skynewspolitics--2020-11-02--Starmer attacks Sunak - and says chancellor is to blame for delaying lockdown

Sir Keir Starmer has launched an attack on the chancellor - blaming Rishi Sunak for delaying a second coronavirus lockdown .
`` Make no mistake , the chancellor 's name is all over this , '' the Labour leader told the Confederation of British Industry conference in London .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world Sir Keir said Mr Sunak 's `` decision to block a circuit breaker '' and to `` dismiss it as a 'blunt instrument ' '' would have far-reaching effects .
It will `` now mean that businesses have to close for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs and the public finances will be worse than they needed to be '' , he added .
The Labour leader said : `` It makes me so angry .
And so frustrated that when the British people - and British businesses - have given so much and made so many sacrifices they have been let down so badly by the government . ''
Sir Keir said Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak had `` failed to learn '' , `` failed to listen '' and `` failed to lead '' .
The Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' lockdown - a two to three-week shutdown over the October half-term - last month .
His call came after it was revealed that scientists advising the government had recommended a short lockdown back in September .
The PM did not explicitly rule out another national lockdown in the days and weeks that followed - but he consistently spoke out against the idea , including describing such a course of action as the `` height of absurdity '' .
Mr Sunak described it as a `` blunt instrument '' that would `` cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where virus rates are low '' .
However , the PM announced on Saturday that a four-week lockdown in England will begin on Thursday and - as it stands - last until 2 December .
Mr Johnson will face MPs later , and in his address to the Commons , the PM will signal his determination for the lockdown to end after four weeks .
Questions over whether the lockdown will be extended further were raised after cabinet minister Michael Gove told Sky News on Sunday that could happen `` if necessary '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been `` slow to act again '' and called on ministers not to `` waste '' the breathing space afforded by the lockdown .
`` They must be used to fix Test , Trace and Isolate - and to give control to local authorities , '' he told the CBI conference .
`` To get a grip on messaging and rebuild public trust .
`` And to provide a clear and transparent road map to protect businesses and the NHS over the months to come . ''
The Labour leader 's attack on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the spotlight by the COVID-19 pandemic - will be seen as an attempt to damage the public standing of Mr Sunak .
The chancellor 's performance in recent months has seen him being talked about as a potential future Tory leader among sections of the media and the Conservative Party .

Sir Keir Starmer has launched an attack on the chancellor - blaming Rishi Sunak for delaying a second coronavirus lockdown.
"Make no mistake, the chancellor's name is all over this," the Labour leader told the Confederation of British Industry conference in London.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 England's second lockdown rules
Sir Keir said Mr Sunak's "decision to block a circuit breaker" and to "dismiss it as a 'blunt instrument'" would have far-reaching effects.
It will "now mean that businesses have to close for longer, more people will lose their jobs and the public finances will be worse than they needed to be", he added.
The Labour leader said: "It makes me so angry. And so frustrated that when the British people - and British businesses - have given so much and made so many sacrifices they have been let down so badly by the government."
Sir Keir said Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak had "failed to learn", "failed to listen" and "failed to lead".
The Labour leader called for a "circuit breaker" lockdown - a two to three-week shutdown over the October half-term - last month.
His call came after it was revealed that scientists advising the government had recommended a short lockdown back in September.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Starmer calls for 'circuit break' in England
The PM did not explicitly rule out another national lockdown in the days and weeks that followed - but he consistently spoke out against the idea, including describing such a course of action as the "height of absurdity".
Mr Sunak described it as a "blunt instrument" that would "cause needless damage to parts of our country where virus rates are low".
However, the PM announced on Saturday that a four-week lockdown in England will begin on Thursday and - as it stands - last until 2 December.
Mr Johnson will face MPs later, and in his address to the Commons, the PM will signal his determination for the lockdown to end after four weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 PM and Starmer clash over circuit breaker
Questions over whether the lockdown will be extended further were raised after cabinet minister Michael Gove told Sky News on Sunday that could happen "if necessary".
Sir Keir said the government had been "slow to act again" and called on ministers not to "waste" the breathing space afforded by the lockdown.
"They must be used to fix Test, Trace and Isolate - and to give control to local authorities," he told the CBI conference.
"To get a grip on messaging and rebuild public trust.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 PM: 'No alternative to lockdown restrictions'
"And to provide a clear and transparent road map to protect businesses and the NHS over the months to come."
The Labour leader's attack on the chancellor - who has been thrust into the spotlight by the COVID-19 pandemic - will be seen as an attempt to damage the public standing of Mr Sunak.
The chancellor's performance in recent months has seen him being talked about as a potential future Tory leader among sections of the media and the Conservative Party.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-02--Two households can form bubble once Wales lockdown ends next week

Two households will be able to combine and form a bubble or extended household in Wales once the nation 's firebreak lockdown ends on 9 November .
First Minister Mark Drakeford made the announcement as he set out the new national rules that will apply once the 17-day shutdown ends .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world Some of the measures are still in the process of being finalised in the wake of the announcement of England 's four-week lockdown , which begins on Thursday .
Mr Drakeford set out the new rules at a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and premises closed during the lockdown will be able to reopen - restaurants , cafes , pubs and gyms .
In light of the England lockdown announcement , ministers are in talks with the hospitality sector about the detailed rules for reopening , including meeting in public indoor spaces ; • Up to 15 people can take part in an organised indoor activity and up to 30 in an organised activity outdoors , provided social distancing is observed and other COVID-19 safety measures , like hand washing , are adhered to • All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship can resume services , council services will restart and community centres will open again for small groups to meet safely indoors ; • People should avoid non-essential travel as much as possible .
There will be no legal restrictions on travel within the country for Welsh residents , but international travel should only be undertaken if it is essential ; • People will still be advised to work from home whenever possible ; • Social distancing and the wearing of face masks in enclosed public spaces , including on public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drakeford said people should only meet with their `` bubble '' in their own home .
If one person from either household develops COVID-19 symptoms , everyone should then self-isolate .
`` Only people from your own household , or that extended household , will be able to meet in your own home , '' the first minister said .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Drakeford said he recognised that this would not reflect the `` family dynamics '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and young people to meet up .
He told the news conference there would be `` new arrangements '' to meet indoors in other places , such as pubs , bars and restaurants , after 9 November .
`` But because all these places will now be closed in England , we are having to think further about how the hospitality sector in Wales can operate in these new circumstances , and that consideration will continue into this afternoon , '' Mr Drakeford said .
The first minister said people in Wales `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other and keeping ourselves safe '' to safeguard effects of the hard work and sacrifices people have made this year in tackling the virus .
`` This is a virus which thrives on human contact , '' he continued .
`` Social contact is important to all of us but to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe , we need to think carefully about all our meetings and contacts with other people and try and reduce them to reduce our risk of infection .
`` Rather than us asking what we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask ourselves what should we be doing to keep our families safe .
`` Government rules and regulations are here to help .
But the real strength we have is in the choices we make and the actions we take together . ''

Two households will be able to combine and form a bubble or extended household in Wales once the nation's firebreak lockdown ends on 9 November.
First Minister Mark Drakeford made the announcement as he set out the new national rules that will apply once the 17-day shutdown ends.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:56 'We won't be extending our fire break'
Some of the measures are still in the process of being finalised in the wake of the announcement of England's four-week lockdown, which begins on Thursday.
Mr Drakeford set out the new rules at a news conference on Monday:
All businesses and premises closed during the lockdown will be able to reopen - restaurants, cafes, pubs and gyms. In light of the England lockdown announcement, ministers are in talks with the hospitality sector about the detailed rules for reopening, including meeting in public indoor spaces;
Up to 15 people can take part in an organised indoor activity and up to 30 in an organised activity outdoors, provided social distancing is observed and other COVID-19 safety measures, like hand washing, are adhered to
All schools will reopen, churches and places of worship can resume services, council services will restart and community centres will open again for small groups to meet safely indoors;
People should avoid non-essential travel as much as possible. There will be no legal restrictions on travel within the country for Welsh residents, but international travel should only be undertaken if it is essential;
People will still be advised to work from home whenever possible;
Social distancing and the wearing of face masks in enclosed public spaces, including on public transport and taxis, will continue.
Mr Drakeford said people should only meet with their "bubble" in their own home.
If one person from either household develops COVID-19 symptoms, everyone should then self-isolate.
"Only people from your own household, or that extended household, will be able to meet in your own home," the first minister said.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Mr Drakeford said he recognised that this would not reflect the "family dynamics" of many people, or allow friends and young people to meet up.
He told the news conference there would be "new arrangements" to meet indoors in other places, such as pubs, bars and restaurants, after 9 November.
"But because all these places will now be closed in England, we are having to think further about how the hospitality sector in Wales can operate in these new circumstances, and that consideration will continue into this afternoon," Mr Drakeford said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 October: Lockdown begins in Wales
The first minister said people in Wales "need to carry on looking after each other and keeping ourselves safe" to safeguard effects of the hard work and sacrifices people have made this year in tackling the virus.
"This is a virus which thrives on human contact," he continued.
"Social contact is important to all of us but to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, we need to think carefully about all our meetings and contacts with other people and try and reduce them to reduce our risk of infection.
"Rather than us asking what we can or can't do, we need to ask ourselves what should we be doing to keep our families safe.
"Government rules and regulations are here to help. But the real strength we have is in the choices we make and the actions we take together."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-02--Child poverty set to become 'national crisis', warns former PM

Child poverty is set to become `` a national crisis '' , according to Gordon Brown .
The former prime minister is calling for urgent action and has offered his support to Marcus Rashford 's campaign for free school meals during the holidays .
He is also campaigning to create a jobs guarantee scheme for young people .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world Speaking to Sky News , Mr Brown warned the government would not get national consensus to tackle the pandemic and economic problems unless it addresses stark issues of inequality , especially for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Child poverty figures have risen from three million to four million and will rise beyond five million .
`` That 's five million children , many who go to school ill-clad and hungry ... many who are denied the chance to reach their potential . ''
He added : `` Marcus Rashford speaks from the heart and from his own experience , you ca n't really succeed unless you have a square meal every day .
`` You have a breakfast club , you have a school lunch , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; that 's the minimum we 've got to do to create a civilised society .
`` I believe when the figures go above five million young children in poverty , we will have a national crisis on our hands , it will indeed be an emergency . ''
The government has yet to set its policy in response to calls for more action to tackle child hunger over the Christmas holidays .
Last week , Boris Johnson said the government will `` do everything in our power to make sure that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
England footballer Rashford has had over a million signatures on his petition to give vulnerable children food vouchers over the holidays , as happened in the summer .
Mr Brown believes the government needs to resolve the issue of `` probably a million children in poverty not getting the meals that we want '' .
He argues the answer is not just food provision , but also raising benefits and child tax credits , saying : `` The first thing they 've got to do is ensure the £20 a week on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The government will have to act and to recognise that you can not build a national consensus around health or the economy if you have a divided society , where it is clear that the poorest people are losing out and feel that they are being treated as second-class citizens . ''
Mr Brown also said the government needs to move quickly to protect young people from a potential generation of damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the jobs market .
He said : `` We 're now facing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to the 1980 's .
We will have a COVID generation of young people who grew up not knowing whether they will get a first job and when they will get it and it will scar them for many , many years ahead . ''
The former PM calls on the chancellor to produce a further budget statement , `` to up-grade , improve and extend the youth unemployment programme '' , and warns `` a silent crisis will become a real social crisis if we do n't act now '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its kick-start scheme , which currently only offers help to people who 've been out of work or education for six months - meaning those who lose their jobs in the next month would have to wait until May to get on the programme .
He suggests other steps should include advancing the government 's infrastructure programme , incentivising young people into the energy renewables business , IT or logistics , or encouraging them towards the social care sector .

Child poverty is set to become "a national crisis", according to Gordon Brown.
The former prime minister is calling for urgent action and has offered his support to Marcus Rashford's campaign for free school meals during the holidays.
He is also campaigning to create a jobs guarantee scheme for young people.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Image: Gordon Brown has warned of rising child poverty becoming a 'national crisis'
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Brown warned the government would not get national consensus to tackle the pandemic and economic problems unless it addresses stark issues of inequality, especially for children and young people.
He said: "Child poverty figures have risen from three million to four million and will rise beyond five million.
"That's five million children, many who go to school ill-clad and hungry... many who are denied the chance to reach their potential."
He added: "Marcus Rashford speaks from the heart and from his own experience, you can't really succeed unless you have a square meal every day.
"You have a breakfast club, you have a school lunch, and in the holidays you have a holiday provision; that's the minimum we've got to do to create a civilised society.
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"I believe when the figures go above five million young children in poverty, we will have a national crisis on our hands, it will indeed be an emergency."
Image: Marcus Rashford's campaign failed to convince Boris Johnson to extend free school meals over half-term
The government has yet to set its policy in response to calls for more action to tackle child hunger over the Christmas holidays.
Last week, Boris Johnson said the government will "do everything in our power to make sure that no kid, no child goes hungry".
England footballer Rashford has had over a million signatures on his petition to give vulnerable children food vouchers over the holidays, as happened in the summer.
Mr Brown believes the government needs to resolve the issue of "probably a million children in poverty not getting the meals that we want".
He argues the answer is not just food provision, but also raising benefits and child tax credits, saying: "The first thing they've got to do is ensure the £20 a week on Universal Credit continues beyond March next year.
"The government will have to act and to recognise that you cannot build a national consensus around health or the economy if you have a divided society, where it is clear that the poorest people are losing out and feel that they are being treated as second-class citizens."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 Meet Marcus Rashford's food-collecting 'hero'
Mr Brown also said the government needs to move quickly to protect young people from a potential generation of damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the jobs market.
He said: "We're now facing an unemployment problem amongst young people that is similar to the 1980's. We will have a COVID generation of young people who grew up not knowing whether they will get a first job and when they will get it and it will scar them for many, many years ahead."
The former PM calls on the chancellor to produce a further budget statement, "to up-grade, improve and extend the youth unemployment programme", and warns "a silent crisis will become a real social crisis if we don't act now".
Mr Brown wants the government to improve its kick-start scheme, which currently only offers help to people who've been out of work or education for six months - meaning those who lose their jobs in the next month would have to wait until May to get on the programme.
He suggests other steps should include advancing the government's infrastructure programme, incentivising young people into the energy renewables business, IT or logistics, or encouraging them towards the social care sector.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-02--Conservative MP Chloe Smith reveals she has breast cancer

Conservative MP Chloe Smith has urged the public to `` check for lumps '' after revealing she has breast cancer .
The 38-year-old constitution and devolution minister revealed her diagnosis on Twitter on Monday .
`` I 've learnt I have breast cancer , & start treatment soon , '' she said .
`` I aim to carry on as normally , positively & openly as possible - with a bit of support & privacy at times . ''
The MP for Norwich North urged people to check for lumps and `` see your GP without delay if you find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest announcement about coronavirus is very clear that the restrictions will help non-COVID healthcare to keep going .
`` And you should continue to use the NHS , get your scans , turn up for your appointments and pick up your treatments . ''
Ms Smith has recently launched a campaign in her constituency for more doctors and dentists .
She had written to the housing secretary Robert Jenrick urging him to make sure there are `` the right '' health facilities built alongside the development of new homes .
She highlighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when arranging to see a doctor or dentist during this year .
The mother-of-two said : `` I 'm doing this because people need to be able to get appointments at the doctor or the dentist , now and in the future . ''
Some people across the UK have claimed they have struggled to make medical appointments during the pandemic .
Research by Macmillan Cancer Support revealed up to 50,000 people in the country have cancer that has not been diagnosed due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
The study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 if vital cancer health services are not fully restored throughout the UK .

Conservative MP Chloe Smith has urged the public to "check for lumps" after revealing she has breast cancer.
The 38-year-old constitution and devolution minister revealed her diagnosis on Twitter on Monday.
"I've learnt I have breast cancer, & start treatment soon," she said.
"I aim to carry on as normally, positively & openly as possible - with a bit of support & privacy at times."
The MP for Norwich North urged people to check for lumps and "see your GP without delay if you find one".
She added: "The latest announcement about coronavirus is very clear that the restrictions will help non-COVID healthcare to keep going.
"And you should continue to use the NHS, get your scans, turn up for your appointments and pick up your treatments."
Ms Smith has recently launched a campaign in her constituency for more doctors and dentists.
She had written to the housing secretary Robert Jenrick urging him to make sure there are "the right" health facilities built alongside the development of new homes.
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She highlighted the "challenges" people have faced when arranging to see a doctor or dentist during this year.
The mother-of-two said: "I'm doing this because people need to be able to get appointments at the doctor or the dentist, now and in the future."
Some people across the UK have claimed they have struggled to make medical appointments during the pandemic.
Research by Macmillan Cancer Support revealed up to 50,000 people in the country have cancer that has not been diagnosed due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The study highlighted fears the figure could double to 100,000 if vital cancer health services are not fully restored throughout the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-02--Varadkar 'broke no laws' sharing confidential document with friend, says Irish PM

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has insisted his predecessor Leo Varadkar broke no laws in sharing a document with a personal friend .
Mr Varadkar , now Tanaiste or deputy prime minister , has come under pressure for passing on a draft contract for Ireland 's GPs while he was Taoiseach , something he admits was `` not best practice '' .
That phrase was echoed by Mr Martin when he spoke to reporters in Dublin on Monday .
He said the manner in which Mr Varadkar had shared the document was `` inappropriate '' , but that there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him doing so , and added that `` I do n't believe any law was broken in relation to this '' .
`` Yes , in terms of future practice , lessons can be learnt from this , '' the prime minister said .
`` In life , we can all learn from previous experience . ''
In April last year , while the government was negotiating with the Irish Medical Organisation ( IMO ) , Mr Varadkar sent a copy of the new deal to his friend Dr Maitiu O Tuathail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' group , the National Association of General Practitioners ( NAGP ) .
A political controversy has developed in recent days after an associate of Dr O Tuathail revealed the leak to the Village magazine , which suggested that the then Taoiseach may have breached several laws .
Mr Varadkar has described the allegations as `` grossly defamatory '' and has sought legal advice over the article .
He admits that sharing the draft deal was not best practice , but maintains that the fundamental details were already in the public domain by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not breach confidentiality .
Mr Varadkar also says he gave the document to Dr O Tuathail in an attempt to generate support for the deal among the wider GP community .
Mr Martin 's comments will be seen as easing the pressure on Mr Varadkar , avoiding the nightmare political scenario of the coalition government collapsing as Christmas approaches and Ireland remains in a COVID-19 lockdown .
Mr Martin 's Fianna Fail and Mr Varadkar 's Fine Gael have been in coalition since June , along with the Green Party .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar is scheduled to take over as Taoiseach again at the end of 2022 .
The controversy has some way to run yet .
Mr Varadkar has faced fierce criticism from Opposition leaders , as # sackvaradkar and # leotheleak trend on social media .
He is due to address the Dail - Irish parliament - tomorrow to take questions on the issue , and Mr Martin said that he would not pre-empt that appearance with his comments today .

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has insisted his predecessor Leo Varadkar broke no laws in sharing a document with a personal friend.
Mr Varadkar, now Tanaiste or deputy prime minister, has come under pressure for passing on a draft contract for Ireland's GPs while he was Taoiseach, something he admits was "not best practice".
That phrase was echoed by Mr Martin when he spoke to reporters in Dublin on Monday.
Image: Micheal Martin (R) has said he does not believe Leo Varadkar (L) broke any laws in sharing details of a GP contract
He said the manner in which Mr Varadkar had shared the document was "inappropriate", but that there had been no financial or material advantage in him doing so, and added that "I don't believe any law was broken in relation to this".
"Yes, in terms of future practice, lessons can be learnt from this," the prime minister said. "In life, we can all learn from previous experience."
In April last year, while the government was negotiating with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), Mr Varadkar sent a copy of the new deal to his friend Dr Maitiu O Tuathail, who was head of a rival doctors' group, the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP).
A political controversy has developed in recent days after an associate of Dr O Tuathail revealed the leak to the Village magazine, which suggested that the then Taoiseach may have breached several laws.
Mr Varadkar has described the allegations as "grossly defamatory" and has sought legal advice over the article.
He admits that sharing the draft deal was not best practice, but maintains that the fundamental details were already in the public domain by that stage, and therefore he did not breach confidentiality.
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Mr Varadkar also says he gave the document to Dr O Tuathail in an attempt to generate support for the deal among the wider GP community.
Mr Martin's comments will be seen as easing the pressure on Mr Varadkar, avoiding the nightmare political scenario of the coalition government collapsing as Christmas approaches and Ireland remains in a COVID-19 lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Can Irish firms survive until December?
Mr Martin's Fianna Fail and Mr Varadkar's Fine Gael have been in coalition since June, along with the Green Party.
Under the terms of the coalition deal, Mr Varadkar is scheduled to take over as Taoiseach again at the end of 2022.
The controversy has some way to run yet.
Mr Varadkar has faced fierce criticism from Opposition leaders, as #sackvaradkar and #leotheleak trend on social media.
He is due to address the Dail - Irish parliament - tomorrow to take questions on the issue, and Mr Martin said that he would not pre-empt that appearance with his comments today.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-03--PM confirms Scotland will get furlough support after 2 December - but will it be 80%?

Nicola Sturgeon has called on the chancellor to confirm if Scotland will get furlough support at the same level as England if it locks down after 2 December .
Scotland 's first minister made the call after Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News ' Kay Burley on Tuesday it was up to the chancellor to decide if Scotland could get the financial support after the nationwide lockdown in England ends at the beginning of December .
The day before , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if other parts of the UK needed to go into measures that required the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them `` not just now , but , of course , in the future as well '' .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world But less than 24 hours later , Mr Jenrick said : `` It will be available to everybody in the United Kingdom until 2 December .
`` At that point , I think the chancellor quite rightly will have to decide what its future is . ''
When asked if the furlough scheme will be extended to Scotland beyond that , he said : `` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make . ''
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said on Tuesday the UK government would `` of course '' provide economic support to Scotland if a national lockdown was needed after 2 December .
However , he did not say if that would mean the government would continue paying 80 % of employees wages up to £2,500 a month , if they are unable to work because of the lockdown - as is the case in England .
Ms Sturgeon , speaking in her daily press conference , said : `` The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the furlough scheme beyond 2 December at the same 80 % level .
`` We have n't yet seen any detail of what that means when translated into hard practice .
`` In particular , we 've not yet had confirmation from the Treasury that continuation of furlough in Scotland beyond 2 December would be at the 80 % level .
`` There has been some doubt cast over this commitment by a cabinet member in a television interview this morning .
`` But , we hope this commitment will hold and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December on the same terms as November .
`` We should all have access to the same financial systems , Scotland , Northern Ireland , England , Wales .
`` We should be on a level playing field and I hope we get to that in the next few days . ''
Ian Blackford , leader of the SNP in the House of Commons , said it is only right that businesses and communities in Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales should have the same support as England .
He told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very straightforward question yesterday whether the Scottish government would have that and his first answer was simply 'yes ' .
`` He backed that up with other parliamentarians but there seems to be real confusion with other parliamentarians in London .
`` This is not acceptable because governments have got to take public health decisions based on scientific advice , they need to know if they do that that the financial support people need will be there .
`` What we 're getting from Jenrick , is it the case that businesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to see whether the same can be extended to other parts of the United Kingdom .
`` It really does demonstrate that this is done to suit people in London and the south of England . ''
Scotland currently has a five-tier system , with different areas in a tier that reflects the number of COVID-19 cases and the growth rate for that area .
No area is above level three at the moment , with the highest tier , level four being almost a full lockdown , but only if absolutely @ @

Nicola Sturgeon has called on the chancellor to confirm if Scotland will get furlough support at the same level as England if it locks down after 2 December.
Scotland's first minister made the call after Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News' Kay Burley on Tuesday it was up to the chancellor to decide if Scotland could get the financial support after the nationwide lockdown in England ends at the beginning of December.
The day before, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if other parts of the UK needed to go into measures that required the furlough scheme it would be available to them "not just now, but, of course, in the future as well".
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But less than 24 hours later, Mr Jenrick said: "It will be available to everybody in the United Kingdom until 2 December.
"At that point, I think the chancellor quite rightly will have to decide what its future is."
When asked if the furlough scheme will be extended to Scotland beyond that, he said: "That's a decision the chancellor will have to make."
Mr Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday the UK government would "of course" provide economic support to Scotland if a national lockdown was needed after 2 December.
However, he did not say if that would mean the government would continue paying 80% of employees' wages, up to £2,500 a month, if they are unable to work because of the lockdown - as is the case in England.
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Ms Sturgeon, speaking in her daily news conference, said: "The prime minister appears to have agreed access to the furlough scheme beyond 2 December at the same 80% level.
"We haven't yet seen any detail of what that means when translated into hard practice.
"In particular, we've not yet had confirmation from the Treasury that continuation of furlough in Scotland beyond 2 December would be at the 80% level.
"There has been some doubt cast over this commitment by a cabinet member in a television interview this morning.
"But, we hope this commitment will hold and the payments will be available on the 2 December on the same terms as November.
"We should all have access to the same financial systems, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales.
"We should be on a level playing field and I hope we get to that in the next few days."
Image: Robert Jenrick said the chancellor would have to make a decision on whether furlough was extended beyond 2 December
Ian Blackford, leader of the SNP in the House of Commons, said it is only right that businesses and communities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales should have the same support as England.
He told Sky News: "I asked the PM a very straightforward question yesterday whether the Scottish government would have that and his first answer was simply 'yes'.
"He backed that up with other parliamentarians but there seems to be real confusion with other parliamentarians in London.
"This is not acceptable because governments have got to take public health decisions based on scientific advice, they need to know if they do that that the financial support people need will be there.
"What we're getting from Jenrick, is it the case that businesses in England will be protected but we'll have to see whether the same can be extended to other parts of the United Kingdom.
"It really does demonstrate that this is done to suit people in London and the south of England."
Scotland currently has a five-tier system, with different areas in a tier that reflects the number of COVID-19 cases and the growth rate for that area.
No area is above level three at the moment, with the highest tier, level four, being almost a full lockdown, but only if absolutely necessary.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-05--Furlough scheme extended until end of March, chancellor announces

The furlough scheme will be extended until the end of March , the chancellor has announced .
The scheme , in which employees receive four-fifths of their current salary up to a maximum of £2,500 of hours not worked , was originally scheduled to end last month .
But it was extended when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new four-week lockdown in England last weekend .
Addressing MPs in the Commons on Thursday , Rishi Sunak announced a further extension into next year .
He confirmed the payments would remain at 80 % of people 's wages , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This would `` decide whether economic circumstances are improving enough to ask employers to contribute more '' , Mr Sunak said .
The chancellor also announced support for the self-employed , with the next income support grant for November to January increasing to 80 % of average profits up to £7,500 .
`` Our highest priority remains the same : to protect jobs and livelihoods , '' he told MPs .
Mr Sunak said that `` upfront guaranteed funding '' for the devolved administrations will be increased by £2bn .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government of the United Kingdom on behalf of all the people of the United Kingdom , wherever they live , '' he said .
`` That has been the case since March , it is the case now and will remain the case until next March . ''
Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford welcomed the news , writing on Twitter : `` We 've been calling for this for some time .
`` At long last , businesses and workers have some certainty about this vital support scheme to help them get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to pre-empt criticism over another U-turn , Mr Sunak said he needed to make `` rapid adjustments '' to the government 's economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic because of how the virus has spread .
The chancellor said the second lockdown - which was the `` only viable solution left to protect our NHS '' - had necessitated a change in approach .
He told MPs : `` And so given these changed public health restrictions and the economic trauma they would cause in job losses and business closures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough scheme rather than transition at that precise moment to the new job support scheme .
`` Political opponents have chosen to attack the government for trying to keep the economy functioning and to make sure the support we provide encourages people to keep working .
`` And they will now no doubt criticise the government on the basis that we have had to change our approach .
But to anyone in the real world that 's just the thing you have to do when the circumstances change .
`` We all hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for any eventuality . ''
Mr Sunak said he would `` leave it to the people '' to decide whether the government 's actions were right .
`` What I know is the support we 're providing will protect millions of jobs , '' he added .
`` What I know is that it 's never wrong to convey confidence in this country and our economy through our words and actions , and what I know is today 's announcement will give people and businesses up and down our country immense comfort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said the chancellor was `` always a step behind '' and `` keeps ignoring '' businesses and workers `` until the last possible moment after jobs have been lost and businesses have gone bust '' .
She continued : `` Now when the lockdown was announced , the prime minister said furlough would be extended for a month - five hours before that scheme was due to end .
`` Two days later , realising the self-employed had been forgotten , there was a last-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , further changes .
`` The chancellor 's fourth version of his winter economy plan in just six weeks .
The chancellor can change his mind at the last minute , but businesses ca n't . ''
The Scottish National Party 's economic spokeswoman Alison Thewliss said the Treasury had ignored the plight of the devolved administrations until England 's second lockdown .
She told the Commons : `` The reality is that Scotland , Wales , Northern Ireland and the North of England have been dingied by this chancellor until he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Analysis : Furlough extension a significant change in direction for the chancellor By Kate McCann , political correspondent This is a significant extension of the furlough scheme and also a significant change in direction too .
It comes not long after the chancellor said that extending furlough would be the kind of move that businesses would n't welcome - perhaps explaining why he spent a significant part of his statement on the political justification for this policy change .
He claimed that being agile and changing direction is a benefit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated criticism of short-term planning and the impact it has on businesses will be difficult for the chancellor to ignore .
It was quite unusual to see Rishi Sunak set out a timeline for why he has made the decisions he has made .
He argued , essentially , that in a pandemic like this it is almost impossible to plan ahead .
We know Mr Sunak has been a voice inside government arguing for the tiered system and an alternative to big lockdown measures because of the big economic impact .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't mean lockdown will be extended until then but that businesses see a much longer-lasting effect of such strict measures .
What we do n't know is whether furlough will stay at 80 % .
It will be reviewed in January and if the chancellor thinks timing is right employers could be asked to pay in more to that pot .
While this move will be welcomed by those running businesses across the country , there is a huge cost which will be a burden on the public purse and at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out .
There are questions too from businesses about the grants that had been announced to keep people in work .
Those have now been withdrawn and , while they will be reinstated at some point , some employers may have been relying on them to get through a difficult winter ahead .
Mr Sunak also made a point about the strength of the union , following criticism of how the UK government has proceeded on furlough when it comes to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
This time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend across the whole of the UK .

The furlough scheme will be extended until the end of March, the chancellor has announced.
The scheme, in which employees receive four-fifths of their current salary up to a maximum of £2,500 of hours not worked, was established in March this year and originally scheduled to end last month.
But it was extended when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new four-week lockdown in England last weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:16 Will England's lockdown stretch to Christmas?
Addressing MPs in the Commons on Thursday, Rishi Sunak announced a further extension into next year.
He confirmed the payments would remain at 80% of people's wages, with a review of the policy in January.
This would "decide whether economic circumstances are improving enough to ask employers to contribute more", Mr Sunak said.
The chancellor also announced support for the self-employed, with the next income support grant for November to January increasing to 80% of average profits up to £7,500.
"Our highest priority remains the same: to protect jobs and livelihoods," he told MPs.
Mr Sunak said that "upfront guaranteed funding" for the devolved administrations will be increased by £2bn.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 PM: 'Future is bleak' if R number isn't reduced
"The furlough scheme was designed and delivered by the government of the United Kingdom on behalf of all the people of the United Kingdom, wherever they live," he said.
"That has been the case since March, it is the case now and will remain the case until next March."
Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford welcomed the news, writing on Twitter: "We've been calling for this for some time.
"At long last, businesses and workers have some certainty about this vital support scheme to help them get through the pandemic."
And in an attempt to pre-empt criticism over another U-turn, Mr Sunak said he needed to make "rapid adjustments" to the government's economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic because of how the virus has spread.
The chancellor said the second lockdown - which was the "only viable solution left to protect our NHS" - had necessitated a change in approach.
He told MPs: "And so given these changed public health restrictions and the economic trauma they would cause in job losses and business closures, I felt it best to extend the furlough scheme rather than transition at that precise moment to the new job support scheme.
"Political opponents have chosen to attack the government for trying to keep the economy functioning and to make sure the support we provide encourages people to keep working.
"And they will now no doubt criticise the government on the basis that we have had to change our approach. But to anyone in the real world that's just the thing you have to do when the circumstances change.
"We all hope for the best but make sure we plan for any eventuality."
Mr Sunak said he would "leave it to the people" to decide whether the government's actions were right.
"What I know is the support we're providing will protect millions of jobs," he added.
Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank, said he was "taken aback" by the chancellor's statement.
He tweeted that it was "basically [a] return to March schemes (dreamt up on the hoof in 24 hrs) as if nothing learnt since".
Mr Johnson added: "Wasteful & badly targeted for self-employed. No effort at targeting sectors/viable jobs for employees. Big contrast to position just days ago."
In contrast, the Resolution Foundation think-tank described the move as the "right call" and "a price worth paying to protect people's incomes".
Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said the chancellor was "always a step behind" and "keeps ignoring" businesses and workers "until the last possible moment after jobs have been lost and businesses have gone bust".
She continued: "Now when the lockdown was announced, the prime minister said furlough would be extended for a month - five hours before that scheme was due to end.
"Two days later, realising the self-employed had been forgotten, there was a last-minute change to the self-employed scheme. And now, further changes.
"The chancellor's fourth version of his winter economy plan in just six weeks. The chancellor can change his mind at the last minute, but businesses can't."
The Scottish National Party's economic spokeswoman Alison Thewliss said the Treasury had ignored the plight of the devolved administrations until England's second lockdown.
She told the Commons: "The reality is that Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the North of England have been dingied by this chancellor until he was forced to lock down in England."
Analysis: Furlough extension a significant change in direction for the chancellor
By Kate McCann, political correspondent
This is a significant extension of the furlough scheme and also a significant change in direction too.
It comes not long after the chancellor said that extending furlough would be the kind of move that businesses wouldn't welcome - perhaps explaining why he spent a significant part of his statement on the political justification for this policy change.
He claimed that being agile and changing direction is a benefit, not a weakness.
But Labour's repeated criticism of short-term planning and the impact it has on businesses will be difficult for the chancellor to ignore.
It was quite unusual to see Rishi Sunak set out a timeline for why he has made the decisions he has made. He argued, essentially, that in a pandemic like this it is almost impossible to plan ahead.
We know Mr Sunak has been a voice inside government arguing for the tiered system and an alternative to big lockdown measures because of the big economic impact.
He made clear that the extension to March doesn't mean lockdown will be extended until then but that businesses see a much longer-lasting effect of such strict measures.
What we don't know is whether furlough will stay at 80%. It will be reviewed in January and if the chancellor thinks timing is right employers could be asked to pay in more to that pot.
While this move will be welcomed by those running businesses across the country, there is a huge cost which will be a burden on the public purse and at some point that will have to be clearly set out.
There are questions too from businesses about the grants that had been announced to keep people in work.
Those have now been withdrawn and, while they will be reinstated at some point, some employers may have been relying on them to get through a difficult winter ahead.
Mr Sunak also made a point about the strength of the union, following criticism of how the UK government has proceeded on furlough when it comes to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This time, the chancellor was definitive that this change will extend across the whole of the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-05--PM set to hold COVID-19 briefing later this afternoon

Boris Johnson will hold a COVID-19 briefing later today after England entered lockdown for the second time .
The prime minister will be joined at 5pm in Downing Street by Sir Simon Stevens , the chief executive of NHS England .
No new measures are expected to be announced , but the pair will reflect on the new restrictions that came into play today and are set to last for four weeks .
Pubs , bars , restaurants and non-essential shops are now closed for a four-week period in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19 .
People have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ except for when attending school , college , university or work , or going food shopping .
The prime minister 's appearance will come hours after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the furlough scheme will be extended until March - with employees set to receive 80 % of their current salary up to a maximum of £2,500 .
On Wednesday , Sir Simon announced NHS England was being placed under the highest incident alert level - four - from today as hospitals are struggling to deal with an increasing number of COVID-19 patients needing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England will take over coordination of the health service 's response to the pandemic , in collaboration with local commissioners .
The general public will not see any difference if they use the NHS , but it means the overarching NHS England body has had to take over to ensure all services are supported appropriately .
Earlier today , Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Sky News ' Kay Burley that England 's coronavirus lockdown could be extended beyond 2 December , despite Mr Johnson being determined it will end then .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` If there is n't to be an extension of this we go back into the tier system anyway , so we 'd leave on a regional or local basis .
`` You ca n't rule anything out in this crisis and the prime minister has said that from day one . ''
Mr Johnson has said after the lockdown ends at the beginning of December , the plan is for England to return to the regional tier system guided by the rate of COVID-19 cases , hospital admissions @ @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson will hold a COVID-19 briefing later today after England entered lockdown for the second time.
The prime minister will be joined at 5pm in Downing Street by Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England.
No new measures are expected to be announced, but the pair will reflect on the new restrictions that came into play today and are set to last for four weeks.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops are now closed for a four-week period in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19.
People have also been told to stay at home except for when attending school, college, university or work, or going food shopping.
The prime minister's appearance will come hours after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the furlough scheme will be extended until March - with employees set to receive 80% of their current salary up to a maximum of £2,500.
On Wednesday, Sir Simon announced NHS England was being placed under the highest incident alert level - four - from today as hospitals are struggling to deal with an increasing number of COVID-19 patients needing intensive care.
Level four means NHS England will take over coordination of the health service's response to the pandemic, in collaboration with local commissioners.
The general public will not see any difference if they use the NHS, but it means the overarching NHS England body has had to take over to ensure all services are supported appropriately.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Will lockdown end on 2 December?
Earlier today, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Sky News' Kay Burley that England's coronavirus lockdown could be extended beyond 2 December, despite Mr Johnson being determined it will end then.
"We've got to follow the evidence," he said.
"If there isn't to be an extension of this we go back into the tier system anyway, so we'd leave on a regional or local basis.
"You can't rule anything out in this crisis and the prime minister has said that from day one."
Mr Johnson has said after the lockdown ends at the beginning of December, the plan is for England to return to the regional tier system guided by the rate of COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions and deaths in specific areas.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-05--Brexit trade deal: Barnier says UK 'blocked progress in key areas'

European diplomats have been told that there are still `` fundamental differences '' in the hunt for a Brexit trade deal and that the UK has `` blocked '' progress in key areas while trying to run down the clock .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator , Michel Barnier , briefed representatives from all 27 member states on Wednesday afternoon .
The meeting was highly confidential , but Sky News has seen comprehensive minutes that lay out his negotiating position .
Crucially , Mr Barnier told the meeting that the most important sticking point was the so-called level playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , in future , the UK sticks to the same rules as the European Union in areas such as labour law and state aid .
The level playing field - commonly known as the LPF - is seen as crucial by the EU because of fears that the UK might otherwise undercut European laws in an effort to reduce costs and attract foreign investment .
It is a charge that the British government has denied , but which remains critical to EU thinking .
Mr Barnier told the meeting that LPF was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still have major differences '' .
He added : `` The prime minister has stressed that alignment [ with European rules ] would breach sovereignty .
`` This question seriously throws the chances of an agreement into doubt . ''
He told the diplomats that `` if no progress is registered on LPF , there is a risk that that leaves us unprotected against unfair competition '' .
He said that his UK counterpart , Lord Frost , had suggested an `` independent authority that would oversee state aid '' , but then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , alleged that `` the UK seems to have blocked any progress over the last two weeks '' .
Mr Barnier told the meeting that there had been `` good progress '' on drawing up the legal text that would provide the backbone of any future treaty .
However , he said `` there are still essential differences on fundamental subjects - on the level playing field , governance and fisheries '' .
Mr Barnier told the meeting that , despite optimistic claims from British politicians and stories in some UK newspapers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal about fisheries had moved any closer .
He said that he still thought that a deal `` was possible '' , but that British negotiators `` are trying to apply time pressure '' .
British sources have accused Mr Barnier of using exactly the same tactic , of running down the clock in order to force through a deal .
I understand that Mr Barnier 's analysis received support from across the room , and there is very little sign that confidence in him is wavering .
One senior diplomat told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full support and trust of all member states '' .
Sources close to the British negotiating team have spoken of a `` constructive atmosphere '' , but have also confirmed that `` significant differences remain on familiar difficult issues '' .
At a time of rancour , there is , at least , agreement on the state of disagreement .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Time is now beginning to run out .
Both sides had originally set the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now passed .
A treaty , if agreed , needs to be ratified by parliaments in the UK and across Europe .
One of the questions now being asked is how that process could be accelerated , if necessary .

European diplomats have been told that there are still "fundamental differences" in the hunt for a Brexit trade deal and that the UK has "blocked" progress in key areas while trying to run down the clock.
The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, briefed representatives from all 27 member states on Wednesday afternoon.
The meeting was highly confidential, but Sky News has seen comprehensive minutes that lay out his negotiating position.
Image: Michel Barnier has reportedly said the UK has 'blocked' progress in key areas
Crucially, Mr Barnier told the meeting that the most important sticking point was the so-called level playing field - the mechanism that would ensure that, in future, the UK sticks to the same rules as the European Union in areas such as labour law and state aid.
The level playing field - commonly known as the LPF - is seen as crucial by the EU because of fears that the UK might otherwise undercut European laws in an effort to reduce costs and attract foreign investment.
It is a charge that the British government has denied, but which remains critical to EU thinking.
Mr Barnier told the meeting that LPF was "the most fundamental point where we still have major differences".
He added: "The prime minister has stressed that alignment [with European rules] would breach sovereignty.
"This question seriously throws the chances of an agreement into doubt."
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He told the diplomats that "if no progress is registered on LPF, there is a risk that that leaves us unprotected against unfair competition".
He said that his UK counterpart, Lord Frost, had suggested an "independent authority that would oversee state aid", but then, according to the minutes of the meeting, alleged that "the UK seems to have blocked any progress over the last two weeks".
Mr Barnier told the meeting that there had been "good progress" on drawing up the legal text that would provide the backbone of any future treaty.
However, he said "there are still essential differences on fundamental subjects - on the level playing field, governance and fisheries".
Mr Barnier told the meeting that, despite optimistic claims from British politicians and stories in some UK newspapers, he did not consider that a deal about fisheries had moved any closer.
He said that he still thought that a deal "was possible", but that British negotiators "are trying to apply time pressure".
Image: A treaty, if agreed, needs to be ratified by parliaments in the UK and across Europe
British sources have accused Mr Barnier of using exactly the same tactic, of running down the clock in order to force through a deal.
I understand that Mr Barnier's analysis received support from across the room, and there is very little sign that confidence in him is wavering.
One senior diplomat told me that he "continues to enjoy the full support and trust of all member states".
Sources close to the British negotiating team have spoken of a "constructive atmosphere", but have also confirmed that "significant differences remain on familiar difficult issues".
At a time of rancour, there is, at least, agreement on the state of disagreement.
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Time is now beginning to run out. Both sides had originally set the end of October as a deadline, but that has now passed.
A treaty, if agreed, needs to be ratified by parliaments in the UK and across Europe.
One of the questions now being asked is how that process could be accelerated, if necessary.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-05--Minister says lockdown extension in England 'can't be ruled out'

A minister has admitted England 's coronavirus lockdown could be extended beyond 2 December .
`` We 've got to follow the evidence , '' Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Kay Burley .
`` If there is n't to be an extension of this we go back into the tier system anyway , so we 'd leave on a regional or local basis .
`` You ca n't rule anything out in this crisis and the prime minister has said that from day one . ''
Pubs , bars , restaurants and non-essential shops are now closed for a four-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of COVID-19 .
People will also be told to stay at home except for when attending school , college , university or work , or going food shopping .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out his determination for the lockdown to end after four weeks , describing the restrictions as `` time limited '' .
It came after one of his ministers , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove , told Sky News that it could be extended .
Mr Buckland said the four-week shutdown was the `` right thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British public '' .
`` It 's not something we do lightly , but we believe that having this longer period will do a lot to minimise the risk of having further stop-start lockdowns which I think could be more disruptive and damaging not just for society but for the wider economy as well , '' Mr Buckland said .
The restrictions came into effect at midnight after MPs approved the second lockdown in a Commons vote .
But in a sign of disquiet on the Tory benches , a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Sir Graham Brady , the chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers .
Another 21 Tory MPs had no vote recorded , including ex-prime minister Theresa May - despite her having spoken in the debate prior to the vote .
Asked about the rebellion , Mr Buckland said : `` With respect to my colleagues , the extent of any disagreement was actually quite small . ''
He added there was an `` overwhelming majority '' for the measures across the Commons .

A minister has admitted England's coronavirus lockdown could be extended beyond 2 December.
"We've got to follow the evidence," Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Kay Burley.
"If there isn't to be an extension of this we go back into the tier system anyway, so we'd leave on a regional or local basis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 MPs vote in favour of second lockdown
"You can't rule anything out in this crisis and the prime minister has said that from day one."
Pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops are now closed for a four-week period in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19.
People will also be told to stay at home except for when attending school, college, university or work, or going food shopping.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out his determination for the lockdown to end after four weeks, describing the restrictions as "time limited".
It came after one of his ministers, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, told Sky News that it could be extended.
Mr Buckland said the four-week shutdown was the "right thing to do" and "in the interests of the British public".
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"It's not something we do lightly, but we believe that having this longer period will do a lot to minimise the risk of having further stop-start lockdowns which I think could be more disruptive and damaging not just for society but for the wider economy as well," Mr Buckland said.
The restrictions came into effect at midnight after MPs approved the second lockdown in a Commons vote.
But in a sign of disquiet on the Tory benches, a total of 34 Conservatives rebelled.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 PM: 'Future is bleak' if R number isn't reduced
Opponents included former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers.
Another 21 Tory MPs had no vote recorded, including ex-prime minister Theresa May - despite her having spoken in the debate prior to the vote.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:45 'Madness': Labour's Starmer on COVID-19 plans
Asked about the rebellion, Mr Buckland said: "With respect to my colleagues, the extent of any disagreement was actually quite small."
He added there was an "overwhelming majority" for the measures across the Commons.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-05--Just 59.9% of those who came into close contact with positive COVID cases reached by Test and Trace

Just 59.9 % of close contacts of people who tested positive for coronavirus were reached by NHS Test and Trace in the week ending 28 October , figures show .
This is the second-lowest weekly percentage for the scheme so far - down from 60.6 % in the seven days to 21 October .
Over the same period , 137,180 people tested positive for coronavirus in England , which is up 8 % on the previous week .
Where cases were managed by local health teams in England , 97.9 % of contacts were able to be reached and told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases managed online or by call centres saw a rate of just 58.5 % .
The figures cover the same week where thousands of people were given the wrong dates for self-isolation by Test and Trace after a software error .
Only 26.4 % of people who were tested in England at a regional , local or mobile site got their result within 24 hours - up slightly from 22.6 % in the previous week .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously promised in-person tests would all be returned within a 24-hour timeframe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Commons on 3 June , he made the pledge for the end of the month , except for `` difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that '' .
During Prime Minister 's Questions , Mr Johnson admitted there had been issues with the service , but that he was proud that it had got up and running so quick .
On Wednesday , the UK reported another 492 coronavirus-related deaths , which is the highest daily total since 19 May , alongside 25,177 positive tests .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown - with non-essential businesses , pubs , restaurant and gyms all closing - as the government tries to slow the rise in coronavirus infections .
Analysis : 'It 's not good - but rising cases makes it difficult' The Test and Trace figures for the last week of October confirms what we already suspected : as cases rose , contact tracers struggled to cope .
An overall percentage of 59.9 % for contacts reached is n't the lowest number ever for Test and Trace , but only just : three weeks ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
The absolute numbers are higher , so it 's a little unfair to compare percentages across weeks , but it 's clearly still missing a high proportion of people .
That 's not good .
It 's easy to blame Test and Trace , which has certainly made many mistakes .
( Just this week I revealed that it had given more than 7,000 people the wrong dates for self-isolation . )
Yet , in truth , the real culprit is the rising number of positive cases .
Between 22 October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to reach 327,203 people , an increase of 16 % on the previous week .
No system in the world would be able to manage numbers like this on a regular basis .
International comparisons bear this out very clearly .
It 's not just that their numbers went down ; as they were put under strain , they experienced the kind of embarrassing error we 've grown used to in England .
Did you know that Irish contact tracers recently asked 2,000 people to do their own tracing ?
Or that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days after a glitch ?
The Test and Trace system definitely has inadequacies , but it is not completely bad , nor are its struggles uniquely unusual .
Now it has a month to improve .
It needs to seize the opportunity

Just 59.9% of close contacts of people who tested positive for coronavirus were reached by NHS Test and Trace in the week ending 28 October, figures show.
This is the second-lowest weekly percentage for the scheme so far - down from 60.6% in the seven days to 21 October.
Over the same period, 137,180 people tested positive for coronavirus in England, which is up 8% on the previous week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Will lockdown end on 2 December?
Where cases were managed by local health teams in England, 97.9% of contacts were able to be reached and told to self-isolate in that week, while cases managed online or by call centres saw a rate of just 58.5%.
The figures cover the same week where thousands of people were given the wrong dates for self-isolation by Test and Trace after a software error.
Only 26.4% of people who were tested in England at a regional, local or mobile site got their result within 24 hours - up slightly from 22.6% in the previous week.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously promised in-person tests would all be returned within a 24-hour timeframe by the end of June.
Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 June, he made the pledge for the end of the month, except for "difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that".
During Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson admitted there had been issues with the service, but that he was proud that it had got up and running so quick.
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On Wednesday, the UK reported another 492 coronavirus-related deaths, which is the highest daily total since 19 May, alongside 25,177 positive tests.
On Thursday, England was placed in to lockdown - with non-essential businesses, pubs, restaurant and gyms all closing - as the government tries to slow the rise in coronavirus infections.
Analysis: It's time for Test and Trace to seize the opportunity
By Rowland Manthorpe, technology correspondent
The Test and Trace figures for the last week of October confirm what we already suspected: as cases rose, contact-tracers struggled to cope.
An overall percentage of 59.9% for contacts reached is the lowest figure ever reached by Test and Trace. (Sort of. The lowest figure ever was 59.6%, but the government later changed that number to 60.1%, so today's figure is now the new low. Confused? Welcome to the world of Test and Trace data.)
Government insiders sometimes complain that it's unfair to compare percentages across weeks, because the absolute numbers being reached are higher.
Statistically, they have a point.
But however you cut the numbers, the bottom line is: Test and Trace is still not reaching lots of contacts. That's not good.
It's easy to blame Test and Trace, which has certainly made many mistakes. (Just this week I revealed that it had given more than 7,000 people the wrong dates for self-isolation).
Yet, in truth, the real culprit is the rising number of positive cases.
Between 22 October and 28 October, contact-tracers were asked to reach 327,203 people, an increase of 16% on the previous week.
No system in the world would be able to manage numbers like this on a regular basis.
International comparisons bear this out very clearly.
It's not just that their numbers went down; as they were put under strain, they experienced the kind of embarrassing error we've grown used to in England.
Did you know that Irish contact-tracers recently asked 2,000 people to do their own tracing? Or that Germany "lost" testing data for days after a glitch?
The Test and Trace system definitely has inadequacies, but it is not completely bad, nor are its struggles uniquely unusual. Now it has a month to improve. It needs to seize the opportunity.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-04--Businesses back 'Red Wall' Tories call for post-lockdown road map for recovery

Nearly 80 business leaders from the north of England are backing a plea to Boris Johnson from the region 's `` Red Wall '' Tory MPs for a roadmap out of lockdown and a post-Covid economic recovery plan .
In a move turning up the heat on the prime minister as England goes into a four-week lockdown , the business chiefs claim the north is at a critical turning point and needs government action to close the north-south divide .
In a letter to Mr Johnson released just two hours after a large Commons rebellion by Conservative MPs against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have pledged to defend the parts of the north in deepest crisis .
The group writing to the prime minister includes bosses of airports , banks , building societies , power companies , drinks firms , bookmakers and tourist attractions and leaders of employers ' organisations and chambers of commerce .
The letter comes a week after more than 50 MPs from the newly-formed Northern Research Group wrote to Mr Johnson urging him to begin work to `` level-up the North '' , which the PM has claimed is his mission after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is headed by former Boris Johnson ally and ex-Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry , who has recently called COVID-19 restrictions on the North `` London-centric '' and `` the manacles of state control '' .
Backing the MPs ' demands , the business leaders urge the Prime Minister : `` The recovery from COVID can and must go alongside a plan for rebalancing and decarbonising the UK economy .
`` Businesses which are closed or seeing much reduced trade need vital help , as the Chancellor has now committed to , but for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work of creating new jobs for them .
`` We must defend those parts of the North in deepest crisis , and realise the opportunity for higher skilled , better paid opportunities if we unlock that with measures to drive up productivity . ''
The business leaders are calling for more power and autonomy for the north 's metro mayors and local government leaders .
Their top priorities for the north are : '' The North is at a critical turning point , '' the leaders write in their letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe by implementing this plan , we can unlock the North 's true economic potential - simultaneously spearheading a recovery for the whole of the UK and turning levelling-up into the reality you promised us . ''
Welcoming the business backing after the Commons lockdown vote , Mr Berry said : `` We outlined clearly in our letter to the Prime Minister last week how the North has seen a level of disruption unparalleled with other parts of the country .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whilst the south has faced fewer restrictions in recent months , the north has been held back under one form of restriction or another - and significant parts have been in Tier 3 restrictions for two weeks prior to today 's vote .
`` We share concerns that after this second national lockdown ends on 2 December , our northern constituencies are the most likely to go back into the higher levels of the regional tiering system .
`` That means the north being subjected to greater restrictions and our economy sustaining greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituents have been some of the worst affected by COVID , with many losing jobs and businesses .
We can not allow our region to become locked-in to lockdown indefinitely . ''

Nearly 80 business leaders from the north of England are backing a plea to Boris Johnson from the region's "Red Wall" Tory MPs for a roadmap out of lockdown and a post-Covid economic recovery plan.
In a move turning up the heat on the prime minister as England goes into a four-week lockdown, the business chiefs claim the north is at a critical turning point and needs government action to close the north-south divide.
In a letter to Mr Johnson released just two hours after a large Commons rebellion by Conservative MPs against the new lockdown, 77 northern business leaders have pledged to defend the parts of the north in deepest crisis.
Image: The PM's former ally Jake Berry is leading the newly formed Northern Research Group
The group writing to the prime minister includes bosses of airports, banks, building societies, power companies, drinks firms, bookmakers and tourist attractions and leaders of employers' organisations and chambers of commerce.
The letter comes a week after more than 50 MPs from the newly-formed Northern Research Group wrote to Mr Johnson urging him to begin work to "level-up the North", which the PM has claimed is his mission after the general election.
The Northern Research Group is headed by former Boris Johnson ally and ex-Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry, who has recently called COVID-19 restrictions on the North "London-centric" and "the manacles of state control".
Backing the MPs' demands, the business leaders urge the Prime Minister: "The recovery from COVID can and must go alongside a plan for rebalancing and decarbonising the UK economy.
"Businesses which are closed or seeing much reduced trade need vital help, as the Chancellor has now committed to, but for those already unemployed we need to start the work of creating new jobs for them.
"We must defend those parts of the North in deepest crisis, and realise the opportunity for higher skilled, better paid opportunities if we unlock that with measures to drive up productivity."
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Image: The Northern Research Group told the PM 'the North is at a critical tuning point' in a letter
The business leaders are calling for more power and autonomy for the north's metro mayors and local government leaders. Their top priorities for the north are:
A clear route out of lockdown;
Large-scale infrastructure projects, including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail; and
A Northern Economic Recovery Plan to boost jobs and promote economic growth.
"The North is at a critical turning point," the leaders write in their letter to the PM.
They added: "We believe by implementing this plan, we can unlock the North's true economic potential - simultaneously spearheading a recovery for the whole of the UK and turning levelling-up into the reality you promised us."
Welcoming the business backing after the Commons lockdown vote, Mr Berry said: "We outlined clearly in our letter to the Prime Minister last week how the North has seen a level of disruption unparalleled with other parts of the country.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Whilst the south has faced fewer restrictions in recent months, the north has been held back under one form of restriction or another - and significant parts have been in Tier 3 restrictions for two weeks prior to today's vote.
"We share concerns that after this second national lockdown ends on 2 December, our northern constituencies are the most likely to go back into the higher levels of the regional tiering system.
"That means the north being subjected to greater restrictions and our economy sustaining greater damage.
He added: "Our constituents have been some of the worst affected by COVID, with many losing jobs and businesses. We cannot allow our region to become locked-in to lockdown indefinitely."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-04--England to enter lockdown as MPs approve plan - but PM witnesses Tory revolt

England 's fresh month-long lockdown has been confirmed , with MPs officially approving the new shutdown .
In a House of Commons vote on Wednesday , MPs supported the new coronavirus measures by 516 to 38 , a majority of 478 .
It means that , from one minute past midnight , pubs , bars , restaurants and non-essential shops will close across England and stay shut until 2 December .
People will also be told to stay at home except for when attending school , college , university or work , or going food shopping .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backenchers .
Another 21 Tory MPs had no vote recorded , including ex-prime minister Theresa May - despite her having spoken in the debate prior to the vote .
During the debate , Mr Johnson told MPs he hoped businesses would be able to re-open again in the run-up to Christmas .
But he warned that , without acting now , the country could suffer deaths `` on a grievous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary trouble '' by next month .
Moments before the Commons vote result came , it was announced a further 25,177 people had tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK and another 492 had died after contracting the virus .
The prime minister saw the lockdown approved with Labour 's support .
However , he witnessed a string of unhappy Conservative MPs using the Commons debate to criticise his coronavirus strategy .
Sir Graham told MPs he would vote against the lockdown `` with greater conviction '' than any other vote he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons .
`` The thing that troubles me most is that the government is reaching too far into the private and family lives of our constituents , '' he said .
`` I think there is an , unintended perhaps , arrogance in assuming the government has the right to do so . ''
Sir Iain said he would not support the lockdown , telling MPs it `` was not necessary now '' .
He also attacked the `` appalling '' leak of the government 's lockdown plan to the media , prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told MPs he believed the legislation was `` terribly unjust '' and `` cruel '' in parts .
`` I will have no part in criminalising parents seeing their children , and children for seeing their parents , '' he said .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mark Harper said he did not believe ministers had adequately made the case for the lockdown and criticised `` several flaws '' in the government 's COVID data .
And Philip Davies said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer have any faith '' in the government 's strategy .
Meanwhile , the prime minister sent a note of apology to his predecessor after he walked out of the Commons during Mrs May 's contribution to the debate .
The ex-premier had raised concerns about a lack of data on the impact of the government 's COVID decisions on the economy , mental health , domestic abuse and non-coronavirus treatments .
`` The government must have made this analysis , made this assessment : let us see it and make our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Boris Johnson will be worried by Tory rebellion - by Tom Rayner , political correspondent Boris Johnson did not lose the vote , but many of his own MPs appear to be losing faith in him .
Downing Street 's efforts to neuter the rebellion by offering scientific briefings to backbenchers in recent days appears to have had limited effect .
The final number of Conservative MPs to vote against the government was 32 , a higher number than had been expected .
But even that was not a true reflection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them towards the government 's lockdown proposals .
The vote itself may have been binary , but the debate was far from black and white .
By no means did all the Tory MPs who expressed concerns with aspects of the new lockdown rules vote against the proposals when it came to it .
Some made clear they would give the benefit of the doubt this time , but not without caveats .
Former minister Nusrat Ghani said she would reluctantly vote in favour of the legislation , but warned she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice '' .
Former prime minister Theresa May lambasted the government over the way scientific data had been presented , and the decision to make religious services illegal .
She did not rebel , but her abstention nonetheless represents a major rebuke to her successor .
Labour 's backing for the measures meant that a rebellion large enough to defeat the government was never a realistic possibility , but the prime minister will be worried about who did choose to take a stand .
Overall , this was not a tantrum by serial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the most senior and influential Conservatives not on the government pay-roll .
The chairman of the 1922 Committee , Sir Graham Brady , his vice chair Sir Charles Walker , former party leader Iain Duncan Smith and former chief whip Mark Harper are notable on the list of those who voted against .
Alongside MPs from the Brexiteer libertarian wing of the party , such as former cabinet minister Esther McVey , Peter Bone and John Redwood , were a number of former ministers normally associated with what was once seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the camp - Steve Brine , Johnathon Djanogly , and Jackie Doyle-Price .
The make-up of this rebellion is not like any we have seen before .
Will there be consequences for the rebels ?
Earlier this afternoon , a spokesman for Mr Johnson made clear that was unlikely , pointing to the fact the prime minister `` understands where his MPs are coming from '' and has been open about the regrets he feels himself .
That is not a tone we normally hear from Downing Street .

England's fresh month-long lockdown has been confirmed, with MPs officially approving the new shutdown.
In a House of Commons vote on Wednesday, MPs supported the new coronavirus measures by 516 to 38, a majority of 478.
It means that, from one minute past midnight, pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops will close across England and stay shut until 2 December.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 PM: 'Future is bleak' if R number isn't reduced
People will also be told to stay at home except for when attending school, college, university or work, or going food shopping.
A total of 34 Tory MPs rebelled against the lockdown, including former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backenchers.
Another 21 Tory MPs had no vote recorded, including ex-prime minister Theresa May - despite her having spoken in the debate prior to the vote.
During the debate, Mr Johnson told MPs he hoped businesses would be able to re-open again in the run-up to Christmas.
But he warned that, without acting now, the country could suffer deaths "on a grievous scale", with hospitals in "extraordinary trouble" by next month.
Moments before the Commons vote result came, it was announced a further 25,177 people had tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK and another 492 had died after contracting the virus.
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The prime minister saw the lockdown approved with Labour's support. However, he witnessed a string of unhappy Conservative MPs using the Commons debate to criticise his coronavirus strategy.
Sir Graham told MPs he would vote against the lockdown "with greater conviction" than any other vote he had cast in his 23 years in the Commons.
"The thing that troubles me most is that the government is reaching too far into the private and family lives of our constituents," he said.
"I think there is an, unintended perhaps, arrogance in assuming the government has the right to do so."
Sir Iain said he would not support the lockdown, telling MPs it "was not necessary now".
He also attacked the "appalling" leak of the government's lockdown plan to the media, prior to its announcement.
Sir Charles Walker told MPs he believed the legislation was "terribly unjust" and "cruel" in parts.
"I will have no part in criminalising parents seeing their children, and children for seeing their parents," he said.
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Mark Harper said he did not believe ministers had adequately made the case for the lockdown and criticised "several flaws" in the government's COVID data.
And Philip Davies said that both he and the public "no longer have any faith" in the government's strategy.
Meanwhile, the prime minister sent a note of apology to his predecessor after he walked out of the Commons during Mrs May's contribution to the debate.
The ex-premier had raised concerns about a lack of data on the impact of the government's COVID decisions on the economy, mental health, domestic abuse and non-coronavirus treatments.
"The government must have made this analysis, made this assessment: let us see it and make our own judgments," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 PM leaves Commons as May attacks govt over data
Analysis: Boris Johnson will be worried by Tory rebellion - by Tom Rayner, political correspondent
Boris Johnson did not lose the vote, but many of his own MPs appear to be losing faith in him.
Downing Street's efforts to neuter the rebellion by offering scientific briefings to backbenchers in recent days appears to have had limited effect.
The final number of Conservative MPs to vote against the government was 32, a higher number than had been expected.
But even that was not a true reflection of the level of antipathy felt by many of them towards the government's lockdown proposals. The vote itself may have been binary, but the debate was far from black and white.
By no means did all the Tory MPs who expressed concerns with aspects of the new lockdown rules vote against the proposals when it came to it. Some made clear they would give the benefit of the doubt this time, but not without caveats.
Former minister Nusrat Ghani said she would reluctantly vote in favour of the legislation, but warned she was putting the government "on 28 days notice".
Former prime minister Theresa May lambasted the government over the way scientific data had been presented, and the decision to make religious services illegal. She did not rebel, but her abstention nonetheless represents a major rebuke to her successor.
Labour's backing for the measures meant that a rebellion large enough to defeat the government was never a realistic possibility, but the prime minister will be worried about who did choose to take a stand.
Overall, this was not a tantrum by serial trouble-makers - it was a rebellion of some of the most senior and influential Conservatives not on the government pay-roll.
The chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, his vice chair Sir Charles Walker, former party leader Iain Duncan Smith and former chief whip Mark Harper are notable on the list of those who voted against.
Alongside MPs from the Brexiteer libertarian wing of the party, such as former cabinet minister Esther McVey, Peter Bone and John Redwood, were a number of former ministers normally associated with what was once seen as the 'Remainer' centrist side of the camp - Steve Brine, Johnathon Djanogly, and Jackie Doyle-Price.
The make-up of this rebellion is not like any we have seen before.
Will there be consequences for the rebels? Earlier this afternoon, a spokesman for Mr Johnson made clear that was unlikely, pointing to the fact the prime minister "understands where his MPs are coming from" and has been open about the regrets he feels himself.
That is not a tone we normally hear from Downing Street.