skynewspolitics--2020-01-08--Starmer gets backing of key trade union in race to replace Corbyn

Labour leadership : Starmer gets backing of key trade union in race to replace Corbyn Labour leadership : Starmer gets backing of key trade union in race to replace Corbyn Sir Keir Starmer has been an MP since 2015 Sir Keir Starmer has secured the backing of a key trade union in his bid to become Labour leader .
Unison , the UK 's largest union , said the shadow Brexit secretary would `` bring the party together '' and `` win back the trust '' of voters who abandoned Labour in the general election .
General secretary Dave Prentis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision to get Labour back to the winning ways of the past .
`` He is best placed to take on Boris Johnson , hold his government to account and ensure Labour can return to power and once more change working people 's lives for the better . ''
Speaking to Sky News , Sir Keir said : `` We are at the very very early stages of the race and there are other excellent candidates in this race .
`` We had the first hustings last night , all six of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be up there alongside good colleagues making their case in a very constructive way .
I want that to be the way we run this campaign . ''
Addressing his trade union nomination , and the factions within the Labour movement , he said : `` I have been working with the trade union movement for many years and in recent years on Brexit and many other issues , I shall continue to work in that way .
`` Of course there are differences , we would n't be a party of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences , but I genuinely believe if we put factions on one side and draw together we are so much stronger for it . ''
Unison 's decision came after it was revealed that Sir Keir has enough support among Labour MPs to enter the second stage of the leadership contest to replace Jeremy Corbyn .
The shadow Brexit secretary , who has come out top in early polling , has a total of 24 nominations from his parliamentary colleagues .
The other candidates are , at this stage , some way behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominations , followed by Jess Phillips ( six ) , Lisa Nandy ( two ) , Emily Thornberry ( one ) and Clive Lewis ( zero ) .
Candidates need the backing of 10 % of Labour MPs and MEPs - a total of 212 , making the threshold 22 .
Nominations close next Monday ( 13 January ) and the winner will be declared at the start of April .
Wednesday also saw the first hustings in the race to become the party 's next deputy leader and replace Tom Watson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burgon , Dawn Butler , Rosena Allin-Khan and Khalid Mahmood are all standing for the role .


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--No leadership bid for Gardiner as four Labour MPs secure enough backers

Labour leadership : Gardiner wo n't make bid as four Labour MPs secure enough backers to formally run Labour leadership : Gardiner wo n't make bid as four Labour MPs secure enough backers to formally run Barry Gardiner has confirmed he will not be running for leader after four of his colleagues secured enough nominations to formally run for the top job .
Sir Keir Starmer had already got over the line , and now so has Rebecca Long-Bailey , Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy .
Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis trail , with seven and four nominations each .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Gardiner , who had been weighing up his position , released a statement confirming he would not run .
He said : `` I want to thank all my colleagues as well as the party activists and members of the public who encouraged me to stand for the Labour leadership .
`` I am now clear that at this late stage I can not secure sufficient nominations to proceed to the next round .
I have therefore decided not to stand for the leadership at this time .
`` I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whichever of my colleagues has the honour of leading our party forward to win the next General Election . ''
MPs running in the leadership campaign can be nominated by fellow MPs and by MEPs .
They need 22 to secure a place on the ballot paper .
Mr Lewis has nominated himself , as have Ms Nandy , Ms Phillips and Ms Long-Bailey .
Angela Rayner remains the only deputy leadership candidate to pass the threshold , but Ian Murray is close , having secured 20 .
The proposed candidates have until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to run and those with enough may well continue to add names to the list to beef up support .
The final count will be announced at 5.30pm on Monday .
Ms Long-Bailey has 26 nominations , and Ms Nandy and Ms Phillips both have 22 .
Earlier , Ms Thornberry said she would give Jeremy Corbyn a 10/10 for `` firing up the party '' , but a zero for his election performance .
Her stark rating was in contrast to Corbyn ally Ms Long-Bailey who raised eyebrows when she rated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Gardiner 's potential bid emerged on Wednesday night , and he confirmed he has been thinking about it , even though he is currently in Abu Dhabi .
He and Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey were forced to deny they had been discussing his bid , with Mr McCluskey refuted news he had asked Mr Gardiner to stand .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The winner of the leadership and deputy leadership contest will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference .

Barry Gardiner has confirmed he will not be running for leader after four of his colleagues secured enough nominations to formally run for the top job.
Sir Keir Starmer had already got over the line, and now so has Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy.
Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis trail, with seven and four nominations each.
A few hours after it was confirmed, Mr Gardiner, who had been weighing up his position, released a statement confirming he would not run.
He said: "I want to thank all my colleagues as well as the party activists and members of the public who encouraged me to stand for the Labour leadership.
"I am now clear that at this late stage I cannot secure sufficient nominations to proceed to the next round. I have therefore decided not to stand for the leadership at this time.
"I will continue to serve the party loyally under whichever of my colleagues has the honour of leading our party forward to win the next general election."
MPs running in the leadership campaign can be nominated by fellow MPs and by MEPs. They need 22 to secure a place on the ballot paper.
Mr Lewis has nominated himself, as have Ms Nandy, Ms Phillips and Ms Long-Bailey.
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Angela Rayner remains the only deputy leadership candidate to pass the threshold, but Ian Murray is close, having secured 20.
The proposed candidates have until 13 January to secure the nominations they need to run and those with enough may well continue to add names to the list to beef up support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Corbyn rated '0 out of 10' for election
The final count will be announced at 5.30pm on Monday.
Ms Long-Bailey has 26 nominations, and Ms Nandy and Ms Phillips both have 22.
Earlier, Ms Thornberry said she would give Jeremy Corbyn a 10/10 for "firing up the party", but a zero for his election performance.
Her stark rating was in contrast to Corbyn ally Ms Long-Bailey who raised eyebrows when she rated the outgoing leader 10/10.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Long-Bailey: 'I'm nobody's continuity candidate'
News of Mr Gardiner's potential bid emerged on Wednesday night, and he confirmed he has been thinking about it, even though he is currently in Abu Dhabi.
He and Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey were forced to deny they had been discussing his bid, with Mr McCluskey refuted news he had asked Mr Gardiner to stand.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The winner of the leadership and deputy leadership contest will be announced on 4 April at a special conference.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-08--Draft agreement to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland

The British and Irish governments have tabled a draft agreement to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland , three years after it collapsed .
The two largest parties , Sinn Fein and the DUP , have been locked in talks this week .
Simon Coveney , speaking for the Irish government , said : `` We have worked tirelessly through some extremely complicated issues . ''
He urged `` all political leaders and their teams to grab this opportunity and get back to work '' and he said the deal is `` filled with compromises '' which are fair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland .
Endorsing the deal , he added : `` The past three years have been difficult ... we need to move on . ''
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland , Julian Smith , said he believes `` there is something in this new deal for everyone '' .
He continued : `` Earlier tonight , I spoke to the UK prime minister , Boris Johnson and he and I agreed that the document that we have published here tonight - the result of many months of hard work by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair and balanced deal for all the citizens of Northern Ireland .
`` This deal means that the assembly here , can get back up and running tomorrow .
`` It means that nurses , who have been on strike for the first time in 103 years can achieve pay parity .
`` But more than this , it guarantees that the Good Friday Agreement , signed over 20 years ago , is protected and is respected .
The resignation of the late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness three years ago triggered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and endless rounds of talks have failed to resolve differences .
Both the UK and Irish governments had outlined their proposals to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland to the DUP and Sinn Fein .
DUP leader Arlene Foster said the deal represents a `` fair and balanced way '' to restore powersharing - but added that it was `` not a perfect deal '' .
She continued : `` There are elements within it which we recognise are the product of long negotiations and represent compromise outcomes .
There will always need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fein has said its ruling council will meet on Friday to consider the deal .
President Mary Lou McDonald said : `` The governments have chosen to publish this text which we have received in the last hour .
`` We are studying the text and will give it careful consideration .
`` The Sinn Fein Ard Chomhairle ( ruling council ) will meet tomorrow to fully assess it . ''
Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken said : `` We will consider this complex and far-reaching document carefully and consult widely within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He continued : `` If the Assembly is recalled on Friday , the Ulster Unionist Party MLAs will attend and consider the business put before them .
`` The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to a return of devolution that is fair and sustainable . ''
The latest developments at Stormont came after Boris Johnson , addressing the Commons at Prime Minister 's Questions earlier this week , urged the region 's politicians to `` take responsibility '' and get the institutions up and running again .
Ongoing strikes by health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to a devolved Assembly .
Thousands of nurses stood on picket lines at hospitals across Northern Ireland on Wednesday amid a dispute over pay and staffing shortages .
One of them , Anne Waterman , 60 - a staff nurse demonstrating outside the Ulster Hospital , which is less than a mile from the gates of Stormon - had a message to politicians .
She said : `` If I was to stop working for three years I would not be getting paid , I think politicians here really have to step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us and support us because we do not know what else to do . ''
The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 following a row about a botched green energy scheme .
The dispute subsequently grew to include more traditional disagreements on matters including the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles .
Proposed legislative protections for Irish language speakers and reform of a contentious Stormont voting mechanism - called the petition of concern - have been the crucial sticking points in the most recent talks process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK general election last month .
Sinn Fein has previously demanded a stand-alone Irish Language Act as a prerequisite of any deal to restore devolution .
The DUP has expressed a willingness to legislate to protect the language , but only as part of broader culture laws which also include the Ulster Scots tradition .
The long-running row has boiled down to whether new laws are contained in a stand-alone Bill or as part of a wider piece of legislation .

Northern Ireland's devolved government could be restored today following three years at loggerheads after one of the two main parties backed a draft agreement.
The DUP backed the agreement tabled by the British and Irish governments late on Thursday night in an attempt to restore the government three years after it broke down.
Northern Ireland's other largest party, Sinn Fein, now has to sign up to the deal.
Sky News understands the nationalist party will give the go-ahead on Friday afternoon - or Saturday at the latest - after being locked in talks with the DUP all this week.
The new proposal does not include a standalone act protecting the Irish language - something Sinn Fein have insisted on.
However, it does contain other significant legislation to protect the language, such as the appointment of a commissioner.
DUP leader Arlene Foster could be sworn in as first minister this evening, and Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill as deputy first minister, said Sky's senior Ireland correspondent.
Simon Coveney, speaking for the Irish government, said they had "worked tirelessly through some extremely complicated issues".
Image: Simon Coveney (left) and Julian Smith said the deal was a result of months of hard work
He urged "all political leaders and their teams to grab this opportunity and get back to work" and said the deal was "filled with compromises" which were fair and in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland.
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Endorsing the deal, he added: "The past three years have been difficult... we need to move on."
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith, said he believed "there is something in this new deal for everyone".
Speaking on Thursday night, he said: "Earlier tonight, I spoke to the UK prime minister Boris Johnson and he and I agreed that the document that we have published here tonight - the result of many months of hard work by the the two governments - represents a fair and balanced deal for all the citizens of Northern Ireland.
"This deal means that the assembly here, can get back up and running tomorrow (Friday).
"It means that nurses, who have been on strike for the first time in 103 years can achieve pay parity.
"But more than this, it guarantees that the Good Friday Agreement, signed over 20 years ago, is protected and is respected."
Image: Martin McGuinness resigned in 2017, which triggered the collapse of Stormont
The resignation of the late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness three years ago triggered the collapse of the devolved institutions at Stormont and endless rounds of talks have failed to resolve differences.
Both the UK and Irish governments had outlined their proposals to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland to the DUP and Sinn Fein.
DUP leader Arlene Foster said the deal represented a "fair and balanced way" to restore powersharing but that it was "not a perfect deal".
She said: "There are elements within it which we recognise are the product of long negotiations and represent compromise outcomes. There will always need to be give and take."
Image: DUP leader Arlene Foster has backed the draft deal
Sinn Fein has said its ruling council will meet on Friday to consider the deal.
President Mary Lou McDonald said: "The governments have chosen to publish this text which we have received in the last hour.
"We are studying the text and will give it careful consideration.
"The Sinn Fein Ard Chomhairle (ruling council) will meet tomorrow to fully assess it."
Image: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she is considering the deal
Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken said: "We will consider this complex and far-reaching document carefully and consult widely within our party before making any further comments".
He continued: "If the Assembly is recalled on Friday, the Ulster Unionist Party MLAs will attend and consider the business put before them.
"The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to a return of devolution that is fair and sustainable."
Image: Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken said his party is 'committed to a return of devolution that is fair and sustainable'
The latest developments at Stormont came after Mr Johnson, addressing the Commons at Prime Minister's Questions earlier this week, urged the region's politicians to "take responsibility" and get the institutions up and running again.
Ongoing strikes by health workers have added pressure on leaders to return to a devolved Assembly.
Thousands of nurses stood on picket lines at hospitals across Northern Ireland on Wednesday amid a dispute over pay and staffing shortages.
One of them, Anne Waterman, 60 - a staff nurse demonstrating outside the Ulster Hospital, which is less than a mile from the gates of Stormont - had a message to politicians.
She said: "If I was to stop working for three years I would not be getting paid, I think politicians here really have to step up to the mark, speak up for us and support us because we do not know what else to do."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Nurses in Northern Ireland stage a walkout
The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 following a row about a botched green energy scheme.
The dispute subsequently grew to include more traditional disagreements on matters including the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles.
Proposed legislative protections for Irish language speakers and reform of a contentious Stormont voting mechanism - called the petition of concern - have been the crucial sticking points in the most recent talks, which got under way following the general election last month.
Sinn Fein had previously demanded a stand-alone Irish Language Act as a prerequisite of any deal to restore devolution.
The DUP expressed a willingness to legislate to protect the language, but only as part of broader culture laws which also include the Ulster Scots tradition.
The long-running row has boiled down to whether new laws are contained in a stand-alone bill or as part of a wider piece of legislation.
Analysis: 'Brewing optimism powersharing will be restored today'
By David Blevins, senior Ireland correspondent
There is a brewing optimism Sinn Fein will be prepared to sign up to the deal on the table because really they have little option if they want powersharing to be restored by today, or tomorrow at the latest.
The party has always demanded there should be a standalone Irish language act. The DUP has always insisted that issue should not be elevated above other issues about culture and identity.
The proposals do not contain a standalone act but there is meaty legislation to protect Irish language speakers, including the appointment of a commissioner.
So, it's the usual smoke and mirrors we see so often in these negotiations, where the DUP will say it isn't an act and Sinn Fein will say it is by any other name - but that's a harder sell for Sinn Fein.
They can argue the other contentious issue around how Stormont functions has been resolved, - there are going to be significant changes to controversial cross-community voting mechanism to ensure it is not a veto that can be used by the DUP alone.
Some people are describing these proposals as a score draw for the DUP and Sinn Fein.
If we can get both parties over the line by the end of today - and that's what both parties are hoping for - then the speaker may convene a session of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the first time in three years.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--Johnson's Brexit deal one step closer as it clears Commons hurdle

Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal one step closer as it clears House of Commons hurdle Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal one step closer as it clears House of Commons hurdle Boris Johnson 's deal is over the next hurdle Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal has cleared the Commons , taking the prime minister one step closer to his commitment to `` get Brexit done '' .
After three days of debate and several defeated amendments , MPs voted to pass the Withdrawal Agreement Bill through committee stage and third reading by 330 votes to 231 .
It will now go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been warned by the prime minister not to make any changes to his bill , which would slow the process down .
If the bill goes through the Lords without any changes , it can progress to Royal Assent .
But if the Lords makes amendments , these would have to be considered in the Commons .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` The country did deliver a very clear message that they want Brexit to be resolved . ''
While the prime minister has secured a strong majority in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same advantage in the upper chamber , and while Theresa May was leader , the Lords repeatedly dealt blows to her administration .
But the PM 's spokesman said today 's result was a `` significant positive step '' to the target .
Downing St has said it is ready to begin negotiations for a trade deal to be in place by December 2020 , which is when the transition period will end .
But Brussels has been less sure that a deal will be finalised on the ambitious timeline , with new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK would have to prioritise elements of the deal .
The chief negotiator Michel Barnier has also said the UK 's market access could be limited unless it agreed to conditions on subsidies .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said : `` If the UK wants an open link with us for the products - zero tariffs , zero quotas - we need to be careful about zero dumping at the same time .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be correctly understood by everybody .
We will ask necessarily certain conditions on state aid policy in the UK . ''
He added : `` We can not expect to agree on every aspect of this new partnership .
We are ready to do our best in the 11 months . ''
Before the bill was passed , another amendment was defeated in the Commons .
The SNP 's amendment for the bill to fall because the Scottish Parliament refused its consent was rejected .
Announcing the bill for its final reading , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the bill going through the reading would `` once and for all deliver on the mandate given to us not once , but twice , in June 2016 and December 2019 '' .
Mr Barclay faced one interjection during his speech , as Mark Francois , a Brexiteer MP , raised the question of whether Big Ben will strike at 11pm on 31 January to mark the moment Britain leaves the EU .
He was told it would be for the House authorities to decide .

Boris Johnson's Brexit deal has cleared the Commons, taking the prime minister one step closer to his commitment to "get Brexit done".
After three days of debate and several defeated amendments, MPs voted to pass the Withdrawal Agreement Bill through committee stage and third reading by 330 votes to 231.
It will now go to the House of Lords where members have been warned by the prime minister not to make any changes to his bill, which would slow the process down.
If the bill goes through the Lords without any changes, it can progress to Royal Assent.
But if the Lords makes amendments, these would have to be considered in the Commons.
Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "The country did deliver a very clear message that they want Brexit to be resolved."
While the prime minister has secured a strong majority in the Commons, he does not enjoy the same advantage in the upper chamber, and while Theresa May was leader, the Lords repeatedly dealt blows to her administration.
But the PM's spokesman said today's result was a "significant positive step" to the target.
Downing St has said it is ready to begin negotiations for a trade deal to be in place by December 2020, which is when the transition period will end.
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But Brussels has been less sure that a deal will be finalised on the ambitious timeline, with new European Commission chief saying the bloc and the UK would have to prioritise elements of the deal.
The chief negotiator Michel Barnier has also said the UK's market access could be limited unless it agreed to conditions on subsidies.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He said: "If the UK wants an open link with us for the products - zero tariffs, zero quotas - we need to be careful about zero dumping at the same time.
"I hope that this point is and will be correctly understood by everybody. We will ask necessarily certain conditions on state aid policy in the UK."
He added: "We cannot expect to agree on every aspect of this new partnership. We are ready to do our best in the 11 months."
Before the bill was passed, another amendment was defeated in the Commons. The SNP's amendment for the bill to fall because the Scottish Parliament refused its consent was rejected.
Labour abstained from the vote.
Announcing the bill for its final reading, Steve Barclay, the Brexit secretary, said the bill going through the reading would "once and for all deliver on the mandate given to us not once, but twice, in June 2016 and December 2019".
Mr Barclay faced one interjection during his speech, as Mark Francois, a Brexiteer MP, raised the question of whether Big Ben will strike at 11pm on 31 January to mark the moment Britain leaves the EU.
He was told it would be for the House authorities to decide.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--Thornberry gives Jeremy Corbyn a 'zero' for his election performance

Labour leadership hopeful Emily Thornberry has said she would give Jeremy Corbyn a 10/10 for `` firing up the party '' , but a zero for his election performance .
Mr Corbyn led Labour to its worst performance in terms of number of seats since the 1930s last month , with the party losing more than 50 MPs .
He will step down as leader later this year , with a crowded field vying to replace him .
Corbyn ally Rebecca Long-Bailey is one of those standing .
The shadow business secretary had raised eyebrows in some quarters when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she would give Mr Corbyn 's leadership a `` 10 out of 10 '' .
Asked to give her rating , Ms Thornberry was far less effusive .
The shadow foreign secretary said : `` I remain convinced that Jeremy is not antisemitic , but clearly we completely failed when it came to dealing with antisemitism in the party .
`` That was a failure of leadership and Jeremy knows my views on this .
`` I 'm afraid I would not give him more than two out of 10 in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to principle , bringing the people into the party , firing up the party , bringing us back to speaking from our hearts , I 'd give him 10 out of 10 .
`` Losing an election is probably the most important thing by which you would measure a leader and obviously we lost very , very badly .
`` On that basis , I would give him on that a 0 out of 10 .
What else could I do ? ''
As well as Ms Thornberry and Ms Long-Bailey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jess Phillips , Lisa Nandy and Clive Lewis .
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner is also considering entering the race .
Nominations close on Monday , with the winner announced in early April .
Sir Keir is seen as the early frontrunner and has the most nominations from MPs and MEPs .
He has said Labour can `` forge a path to victory '' at the next election , provided it sets aside divisions and `` factionalism '' .
Sir Keir was speaking during a visit to the headquarters of Unison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` I do believe that we can be an effective opposition , that we can take the challenge to Boris Johnson , that we can restore trust in our party .
But we can only do that if we unite , if we put factionalism on one side .
`` I want to be able to pull our party together so we are all in one team batting together .
`` We have lost four elections in a row .
`` If you lose an election you are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are not changing lives .
So we have got to focus on forging that path to victory .
`` You do that not by trashing the last Labour government , not by trashing everything that has happened since 2015 , but by focusing relentlessly on the future . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , Mr Lewis has said there would be `` no question '' of Labour opposing a second Scottish independence referendum .
The MP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as an English MP to `` dictate to Scotland '' .
By contrast , Ms Phillips outlined her opposition to a second independence referendum on Twitter .
She said there was `` no circumstance '' in which she would think it would be better for Scotland to leave the UK .

Labour leadership hopeful Emily Thornberry has said she would give Jeremy Corbyn a 10/10 for "firing up the party", but a zero for his election performance.
Mr Corbyn led Labour to its worst performance in terms of number of seats since the 1930s last month, with the party losing more than 50 MPs.
He will step down as leader later this year, with a crowded field vying to replace him.
Image: Emily Thornberry wasn't enthusiastic when asked about Jeremy Corbyn's performance
Corbyn ally Rebecca Long-Bailey is one of those standing.
The shadow business secretary had raised eyebrows in some quarters when she said in an interview earlier this week that she would give Mr Corbyn's leadership a "10 out of 10".
Asked to give her rating, Ms Thornberry was far less effusive.
The shadow foreign secretary said: "I remain convinced that Jeremy is not antisemitic, but clearly we completely failed when it came to dealing with antisemitism in the party.
"That was a failure of leadership and Jeremy knows my views on this.
"I'm afraid I would not give him more than two out of 10 in relation to that.
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"But when it comes to principle, bringing the people into the party, firing up the party, bringing us back to speaking from our hearts, I'd give him 10 out of 10.
"Losing an election is probably the most important thing by which you would measure a leader and obviously we lost very, very badly.
"On that basis, I would give him on that a 0 out of 10. What else could I do?"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 December: Thornberry enters Labour leadership race
As well as Ms Thornberry and Ms Long-Bailey, the other candidates are Sir Keir Starmer, Jess Phillips, Lisa Nandy and Clive Lewis.
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner is also considering entering the race.
Nominations close on Monday, with the winner announced in early April.
Sir Keir is seen as the early frontrunner and has the most nominations from MPs and MEPs.
He has said Labour can "forge a path to victory" at the next election, provided it sets aside divisions and "factionalism".
Sir Keir was speaking during a visit to the headquarters of Unison, which backed his candidacy on Wednesday.
He said: "I do believe that we can be an effective opposition, that we can take the challenge to Boris Johnson, that we can restore trust in our party. But we can only do that if we unite, if we put factionalism on one side.
"Divided parties don't win elections, united parties win elections.
"I want to be able to pull our party together so we are all in one team batting together.
"We have lost four elections in a row.
"If you lose an election you are in opposition, if you are in opposition you are not changing lives. So we have got to focus on forging that path to victory.
"You do that not by trashing the last Labour government, not by trashing everything that has happened since 2015, but by focusing relentlessly on the future."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, Mr Lewis has said there would be "no question" of Labour opposing a second Scottish independence referendum.
The MP for Norwich South said it was not for him as an English MP to "dictate to Scotland".
By contrast, Ms Phillips outlined her opposition to a second independence referendum on Twitter.
She said there was "no circumstance" in which she would think it would be better for Scotland to leave the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--'End of the line' for Northern Rail as campaigners welcome review

'End of the line ' for Northern Rail as campaigners welcome review 'End of the line ' for Northern Rail as campaigners welcome review The Northern Rail franchise will likely end soon The UK transport secretary has said it 's the `` end of the line '' for Northern Rail , as a new government review into the company 's finances shows it can only support operations for a `` few more months '' .
Grant Shapps told Sky News : `` At the end of January I 'll announce exactly how we 're going to take things forward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not a moment too soon .
`` Things wo n't change overnight , but this will be the start of a better railway . ''
In the past 12 months , only 56 % of Northern Rail 's trains have arrived within a minute of their scheduled arrival time , well below the UK average .
And in 2018 , changes to timetables and industrial action led to widespread cancellations .
The new financial forecast means the company could be put onto a new short-term arrangement , or the government could remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The review has been welcomed by campaigners who have been calling on the government to strip Arriva , Northern Rail 's parent company , of the franchise .
`` We need to move this on , we ca n't continue like this , '' Judith Blake , leader of Leeds City Council , told Sky News .
`` The travelling public are at the end of their tether , they 've really had enough . ''
But Chris Burchell , managing director of UK Trains for Arriva , told Sky News : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the franchise was developed that critical infrastructure projects would be delivered to enable growth and support capacity demands .
`` Many of these have either been delayed or cancelled . ''
`` These challenges will continue to affect services irrespective of who is running them . ''
The perils of relying on trains for reporting on them We were reporting from Leeds Central Station on Thursday .
It 's one of the busiest stations in the north , with an average 31m passengers a year .
But if you think it 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd be wrong .
We organised an interview , at the station , with Sarah Longlands .
She 's the head of a northern research think-tank , based in Manchester .
`` Can you make it here before 3.30pm ? ''
we asked .
`` Sure !
It 's only midday .
No problem ! ''
she said .
Sarah 's office was right next to Manchester Piccadilly station , so she planned to hop on the next train to Leeds which should , normally , take just over an hour .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the length of the London Underground 's Central line .
It should be easy , to get between two big northern cities .
Can you see where this is headed ?
`` I 'm at the station and for God 's sake , it 's just ridiculous ! ''
she said .
Three trains were delayed , others cancelled .
Getting to us , by train and on time , just was n't going to happen .
So we ended up doing the interview over the phone , which was a shame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Rail was really interesting .
`` It 's the true the franchise is only part of the problem , '' she said .
`` There has to be more investment in infrastructure too .
`` But really , can it be so difficult to get a train to run on time ? ''
Or even , simply , at all ?

The UK transport secretary has said it's the "end of the line" for Northern Rail, as a new government review into the company's finances shows it can only support operations for a "few more months".
Grant Shapps told Sky News: "At the end of January I'll announce exactly how we're going to take things forward.
"And in my mind, it's not a moment too soon.
Image: Grant Shapps said there will be plans in place by the end of the month
"Things won't change overnight, but this will be the start of a better railway."
In the past 12 months, only 56% of Northern Rail's trains have arrived within a minute of their scheduled arrival time, well below the UK average.
And in 2018, changes to timetables and industrial action led to widespread cancellations.
Image: In the past 12 months, only 56% of Northern Rail's trains have arrived within a minute of their scheduled arrival time
The new financial forecast means the company could be put onto a new short-term arrangement, or the government could remove its franchise completely and appoint an operator-of-last-resort.
The review has been welcomed by campaigners who have been calling on the government to strip Arriva, Northern Rail's parent company, of the franchise.
"We need to move this on, we can't continue like this," Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, told Sky News.
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Image: Judith Blake said Northern Rail can't continue like this
"The travelling public are at the end of their tether, they've really had enough."
But Chris Burchell, managing director of UK Trains for Arriva, told Sky News: "Assumptions were given when the plan for the franchise was developed that critical infrastructure projects would be delivered to enable growth and support capacity demands.
"Many of these have either been delayed or cancelled."
"These challenges will continue to affect services irrespective of who is running them."
The perils of relying on trains for reporting on them
Eyewitness by Katerina Vittozzi
We were reporting from Leeds Central Station on Thursday.
It's one of the busiest stations in the north, with an average 31m passengers a year.
But if you think it'd be easy to get here, you'd be wrong.
We organised an interview, at the station, with Sarah Longlands. She's the head of a northern research think-tank, based in Manchester.
Image: Sarah Longlands was unable to do the 35-mile journey because trains were cancelled
"Can you make it here before 3.30pm?" we asked.
"Sure! It's only midday. No problem!" she said.
Sarah's office was right next to Manchester Piccadilly station, so she planned to hop on the next train to Leeds which should, normally, take just over an hour.
After all, it's only 35 miles, the length of the London Underground's Central line.
It should be easy, to get between two big northern cities.
On a week day.
At a normal time.
Should be.
Can you see where this is headed?
90 minutes later, Sarah called us back.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"I'm at the station and for God's sake, it's just ridiculous!" she said.
Three trains were delayed, others cancelled. Getting to us, by train and on time, just wasn't going to happen.
So we ended up doing the interview over the phone, which was a shame because what she had to say about Northern Rail was really interesting.
"It's the true the franchise is only part of the problem," she said. "There has to be more investment in infrastructure too.
"But really, can it be so difficult to get a train to run on time?"
Or even, simply, at all?


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--MP reports member of House of Lords to police after he 'called her queer'

SNP MP reports member of House of Lords to police after he 'called her queer' SNP MP reports member of House of Lords to police after he 'called her queer' A gay MP has reported a member of the House of Lords to the police after he called her `` queer '' .
Hannah Bardell , who is an SNP MP , told the Commons on Wednesday that she had seen Lord Ken Maginnis abuse security staff when he forgot his pass after turning up to work on the first day back from Christmas recess .
When the Huffington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their reporter recorded him responding : `` Queers like Ms Bardell do n't particularly annoy me .
OK , she 's got her cheap publicity out of it . ''
In the Commons on Thursday , Ms Bardell said : `` I 'm sorry to say that the member from the other place ( the House of Lords ) who I have complained about has now launched a homophobic attack on me in the press .
`` This will be reported to the police and I know that I and others consider this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Maginnis had told the BBC he did not use the word , but the Huffington Post released the audio .
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs : `` The attack on the honourable lady was unutterably disgraceful and she is clearly owed an apology by the noble lord for what he said about her .
`` I think everybody who heard about that was shocked by the comments that he is reported to have made and has not denied .
`` I think they are really appalling , and I know we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other house , the other place , except on a specific motion , but I think under these circumstances we are allowed to stretch the rules . ''
Lord Fowler , the Lord Speaker , said the language had `` no place in parliament '' and added : `` We are working hard to build an inclusive and respectful environment , and behaviour such as this totally undermines our collective efforts .
`` Security on the parliamentary estate is everyone 's responsibility .
Any disregard for security rules is against the interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do a difficult job with the utmost professionalism and deserve support from all members . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Bardell had recalled the incident on Wednesday after PMQs , saying : `` Yesterday , on re-entering the building for the first time after Christmas , I witnessed one of the worst cases of abuse of security staff that I have seen in my time here .
`` One of the members of the other place - who I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody else : Lord Ken Maginnis - had forgotten his pass , something we 've all been guilty of .
`` However , instead of taking the advice of the security staff - who , as we all know , are here for our security and our safety - he proceeded to verbally abuse and shout at both the members of staff , calling them 'crooked ' , saying 'did they not know who he was , he 'd been here 46 years ' , and refusing to take the advice and assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the police that then attended . ''
A Met Police spokesman said : `` The Met 's Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team is looking into an allegation of hate crime at the House of Commons made to them on Thursday , 9 January . ''
Lord Maginnis was formerly an Ulster Unionist Party MP and then represented the party in the Lords .
He resigned his membership in 2012 after the leadership distanced themselves from him because he referred to gay marriage as `` unnatural and deviant behaviour '' .
His affiliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since July 2013 .

A gay MP has reported a member of the House of Lords to the police after he called her "queer".
Hannah Bardell, who is an SNP MP, told the Commons on Wednesday that she had seen Lord Ken Maginnis abuse security staff when he forgot his pass after turning up to work on the first day back from Christmas recess.
When the Huffington Post went to Lord Maginnis for comment, their reporter recorded him responding: "Queers like Ms Bardell don't particularly annoy me. OK, she's got her cheap publicity out of it."
Image: Lord Ken Maginnis was accused of verbally abusing security staff
In the Commons on Thursday, Ms Bardell said: "I'm sorry to say that the member from the other place (the House of Lords) who I have complained about has now launched a homophobic attack on me in the press.
"This will be reported to the police and I know that I and others consider this to be a hate crime."
Lord Maginnis had told the BBC he did not use the word, but the Huffington Post released the audio.
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs: "The attack on the honourable lady was unutterably disgraceful and she is clearly owed an apology by the noble lord for what he said about her.
"I think everybody who heard about that was shocked by the comments that he is reported to have made and has not denied.
"I think they are really appalling, and I know we are not allowed to criticise members of the other house, the other place, except on a specific motion, but I think under these circumstances we are allowed to stretch the rules."
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Image: She said she witnessed the member of the House of Lords being verbally abusive to staff
Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said the language had "no place in parliament" and added: "We are working hard to build an inclusive and respectful environment, and behaviour such as this totally undermines our collective efforts.
"Security on the parliamentary estate is everyone's responsibility. Any disregard for security rules is against the interests of us all. Our security staff do a difficult job with the utmost professionalism and deserve support from all members."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Bardell had recalled the incident on Wednesday after PMQs, saying: "Yesterday, on re-entering the building for the first time after Christmas, I witnessed one of the worst cases of abuse of security staff that I have seen in my time here.
"One of the members of the other place - who I will name so as not to incriminate anybody else: Lord Ken Maginnis - had forgotten his pass, something we've all been guilty of.
"However, instead of taking the advice of the security staff - who, as we all know, are here for our security and our safety - he proceeded to verbally abuse and shout at both the members of staff, calling them 'crooked', saying 'did they not know who he was, he'd been here 46 years', and refusing to take the advice and assistance of both myself, the security staff and the police that then attended."
A Met Police spokesman said: "The Met's Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team is looking into an allegation of hate crime at the House of Commons made to them on Thursday, 9 January."
Lord Maginnis was formerly an Ulster Unionist Party MP and then represented the party in the Lords.
He resigned his membership in 2012 after the leadership distanced themselves from him because he referred to gay marriage as "unnatural and deviant behaviour".
His affiliation has been listed as Independent Ulster Unionist since July 2013.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--MPs to get 20 extra days off from Commons this year

MPs to get 20 extra days off from Commons this year MPs to get 20 extra days off from Commons this year Jacob Rees-Mogg is in charge of the timetable MPs will get an extra month away from the Commons this year compared to 2019 as the timetable reveals more recess days .
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg unveiled a timetable with 63 recess weekdays between now and September , an increase from 43 in the same time period in 2019 .
MPs will get more than three weeks away for party conference season in September too .
Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The extra non-sitting days are about a month 's extra time away from Westminster .
The summer break will be seven weeks , or 34 working days , seven days longer than last year .
MPs will insist they will work on constituency matters when they are in recess .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A Downing Street spokesman said : `` Parliamentary recess dates are a matter for the House and these dates are in line with recess patterns from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The Government set out its ambitious legislative agenda in the Queen 's Speech in December .
Since then we have already worked at pace to introduce 10 bills that deliver on the people 's priorities . ''

MPs will get an extra month away from the Commons this year compared to 2019 as the timetable reveals more recess days.
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg unveiled a timetable with 63 recess weekdays between now and September, an increase from 43 in the same time period in 2019.
MPs will get more than three weeks away for party conference season in September too.
Christmas recess has yet to be announced.
The extra non-sitting days are about a month's extra time away from Westminster. The summer break will be seven weeks, or 34 working days, seven days longer than last year.
MPs will insist they will work on constituency matters when they are in recess.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A Downing Street spokesman said: "Parliamentary recess dates are a matter for the House and these dates are in line with recess patterns from previous years."
The spokesman added: "The Government set out its ambitious legislative agenda in the Queen's Speech in December. Since then we have already worked at pace to introduce 10 bills that deliver on the people's priorities."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-09--Govt's 'town tour' gets off to a shaky start

A tour to promote the Towns Fund was launched in the city of Wolverhampton .
File pic The government 's £3.6bn Towns Fund has got off to a less than stellar start - with a nationwide `` town tour '' to promote it being launched in a city .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick kicked off what officials called a `` countrywide town tour '' in Wolverhampton , which became a city 20 years ago .
Mr Jenrick , who was born there , told Sky News that smaller cities are eligible for funding from the scheme , despite its name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` I turned 18 the year Wolverhampton was made a city , I was living there at the time .
`` I went to Wolverhampton because Wolverhampton is one of the recipients of our Towns Fund . ''
He said eligibility for the fund is `` not as crude as whether one is a city or a town '' .
`` For our Towns Fund , we set the criteria based on population size and that does enable a smaller city like Wolverhampton to benefit . ''
The minister has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas that are getting funding from the programme , which helps towns to build better futures .
Mr Jenrick said : `` People have put their trust in this new government and we 're making an immediate start to serve local communities and deliver real change , through our £3.6bn Towns Fund .
`` I will visit all these areas in the coming months and make sure they 're receiving the practical support and investment they need on the ground . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Jenrick also announced a separate Town of the Year competition - which cities will not be able to enter .
He said the contest , which will begin later this year , will help make the 2020s `` a time of renewal for towns and communities '' .
The aim of the competition will be to celebrate the achievements of towns in areas such as entrepreneurship , technology , community , enterprise and integration .

The government's £3.6bn Towns Fund has got off to a less than stellar start - with a nationwide "town tour" to promote it being launched in a city.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick kicked off what officials called a "countrywide town tour" in Wolverhampton, which became a city 20 years ago.
Mr Jenrick, who was born there, told Sky News that smaller cities are eligible for funding from the scheme, despite its name.
Image: Robert Jenrick has promised to visit all of the 100 areas that are getting funding
Speaking to All Out Politics, he said: "I turned 18 the year Wolverhampton was made a city, I was living there at the time.
"I went to Wolverhampton because Wolverhampton is one of the recipients of our Towns Fund."
He said eligibility for the fund is "not as crude as whether one is a city or a town".
"For our Towns Fund, we set the criteria based on population size and that does enable a smaller city like Wolverhampton to benefit."
The minister has promised to visit all of the 100 areas that are getting funding from the programme, which helps towns to build better futures.
Mr Jenrick said: "People have put their trust in this new government and we're making an immediate start to serve local communities and deliver real change, through our £3.6bn Towns Fund.
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"I will visit all these areas in the coming months and make sure they're receiving the practical support and investment they need on the ground."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Jenrick also announced a separate Town of the Year competition - which cities will not be able to enter.
He said the contest, which will begin later this year, will help make the 2020s "a time of renewal for towns and communities".
The aim of the competition will be to celebrate the achievements of towns in areas such as entrepreneurship, technology, community, enterprise and integration.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-08--N. Ireland government could be restored today after three years

Stormont : Draft agreement means Northern Ireland government could be restored after three years Stormont : Draft agreement means Northern Ireland government could be restored after three years The three-year impasse ended following talks between the UK and Irish government Northern Ireland 's devolved government could be restored today following three years at loggerheads after one of the two main parties backed a draft agreement .
The DUP backed the agreement tabled by the British and Irish governments late on Thursday night in an attempt to restore the government three years after it broke down .
Northern Ireland 's other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to sign up to the deal .
Sky News understands the nationalist party will give the go-ahead on Friday afternoon - or Saturday at the latest - after being locked in talks with the DUP all this week .
The new proposal does not include a standalone act protecting the Irish language - something Sinn Fein have insisted on .
However , it does contain other significant legislation to protect the language , such as the appointment of a commissioner .
DUP leader Arlene Foster could be sworn in as first minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelle O'Neill as deputy first minister , said Sky 's senior Ireland correspondent .
Simon Coveney , speaking for the Irish government , said they had `` worked tirelessly through some extremely complicated issues '' .
He urged `` all political leaders and their teams to grab this opportunity and get back to work '' and said the deal was `` filled with compromises '' which were fair and in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland .
Endorsing the deal , he added : `` The past three years have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland , Julian Smith , said he believed `` there is something in this new deal for everyone '' .
Speaking on Thursday night , he said : `` Earlier tonight , I spoke to the UK prime minister Boris Johnson and he and I agreed that the document that we have published here tonight - the result of many months of hard work by the the two governments - represents a fair and balanced deal for all the citizens of Northern Ireland .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , can get back up and running tomorrow ( Friday ) .
`` It means that nurses , who have been on strike for the first time in 103 years can achieve pay parity .
`` But more than this , it guarantees that the Good Friday Agreement , signed over 20 years ago , is protected and is respected . ''
The resignation of the late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness three years ago triggered the collapse of the devolved institutions at Stormont and endless rounds of talks have failed to resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments had outlined their proposals to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland to the DUP and Sinn Fein .
DUP leader Arlene Foster said the deal represented a `` fair and balanced way '' to restore powersharing but that it was `` not a perfect deal '' .
She said : `` There are elements within it which we recognise are the product of long negotiations and represent compromise outcomes .
There will always need to be give and take . ''
Sinn Fein has said its ruling council will meet on Friday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDonald said : `` The governments have chosen to publish this text which we have received in the last hour .
`` We are studying the text and will give it careful consideration .
`` The Sinn Fein Ard Chomhairle ( ruling council ) will meet tomorrow to fully assess it . ''
Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken said : `` We will consider this complex and far-reaching document carefully and consult widely within our party before making any further comments '' .
He continued : `` If the Assembly is recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLAs will attend and consider the business put before them .
`` The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to a return of devolution that is fair and sustainable . ''
The latest developments at Stormont came after Mr Johnson , addressing the Commons at Prime Minister 's Questions earlier this week , urged the region 's politicians to `` take responsibility '' and get the institutions up and running again .
Ongoing strikes by health workers have added pressure on leaders to return to a devolved Assembly .
Thousands of nurses stood on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday amid a dispute over pay and staffing shortages .
One of them , Anne Waterman , 60 - a staff nurse demonstrating outside the Ulster Hospital , which is less than a mile from the gates of Stormont - had a message to politicians .
She said : `` If I was to stop working for three years I would not be getting paid , I think politicians here really have to step up to the mark , speak up for us and support us because we do not know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government collapsed in January 2017 following a row about a botched green energy scheme .
The dispute subsequently grew to include more traditional disagreements on matters including the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles .
Proposed legislative protections for Irish language speakers and reform of a contentious Stormont voting mechanism - called the petition of concern - have been the crucial sticking points in the most recent talks , which got under way following the general election last month .
Sinn Fein had previously demanded a stand-alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any deal to restore devolution .
The DUP expressed a willingness to legislate to protect the language , but only as part of broader culture laws which also include the Ulster Scots tradition .
The long-running row has boiled down to whether new laws are contained in a stand-alone bill or as part of a wider piece of legislation .
There is a brewing optimism Sinn Fein will be prepared to sign up to the deal on the table because really they have little option if they want powersharing to be restored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The party has always demanded there should be a standalone Irish language act .
The DUP has always insisted that issue should not be elevated above other issues about culture and identity .
The proposals do not contain a standalone act but there is meaty legislation to protect Irish language speakers , including the appointment of a commissioner .
So , it 's the usual smoke and mirrors we see so often in these negotiations , where the DUP will say it is n't an act and Sinn Fein will say it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's a harder sell for Sinn Fein .
They can argue the other contentious issue around how Stormont functions has been resolved , - there are going to be significant changes to controversial cross-community voting mechanism to ensure it is not a veto that can be used by the DUP alone .
Some people are describing these proposals as a score draw for the DUP and Sinn Fein .
If we can get both parties over the line by the end of today - and that 's what both parties are hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a session of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the first time in three years .


skynewspolitics--2020-01-10--Sinn Fein backs deal to restore Northern Ireland powersharing

Sinn Fein says it will re-enter devolved government in NI after a three-year absence Sinn Fein has agreed to back a deal to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland , ending a three-year deadlock .
The nationalist party signed up to the agreement after it was locked in talks with the Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) this week .
Sinn Fein 's endorsement means the two biggest parties will re-enter a mandatory coalition in Belfast , and the Assembly could sit on Saturday .
Peace process structures mean a ministerial executive can only function with the inclusion of the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
Making the announcement on Friday , Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said : `` We now have the basis to restore powersharing , and we 're up for that .
`` There 's no doubt there are serious challenges ahead ; the impact of Brexit , austerity and other pressing issues .
`` But the biggest and most significant challenge will be ensuring we have genuine power sharing build on equality , respect and integrity .
`` I believe that the powersharing government can work .
That requires everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fein was `` committed '' to Irish reunification efforts and to make sure all people across the north and south divide enjoy the same rights .
Sky 's Senior Ireland Correspondent , David Blevins , says he believes three things have made this agreement possible today .
He said : `` Firstly , the fact that the DUP lost its political influence at Westminster following the last general election .
`` The fact that the DUP and Sinn Fein were both punished in that general election .
`` The DUP lost 1-in-6 voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle ground parties , especially the Alliance more than doubled its vote share - and that was viewed by many as a public judgement by the electorate of the failure of those big parties to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland .
`` But I think the most decisive issue was the fact that there is a major health crisis in Northern Ireland .
`` We 've had nurses on the picket lines on strike today , for the third time in a month .
`` So the public patience with the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and the failure to compromise really had run out - and as a result of that , the two big parties were brought back to the negotiating table .
`` They did the serious business that they used to engage in during the Peace Process of hammering out a deal .
`` And last night , the British and Irish governments took the calculated risk to table what they described as a draft agreement - their best hope of seeing powersharing restored in Northern Ireland after a three-year gap '' .
Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a great step forwards for the people of Northern Ireland . ''
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has posted his congratulations , saying the Good Friday Agreement and peace process in Northern Ireland `` is a proud Labour legacy we are committed to support and protect '' .
Minutes after the text of the governments ' proposals were published on Thursday , the DUP 's leader Arlene Foster said it backed the draft agreement , saying it represented a `` fair and balanced way '' to restore powersharing - but that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The wide-ranging deal contains compromise solutions to the disputes at the heart of the three-year impasse , such as legislative provisions for Irish language speakers .
The Sinn Fein president insisted the `` New Decade , New Approach '' agreement was only the beginning , predicting that more gains for language would come in the future .
Ms McDonald also urged those disappointed with provisions outlined in the deal , to `` take heart from the fact that this is now an historic moment because for the first time we have official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon Coveney said `` history has been made '' today , adding that an executive could be formed on Saturday .
Speaking to reporters in Dublin after Sinn Fein backed the deal , he added : `` Of course , that is not the end of the story as we want this to be an all-party executive so I hope that the Alliance Party and SDLP will also be able to join Sinn Fein and the DUP in that new executive .
`` We hope that it may be possible that the executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tomorrow , certainly Monday and to build on the momentum that is being created in the past 24 hours so that people can see positive political activity .
`` People working together and setting an example and signal of positivity and show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together . ''
: : Listen to the New Lines podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith has said : `` A devolved government can now start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
`` After three years , it 's time to get back to work - for the people of Northern Ireland . ''
The deal includes what the UK government has promised will be a major Treasury-funded financial package to tackle a host of problems since talks broke down 36-months ago , including the nurses ' strikes .
Under the terms of the agreement , the new executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists ; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms ; increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers .
The resignation of the late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness three years ago triggered the collapse of the devolved institutions at Stormont .
The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government broke down in January 2017 following a row about a botched green energy scheme .
The dispute subsequently grew to include more traditional disagreements on matters including the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles .

Sinn Fein has agreed to back a deal to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland, ending a three-year deadlock.
The nationalist party signed up to the agreement after it was locked in talks with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) this week.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Sinn Fein's endorsement means the two biggest parties will re-enter a mandatory coalition in Belfast, and the Assembly will sit on Saturday.
Peace process structures mean a ministerial executive can only function with the inclusion of the largest unionist party and largest nationalist party in the region.
Making the announcement on Friday, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said: "We now have the basis to restore power-sharing, and we're up for that.
"There's no doubt there are serious challenges ahead; the impact of Brexit, austerity and other pressing issues.
Image: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (centre), and deputy leader Michelle O'Neill (R)
"But the biggest and most significant challenge will be ensuring we have genuine power sharing build on equality, respect and integrity.
"I believe that the power-sharing government can work. That requires everyone to step up."
She added Sinn Fein was "committed" to Irish reunification efforts and to make sure all people across the north and south divide enjoy the same rights.
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Image: Sinn Fein's backing means power-sharing has returned to Stormont
Sky's senior Ireland correspondent, David Blevins, says he believes three things have made the agreement possible.
He said: "Firstly, the fact that the DUP lost its political influence at Westminster following the last general election.
"The fact that the DUP and Sinn Fein were both punished in that general election.
Image: David Blevins, Sky's Senior Ireland Correspondent at Stormont
"The DUP lost 1-in-6 voters - Sinn Fein lost 1-in-4, while the middle ground parties, especially the Alliance, more than doubled its vote share - and that was viewed by many as a public judgement by the electorate of the failure of those big parties to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
"But I think the most decisive issue was the fact that there is a major health crisis in Northern Ireland.
"We've had nurses on the picket lines on strike today, for the third time in a month.
Image: Thousands of nurses in NI are striking in a row over pay
"So the public patience with the political vacuum and the lack of political progress - and the failure to compromise really had run out - and as a result of that, the two big parties were brought back to the negotiating table.
"They did the serious business that they used to engage in during the Peace Process of hammering out a deal.
"And last night, the British and Irish governments took the calculated risk to table what they described as a draft agreement - their best hope of seeing power-sharing restored in Northern Ireland after a three-year gap".
Boris Johnson tweeted to say: "This is a great step forwards for the people of Northern Ireland."
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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn posted his congratulations, saying the Good Friday Agreement and peace process in Northern Ireland "is a proud Labour legacy we are committed to support and protect".
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Minutes after the text of the governments' proposals were published on Thursday, the DUP's leader Arlene Foster said it backed the draft agreement, saying it represented a "fair and balanced way" to restore power-sharing - but that it was "not a perfect deal".
Image: DUP leader Arlene Foster said it was 'not a perfect deal'
The wide-ranging deal contains compromise solutions to the disputes at the heart of the three-year impasse, such as legislative provisions for Irish language speakers.
The Sinn Fein president insisted the "New Decade, New Approach" agreement was only the beginning, predicting that more gains for language would come in the future.
Ms McDonald also urged those disappointed with provisions outlined in the deal to "take heart from the fact that this is now an historic moment because for the first time we have official recognition".
Image: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald addressed the media at Stormont
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said "history has been made", adding that an executive could be formed on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters in Dublin after Sinn Fein backed the deal, he added: "Of course, that is not the end of the story as we want this to be an all-party executive so I hope that the Alliance Party and SDLP will also be able to join Sinn Fein and the DUP in that new executive.
Image: Irish Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney (L) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith outside Stormont on Thursday
"We hope that it may be possible that the executive will be formed tomorrow, but if not tomorrow, certainly Monday and to build on the momentum that is being created in the past 24 hours so that people can see positive political activity.
"People working together and setting an example and signal of positivity and show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together."
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Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said: "A devolved government can now start delivering the reforms needed in our public services.
"After three years, it's time to get back to work - for the people of Northern Ireland."
The deal includes what the UK government has promised will be a major Treasury-funded financial package to tackle a host of problems since talks broke down 36 months ago, including the nurses' strikes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 DUP: This is a fair and balanced deal
Under the terms of the agreement, the new executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms; increase the number of police officers on the streets; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers.
The resignation of the late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness three years ago triggered the collapse of the devolved institutions at Stormont.
Image: Martin McGuinness died in March 2017, aged 66
The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government broke down in January 2017 following a row about a botched green energy scheme.
The dispute subsequently grew to include more traditional disagreements on matters including the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-10--MoD upgrade of UK's Trident system 'over-budget by £1.35bn'

The budget to maintain Britain 's Trident nuclear weapons system has overrun by more than £1bn after the Ministry of Defence failed to learn from past mistakes , according to a new report .
The National Audit Office ( NAO ) also said poor management of the infrastructure to upgrade the MoD 's four Vanguard-class submarines has meant delays of up to six years .
The watchdog said `` inappropriate '' contracts with outside contractors and beginning building work on facilities before the designs were `` sufficiently mature '' had added hundreds of millions of pounds to costs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills within the MoD , which resulted in the `` gold-plating '' of designs as staff were unable to challenge regulators when they insisted upon overly-complex specifications .
It examined three programmes within the Nuclear Enterprise , some dating back to the 1950s : • Project Mensa to construct a new nuclear warhead assembly and disassembly facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment site at Burghfield • The building of a new core production capability ( CPC ) at the Rolls Royce site at Raynesway to produce the latest nuclear reactor core designs • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness where the new Dreadnought class submarines to carry the Trident nuclear missiles will be built .
While the projects were valued at £2.5bn , the NAO found costs had risen by £1.35bn .
The watchdog also said it was `` disappointing '' that the MoD was continuing to repeat mistakes made during previous investments in the 1980s and 1990s .
They included `` starting to build before requirements or designs were sufficiently mature , increasing risks through inappropriate contracts and failing to engage with regulators to understand requirements '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil nuclear projects and US defence programmes , the NAO said it found no evidence of lessons being shared or learned .
It said delays to project Mensa had meant the MoD having to spend an extra £21m to keep existing facilities going .
It also claimed site operators struggled to recruit staff able to challenge complex demands by regulators .
Gareth Davies , head of the NAO said of the MoD : `` Although it has recently introduced changes to enhance its oversight of the projects and improve its contracts with suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past mistakes and the experience of others in the nuclear sector .
`` Instead , the MoD 's failure to mitigate commercial and delivery risks early on has led to project delays and cost increases , as well as impacting its wider work . ''
The findings come as the Prime Minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings is preparing to launch a far-reaching review of defence spending amid long-standing concerns that billions are being squandered on botched procurements .

The budget to maintain Britain's Trident nuclear weapons system has overrun by more than £1bn after the Ministry of Defence failed to learn from past mistakes, according to a new report.
The National Audit Office (NAO) also said poor management of the infrastructure to upgrade the MoD's four Vanguard-class submarines has meant delays of up to six years.
Image: Trident is a system of four Vanguard-class submarines
The watchdog said "inappropriate" contracts with outside contractors and beginning building work on facilities before the designs were "sufficiently mature" had added hundreds of millions of pounds to costs.
The NAO also highlighted a lack of technical skills within the MoD, which resulted in the "gold-plating" of designs as staff were unable to challenge regulators when they insisted upon overly-complex specifications.
It examined three programmes within the Nuclear Enterprise, some dating back to the 1950s:
Image: HMS Vengeance at HM Naval Base Clyde, Faslane
Project Mensa to construct a new nuclear warhead assembly and disassembly facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment site at Burghfield
The building of a new core production capability (CPC) at the Rolls Royce site at Raynesway to produce the latest nuclear reactor core designs
The primary build facility at the BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness where the new Dreadnought class submarines to carry the Trident nuclear missiles will be built.
While the projects were valued at £2.5bn, the NAO found costs had risen by £1.35bn.
The watchdog also said it was "disappointing" that the MoD was continuing to repeat mistakes made during previous investments in the 1980s and 1990s.
They included "starting to build before requirements or designs were sufficiently mature, increasing risks through inappropriate contracts and failing to engage with regulators to understand requirements".
Despite finding problems in similar UK civil nuclear projects and US defence programmes, the NAO said it found no evidence of lessons being shared or learned.
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It said delays to project Mensa had meant the MoD having to spend an extra £21m to keep existing facilities going.
It also claimed site operators struggled to recruit staff able to challenge complex demands by regulators.
Image: Submariners undergo training in Clyde
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO said of the MoD: "Although it has recently introduced changes to enhance its oversight of the projects and improve its contracts with suppliers, it should have learnt earlier from past mistakes and the experience of others in the nuclear sector.
"Instead, the MoD's failure to mitigate commercial and delivery risks early on has led to project delays and cost increases, as well as impacting its wider work."
The findings come as the Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings is preparing to launch a far-reaching review of defence spending amid long-standing concerns that billions are being squandered on botched procurements.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-10--Labour leadership candidate calls for referendum on Royal Family

Labour MP Clive Lewis has called for a referendum on the future of the Royal Family Clive Lewis has called for a referendum on the future of the Royal Family , saying Britons should be `` citizens rather than subjects '' .
The Labour Party leadership candidate and shadow Treasury minister suggested the idea along with other constitutional changes , including proportional representation .
He told a campaign event in south London : `` Why not have a referendum in this country on the future of the Royal Family ?
`` We are a democracy .
I 'd rather see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 21st century .
`` Let 's look at what a modern state looks like and what the role of the Royal Family would be . ''
Asked about the Royal Family at the event in Brixton , he said he understood the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's decision to step back as senior royals .
Mr Lewis said : `` I completely respect the right of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to do what they have done .
It is a matter for them . ''
`` It is extremely unfortunate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that they feel they have to do this , '' he said , arguing the duchess had suffered from racism in the press .
`` I know it is not the only reason .
But if you look at the intrusion on their lives ... then I can understand why , given what 's happened , given the difficulties within their family , it ca n't be easy being a royal . ''
Mr Lewis and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry are the only ones out of a field of six who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to progress in the leadership race .
Mr Lewis , who has four signatories and is MP for Norwich South , said his party must `` modernise or die '' .
He added : `` I 'm fed up with the top-down style of politics , where real debate and discussion in our party is stifled because of sectarianism and tribalism .
We ca n't grow as a party if we 're afraid of having difficult discussions .
`` I 'm standing because I see a party in crisis and democracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some fundamental issues , a few tweaks of policy here , or a slight change of leader there , are n't going to bring the real change that this country urgently needs . ''
Among Mr Lewis 's competitors , Sir Keir Starmer , the shadow Brexit secretary , was the first to get the number of nominations needed , with the party confirming he has 63 backers .
Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips have also all secured the 22 backers required .
As of Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Nandy has 24 and Ms Phillips has 22 .

Clive Lewis has called for a referendum on the future of the Royal Family, saying Britons should be "citizens rather than subjects".
The Labour Party leadership candidate and shadow Treasury minister suggested the idea along with other constitutional changes, including proportional representation.
He told a campaign event in south London: "Why not have a referendum in this country on the future of the Royal Family?
Image: Harry and Meghan have said they want to step back from their position as senior royals
"We are a democracy. I'd rather see us as citizens rather than subjects in the 21st century.
"Let's look at what a modern state looks like and what the role of the Royal Family would be."
Asked about the Royal Family at the event in Brixton, he said he understood the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step back as senior royals.
Mr Lewis said: "I completely respect the right of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to do what they have done. It is a matter for them."
"It is extremely unfortunate and a sign of the media we have that they feel they have to do this," he said, arguing the duchess had suffered from racism in the press.
"I know it is not the only reason. But if you look at the intrusion on their lives... then I can understand why, given what's happened, given the difficulties within their family, it can't be easy being a royal."
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Mr Lewis and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry are the only ones out of a field of six who have not yet reached the 22 nominations required to progress in the leadership race.
Mr Lewis, who has four signatories and is MP for Norwich South, said his party must "modernise or die".
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He added: "I'm fed up with the top-down style of politics, where real debate and discussion in our party is stifled because of sectarianism and tribalism. We can't grow as a party if we're afraid of having difficult discussions.
"I'm standing because I see a party in crisis and democracy in crisis, and unless we start addressing some fundamental issues, a few tweaks of policy here, or a slight change of leader there, aren't going to bring the real change that this country urgently needs."
Image: Can the Norwich South MP outrun the other leadership hopefuls?
Among Mr Lewis's competitors, Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, was the first to get the number of nominations needed, with the party confirming he has 63 backers.
Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips have also all secured the 22 backers required.
As of Friday, Ms Long-Bailey currently has 26 supporters, Ms Nandy has 24 and Ms Phillips has 22.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-10--Sinn Fein backs deal to restore Northern Ireland power-sharing

Sinn Fein has agreed to back a deal to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland , ending a three-year deadlock .
The nationalist party signed up to the agreement after it was locked in talks with the Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) this week .
Sinn Fein 's endorsement means the two biggest parties will re-enter a mandatory coalition in Belfast , and the Assembly could sit on Saturday .
Peace process structures mean a ministerial executive can only function with the inclusion of the largest unionist party and largest nationalist party in the region .
Making the announcement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDonald said : `` We now have the basis to restore power-sharing , and we 're up for that .
`` There 's no doubt there are serious challenges ahead ; the impact of Brexit , austerity and other pressing issues .
`` But the biggest and most significant challenge will be ensuring we have genuine power sharing build on equality , respect and integrity .
`` I believe that the power-sharing government can work .
That requires everyone to step up . ''
She added Sinn Fein was `` committed '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all people across the north and south divide enjoy the same rights .
Sky 's senior Ireland correspondent , David Blevins , says he believes three things have made the agreement possible .
He said : `` Firstly , the fact that the DUP lost its political influence at Westminster following the last general election .
`` The fact that the DUP and Sinn Fein were both punished in that general election .
`` The DUP lost 1-in-6 voters - Sinn Fein lost 1-in-4 , while the middle ground parties , especially the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share - and that was viewed by many as a public judgement by the electorate of the failure of those big parties to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland .
`` But I think the most decisive issue was the fact that there is a major health crisis in Northern Ireland .
`` We 've had nurses on the picket lines on strike today , for the third time in a month .
`` So the public patience with the political vacuum and the lack of political progress - and the failure to compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of that , the two big parties were brought back to the negotiating table .
`` They did the serious business that they used to engage in during the Peace Process of hammering out a deal .
`` And last night , the British and Irish governments took the calculated risk to table what they described as a draft agreement - their best hope of seeing power-sharing restored in Northern Ireland after a three-year gap '' .
Boris Johnson tweeted to say : `` This is a great step forwards for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn posted his congratulations , saying the Good Friday Agreement and peace process in Northern Ireland `` is a proud Labour legacy we are committed to support and protect '' .
Minutes after the text of the governments ' proposals were published on Thursday , the DUP 's leader Arlene Foster said it backed the draft agreement , saying it represented a `` fair and balanced way '' to restore power-sharing - but that it was `` not a perfect deal '' .
The wide-ranging deal contains compromise solutions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-year impasse , such as legislative provisions for Irish language speakers .
The Sinn Fein president insisted the `` New Decade , New Approach '' agreement was only the beginning , predicting that more gains for language would come in the future .
Ms McDonald also urged those disappointed with provisions outlined in the deal to `` take heart from the fact that this is now an historic moment because for the first time we have official recognition '' .
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said `` history has been made '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formed on Saturday .
Speaking to reporters in Dublin after Sinn Fein backed the deal , he added : `` Of course , that is not the end of the story as we want this to be an all-party executive so I hope that the Alliance Party and SDLP will also be able to join Sinn Fein and the DUP in that new executive .
`` We hope that it may be possible that the executive will be formed tomorrow , but if not tomorrow , certainly Monday and to build on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours so that people can see positive political activity .
`` People working together and setting an example and signal of positivity and show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together . ''
: : Listen to the New Lines podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith said : `` A devolved government can now start delivering the reforms needed in our public services .
`` After three years , it 's time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Northern Ireland . ''
The deal includes what the UK government has promised will be a major Treasury-funded financial package to tackle a host of problems since talks broke down 36 months ago , including the nurses ' strikes .
Under the terms of the agreement , the new executive will also take action to reduce spiralling hospital waiting lists ; extend mitigation payments for benefit claimants hit by welfare reforms ; increase the number of police officers on the streets ; and resolve an industrial dispute involving teachers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin McGuinness three years ago triggered the collapse of the devolved institutions at Stormont .
The last DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition government broke down in January 2017 following a row about a botched green energy scheme .
The dispute subsequently grew to include more traditional disagreements on matters including the Irish language and the thorny legacy of the Troubles .


skynewspolitics--2020-01-11--Politicians answered the question asked at Lyra McKee's funeral

Stormont : Politicians have answered the question asked at Lyra McKee 's funeral Stormont : Politicians have answered the question asked at Lyra McKee 's funeral An agreement to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland was not the seminal moment .
That came 10 months earlier at the funeral of a journalist shot dead by dissident gunmen in Derry .
Lyra McKee epitomised the ceasefire generation - young people who had grown up in peacetime .
A softly spoken priest publicly rebuked the politicians for their failure to compromise and come together sooner .
`` Why in God 's name does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman with her whole life in front of her… '' Father Martin Magill had n't even finished his question when applause broke out among the congregation .
A standing ovation , from the back of the cathedral to the front , brought a tidal wave of embarrassment for politicians .
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and DUP leader Arlene Foster were left with little option but to rise to their feet .
`` …the death of a 29-year-old woman with her whole life in front of her to get to this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a question .
It was a pivotal moment , the significance of it immediately palpable for those present .
They included two prime ministers - Theresa May and Leo Varadkar - leaders determined to rescue Stormont .
Within days , Karen Bradley , the then Northern Ireland Secretary , and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney convened negotiations .
But there were too many obstacles - the DUP were wielding influence in Westminster and had less reason to compromise at home .
: : Listen to the New Lines podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Brexit talks were straining relations between London and Dublin , not to mention between the two former devolution partners : the DUP and Sinn Fein .
The clerical rebuke had provided the key ; but it took an electoral rebuke - both parties hammered in a general election - to open the door to compromise .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson no longer needed the Democratic Unionists and had the majority to secure a Brexit deal .
Mr Coveney and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith seized their opportunity to negotiate a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater good did not require a winner and a loser , the DUP and Sinn Fein had answered Father Magill 's question .
There is no reason why the two parties could not have come together sooner and closed the political vacuum filled by gunmen .
But that seminal moment during her funeral has ultimately led to a pivotal point on the long path to peace in Northern Ireland .
When Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill are sworn in as First and Deputy First Ministers , many will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untimely and unnecessary death , the hope she had come to epitomise lives on in the words she left behind .
Mr Coveney borrowed some of them when breaking the news of a potential agreement at Stormont .
`` Northern Ireland is a beautiful tragedy , strangled by the chains of its past .
`` It 's a place full of darkness and mysteries .
It 's also my home . ''
Thank you Lyra .
Rest in peace .

An agreement to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland was not the seminal moment.
That came 10 months earlier at the funeral of a journalist shot dead by dissident gunmen in Derry.
Lyra McKee epitomised the ceasefire generation - young people who had grown up in peacetime.
Image: Ms McKee died when she was shot by a dissident gunman in Derry
A softly spoken priest publicly rebuked the politicians for their failure to compromise and come together sooner.
"Why in God's name does it take the death of a 29-year-old woman with her whole life in front of her…"
Father Martin Magill hadn't even finished his question when applause broke out among the congregation.
A standing ovation, from the back of the cathedral to the front, brought a tidal wave of embarrassment for politicians.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and DUP leader Arlene Foster were left with little option but to rise to their feet.
"…the death of a 29-year-old woman with her whole life in front of her to get to this point?" he finished.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Lyra McKee's partner: 'No one voted for violence'
It was more than a question. It was a pivotal moment, the significance of it immediately palpable for those present.
They included two prime ministers - Theresa May and Leo Varadkar - leaders determined to rescue Stormont.
Within days, Karen Bradley, the then Northern Ireland Secretary, and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney convened negotiations.
But there were too many obstacles - the DUP were wielding influence in Westminster and had less reason to compromise at home.
:: Listen to the New Lines podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Brexit talks were straining relations between London and Dublin, not to mention between the two former devolution partners: the DUP and Sinn Fein.
The clerical rebuke had provided the key; but it took an electoral rebuke - both parties hammered in a general election - to open the door to compromise.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson no longer needed the Democratic Unionists and had the majority to secure a Brexit deal.
Mr Coveney and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith seized their opportunity to negotiate a new power-sharing agreement.
Image: Irish Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney (L) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith outside Stormont
By conceding that the greater good did not require a winner and a loser, the DUP and Sinn Fein had answered Father Magill's question.
There is no reason why the two parties could not have come together sooner and closed the political vacuum filled by gunmen.
But that seminal moment during her funeral has ultimately led to a pivotal point on the long path to peace in Northern Ireland.
When Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill are sworn in as First and Deputy First Ministers, many will be thinking of Lyra.
Months after her untimely and unnecessary death, the hope she had come to epitomise lives on in the words she left behind.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Residents in NI react to Stormont agreement
Mr Coveney borrowed some of them when breaking the news of a potential agreement at Stormont.
"Northern Ireland is a beautiful tragedy, strangled by the chains of its past.
"It's a place full of darkness and mysteries. It's also my home."
Thank you Lyra. Rest in peace.