skynewspolitics--2020-05-13--Comparing death tolls 'premature', says PM as he dumps chart from daily briefing

Boris Johnson says death tolls in countries around the world are no longer being released by Downing Street because it is `` premature '' to compare them .
The prime minister was under pressure to explain why the data published at Number 10 coronavirus briefings since 30 March was pulled on Monday .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer challenged him to defend the move after the UK became the country with the highest death toll in Europe and second highest in the world , with at least 33,000 fatalities from COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson said : `` He seeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm advised are premature because the correct and final way of making these comparisons will be when we have all the excess death totals for all the relevant countries .
`` We do not yet have that data .
`` I 'm not going to try to pretend to the house that the figures when they are finally confirmed are anything other than stark and deeply , deeply horrifying .
This has been an appalling epidemic .
`` What I can tell the house is that we are getting those numbers down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , the number of hospital admissions is down . ''
Brandishing a copy of last week 's slide showing the UK 's death toll on a graph along with other countries including the US , Italy , France , Spain , Sweden , Germany and South Korea , Sir Keir said he was `` baffled '' at the prime minister 's answer .
`` It 's not me seeking to draw the comparisons , these are the government slides that have been used for seven weeks to reassure the public .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer is it 's pretty obvious for seven weeks when we were n't the highest number in Europe they were used for comparison purposes , as soon as we hit that unenviable place they 've been dropped . ''
He added : `` Dropping the comparisons means dropping the learning - that 's the real risk . ''
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the prime minister thought there would be a `` time to draw comparisons but now was n't it '' .
They added the `` format and content '' of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout this process '' .
Dr Jenny Harries , England 's deputy chief medical officer , said at Wednesday 's news conference `` there is no reason why the death data ca n't be produced here '' .
`` The time to do this on an international scale will be to look back - probably 12 months hence still and then do the comparison , '' she added .
`` It 's always good to keep looking on the way to see if you can learn and we do that . ''

Boris Johnson says death tolls in countries around the world are no longer being released by Downing Street because it is "premature" to compare them.
The prime minister was under pressure to explain why the data published at Number 10 coronavirus briefings since 30 March was pulled on Monday.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer challenged him to defend the move after the UK became the country with the highest death toll in Europe and second highest in the world, with at least 33,000 fatalities from COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 PM pressed over 10,000 'unexplained deaths'
Mr Johnson said: "He seeks to make comparisons with other countries, which I'm advised are premature because the correct and final way of making these comparisons will be when we have all the excess death totals for all the relevant countries.
"We do not yet have that data.
"I'm not going to try to pretend to the house that the figures when they are finally confirmed are anything other than stark and deeply, deeply horrifying. This has been an appalling epidemic.
"What I can tell the house is that we are getting those numbers down, the number of deaths are coming down, the number of hospital admissions is down."
Brandishing a copy of last week's slide showing the UK's death toll on a graph along with other countries including the US, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany and South Korea, Sir Keir said he was "baffled" at the prime minister's answer.
"It's not me seeking to draw the comparisons, these are the government slides that have been used for seven weeks to reassure the public.
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"The problem with the prime minister's answer is it's pretty obvious for seven weeks when we weren't the highest number in Europe they were used for comparison purposes, as soon as we hit that unenviable place they've been dropped."
He added: "Dropping the comparisons means dropping the learning - that's the real risk."
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the prime minister thought there would be a "time to draw comparisons but now wasn't it".
They added the "format and content" of the Downing Street briefings has been changed "throughout this process".
Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, said at Wednesday's news conference "there is no reason why the death data can't be produced here".
"The time to do this on an international scale will be to look back - probably 12 months hence still and then do the comparison," she added.
"It's always good to keep looking on the way to see if you can learn and we do that."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-13--MPs 'alarmed' by plans for them to return to parliament in person

The Speaker of the House of Commons has warned he could suspend sittings if too many MPs enter the chamber - should the government push ahead with ending `` virtual '' proceedings .
Parliament is currently operating under a `` hybrid '' system where a maximum of 50 MPs are allowed into the Commons chamber in person , while up to 120 can join debates remotely by the Zoom video conferencing app .
However , the government has announced it expects the current arrangements to come to an end next month , with MPs instead attending in person .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday assured MPs his `` priority '' was `` to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated '' .
He said nothing in the government 's announcement , made by Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg , `` changes the position on social distancing in and around the chamber and throughout the parliamentary estate '' .
`` I may suspend sittings between items of business to allow safe access to and exit the chamber , '' Sir Lindsay added .
`` I 'm also quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the safe number of honourable members in the chamber risks being exceeded . ''
Sir Lindsay suggested that MPs voting in person would take around 30 minutes , possibly up to an hour , in order to observe social distancing rules if electronic voting - which has been trialled - was no longer allowed .
Valerie Vaz , Labour 's shadow leader of the House of Commons , said she was `` alarmed '' by Mr Rees-Mogg 's announcement and asked why parliament should `` contradict '' the government 's own health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual '' in June .
`` The House must lead the way in protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone who works in parliament by following public health advice to the letter , '' she said .
The SNP 's Tommy Sheppard said it was a `` fantasy '' to believe that physical sittings could resume in June without special procedures being in place .
He asked what should happen to MPs considered among those most vulnerable to coronavirus , or Scottish , Welsh or Northern Irish MPs , whose devolved governments have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But Mr Rees-Mogg accused opposition MPs of trying to `` hide behind a veneer of virtual parliament '' as he noted how the government aims for pupils to return to schools before the summer break .
He said : `` How can we say to our schoolchildren , 'you 're safe going back ' , some of them , but that we 're not , that we 're going to hide away whilst schoolchildren are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give to our constituents ? ''
Mr Rees-Mogg claimed MPs `` in reality '' can not work from home , adding : `` The idea that our democratic system is not an essential one , is not the lifeblood of our nation , is not how the government is held to account at a time of crisis , is one that I think is surprising and extraordinary that it should be held by members of the opposition .
`` That they should not wish to be here challenging the government , holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hide behind a veneer of virtual parliament so that legislation is not progressed with . ''

The Speaker of the House of Commons has warned he could suspend sittings if too many MPs enter the chamber - should the government push ahead with ending "virtual" proceedings.
Parliament is currently operating under a "hybrid" system where a maximum of 50 MPs are allowed into the Commons chamber in person, while up to 120 can join debates remotely by the Zoom video conferencing app.
However, the government has announced it expects the current arrangements to come to an end next month, with MPs instead attending in person.
Image: Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned he could suspend crowded sittings Pic: Jessica Taylor/ UK parliament
The Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, on Wednesday assured MPs his "priority" was "to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated".
He said nothing in the government's announcement, made by Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg, "changes the position on social distancing in and around the chamber and throughout the parliamentary estate".
"I may suspend sittings between items of business to allow safe access to and exit the chamber," Sir Lindsay added.
"I'm also quite prepared to suspend a sitting if I believe the safe number of honourable members in the chamber risks being exceeded."
Sir Lindsay suggested that MPs voting in person would take around 30 minutes, possibly up to an hour, in order to observe social distancing rules if electronic voting - which has been trialled - was no longer allowed.
Valerie Vaz, Labour's shadow leader of the House of Commons, said she was "alarmed" by Mr Rees-Mogg's announcement and asked why parliament should "contradict" the government's own health advice by returning to "business as usual" in June.
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"The House must lead the way in protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone who works in parliament by following public health advice to the letter," she said.
The SNP's Tommy Sheppard said it was a "fantasy" to believe that physical sittings could resume in June without special procedures being in place.
He asked what should happen to MPs considered among those most vulnerable to coronavirus, or Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish MPs, whose devolved governments have not yet eased any lockdown measures.
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But Mr Rees-Mogg accused opposition MPs of trying to "hide behind a veneer of virtual parliament" as he noted how the government aims for pupils to return to schools before the summer break.
He said: "How can we say to our schoolchildren, 'you're safe going back', some of them, but that we're not, that we're going to hide away whilst schoolchildren are going back - is that the right message to give to our constituents?"
Mr Rees-Mogg claimed MPs "in reality" cannot work from home, adding: "The idea that our democratic system is not an essential one, is not the lifeblood of our nation, is not how the government is held to account at a time of crisis, is one that I think is surprising and extraordinary that it should be held by members of the opposition.
"That they should not wish to be here challenging the government, holding them to account, that they wish to hide behind a veneer of virtual parliament so that legislation is not progressed with."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--Patients with COVID-19 'could have been discharged back to care homes'

The body that represents NHS trusts says a lack of testing could have meant some patients with COVID-19 were discharged from hospitals into care homes .
NHS Providers denied that trusts knowingly moved patients with the coronavirus into social care .
But the group 's chief executive , Chris Hopson , said hospitals were only asked to `` systematically test every single patient due for discharge to social care '' on 15 April - after the peak of the virus had hit .
Mr Hopson said this meant it was possible `` that a very small number of asymptomatic COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test prior to that date , were discharged to social care '' .
Sky News has reported extensively on the situation in care homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
This includes highlighting fears elderly patients were being discharged from hospital before they were well enough to return , as well as reporting that a number of councils threatening to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the virus if they did not agree to take in COVID-19 patients .
Boris Johnson yesterday said there was a system of testing in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pledged a further £600m for infection control in care homes .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Health Minister Edward Argar said the suggestion that care homes had been `` abandoned '' or `` deprioritised '' was `` completely wrong '' .
But Mr Argar did say that initially testing was focused on `` frontline NHS staff to make sure the NHS was there to care for people '' .
`` You 're right to talk about… mid-April , when the capacity was there in the testing system to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tested and indeed all care home staff , '' said the minister .
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said it was `` very clear '' that testing for COVID-19 should have been ramped up earlier .
Speaking to the same programme , he said : `` That led to one of the issues that 's affected care homes , which is people being discharged from hospital without being tested for COVID .
`` Anyone who had symptoms would n't have been discharged from hospital , but we know that around half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have symptoms .
`` Now we 've ramped up the testing capability , we 're able to address those problems . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour has called for the prime minister to account for official figures showing 10,000 `` unexplained '' excess deaths in care homes last month .
The party 's shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said the government needed to `` get a grip of this crisis , implement a full strategy for supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care services the priority and resources they deserve '' .
Speaking to Sky News , shadow communities and local government secretary Steve Reed said the situation in care homes was `` intolerable '' .
He said councils are facing a `` £10bn black hole '' because of COVID-19 and this could mean billions will be cut from adult social care unless ministers step in .
Niall Dickson , chief executive of the NHS Confederation , which represents organisations across the healthcare sector , said care homes are where the `` major battle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector had been `` neglected '' for too long .
`` When this is over , it will be time to tackle our collective failure to address social care , which is nothing short of a national disgrace '' , said Mr Dickson .
Mr Hopson said any public inquiry `` will need to look at the role that the lack of testing capacity and PPE has played in the high number of care home deaths '' .
He added that `` the scandal here is the repeated failure of politicians to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The PM 's spokesperson said yesterday there is a `` regime in place that people being discharged from hospital are being tested and care homes have clear guidance to say they should take all necessary precautions against the spread of coronavirus in their premises '' .

The body that represents NHS trusts says a lack of testing could have meant some patients with COVID-19 were discharged from hospitals into care homes.
NHS Providers denied that trusts knowingly moved patients with the coronavirus into social care.
But the group's chief executive, Chris Hopson, said hospitals were only asked to "systematically test every single patient due for discharge to social care" on 15 April - after the peak of the virus had hit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 PM accused of misleading Commons on care homes advice
Mr Hopson said this meant it was possible "that a very small number of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, who trusts were unable to test prior to that date, were discharged to social care".
Sky News has reported extensively on the situation in care homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
This includes highlighting fears elderly patients were being discharged from hospital before they were well enough to return, as well as reporting that a number of councils threatening to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the virus if they did not agree to take in COVID-19 patients.
Boris Johnson yesterday said there was a system of testing in place for patients going from hospitals to social care and pledged a further £600m for infection control in care homes.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Health Minister Edward Argar said the suggestion that care homes had been "abandoned" or "deprioritised" was "completely wrong".
But Mr Argar did say that initially testing was focused on "frontline NHS staff to make sure the NHS was there to care for people".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
"You're right to talk about… mid-April, when the capacity was there in the testing system to make sure that those going into care homes could be tested and indeed all care home staff," said the minister.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said it was "very clear" that testing for COVID-19 should have been ramped up earlier.
Speaking to the same programme, he said: "That led to one of the issues that's affected care homes, which is people being discharged from hospital without being tested for COVID.
"Anyone who had symptoms wouldn't have been discharged from hospital, but we know that around half of the shedding of the virus happens before people have symptoms.
"Now we've ramped up the testing capability, we're able to address those problems."
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Labour has called for the prime minister to account for official figures showing 10,000 "unexplained" excess deaths in care homes last month.
The party's shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said the government needed to "get a grip of this crisis, implement a full strategy for supporting care homes, and give all social care services the priority and resources they deserve".
Speaking to Sky News, shadow communities and local government secretary Steve Reed said the situation in care homes was "intolerable".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:33 Care homes faced funding cut threats
He said councils are facing a "£10bn black hole" because of COVID-19 and this could mean billions will be cut from adult social care unless ministers step in.
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, said care homes are where the "major battle with COVID-19 is now raging" and the sector had been "neglected" for too long.
"When this is over, it will be time to tackle our collective failure to address social care, which is nothing short of a national disgrace", said Mr Dickson.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 Confusion over care home guidance
Mr Hopson said any public inquiry "will need to look at the role that the lack of testing capacity and PPE has played in the high number of care home deaths".
He added that "the scandal here is the repeated failure of politicians to solve our long running social care crisis".
The PM's spokesperson said yesterday there is a "regime in place that people being discharged from hospital are being tested and care homes have clear guidance to say they should take all necessary precautions against the spread of coronavirus in their premises".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--PM accused of being 'deeply dishonest' as Brexit briefing emerges

Boris Johnson has been accused of being `` deeply dishonest '' after it was confirmed that physical posts will be funded at Northern Ireland 's ports ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period .
The UK government has `` confirmed that it will urgently put in place detailed plans with the [ Northern Ireland ] Executive , which does include the physical posts at ports of entry '' , a Stormont committee has been told .
The comments came from Declan Kearney , a junior minister at the Executive Office .
He said the department had been given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update them on the latest stage of the Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU .
The prime minister told an event with business leaders in November that trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain would not be subject to any customs declarations .
Pressed on whether there will be customs forms for trade , Mr Johnson said : `` If somebody asks you to do that tell them to ring up the prime minister and I 'll direct them to put that form in the bin . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no checks , no barriers of any kind .
You will have unfettered access . ''
The comments were contrary to his own government ministers ' statements around that time .
Then , during the general election campaign , Mr Johnson claimed a leaked Treasury document about checks on the Northern Ireland border was `` wrong '' .
Jeremy Corbyn , who was Labour leader at the time , obtained the document and claimed it proved there will be customs checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland after Brexit .
Speaking to Sophy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` [ This deal ] allows the whole of the UK to come out of the EU including Northern Ireland and the only checks that there would be , would be if something was coming from GB via Northern Ireland and was going on to the Republic , then there might be checks at the border into Northern Ireland . ''
Pressed on the document talking about `` checks both ways '' , he said `` that 's wrong because there wo n't be checks '' .
Reacting to the news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Johnson 's government has failed to give businesses much needed clarity on this issue .
`` It now seems Johnson was deeply dishonest with businesses when he previously asserted there would be no checks and businesses could put paperwork `` in the bin '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But the Cabinet Office said the government had `` always been clear that there will be requirements for live animals and agrifood '' .
Northern Ireland will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on agricultural goods after Brexit .
The rest of the UK , meanwhile , will cease adhering to them at the end of this year at the end of the transition period .
This came into effect at the end of January when Britain left the EU after 47 years of membership .
Mr Kearney said : `` They have signalled that in order to implement the protocol for 1 January in a way that we all want which is of course is to avoid disruption to trade .
`` Delivery on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , and the British government has indicated that it will provide advice on the requirements and the funding to put that in place . ''
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said : `` We have always been clear that there will be requirements for live animals and agri-food , building on what already happens at ports like Larne and Belfast .
`` We want to work with NI businesses and the executive to ensure new admin procedures are streamlined and efficient .
`` The protocol puts legal obligations on both sides .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just as we expect the EU to comply with theirs . ''

Boris Johnson has been accused of being "deeply dishonest" after it was confirmed that physical posts will be funded at Northern Ireland's ports ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period.
The UK government has "confirmed that it will urgently put in place detailed plans with the [Northern Ireland] Executive, which does include the physical posts at ports of entry", a Stormont committee has been told.
The comments came from Declan Kearney, a junior minister at the Executive Office.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Johnson to business leaders in November: You will have unfettered access
He said the department had been given a briefing by officials on Monday to update them on the latest stage of the Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU.
The prime minister told an event with business leaders in November that trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain would not be subject to any customs declarations.
Pressed on whether there will be customs forms for trade, Mr Johnson said: "If somebody asks you to do that tell them to ring up the prime minister and I'll direct them to put that form in the bin."
He added: "There will be no forms, no checks, no barriers of any kind. You will have unfettered access."
The comments were contrary to his own government ministers' statements around that time.
Then, during the general election campaign, Mr Johnson claimed a leaked Treasury document about checks on the Northern Ireland border was "wrong".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Leaked Brexit documents 'are wrong on NI checks'
Jeremy Corbyn, who was Labour leader at the time, obtained the document and claimed it proved there will be customs checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland after Brexit.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mr Johnson said: "[This deal] allows the whole of the UK to come out of the EU including Northern Ireland and the only checks that there would be, would be if something was coming from GB via Northern Ireland and was going on to the Republic, then there might be checks at the border into Northern Ireland."
Pressed on the document talking about "checks both ways", he said "that's wrong because there won't be checks".
Reacting to the news, Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: "Johnson's government has failed to give businesses much needed clarity on this issue.
"It now seems Johnson was deeply dishonest with businesses when he previously asserted there would be no checks and businesses could put paperwork 'in the bin'".
Labour's shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh said: "The prime minister made promises to people and businesses in Northern Ireland that he couldn't keep, and this is the reality of the deal he signed up to back in October.
"Instead of slogans what businesses in Northern Ireland need now from the government, above all else, is detail on what these new procedures will mean for them."
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But the Cabinet Office said the government had "always been clear that there will be requirements for live animals and agrifood".
Northern Ireland will continue to follow the bloc's single market rules on agricultural goods after Brexit.
The rest of the UK, meanwhile, will cease adhering to them at the end of this year at the end of the transition period.
This came into effect at the end of January when Britain left the EU after 47 years of membership.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 February: UK prepared to ditch EU trade talks in June
Mr Kearney said: "They have signalled that in order to implement the protocol for 1 January in a way that we all want which is of course is to avoid disruption to trade.
"Delivery on that infrastructure needs to start as soon as possible, and the British government has indicated that it will provide advice on the requirements and the funding to put that in place."
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "We have always been clear that there will be requirements for live animals and agri-food, building on what already happens at ports like Larne and Belfast.
"We want to work with NI businesses and the executive to ensure new admin procedures are streamlined and efficient.
"The protocol puts legal obligations on both sides.
"We are committed to complying with ours, just as we expect the EU to comply with theirs."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--The UK's top civil servant had coronavirus at the same time as the PM. The public weren't told

Downing Street has confirmed Sir Mark Sedwill , the cabinet secretary and arguably the second most important person in government , had coronavirus at the same time as the prime minister .
Sir Mark had symptoms from around 2 or 3 April , the government revealed on Thursday .
A source said the symptoms were only ever `` very mild '' .
This overlapped with the prime minister being in a critical condition .
Boris Johnson was announced to have coronavirus on 27 March and was taken to hospital on 5 April where he stayed until 12 April - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health secretary , and Chris Whitty , chief medical officer , out of action .
Number 10 may hope this is glossed over as a fact of history - a month being an eternity in this pandemic - rather than an urgent piece of news .
And it is something that Number 10 clearly does not want us to dwell on beyond confirming the information first revealed by ITV 's Robert Peston three days ago .
Yet this matters a huge amount , alongside the repeated claims that Boris Johnson was `` in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care and facing death , by his own admission subsequently .
That is because it goes to the heart of whether we can trust officials in the most deadly crisis this country is facing .
Sir Mark , who stepped into the most senior job in Whitehall after the untimely and tragic death of his predecessor Sir Jeremy Heywood , guides the ship of state for the prime minister , wielding enormous formal power and informal influence .
And it appears that because he holds this position , Whitehall decided to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the disease a secret , with someone somewhere judging it too sensitive a piece of news for the public to handle .
Throughout late March and April , journalists asked almost every day after Sir Mark 's condition , after rumours circulated that he was unwell .
Number 10 responded he was `` fine '' and was working as normal .
It is hard to see that as an accurate answer .
Indeed Mr Johnson 's spokesman said he too only found out from a journalist , itself an eye-watering admission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being fine at the time .
Number 10 insists this is n't a big deal since he was `` working as normal '' , just from home despite the symptoms .
There will be differing views about this .
But Sir Mark 's job is uniquely important , now more so than ever , and the idea he even might be incapacitated at the same time as the prime minister is a game-changing , serious proposition that needs to be planned for .
The justification that Sir Mark only had `` mild symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the disease takes some days before you know how severely it hits you .
During this period , the fact he contracted the condition meant it was always possible that Sir Mark might have to be replaced if his symptoms got worse - yet it seems that even many officials in the Cabinet Office where his office sits were unaware of his condition .
The Cabinet Office maintains it did not lie to journalists - saying that , when reporters asked whether Sir Mark was infected on 27 March , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this does not exculpate Downing Street , who were actively answering questions about Sir Mark 's health and fitness through his period in question in the daily briefings , yet now claim they were unaware of his illness until a few days ago .
We know very little beyond this .
Sir Mark was last pictured in the cabinet room on 31 March - when he may have had the condition asymptomatically , and was back at the prime minister 's side on 28 April , according to pictures released by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Perhaps Sir Mark managed to catch it from the same source as the prime minister - is this evidence of the reckless personal approach in Number 10 towards the disease ?
The fear is that keeping Sir Mark 's illness private this is another example of an endemic and kneejerk secrecy in our political culture .
It is this secrecy , in a different context , that Jeremy Hunt argued in the Commons this week may have cost lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered by the secret SAGE body whose minutes are kept from the public domain and whose names have only just been made public .
It feels entirely possible that Sir Mark , a securocrat used to working in the shadows as national security adviser , Number 10 or a combination of both decided this was too sensitive a fact to make public .
Which prompts the question : what other pieces of `` too hot to handle '' information fall into the category of things that the public ca n't be trusted with @

Downing Street has confirmed Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary and arguably the second most important person in government, had coronavirus at the same time as the prime minister.
Sir Mark had symptoms from around 2 or 3 April, the government revealed on Thursday.
A source said the symptoms were only ever "very mild". This overlapped with the prime minister being in a critical condition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 PM pressed over 10,000 'unexplained deaths'
Boris Johnson was announced to have coronavirus on 27 March and was taken to hospital on 5 April where he stayed until 12 April - a period which also saw Matt Hancock, health secretary, and Chris Whitty, chief medical officer, out of action.
Number 10 may hope this is glossed over as a fact of history - a month being an eternity in this pandemic - rather than an urgent piece of news. And it is something that Number 10 clearly does not want us to dwell on beyond confirming the information first revealed by ITV's Robert Peston three days ago.
Yet this matters a huge amount, alongside the repeated claims that Boris Johnson was "in good spirits" while he was in intensive care and facing death, by his own admission subsequently.
That is because it goes to the heart of whether we can trust officials in the most deadly crisis this country is facing.
Sir Mark, who stepped into the most senior job in Whitehall after the untimely and tragic death of his predecessor Sir Jeremy Heywood, guides the ship of state for the prime minister, wielding enormous formal power and informal influence.
And it appears that because he holds this position, Whitehall decided to keep the news that he had gone down with the disease a secret, with someone somewhere judging it too sensitive a piece of news for the public to handle.
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Throughout late March and April, journalists asked almost every day after Sir Mark's condition, after rumours circulated that he was unwell. Number 10 responded he was "fine" and was working as normal.
It is hard to see that as an accurate answer.
Indeed Mr Johnson's spokesman said he too only found out from a journalist, itself an eye-watering admission, despite happily answering the questions about him being fine at the time.
Number 10 insists this isn't a big deal since he was "working as normal", just from home despite the symptoms.
There will be differing views about this.
But Sir Mark's job is uniquely important, now more so than ever, and the idea he even might be incapacitated at the same time as the prime minister is a game-changing, serious proposition that needs to be planned for.
The justification that Sir Mark only had "mild symptoms" is an odd one, given that the disease takes some days before you know how severely it hits you.
During this period, the fact he contracted the condition meant it was always possible that Sir Mark might have to be replaced if his symptoms got worse - yet it seems that even many officials in the Cabinet Office where his office sits were unaware of his condition.
The Cabinet Office maintains it did not lie to journalists - saying that, when reporters asked whether Sir Mark was infected on 27 March, he had no symptoms at that point.
But this does not exculpate Downing Street, who were actively answering questions about Sir Mark's health and fitness through his period in question in the daily briefings, yet now claim they were unaware of his illness until a few days ago.
We know very little beyond this.
Sir Mark was last pictured in the cabinet room on 31 March - when he may have had the condition asymptomatically, and was back at the prime minister's side on 28 April, according to pictures released by the government on social media.
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Perhaps Sir Mark managed to catch it from the same source as the prime minister - is this evidence of the reckless personal approach in Number 10 towards the disease?
The fear is that keeping Sir Mark's illness private this is another example of an endemic and kneejerk secrecy in our political culture.
It is this secrecy, in a different context, that Jeremy Hunt argued in the Commons this week may have cost lives, with potentially disastrous scientific advice being offered by the secret SAGE body whose minutes are kept from the public domain and whose names have only just been made public.
It feels entirely possible that Sir Mark, a securocrat used to working in the shadows as national security adviser, Number 10 or a combination of both decided this was too sensitive a fact to make public.
Which prompts the question: what other pieces of "too hot to handle" information fall into the category of things that the public can't be trusted with?


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--EU launches legal action against UK over freedom of movement

Brussels has launched legal action against the UK for alleged `` failure to comply '' with EU freedom of movement @ @ @ @ @ government a formal notice - the first stage of infringement proceedings - giving four months @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Despite Brexit happening at the end of January , the UK is now @ @ @ @ @ it must follow EU rules until the end of 2020 while negotiators try to hammer @ @ @ @ @ The European Commission claimed UK law `` limits the scope '' of EU citizens living @ @ @ @ @ can travel between regions without a visa .
It gives examples going back years , @ @ @ @ @ citizens able to collect Jobseekers ' Allowance and `` unjustified '' lifetime bans on re-entry @ @ @ @ @ when an EU country fails to implement EU law , and can lead to the @ @ @ @ @ financial penalties .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said : `` We will look @ @ @ @ @ to say and we will respond in due course . ''

Brussels has launched legal action against the UK for alleged "failure to comply" with EU freedom of movement rules.
It sent the government a formal notice - the first stage of infringement proceedings - giving four months to "address the shortcomings".
Despite Brexit happening at the end of January, the UK is now in a transition period where it must follow EU rules until the end of 2020 while negotiators try to hammer out a trade deal.
The European Commission claimed UK law "limits the scope" of EU citizens living in the country, who can travel between regions without a visa.
It gives examples going back years, such as limits on EU citizens able to collect Jobseekers' Allowance and "unjustified" lifetime bans on re-entry.
Infringement proceedings are launched when an EU country fails to implement EU law, and can lead to the European Court of Justice imposing financial penalties.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said: "We will look at what the EU has to say and we will respond in due course."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--Nadine Dorries accused of spreading 'fake news' after sharing 'doctored' video of Sir Keir Starmer

A government minister has been accused of spreading `` fake news '' after sharing a `` doctored '' video about Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
Nadine Dorries shared a video to her 96,000 Twitter followers suggesting Sir Keir had been reluctant to prosecute grooming gangs when he was director of public prosecutions for England and Wales .
The post has since been deleted from Ms Dorries ' timeline and Sky News has approached her for a comment about the message .
The health minister retweeted a clip of an interview in which the Labour leader appeared to list a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including if the alleged victims had been in trouble with the police .
Ms Dorries , MP for Mid Bedfordshire , included the comment `` revealing '' in her retweet .
Fellow Tory MPs Lucy Allan and Maria Caulfield were also reported to have re-tweeted the same posting only to have subsequently deleted it .
Sky News has contacted them for a comment .
Labour said the video had clearly been `` doctored '' and Sir Keir was in fact explaining the flaws in previous guidance to prosecutors which he had withdrawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Absolutely disgusting stuff , we are trying to work constructively cross-party in Parliament given the # COVID19 pandemic , this really is out of order . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour MP Wes Streeting said the clip was `` fake news '' .
Speaking before the tweet was removed , a Labour Party source said : `` This is a doctored video tweeted by a far-right social media account .
`` As a government minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes it down . ''
A Downing Street spokesman said : `` These tweets have rightly been deleted .
`` The MPs involved have been spoken to by the Whips ' Office and reminded of their responsibility to check the validity of information before they post on social media sites . ''

A government minister has been accused of spreading "fake news" after sharing a "doctored" video about Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Nadine Dorries shared a video to her 96,000 Twitter followers suggesting Sir Keir had been reluctant to prosecute grooming gangs when he was director of public prosecutions for England and Wales.
The post has since been deleted from Ms Dorries' timeline and Sky News has approached her for a comment about the message.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer was director of public prosecutions from 2008 to 2013
The health minister retweeted a clip of an interview in which the Labour leader appeared to list a series of reasons for not bringing charges, including if the alleged victims had been in trouble with the police.
Ms Dorries, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, included the comment "revealing" in her retweet.
Fellow Tory MPs Lucy Allan and Maria Caulfield were also reported to have re-tweeted the same posting only to have subsequently deleted it.
Sky News has contacted them for a comment.
Labour said the video had clearly been "doctored" and Sir Keir was in fact explaining the flaws in previous guidance to prosecutors which he had withdrawn and replaced.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner said: "Absolutely disgusting stuff, we are trying to work constructively cross-party in Parliament given the #COVID19 pandemic, this really is out of order."
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Labour MP Wes Streeting said the clip was "fake news".
Speaking before the tweet was removed, a Labour Party source said: "This is a doctored video tweeted by a far-right social media account.
"As a government minister, we hope Nadine Dorries acknowledges this and takes it down."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "These tweets have rightly been deleted.
"The MPs involved have been spoken to by the Whips' Office and reminded of their responsibility to check the validity of information before they post on social media sites."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--Ministers in talks with Transport for London over 'funding package'

Ministers are in talks with London mayor Sadiq Khan over a `` funding and finance package '' for Transport for London ( TfL ) .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said the negotiations are at an `` advanced stage '' and the cabinet has been briefed .
It comes after Mr Khan warned that TfL will have to cut Tube and bus services if it does not get further funding by the end of Thursday .
A drop in passenger numbers of 95 % on the London Underground and 85 % on buses due to the coronavirus lockdown has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman told reporters at a Westminster briefing : `` It is a commercial discussion .
We remain in close contact with the mayor and TfL to look at how we can support them .
`` Our priority is on reaching an agreement which keeps critical services running for those passengers who must use public transport to get work , ensuring we keep London moving safely .
`` That means protecting key routes , rapidly increasing the number of services available and protecting the interests of taxpayers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio , the London mayor said that because TfL is legally treated like a council `` we have to be able to balance the books '' .
`` We 'd have to reduce the bus services we provide , we 'd have to reduce the Tube services we provide to save money , '' Mr Khan said .
`` If we do n't get the deal done today , the CFO ( chief financial officer ) of TfL has legal duties that he has to follow . ''
Mr Khan added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanting us to increase services to get into the recovery phase , we might be required to cut services because the government is failing to give us the grant support we need . ''
During the COVID-19 pandemic , TfL has been dipping into its cash reserves to meet its £600m monthly bill to operate services .
To balance its proposed emergency budget for 2020/21 , TfL says it needs around £3.2bn .
Mr Khan said the talks with the government have been going on for around six weeks .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the 11th hour to agree a deal , '' he said .
`` It is really bad form . ''
Some people returned to work on Wednesday as the government begins to ease the coronavirus lockdown in England .
Those who can not work from home are being `` actively encouraged '' to return , avoiding public transport if they can .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Downing Street said there had not been a `` significant increase '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last couple of days .
TfL said there was a 10 % increase in London Underground journeys early on Thursday compared with the same period last week .
Demand between 5am to 6am was up compared with last week but down from Wednesday .
TfL has said it is doing `` everything possible '' to return services to normal levels .
`` In keeping with the government 's plans for the national rail network , next week we aim to increase to 75 % of Tube services , 85 % of bus services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some closed Tube stations , '' a spokesman said on Wednesday .

Ministers are in talks with London mayor Sadiq Khan over a "funding and finance package" for Transport for London (TfL).
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said the negotiations are at an "advanced stage" and the cabinet has been briefed.
It comes after Mr Khan warned that TfL will have to cut Tube and bus services if it does not get further funding by the end of Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 'Wear a facemask if you can't social distance'
A drop in passenger numbers of 95% on the London Underground and 85% on buses due to the coronavirus lockdown has resulted in a 90% fall in income.
Mr Johnson's spokesman told reporters at a Westminster briefing: "It is a commercial discussion. We remain in close contact with the mayor and TfL to look at how we can support them.
"Our priority is on reaching an agreement which keeps critical services running for those passengers who must use public transport to get work, ensuring we keep London moving safely.
"That means protecting key routes, rapidly increasing the number of services available and protecting the interests of taxpayers in the long term."
Speaking to LBC radio, the London mayor said that because TfL is legally treated like a council "we have to be able to balance the books".
"We'd have to reduce the bus services we provide, we'd have to reduce the Tube services we provide to save money," Mr Khan said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Riding the Tube as lockdown eases
"If we don't get the deal done today, the CFO (chief financial officer) of TfL has legal duties that he has to follow."
Mr Khan added: "At a time when the government is wanting us to increase services to get into the recovery phase, we might be required to cut services because the government is failing to give us the grant support we need."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TfL has been dipping into its cash reserves to meet its £600m monthly bill to operate services.
To balance its proposed emergency budget for 2020/21, TfL says it needs around £3.2bn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Packed bus as Londoners return to work
Mr Khan said the talks with the government have been going on for around six weeks.
"I'm unclear about why the government are waiting until the 11th hour to agree a deal," he said.
"It is really bad form."
Some people returned to work on Wednesday as the government begins to ease the coronavirus lockdown in England.
Those who cannot work from home are being "actively encouraged" to return, avoiding public transport if they can.
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Downing Street said there had not been a "significant increase" in passengers on the London Underground in the last couple of days.
TfL said there was a 10% increase in London Underground journeys early on Thursday compared with the same period last week.
Demand between 5am to 6am was up compared with last week but down from Wednesday.
TfL has said it is doing "everything possible" to return services to normal levels.
"In keeping with the government's plans for the national rail network, next week we aim to increase to 75% of Tube services, 85% of bus services, restore the Circle Line and reopen some closed Tube stations," a spokesman said on Wednesday.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--'Very little progress' in Brexit talks with the EU, UK says

London and Brussels have `` made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us '' , the UK 's Brexit negotiator has said .
Speaking at the end of the latest round of talks on the future relationship , David Frost said : `` We have just completed our third negotiating round with the EU .
`` I regret however that we made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us . ''
Mr Frost said it was `` very clear '' that a free trade agreement , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could be struck `` without major difficulties in the time available '' .
`` Both sides have tabled full legal texts , there are plenty of precedents , and there is clearly a good understanding between negotiators , '' he said .
But the `` major obstacle '' to a deal was the EU 's `` insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called 'level playing field ' , '' Mr Frost claimed .
He added that this would `` bind this country to EU law or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regimes , in a way that is unprecedented '' .
The UK 's negotiator continued : `` As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis , we will be able to make progress . ''

London and Brussels have "made very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us", the UK's Brexit negotiator has said.
David Frost issued the downbeat assessment at the end of the third round of talks on the future relationship between the two sides.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier described the discussions as "disappointing" and warned the UK it could "not have the best of both worlds", adding: "We're not going to bargain away our values for the benefit of the British economy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 February: UK prepared to ditch EU trade talks in June
Britain left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership and is currently in an 11-month transition period which ends in December.
This time frame is being used to negotiate a free trade agreement and sort out the terms of the future relationship that will govern ties between the UK and the EU in the future.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year, despite warnings that disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made striking a deal impossible.
Mr Frost said it was "very clear" that a free trade agreement, along with accords on issues like security and aviation, could be struck "without major difficulties in the time available".
"Both sides have tabled full legal texts, there are plenty of precedents, and there is clearly a good understanding between negotiators," he said.
Mr Frost said the UK will "continue to work hard to find an agreement", but warned: "We very much need a change in EU approach for the next round beginning on 1 June."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
He said the "major obstacle" to a deal was the EU's "insistence on including a set of novel and unbalanced proposals on the so-called 'level playing field'," Mr Frost claimed.
He added that this would "bind this country to EU law or standards, or determine our domestic legal regimes, in a way that is unprecedented".
The UK's negotiator continued: "As soon as the EU recognises that we will not conclude an agreement on that basis, we will be able to make progress."
Fishing arrangements remain a sticking point, Mr Frost said, with Brussels continuing to "insist on fisheries arrangements and access to UK fishing waters in a way that is incompatible with our future status as an independent coastal state".
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The UK will not "agree arrangements that are manifestly unbalanced and against the interests of the UK fishing industry", he said, adding: "It is hard to understand why the EU insists on an ideological approach which makes it more difficult to reach a mutually beneficial agreement."
A senior UK official close to the talks said they have been "a little bit tetchy at times" and "disruptive", but had "gone well in terms of process".
They added: "The problem continues to be that the EU thinks that a kind of halfway house between what we're willing to see on the so-called level-playing field and what they're willing to see, and what we're willing to live with on fisheries and what they're willing to see.
"As we've tried to make clear from the start, there isn't a halfway house - we can't split the difference between areas where we control our own laws and waters, and those that we don't."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 This is how the country marked 'Brexit day'
The official said they were "optimistic" that "logic can prevail" and a deal will be done, but said: "Nobody can be certain of this."
Mr Barnier said Brussels was seeking a "modern, unprecedented forward-looking agreement, not a narrow one rooted in past precedents and sliced-up sector by sector".
He called for a "new dynamism" in the next round of talks so as to "avoid a stalemate between us".
"Let us make a success of round four in the first week of June by making the tangible progress we need," Mr Barnier said.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--Williamson attempts to break deadlock with unions over schools reopening

Gavin Williamson , the education secretary , is attempting to break the deadlock between the government and teaching unions over children returning to school next month .
Boris Johnson 's plans to reopen schools from 1 June as part of easing the coronavirus lockdown are facing a revolt from unions , headteachers , local government leaders and city mayors .
Backed by teaching unions , council leaders are demanding powers to close schools if testing reveals new COVID-19 cases and some mayors are threatening to refuse to allow them to reopen .
So Mr Williamson has announced that he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , and other experts for a briefing on his scientific advice .
Earlier this week , the education secretary accused unions of `` scaremongering '' over his plans for a phased return of pupils , claiming class sizes of 15 , extra cleaning and other safeguards would help make schools safe .
But writing in the Daily Mail , he has struck a much more conciliatory tone , insisting safety comes first and the 1 June return to school - for primary school pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a controlled and careful return to school .
`` If , based on the latest scientific advice , we can get a limited number of children back to school , then I believe it 's my duty to do all I can to get them back there , because being in school with a teacher is the best way to learn , '' he writes .
`` Of course safety comes first , but we must also be aware of the potential damage to a child 's education from not getting them back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now over seven weeks since schools were restricted to all but a very small number of children and until the rate of infection from coronavirus starts to come down , we can not bring more students back .
`` In that time I 've been constantly talking to heads and teachers ' unions about how best to open schools in a phased and careful way .
`` Later today I have arranged for union leaders to meet the chief medical officer and other experts so they can be briefed on the scientific advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he agrees with the former Labour education secretary , David Blunkett , who this week said it was important to get the most disadvantaged children back into schools as soon as possible .
He says younger children are at the head of the queue to go back to school , along with pupils who will be moving up to secondary school and those older pupils who are going to be sitting their GCSEs and A Levels next year .
`` This is the first phase of a controlled and careful return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's not happening overnight and it is n't going to happen without schools putting in place a range of protective measures to reduce transmission .
`` The safety of children and their teachers is my number one priority .
`` I know some teaching unions still have concerns , just as I know parents and teachers have some worries .
I intend to carry on talking to all of them and working with them on any issues they may have .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of us in education have a duty to work together to get children back to school .
`` Let me reassure families that we are giving schools all the guidance and support they will need to welcome pupils back .
`` This includes keeping class sizes small , making sure children stay within small groups , and being rigorous about hygiene , cleaning and staggering break and mealtimes . ''
But the revolt by what Conservative ministers have in the past called `` The Blob '' - unions and political opponents campaigning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Demanding powers to close schools , Judith Blake of the Local Government Association , said : `` We know parents are anxious about sending their children back to school or nursery .
`` Plans to reopen schools and early years settings must focus on reassuring parents that it will be safe for children to return to school .
Publication of the scientific advice is vital to help provide that reassurance .
`` The safety of staff , parents and families is absolutely paramount .
`` Councils need to be able to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases and it is vital that schools have the resources to provide staff with necessary protective equipment , as well as soap and hand sanitiser for cleaning . ''
Backing the LGA , NAS/UWT general secretary Patrick Roach has claimed teachers can legally refuse to return to work unless they receive the same protection as other frontline staff .
And on school closures , he said : `` Taking the step to close a school where testing indicates a cluster will be a vital part of controlling the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relies on an effective and widespread testing and tracing programme to be in place , something which to date is still woefully lacking and which the government has failed to get a grip on .
`` We have challenged the government to publish the scientific advice which underpins its decision to try to start to reopen schools from 1 June and to explain how it can demonstrate to school staff and parents that the decisions it is making are the right ones to protect public health .
`` The NASUWT remains clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate that it is safe to do so . ''
Earlier this week , Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson declared that he would not allow the city 's schools to readmit pupils if he felt the safety of staff and youngsters would be put at risk .
And Greater Manchester 's mayor Andy Burnham urged ministers to work with trade unions before ploughing ahead with proposals to open primary schools to all pupils before the summer break .

Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, is attempting to break the deadlock between the government and teaching unions over children returning to school next month.
Boris Johnson's plans to reopen schools from 1 June as part of easing the coronavirus lockdown are facing a revolt from unions, headteachers, local government leaders and city mayors.
Backed by teaching unions, council leaders are demanding powers to close schools if testing reveals new COVID-19 cases and some mayors are threatening to refuse to allow them to reopen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Schools prepare for phased return of pupils
So Mr Williamson has announced that he has arranged for teaching union leaders to meet England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and other experts for a briefing on his scientific advice.
Earlier this week, the education secretary accused unions of "scaremongering" over his plans for a phased return of pupils, claiming class sizes of 15, extra cleaning and other safeguards would help make schools safe.
But writing in the Daily Mail, he has struck a much more conciliatory tone, insisting safety comes first and the 1 June return to school - for primary school pupils - is just the first phase of a controlled and careful return to school.
"If, based on the latest scientific advice, we can get a limited number of children back to school, then I believe it's my duty to do all I can to get them back there, because being in school with a teacher is the best way to learn," he writes.
"Of course safety comes first, but we must also be aware of the potential damage to a child's education from not getting them back in the classroom.
"It is now over seven weeks since schools were restricted to all but a very small number of children and until the rate of infection from coronavirus starts to come down, we cannot bring more students back.
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"In that time I've been constantly talking to heads and teachers' unions about how best to open schools in a phased and careful way.
"Later today I have arranged for union leaders to meet the chief medical officer and other experts so they can be briefed on the scientific advice underpinning our approach."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Normality' of school important for children
Mr Williamson says he agrees with the former Labour education secretary, David Blunkett, who this week said it was important to get the most disadvantaged children back into schools as soon as possible.
He says younger children are at the head of the queue to go back to school, along with pupils who will be moving up to secondary school and those older pupils who are going to be sitting their GCSEs and A Levels next year.
"This is the first phase of a controlled and careful return to school," he writes. "It's not happening overnight and it isn't going to happen without schools putting in place a range of protective measures to reduce transmission.
"The safety of children and their teachers is my number one priority.
"I know some teaching unions still have concerns, just as I know parents and teachers have some worries. I intend to carry on talking to all of them and working with them on any issues they may have.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"All of us in education have a duty to work together to get children back to school.
"Let me reassure families that we are giving schools all the guidance and support they will need to welcome pupils back.
"This includes keeping class sizes small, making sure children stay within small groups, and being rigorous about hygiene, cleaning and staggering break and mealtimes."
But the revolt by what Conservative ministers have in the past called "The Blob" - unions and political opponents campaigning against Tory education policy - is growing.
Demanding powers to close schools, Judith Blake of the Local Government Association, said: "We know parents are anxious about sending their children back to school or nursery.
"Plans to reopen schools and early years settings must focus on reassuring parents that it will be safe for children to return to school. Publication of the scientific advice is vital to help provide that reassurance.
"The safety of staff, parents and families is absolutely paramount.
"Councils need to be able to close provision where testing indicates clusters of new COVID-19 cases and it is vital that schools have the resources to provide staff with necessary protective equipment, as well as soap and hand sanitiser for cleaning."
Backing the LGA, NAS/UWT general secretary Patrick Roach has claimed teachers can legally refuse to return to work unless they receive the same protection as other frontline staff.
And on school closures, he said: "Taking the step to close a school where testing indicates a cluster will be a vital part of controlling the spread of the virus.
"However, such a mechanism relies on an effective and widespread testing and tracing programme to be in place, something which to date is still woefully lacking and which the government has failed to get a grip on.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 How will schools enforce social distancing?
"We have challenged the government to publish the scientific advice which underpins its decision to try to start to reopen schools from 1 June and to explain how it can demonstrate to school staff and parents that the decisions it is making are the right ones to protect public health.
"The NASUWT remains clear that no school should reopen until it can demonstrate that it is safe to do so."
Earlier this week, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson declared that he would not allow the city's schools to readmit pupils if he felt the safety of staff and youngsters would be put at risk.
And Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham urged ministers to work with trade unions before ploughing ahead with proposals to open primary schools to all pupils before the summer break.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--Wales to set out 'first cautious steps' to relax lockdown

Wales is to begin taking its `` first cautious steps '' in relaxing its coronavirus lockdown , the first minister has told Sky News .
Mark Drakeford will formally set out his plans in a news conference this afternoon .
More than 1,100 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , in Wales .
But speaking ahead of his address to the nation , he said schools will not be reopening at the start of next month , as could be the case in England , although some pupils could go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Drakeford said he does not see pubs opening `` any time soon '' - and stressed the government 's advice continues to be for people to stay at home .
Scotland and Northern Ireland are also sticking to this mantra , but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken a different approach .
As lockdown measures begin to be relaxed more widely in England , the PM is urging people to `` stay alert '' , with those who can not work from home now encouraged to go back to work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a traffic light system for easing the restrictions .
In the `` red zone '' , there will be `` some small additional things that people will be able to do '' , he told Sky News .
`` It will not look very different , the lockdown , but it will be the first cautious steps , '' Mr Drakeford continued .
`` We 'll track those really carefully , to make sure they 're not resulting in coronavirus beginning to spread again in Wales .
`` If we succeed in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the amber zone , there will be quite a bit more that people will be able to do .
`` Again , we 'll track that very carefully and monitor it for a time .
`` If that is successful , we 'll be in the green zone and life will begin to look a lot like it did before the coronavirus started , but not completely . ''
The first minister said he only had a `` very small amount of headroom to begin the process of unlocking our economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told Sky News the R rate , how many people on average an infected person goes on to infect , in Wales is around 0.8 .
And he warned : `` Even with the R rate at 0.8 , we think 800 people could die in Wales over the next three months because of coronavirus .
`` If that figure were to creep up just a tiny number of decimal points , to 1.1 , that 800 figure would rise to 7,200 .
`` We 've got tiny margins to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are genuinely the difference between life and death for thousands of Welsh citizens . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Welsh Labour leader Mr Drakeford said that unlike Boris Johnson 's government at Westminster , his government would not be providing dates for potential future measures .
`` We debated hard whether it was sensible whether to provide dates and times .
In the end , like Northern Ireland 's government earlier this week , we decided not to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once you provide a date , people get fixated with a date rather than the process you have to go through to make sure it is then safe to take those measures .
`` It 's a sequence , it 's a phased approach , it will give people in Wales a strong sense of what to expect , but not by tying it to specific dates which in a way give it a slightly spurious sense of certainty . ''

Wales is to begin taking its "first cautious steps" in relaxing its coronavirus lockdown, the first minister has told Sky News.
More than 1,100 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Wales.
Image: Mark Drakeford said his government would not be providing dates for potential future measures
But speaking ahead of his address to the nation, he said schools will not be reopening at the start of next month, as could be the case in England, although some pupils could go back before the end of the summer term.
Mr Drakeford said he does not see pubs opening "any time soon" - and stressed the government's advice continues to be for people to stay at home.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are also sticking to this mantra, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken a different approach.
As lockdown measures begin to be relaxed more widely in England, the PM is urging people to "stay alert", with those who cannot work from home now encouraged to go back to work.
The first minister said Wales will adopt a traffic light system for easing the restrictions.
In the "red zone", there will be "some small additional things that people will be able to do", he told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 Antibody test for coronavirus raises hopes
"It will not look very different, the lockdown, but it will be the first cautious steps," Mr Drakeford continued.
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"We'll track those really carefully, to make sure they're not resulting in coronavirus beginning to spread again in Wales.
"If we succeed in that we'll move into the amber zone. In the amber zone, there will be quite a bit more that people will be able to do.
"Again, we'll track that very carefully and monitor it for a time.
"If that is successful, we'll be in the green zone and life will begin to look a lot like it did before the coronavirus started, but not completely."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:15 Should the home nations lift the lockdown together?
The first minister said he only had a "very small amount of headroom to begin the process of unlocking our economy and our society" at this stage.
He told Sky News the R rate, how many people on average an infected person goes on to infect, in Wales is around 0.8.
And he warned: "Even with the R rate at 0.8, we think 800 people could die in Wales over the next three months because of coronavirus.
"If that figure were to creep up just a tiny number of decimal points, to 1.1, that 800 figure would rise to 7,200.
"We've got tiny margins to play with.
"But those tiny margins are genuinely the difference between life and death for thousands of Welsh citizens."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Welsh Labour leader Mr Drakeford said that unlike Boris Johnson's government at Westminster, his government would not be providing dates for potential future measures.
"We debated hard whether it was sensible whether to provide dates and times. In the end, like Northern Ireland's government earlier this week, we decided not to do that.
"Because, in a way, once you provide a date, people get fixated with a date rather than the process you have to go through to make sure it is then safe to take those measures.
"It's a sequence, it's a phased approach, it will give people in Wales a strong sense of what to expect, but not by tying it to specific dates which in a way give it a slightly spurious sense of certainty."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-14--The story behind UK's Zoom democracy - and questions over whether it's working

Coronavirus : The story behind UK 's new Zoom democracy - and questions over whether it 's really working Coronavirus : The story behind UK 's new Zoom democracy - and questions over whether it 's really working Since the COVID-19 crisis escalated , the boisterous shouting of the House of Commons has been replaced by an unusual quiet .
Only 50 MPs can fit in there - at a two-metre distance from each other - and 120 others can join in by videolink .
This is the new `` hybrid '' system which was unveiled last month .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time by pressing a button on their laptops .
An institution not known for its swift adoption of new technology has embraced democracy by Zoom .
Sky News met the small team of people tasked with setting up the system which could hold government to account while observing social distancing .
How will it hold up when the government is already calling for MPs to return to Westminster as soon as next month ?
Peter Bone , the outspoken Tory MP for Wellingborough , is one of those agitating for a return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casework , constituency work .
But scrutinising government is just hopeless , '' he said .
`` You ca n't intervene , you ca n't question a minister during a debate , the government is getting a free ride when it comes to scrutiny . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Legislation , he said , has `` ground to a halt '' as the committees that work on draft laws find it difficult to do so remotely .
As have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of politics .
After coming to parliament on Wednesday to ask Boris Johnson a question , he left the chamber and saw the prime minister .
`` We bumped into each other in the corridor and I was able to talk to him about the issue I wanted to talk to him about .
`` That happens all the time in parliament - getting hold of ministers and bending their ear or talking to colleagues and finding out what they 're thinking . ''
But is this all too high risk ?
MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of March as the COVID-19 crisis was escalating with several members already struck down , before it reached the health secretary and the prime minister .
They partially returned on 21 April with strict social distancing in place , in the narrow corridors and dilapidated offices as well as the chamber .
But this week Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg surprised MPs by announcing that the virtual arrangements should end next week , paving the way for MPs to return at the start of June .
`` How can we say to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back ' , but that we 're not ... is that the right message to give to our constituents ? ''
he said .
`` We are the leaders of our nation and we have a responsibility and that responsibility falls on us to come back but we can observe social distancing . ''
Opposition MPs were horrified , saying hundreds of MPs travelling to and from their constituencies to Westminster every week posed a grave health risk .
The youngest MP , Nadia Whittome , 23 , was only elected for Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family home in Nottingham .
`` I live with my mum and my desk is actually on top of the electric meter , I just open the door and slide my legs under '' , she said .
Dialling into a committee meeting , the former carer said : `` I 'm very glad this virtual parliament has been introduced - I was one of the MPs calling for it .
`` It 's clearly not safe for parliament to return yet but it 's right that we are able to scrutinise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they are making very high stakes decisions .
`` The institution of parliament has always been very 'computer says no ' , but there is nothing to fear from digital democracy . ''
John Angeli , director of parliamentary broadcasting , showed TV cameras behind the scenes of a deserted parliament yesterday .
His small team in the broadcast `` control room '' set up the new system to help MPs participate from home - and be seen on television .
`` It took three or four days to build the design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of days to rehearse before we were live for Prime Minister 's Questions , '' he said .
`` That was a tough day .
It looked smooth but there was a lot of paddling beneath the water .
`` Everyone had an intense sense we were in the middle of a national crisis and members needed to hold ministers to account , and had to be seen to do so . ''
The government decides whether to continue with the virtual system - with the prospect of around 400 MPs returning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to remain at home .
Some MPs are shielding and others including in the devolved nations have refused to go back .
Tensions are running high , and Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has made clear he will suspend proceedings if there is overcrowding .
As workplaces around the country slowly and cautiously open up , parliament will need to decide where it stands on the risk scale .

An institution not known for its swift adoption of new technology has embraced democracy by Zoom.
Coronavirus: The story behind UK's new Zoom democracy - and questions over whether it's really working
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Since the COVID-19 crisis escalated, the boisterous shouting of the House of Commons has been replaced by an unusual quiet.
Only 50 MPs can fit in there - at a two-metre distance from each other - and 120 others can join in by videolink.
This is the new "hybrid" system which was unveiled last month. And this week MPs voted remotely for the first time by pressing a button on their laptops.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 The man who set up UK's Zoom parliament
An institution not known for its swift adoption of new technology has embraced democracy by Zoom.
Sky News met the small team of people tasked with setting up the system which could hold government to account while observing social distancing.
How will it hold up when the government is already calling for MPs to return to Westminster as soon as next month?
Peter Bone, the outspoken Tory MP for Wellingborough, is one of those agitating for a return.
"The technology is fine for casework, constituency work. But scrutinising government is just hopeless," he said.
"You can't intervene, you can't question a minister during a debate, the government is getting a free ride when it comes to scrutiny."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Legislation, he said, has "ground to a halt" as the committees that work on draft laws find it difficult to do so remotely.
As have the personal interactions which grease the wheels of politics. After coming to parliament on Wednesday to ask Boris Johnson a question, he left the chamber and saw the prime minister.
"We bumped into each other in the corridor and I was able to talk to him about the issue I wanted to talk to him about.
"That happens all the time in parliament - getting hold of ministers and bending their ear or talking to colleagues and finding out what they're thinking."
But is this all too high risk?
MPs and peers vacated parliament at the end of March as the COVID-19 crisis was escalating with several members already struck down, before it reached the health secretary and the prime minister.
They partially returned on 21 April with strict social distancing in place, in the narrow corridors and dilapidated offices as well as the chamber.
But this week Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg surprised MPs by announcing that the virtual arrangements should end next week, paving the way for MPs to return at the start of June.
"How can we say to our schoolchildren, 'you're safe going back', but that we're not... is that the right message to give to our constituents?" he said. "We are the leaders of our nation and we have a responsibility and that responsibility falls on us to come back but we can observe social distancing."
Opposition MPs were horrified, saying hundreds of MPs travelling to and from their constituencies to Westminster every week posed a grave health risk.
The youngest MP, Nadia Whittome, 23, was only elected for Labour in December and is working from her family home in Nottingham.
"I live with my mum and my desk is actually on top of the electric meter, I just open the door and slide my legs under", she said.
Dialling into a committee meeting, the former carer said: "I'm very glad this virtual parliament has been introduced - I was one of the MPs calling for it.
"It's clearly not safe for parliament to return yet but it's right that we are able to scrutinise the government properly, particularly during a pandemic as they are making very high stakes decisions.
"The institution of parliament has always been very 'computer says no', but there is nothing to fear from digital democracy."
John Angeli, director of parliamentary broadcasting, showed TV cameras behind the scenes of a deserted parliament yesterday.
His small team in the broadcast "control room" set up the new system to help MPs participate from home - and be seen on television.
"It took three or four days to build the design, then we only had a couple of days to rehearse before we were live for Prime Minister's Questions," he said.
"That was a tough day. It looked smooth but there was a lot of paddling beneath the water.
"Everyone had an intense sense we were in the middle of a national crisis and members needed to hold ministers to account, and had to be seen to do so."
The government decides whether to continue with the virtual system - with the prospect of around 400 MPs returning in two weeks.
Most of their staff are expected to remain at home. Some MPs are shielding and others including in the devolved nations have refused to go back.
Tensions are running high, and Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has made clear he will suspend proceedings if there is overcrowding.
As workplaces around the country slowly and cautiously open up, parliament will need to decide where it stands on the risk scale.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-15--Suddenly, the government isn't so sure the R rate is important

Coronavirus : Suddenly , the government is n't so sure the R rate is important Coronavirus : Suddenly , the government is n't so sure the R rate is important The government announced the R rate has gone up Take the words of the prime minister .
On 30 April , Boris Johnson told the nation that `` keeping the R rate down is absolutely vital to our recovery '' .
Or take the words of Monday 's government document , `` Our Plan to Rebuild '' , which made a point of warning that the R rate was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On this basis , the document suggested , the government was only allowing the smallest of lockdown easing to take place in England .
Today on the advice of the government 's scientific advisory committee SAGE , the government announced the R rate had gone up .
The range , now from 0.7 to 1 , means there is now a chance that the rate of infection has stopped declining in the community .
Suddenly , it feels if the government is n't quite so sure of the central role of the R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R is rising because of the scale of infections in care homes and hospitals , not because it 's going up elsewhere in the community more generally .
And now government advisers appear to be saying to the nation that the R was n't that important a measure anyway .
In response to a question from Sky News at the daily press conference , deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said : `` R is a very standard way of looking and comparing what 's happening and it 's a very important measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for is a reduction in the number of cases and getting rid of the epidemic .
`` That is the focus , not R. R is a representation of what is happening in that fight . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It feels like quite a shift to hear that R is not `` the focus '' .
Meanwhile Matt Hancock seemed to imply he was not perturbed with the idea that the R was no longer below one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tests is that it is n't above one… the data confirms that test '' .
Perhaps a strange mismatch with the wording from Monday 's government document .
This is about health - but also about politics , not least because the leaders of the devolved nations have gone down a different route to Boris Johnson .
In England this weekend you can go where you want .
But Wales is empty because non-essential travel is banned by the Welsh government .
The first minister said the police would stop visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these differences from politicians looking at the same data provided by the same scientific advisers .
If the R continues to go in the wrong direction , it could become more uncomfortable and lockdown could resume in England , no doubt to the satisfaction of the leaders in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .

It feels as if the government isn't quite so sure of the central role of the R rate.
Coronavirus: Suddenly, the government isn't so sure the R rate is important
Take the words of the prime minister. On 30 April, Boris Johnson told the nation that "keeping the R rate down is absolutely vital to our recovery".
Or take the words of Monday's government document, "Our Plan to Rebuild", which made a point of warning that the R rate was "potentially only just below 1".
On this basis, the document suggested, the government was only allowing the smallest of lockdown easing to take place in England.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Hancock: R rate 'not likely' to be above 1
On the advice of the government's scientific advisory committee SAGE, the government announced on Friday evening that the R rate had gone up.
The range, now from 0.7 to 1, means there is now a chance that the rate of infection has stopped declining in the community.
Suddenly, it feels if the government isn't quite so sure of the central role of the R rate.
Government scientific advisers stress the R is rising because of the scale of infections in care homes and hospitals, not because it's going up elsewhere in the community more generally.
And now government advisers appear to be saying to the nation that the R wasn't that important a measure anyway.
In response to a question from Sky News at the daily press conference, deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said: "R is a very standard way of looking and comparing what's happening and it's a very important measure but the real outcome that we're looking for is a reduction in the number of cases and getting rid of the epidemic.
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"That is the focus, not R. R is a representation of what is happening in that fight."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It feels like quite a shift to hear that R is not "the focus".
Meanwhile Matt Hancock seemed to imply he was not perturbed with the idea that the R was no longer below one, telling the daily briefing "one of the tests is that it isn't above one… the data confirms that test".
Perhaps a strange mismatch with the wording from Monday's government document.
This is about health - but also about politics, not least because the leaders of the devolved nations have gone down a different route to Boris Johnson.
In England this weekend you can go where you want. But Wales is empty because non-essential travel is banned by the Welsh government.
The first minister said the police would stop visitors once they crossed the border. All these differences from politicians looking at the same data provided by the same scientific advisers.
If the R continues to go in the wrong direction, it could become more uncomfortable and lockdown could resume in England, no doubt to the satisfaction of the leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.