalled one could be agreed "fairly soon".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 PM calls for 'oomph' in trade talks
But the bond is more than a business opportunity.
It is also about helping one another stand up for shared values like democracy and the rule of law in the face of challenges from rising powers like China, the top diplomat said.
"At a time when there are tensions in the world that are growing more acute - and which have been dramatised and thrown in very stark relief by the COVID crisis - the benefit, the importance to each other of like-minded, free-trading liberal democracies like Britain and Australia has never been greater," the high commissioner told Sky News.
Both countries are part of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance along with the United States, Canada and New Zealand.
It is a forum that looks set to have increased prominence as Western allies struggle against the authoritarian tendencies of rivals like China, Russia and Iran.
Image: Australian High Commissioner George Brandis, here at a dinner with Prince Charles in March, said the UK and Australia can be allies in democracy
"We live in an increasingly difficult, contested world and like-minded nations - people who see the world through similar eyes with similar values like commitment to democracy, liberal societies and freedom - increasingly need to co-operate against potential adversaries", Mr Brandis said.
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"In so many different ways - whether it is strategic co-operation, diplomatic co-operation, intelligence sharing, and in trade - countries like Britain and Australia find that we are more bound together.
"Our interests and our values are more closely wound up together than has ever been the case before."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 'We're leaving': Brexit transition to end on 31 December
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison should have travelled to the UK this week to meet Boris Johnson in person to kick off the trade talks.
But the coronavirus pandemic derailed those plans. Instead the two men are set to speak via video conference.
A key part of the UK plan for life after Brexit is founded on boosting exports to the Indo-Pacific region - set to be the centre of global economic growth this century.
Liz Truss, the international trade secretary, said UK businesses traded £29bn in goods and services with Australia and New Zealand last year.
"Pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific will diversify our trade, increase the resilience of our supply chains and ensure the UK is less vulnerable to political and economic shocks in certain parts of the world," she said.
Image: The UK supported Australia as it battled wildfires in February
There is also a recognition among British and Australian officials that nurturing ties will reduce the impact of economic pressure from countries like China during disagreements.
Canberra has come under fire from Beijing after Mr Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, which was first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
His remarks prompted Chinese calls for a boycott of Australian goods.
The UK has similarly felt pressure from China after speaking out against Chinese plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments'
Mr Brandis said Britain and Australia stood together on those issues, while adding that his country's relationship with Beijing shows it is possible to trade with China and to disagree.
"China is Australia's largest trading partner. It represents 40% of our trade. We have a free trade agreement with China," he said.
"The Australian relationship with China demonstrates that you can have a healthy, successful trading and commercial relationship with China while at the same time not being afraid to stand up for your own values as a liberal democracy."
Image: Trade talks with New Zealand also begin today
Pressed on whether it still helps to diversify trading partners and reduce reliance on Beijing, the high commissioner said he did not want to make the conversation about China.
Instead, speaking more broadly, he said: "There are obvious advantages of two countries like Australia and the United Kingdom having a close trading relationship because our systems are complementary, our system of laws is similar, our values are similar, interests are similar, we speak the same language, we have the same Queen.
"In every dimension it's possible to imagine, we are like-minded and complementary countries."
For example, he hoped having the UK as an independent voice around the table at the World Trade Organisation would bolster support for multilateral, free and open trade, pushing back on protectionism and barriers.
The high commissioner noted that the UK was Australia's most important trading partner until 1973 when London joined the European Economic Community, which became the EU. It is now ranked seventh but Mr Brandis said there is scope to improve.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EU deal: Some checks will be needed
He was upbeat about Britain's prospects even as sceptics warn new trade deals with the rest of the world cannot compensate for the UK leaving the EU, especially as London still needs to agree on the shape of a future relationship with Brussels before the end of the year.
"I don't comment on what may happen between the United kingdom and the EU after 31 December," the high commissioner said.
"I simply make this point: The voices of pessimism in discussions about global trade are always in the end thwarted by the reality because merchants, traders, entrepreneurs, companies, always gravitate to the most profitable markets.
"The most rapidly growing markets in the world at the moment, and as far as the eye can see, are in the region to the north of Australia."
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Canberra has yet to finalise a trade deal with the rest of the EU after two years of talks.
Mr Brandis, a former attorney general and seasoned politician, predicted the UK-Australia agreement would be completed faster than the one with Brussels
The UK also wants to join a Pacific trade group, that includes Australia, called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
"With the FTA between Australia and the United Kingdom wound up, as I hope it will be fairly soon, Australia does expect to be a voice around the table supporting Britain's aspiration to accede to that plurilateral trade agreement as well," the high commissioner added.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--PM's car rear-ended by Range Rover as protester targets convoy

A car carrying Boris Johnson was rear-ended by a Range Rover support vehicle after the prime minister 's convoy was targeted by a protester .
The man , who had been demonstrating about Turkish action against Kurdish rebels , ran into the road as Mr Johnson left parliament .
If forced the lead vehicles - a police motorbike and Mr Johnson 's Jaguar to brake - with the support vehicle crashing into the back of the PM 's car .
There was a visible dent as the vehicles immediately drove off towards Downing Street .
Police officers were seen detaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and for obstructing the highway , the Metropolitan Police said .
Downing Street said there were no reports of any injuries .
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed Mr Johnson was travelling in the car at the time , adding : `` I think the video speaks for itself as to what happened .
`` No reports of anybody being injured . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked about the incident at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the PMwas `` wholly unscathed and I believe everyone else escaped safely from that situation '' .
The Met said in a statement : `` At approximately 14:30hrs today , 17 June , two police vehicles were involved in a collision in Parliament Square .
`` The police vehicles were part of a security movement .
`` A pedestrian is reported to have stepped onto the road , causing the vehicles to suddenly stop , which has led to two of the vehicles in the convoy being involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries have been reported .
`` A man , no further details at this time , was arrested at the scene for offences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and for obstructing the highway .
`` All vehicles were able to drive from the scene . ''

A car carrying Boris Johnson was rear-ended by a Range Rover support vehicle after the prime minister's convoy was targeted by a protester.
The man, who had been demonstrating about Turkish action against Kurdish rebels, ran into the road as Mr Johnson left parliament.
If forced the lead vehicles - a police motorbike and Mr Johnson's Jaguar to brake - with the support vehicle crashing into the back of the PM's car.
Image: The protester has been detained by police
There was a visible dent as the vehicles immediately drove off towards Downing Street.
Police officers were seen detaining the protester.
He was arrested for offences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and for obstructing the highway, the Metropolitan Police said.
Downing Street said there were no reports of any injuries.
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed Mr Johnson was travelling in the car at the time, adding: "I think the video speaks for itself as to what happened.
"No reports of anybody being injured."
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Asked about the incident at the latest Downing Street news conference, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the PM was "wholly unscathed and I believe everyone else escaped safely from that situation".
The Met said in a statement: "At approximately 14:30hrs today, 17 June, two police vehicles were involved in a collision in Parliament Square.
"The police vehicles were part of a security movement.
"A pedestrian is reported to have stepped onto the road, causing the vehicles to suddenly stop, which has led to two of the vehicles in the convoy being involved in a damage-only collision.
"No injuries have been reported.
"A man, no further details at this time, was arrested at the scene for offences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and for obstructing the highway.
"All vehicles were able to drive from the scene."