skynewspolitics--2020-03-03--Millions face 'impossible choice' if outbreak gets worse, govt warned

The government is being urged to act to prevent millions of workers being faced with an `` impossible choice '' if the coronavirus outbreak gets worse .
Citizens Advice says more than five million self-employed workers and at least 1.5 million others in low-income jobs could be pushed into financial hardship because of the government 's advice to self-isolate .
The charity said that some may resort to ignoring such advice and continuing to work while having COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
It comes after the government unveiled its plan to tackle COVID 19 , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed 50 .
According to the blueprint , up to one in five workers could be off sick during a coronavirus peak .
Citizens Advice is now calling on the government to `` promote and clarify '' people 's rights on sick pay , in particular for agency workers , those on zero-hours contracts and those who have to self-isolate .
It also wants Downing Street to ensure that people can quickly access financial support if they are not eligible for statutory sick pay , for example if they are self-employed .
Dame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` No one should fear getting ill or risk their health because they wo n't be able to pay their bills , but this will be the reality for millions of workers if the coronavirus outbreak worsens .
`` Problems with our system for sick pay are long-standing .
`` Even for those eligible for statutory sick pay , at just £400 a month it may not be enough to cover essential living costs , leaving them with the impossible choice of ignoring advice to self isolate or continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must clarify sick pay rights for workers and ensure the benefits system can respond flexibly so that people have enough to make ends meet if they do fall ill. '' When asked what the government would be doing to make sure that those who are ill do not suffer financial hardship , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said `` all options '' would remain under review .
`` On the issue of statutory sick pay and the risks that the workforce could conceivably run in that reasonable worst case scenario , we 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are well aware of the issue , '' he said .
In the Commons on Tuesday , Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs that workers affected by coronavirus who are not eligible for sick pay may be able to claim Universal Credit instead .
He added that they may also be able to access employment and support allowance .
The issue has been raised in recent days by the GMB and Unison unions .
The latter has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey , calling on ministers to guarantee all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they self-isolate .
General secretary Dave Prentis said employers should recognise this as sick leave and provide wages from the off .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The union is also calling on employers to pay their workers regardless of how much they earn or what kind of contract they are on .
The GMB has called for a statutory right to normal pay during self-isolation , by amending the Employment Rights Act 1996 .
National secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay is woefully inadequate at the best of times , but the outbreak of Covid-19 has highlighted the risks posed to workers and the public at large .
`` Ministers already have the emergency powers to stem this crisis by forcing employers to pay full sick pay from day one - and to offer financial assistance to smaller companies where required . ''

The government is being urged to act to prevent millions of workers being faced with an "impossible choice" if the coronavirus outbreak gets worse.
Citizens Advice says more than five million self-employed workers and at least 1.5 million others in low-income jobs could be pushed into financial hardship because of the government's advice to self-isolate.
The charity said that some may resort to ignoring such advice and continuing to work while having COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM on shaking hands and paternity leave
It comes after the government unveiled its plan to tackle COVID 19, as the number of cases in the UK passed 50.
According to the blueprint, up to one in five workers could be off sick during a coronavirus peak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:48 'The NHS has been preparing for a pandemic'
Citizens Advice is now calling on the government to "promote and clarify" people's rights on sick pay, in particular for agency workers, those on zero-hours contracts and those who have to self-isolate.
It also wants Downing Street to ensure that people can quickly access financial support if they are not eligible for statutory sick pay, for example if they are self-employed.
Dame Gillian Guy, Citizens Advice chief executive, said: "No one should fear getting ill or risk their health because they won't be able to pay their bills, but this will be the reality for millions of workers if the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
"Problems with our system for sick pay are long-standing.
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"Even for those eligible for statutory sick pay, at just £400 a month it may not be enough to cover essential living costs, leaving them with the impossible choice of ignoring advice to self isolate or continuing to work while unwell.
"The government must clarify sick pay rights for workers and ensure the benefits system can respond flexibly so that people have enough to make ends meet if they do fall ill."
When asked what the government would be doing to make sure that those who are ill do not suffer financial hardship, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "all options" would remain under review.
"On the issue of statutory sick pay and the risks that the workforce could conceivably run in that reasonable worst case scenario, we're going to keep all options under review but we are well aware of the issue," he said.
In the Commons on Tuesday, Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs that workers affected by coronavirus who are not eligible for sick pay may be able to claim Universal Credit instead.
He added that they may also be able to access employment and support allowance.
The issue has been raised in recent days by the GMB and Unison unions.
The latter has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey, calling on ministers to guarantee all staff get statutory sick pay as soon as they self-isolate.
General secretary Dave Prentis said employers should recognise this as sick leave and provide wages from the off.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The union is also calling on employers to pay their workers regardless of how much they earn or what kind of contract they are on.
The GMB has called for a statutory right to normal pay during self-isolation, by amending the Employment Rights Act 1996.
National secretary Rehana Azam said: "Statutory sick pay is woefully inadequate at the best of times, but the outbreak of Covid-19 has highlighted the risks posed to workers and the public at large.
"Ministers already have the emergency powers to stem this crisis by forcing employers to pay full sick pay from day one - and to offer financial assistance to smaller companies where required."
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-03--Priti Patel 'regrets' top official's resignation amid bullying allegations

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she regrets the resignation of her department 's most senior official amid allegations of bullying against her .
In the wake of Sir Philip Rutnam 's bombshell resignation at the weekend , Ms Patel has sent an email to staff at the Home Office , co-signed by Shona Dunn , the department 's acting permanent secretary .
`` We both regret Sir Philip 's decision to resign , '' the email sent to staff , and seen by the Reuters news agency , said .
It continued : `` We both deeply value the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does and care about the wellbeing of all our staff .
`` It is therefore a time for us all to come together as one team . ''
Sir Philip Rutnam said he was quitting because he had become the target of a `` vicious and orchestrated campaign '' against him , which he alleged Ms Patel was involved in .
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel `` shouting and swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
Sir Philip is suing the government for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departure from his £175,000 per year role has increased pressure on Ms Patel , following weeks of reports of tensions within her department .
A spokesman for the home secretary has said she `` completely rejects '' the allegations made against her .
On Monday it was revealed that the Cabinet Office has been asked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to `` establish the facts '' about the claims against Ms Patel .
Labour has called for the home secretary to stand aside while the inquiry takes place .
Mr Johnson has expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a number of cabinet colleagues have defended her in recent days .

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she regrets the resignation of her department's most senior official amid allegations of bullying against her.
In the wake of Sir Philip Rutnam's bombshell resignation at the weekend, Ms Patel has sent an email to staff at the Home Office, co-signed by Shona Dunn, the department's acting permanent secretary.
"We both regret Sir Philip's decision to resign," the email sent to staff, and seen by the Reuters news agency, said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Johnson orders investigation into Priti Patel bullying claims
It continued: "We both deeply value the work that every person in this department does and care about the wellbeing of all our staff.
"It is therefore a time for us all to come together as one team."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'I don't believe Priti Patel'
Sir Philip Rutnam said he was quitting because he had become the target of a "vicious and orchestrated campaign" against him, which he alleged Ms Patel was involved in.
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel "shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".
Sir Philip is suing the government for constructive dismissal.
The official's explosive departure from his £175,000 per year role has increased pressure on Ms Patel, following weeks of reports of tensions within her department.
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A spokesman for the home secretary has said she "completely rejects" the allegations made against her.
On Monday it was revealed that the Cabinet Office has been asked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "establish the facts" about the claims against Ms Patel.
Labour has called for the home secretary to stand aside while the inquiry takes place.
Mr Johnson has expressed his full confidence in Ms Patel, while a number of cabinet colleagues have defended her in recent days.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-03--Govt adviser leaves job after clash with Dominic Cummings

A political aide who clashed with Dominic Cummings has left her job in government , it has emerged .
Lynn Davidson is no longer a special adviser to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace .
Senior Conservative sources have stressed her departure was not because of her criticism of Mr Cummings , Boris Johnson 's chief adviser .
She described him as `` out of order '' during a meeting last month .
According to The Times , Mr Cummings was confronted over his `` unkindness '' to aides when he said `` I 'll see some of you next week '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been criticism of Mr Cummings over his treatment of colleagues , as he carries out a shake-up of how the government is organised .
A Tory source cited by the Press Association said the talks about Ms Davidson moving to either the Department of Health or the Department of Education started before her clash with Mr Cummings .
The incident came ahead of Sajid Javid 's surprise resignation as chancellor during the reshuffle .
Mr Javid quit after Mr Johnson insisted he sack his aides and replace them with ones chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who used to work as a journalist for The Sun , has been contacted for comment .

A political aide who clashed with Dominic Cummings has left her job in government, it has emerged.
Lynn Davidson is no longer a special adviser to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
Senior Conservative sources have stressed her departure was not because of her criticism of Mr Cummings, Boris Johnson's chief adviser.
Image: Ms Davidson called Mr Cummings 'out of order'
She described him as "out of order" during a meeting last month.
According to The Times, Mr Cummings was confronted over his "unkindness" to aides when he said "I'll see some of you next week" shortly before the PM's reshuffle.
There has been criticism of Mr Cummings over his treatment of colleagues, as he carries out a shake-up of how the government is organised.
A Tory source cited by the Press Association said the talks about Ms Davidson moving to either the Department of Health or the Department of Education started before her clash with Mr Cummings.
The incident came ahead of Sajid Javid's surprise resignation as chancellor during the reshuffle.
Mr Javid quit after Mr Johnson insisted he sack his aides and replace them with ones chosen by Downing Street.
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Ms Davidson, who used to work as a journalist for The Sun, has been contacted for comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-03--Boris Johnson set to take paternity leave when Carrie Symonds gives birth

Boris Johnson will `` almost certainly '' take paternity leave when his new child is born later this year .
At the weekend , it was announced the prime minister 's girlfriend Carrie Symonds is pregnant and the couple are engaged .
The baby is expected in early summer , with Ms Symonds saying she was feeling `` incredibly blessed '' by the news .
Asked at a Downing Street news conference on Tuesday whether he planned to take paternity leave later this year , Mr Johnson replied : `` Almost certainly , yes . ''
Number 10 sources did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be in line to deputise for Mr Johnson .
Mr Raab has a dual role as First Secretary of State , which implies seniority over all other Cabinet ministers .
The title was previously held by Damian Green under Theresa May , and William Hague and then George Osborne under David Cameron .
The last time a child was born to a sitting prime minister was during Mr Cameron 's tenure when he and his wife Samantha welcomed Florence Rose Endellion into their family in August 2010 .
Mr Cameron took paternity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his youngest child , with Mr Hague deputising for him in the House of Commons .
But his predecessor Tony Blair refused to take paternity leave while prime minister when his son Leo was born in 2000 .
However , Mr Blair did say he would temporarily take things easy .
Mr Johnson has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler , with whom he recently reached a financial settlement over his divorce .
In 2013 , when he was London mayor , the Appeal Court ruled the public had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre , who later gave birth to their daughter .
In the UK , new fathers can take up to two weeks ' statutory paternity leave , with eligible employees paid whichever is lower of £148.68 a week or 90 % of their average weekly earnings .

Boris Johnson will "almost certainly" take paternity leave when his new child is born later this year.
At the weekend, it was announced the prime minister's girlfriend Carrie Symonds is pregnant and the couple are engaged.
The baby is expected in early summer, with Ms Symonds saying she was feeling "incredibly blessed" by the news.
Asked at a Downing Street news conference on Tuesday whether he planned to take paternity leave later this year, Mr Johnson replied: "Almost certainly, yes."
Number 10 sources did not say whether Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would be in line to deputise for Mr Johnson.
Image: A post by Ms Symonds on Instagram revealed her engagement at the end of last year
Mr Raab has a dual role as First Secretary of State, which implies seniority over all other Cabinet ministers.
The title was previously held by Damian Green under Theresa May, and William Hague and then George Osborne under David Cameron.
The last time a child was born to a sitting prime minister was during Mr Cameron's tenure when he and his wife Samantha welcomed Florence Rose Endellion into their family in August 2010.
Mr Cameron took paternity leave after the birth of Florence, his youngest child, with Mr Hague deputising for him in the House of Commons.
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But his predecessor Tony Blair refused to take paternity leave while prime minister when his son Leo was born in 2000.
However, Mr Blair did say he would temporarily take things easy.
Mr Johnson has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler, with whom he recently reached a financial settlement over his divorce.
In 2013, when he was London mayor, the Appeal Court ruled the public had a right to know that Mr Johnson had an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre, who later gave birth to their daughter.
In the UK, new fathers can take up to two weeks' statutory paternity leave, with eligible employees paid whichever is lower of £148.68 a week or 90% of their average weekly earnings.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--Senior US senators urge UK to rethink Huawei decision

A group of senior US senators are urging the UK to reconsider allowing Huawei to build part of its 5G mobile networks .
In a letter to MPs , the group of US politicians - including both Democrats and Republicans - expressed their `` significant concern '' with Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's decision to hand the Chinese company an infrastructure role .
Critics allege Huawei has close links to the Chinese government and its equipment could be used for espionage purposes - something the company has always denied .
US President Donald Trump has put trade restrictions on Huawei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America 's `` Five Eyes '' allies - the UK , Canada , Australia and New Zealand - could be put at risk if the UK worked with the firm .
Mr Trump was reported to have been `` apoplectic '' with Mr Johnson in a phone call last month , after the UK pushed ahead with allowing Huawei to build 5G networks .
It came after Mr Johnson confirmed Huawei will be able to build `` non-core '' parts of the UK 's 5G networks , but with a series of conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the letter , the senators wrote : `` The UK government 's action to curb the activity of high-risk entities like Huawei will not go far enough to mitigate the full landscape of serious security threats .
`` It is our understanding that the security and privacy risks surrounding Huawei technology can not be effectively mitigated because of the unique software dependencies of 5G .
`` While banning companies like Huawei from the UK 's 'core ' 5G network infrastructure may address some security threats , in practice it could prove very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate 'core ' equipment from that considered to be on the periphery . ''
The letter 's signatories include Chuck Schumer , the Democrat leader in the Senate , as well as former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney .
The group called for the US and UK , along with other allies , to `` work together '' to devise a strategy to remove Huawei and other `` high-risk vendors '' from network infrastructure .
They also proposed action to increase investment in domestic supply of mobile systems .
The letter was sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday about Huawei 's involvement in the UK 's 5G network , which saw a number of Conservative MPs express fury at the government 's decision .
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith told Westminster Hall , an annexe to the main House of Commons chamber , that the UK was `` in a mess '' and had been left `` utterly friendless amongst our allies '' by the Huawei decision .
He said allowing Huawei to be involved in 5G infrastructure was like Britain having allowed Nazis to be involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The establishment at the moment in the UK has found itself somehow locked to this Huawei process and we need to break them free , '' Mr Duncan Smith added .
`` It 's like getting somebody off the addiction to heroin , we need to put them into rehab . ''
Fellow Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat , the chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee , claimed the UK was being used as a `` pawn '' in China 's geopolitical `` game '' to divide its opponents .

A group of senior US senators are urging the UK to reconsider allowing Huawei to build part of its 5G mobile networks.
In a letter to MPs, the group of US politicians - including both Democrats and Republicans - expressed their "significant concern" with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to hand the Chinese company an infrastructure role.
Critics allege Huawei has close links to the Chinese government and its equipment could be used for espionage purposes - something the company has always denied.
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US President Donald Trump has put trade restrictions on Huawei and previously suggested future intelligence-sharing cooperation with America's "Five Eyes" allies - the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - could be put at risk if the UK worked with the firm.
Mr Trump was reported to have been "apoplectic" with Mr Johnson in a phone call last month, after the UK pushed ahead with allowing Huawei to build 5G networks.
It came after Mr Johnson confirmed Huawei will be able to build "non-core" parts of the UK's 5G networks, but with a series of conditions attached on the company's involvement, including a 35% cap on "high-risk" vendors accessing non-sensitive parts of the network.
In the letter, the senators wrote: "The UK government's action to curb the activity of high-risk entities like Huawei will not go far enough to mitigate the full landscape of serious security threats.
"It is our understanding that the security and privacy risks surrounding Huawei technology cannot be effectively mitigated because of the unique software dependencies of 5G.
"While banning companies like Huawei from the UK's 'core' 5G network infrastructure may address some security threats, in practice it could prove very challenging, if not impossible, to separate 'core' equipment from that considered to be on the periphery."
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Image: Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith is furious at the government's decision
The letter's signatories include Chuck Schumer, the Democrat leader in the Senate, as well as former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
The group called for the US and UK, along with other allies, to "work together" to devise a strategy to remove Huawei and other "high-risk vendors" from network infrastructure.
They also proposed action to increase investment in domestic supply of mobile systems.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The letter was sent to MPs ahead of a parliamentary debate on Wednesday about Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network, which saw a number of Conservative MPs express fury at the government's decision.
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith told Westminster Hall, an annexe to the main House of Commons chamber, that the UK was "in a mess" and had been left "utterly friendless amongst our allies" by the Huawei decision.
He said allowing Huawei to be involved in 5G infrastructure was like Britain having allowed Nazis to be involved in the development of radar in 1939.
"The establishment at the moment in the UK has found itself somehow locked to this Huawei process and we need to break them free," Mr Duncan Smith added.
"It's like getting somebody off the addiction to heroin, we need to put them into rehab."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 PM: 'Nothing' must imperil relationship with US
Fellow Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, claimed the UK was being used as a "pawn" in China's geopolitical "game" to divide its opponents.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--No-deal Brexit prep will be 'dusted off to help businesses deal with coronavirus'

The government 's previous preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit stand it in `` incredibly good stead '' to help firms deal with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak , the former business secretary has told Sky News .
Andrea Leadsom told Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby that there was a `` huge amount '' that ministers could do to `` ensure that businesses are protected '' .
Ms Leadsom continued : `` Ironically , I think a lot of the work we did last year preparing for the supposed no-deal Brexit on 31 October has stood the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packages of support and how you might be able to help companies keep going should something dramatic happen .
`` I 'm quite sure that some of that will be being dusted off with a view to looking at how that could be adapted . ''
Ms Leadsom , who lost her job in Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's cabinet reshuffle last month , also said that sick pay should be given to gig economy workers amid the outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
She said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will be considering as the number of cases of coronavirus continues to rise .
Ms Leadsom said : `` I 'm sure the government will be looking closely at what further support can be given and whether it is in the form of statutory sick pay which normally is n't available to non-standard employee arrangements .
`` I 'm sure , as I say , there will be measures put in place to try and lend support . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier announced that workers who need to self-isolate because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay from the first day they are off .
The prime minister told MPs that the rules would be changed as part of forthcoming emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak .
At the moment , sick pay is paid from the fourth day someone is absent from work due to illness .
Mr Johnson said those who self-isolate are `` helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus '' .
`` If they stay at home and if we ask people to self-isolate , they may lose out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons .
`` So , I can today announce that the health secretary will bring forward , as part of our emergency coronavirus legislation , measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules , and I think that 's the right way forward .
`` Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing . ''
Many unions and business groups have welcomed the move , but have called for the government to also help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £118-a-week , both of whom do not get sick pay .
Ms Leadsom sat down with Sky News for a wide-ranging interview , her first since she was sacked by the PM .
She described the day of her dismissal as `` not much fun '' and admitted that it came as a `` personal blow '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Leadsom said she does not know why she was asked to step aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` For me , I always try and focus on the fact that it 's been an amazing six years in government and it 's the greatest privilege to do that .
`` You ca n't knock it . ''
• Defended Priti Patel amid the numerous bullying allegations against the home secretary , saying she has `` never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody '' • Called for an independent complaints procedure for civil servants , similar to the system she helped set up for parliament • Said former Speaker John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak for themselves and people will form their own views '' • Hailed a `` much better mood '' in the Commons since his departure • Said her focus on the backbenches would be on `` giving every baby the best start in life '' Analysis : Leadsom will be a powerful voice on the backbenches By Beth Rigby , political editor Not so long ago , Andrea Leadsom hoped she might become prime minister .
But after nearly six years in government - and in cabinet for nearly four - the leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her services were no longer required in his victory lap reshuffle .
In her first exclusive interview since leaving office , the former business secretary talks candidly about losing her job .
Ms Leadsom said it was a `` a personal blow '' to be asked to leave cabinet and says the prime minister gave no reason for her departure except that he wanted to make space for others in his top team .
`` Being asked to step down , it happens to everyone .
One day everybody is asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon for my liking , '' she said .
An ardent Brexiteer , she stood against Mr Johnson for the Conservative party leadership and was never part of his circle .
As a minister , she was known to speak her mind in cabinet .
Whether these were reasons for her departure , she `` genuinely does n't know '' .
Back on the backbenches , Ms Leadsom is set to be a powerful voice over an issue racing up the agenda again : bullying .
When she was leader of the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with tackling endemic bullying in parliament and was instrumental in setting up an independent complaints procedure to better protect staff .
In our interview , the senior politician is at pains to defend her colleague and friend Priti Patel , saying that she had `` never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody . ''
But she also said , like parliament , the civil service needed an independent complaints system to help police the relationship between mandarins and ministers .
This is not her only area of expertise .
As a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about no-deal planning and says it will stand the government in good stead for handling coronavirus .
Support packages are ready to be triggered where necessary .
But she also agrees with those on the opposition benches today who called for more support for workers , and said she believes statutory sick pay should be extended to those working in the gig economy .
In her personal statement she was careful not to take aim at either the prime minister or the advisers around him .
She has been removed from cabinet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close , tasking Ms Leadsom with the job of developing the government 's early years strategy .
Her time in government over but she is still with purpose : another senior politician for Mr Johnson to watch .

The government's previous preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit stand it in "incredibly good stead" to help firms deal with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, the former business secretary has told Sky News.
Andrea Leadsom told Sky's political editor Beth Rigby that there was a "huge amount" that ministers could do to "ensure that businesses are protected".
Ms Leadsom continued: "Ironically, I think a lot of the work we did last year preparing for the supposed no-deal Brexit on 31 October has stood the government in incredibly good stead - looking at packages of support and how you might be able to help companies keep going should something dramatic happen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM announces sick pay change
"I'm quite sure that some of that will be being dusted off with a view to looking at how that could be adapted."
Ms Leadsom, who lost her job in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle last month, also said that sick pay should be given to gig economy workers amid the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
She said she was sure the measure would be something the government will be considering as the number of cases of coronavirus continues to rise.
Ms Leadsom said: "I'm sure the government will be looking closely at what further support can be given and whether it is in the form of statutory sick pay which normally isn't available to non-standard employee arrangements.
"I'm sure, as I say, there will be measures put in place to try and lend support."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier announced that workers who need to self-isolate because of coronavirus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off.
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The prime minister told MPs that the rules would be changed as part of forthcoming emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak.
At the moment, sick pay is paid from the fourth day someone is absent from work due to illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Gig economy workers face uncertain future if virus outbreak gets worse
Mr Johnson said those who self-isolate are "helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus".
"If they stay at home and if we ask people to self-isolate, they may lose out financially," he told the House of Commons.
"So, I can today announce that the health secretary will bring forward, as part of our emergency coronavirus legislation, measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules, and I think that's the right way forward.
"Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Many unions and business groups have welcomed the move, but have called for the government to also help self-employed workers and those who earn less than £118-a-week, both of whom do not get sick pay.
Ms Leadsom sat down with Sky News for a wide-ranging interview, her first since she was sacked by the PM.
She described the day of her dismissal as "not much fun" and admitted that it came as a "personal blow".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Leadsom said she does not know why she was asked to step aside from her role, but added: "For me, I always try and focus on the fact that it's been an amazing six years in government and it's the greatest privilege to do that.
"You can't knock it."
The two-time Tory leadership candidate also:
Defended Priti Patel amid the numerous bullying allegations against the home secretary, saying she has "never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody"
against the home secretary, saying she has "never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody" Called for an independent complaints procedure for civil servants, similar to the system she helped set up for parliament
Said former Speaker John Bercow's actions in the chair "speak for themselves and people will form their own views"
Hailed a "much better mood" in the Commons since his departure
Said her focus on the backbenches would be on "giving every baby the best start in life"
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Analysis: Leadsom will be a powerful voice on the backbenches
By Beth Rigby, political editor
Not so long ago, Andrea Leadsom hoped she might become prime minister. But after nearly six years in government - and in cabinet for nearly four - the leading Brexiteer was told by the prime minister that her services were no longer required in his victory lap reshuffle.
In her first exclusive interview since leaving office, the former business secretary talks candidly about losing her job. Ms Leadsom said it was a "a personal blow" to be asked to leave cabinet and says the prime minister gave no reason for her departure except that he wanted to make space for others in his top team.
"Being asked to step down, it happens to everyone. One day everybody is asked to step down and it just came too soon for my liking," she said.
An ardent Brexiteer, she stood against Mr Johnson for the Conservative party leadership and was never part of his circle. As a minister, she was known to speak her mind in cabinet. Whether these were reasons for her departure, she "genuinely doesn't know".
Back on the backbenches, Ms Leadsom is set to be a powerful voice over an issue racing up the agenda again: bullying. When she was leader of the House of Commons, Ms Leadsom was tasked with tackling endemic bullying in parliament and was instrumental in setting up an independent complaints procedure to better protect staff.
In our interview, the senior politician is at pains to defend her colleague and friend Priti Patel, saying that she had "never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody." But she also said, like parliament, the civil service needed an independent complaints system to help police the relationship between mandarins and ministers.
This is not her only area of expertise. As a former business secretary, Ms Leadsom knows plenty about no-deal planning and says it will stand the government in good stead for handling coronavirus. Support packages are ready to be triggered where necessary. But she also agrees with those on the opposition benches today who called for more support for workers, and said she believes statutory sick pay should be extended to those working in the gig economy.
In her personal statement she was careful not to take aim at either the prime minister or the advisers around him. She has been removed from cabinet, but Mr Johnson is still keeping her close, tasking Ms Leadsom with the job of developing the government's early years strategy. Her time in government over but she is still with purpose: another senior politician for Mr Johnson to watch.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--PM 'sticking by' Patel - but more people have come forward to say she 'bullied them'

Boris Johnson has declared he is `` sticking by '' Priti Patel amid growing bullying allegations against his embattled home secretary .
The prime minister launched a fulsome defence of Ms Patel in his first public comments since a Whitehall inquiry was launched into the accusations against her .
But immediately following Mr Johnson 's comments , Labour claimed they have been contacted by civil servants in the Home Office and other departments within the last 24 hours with more bullying and harassment allegations against Ms Patel .
Labour would not comment on the number of cases or give more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the home secretary and `` another former minister '' .
`` It is quite clear this is not an isolated allegation by one individual about one incident or one set of incidents , '' said a spokesman for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn .
There have also been reports of other allegations against Ms Patel from her various spells in government .
A spokesperson for the cabinet minister said : `` The home secretary completely rejects all allegations made against her . ''
Mr Johnson gave a public show of support to Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Commons , as he faced down questions about his home secretary during Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday .
He told MPs : `` The home secretary is doing an outstanding job delivering change , putting police out on the street , cutting crime and delivering a new immigration system .
Mr Corbyn called for the prime minister to offer assurances that the Cabinet Office inquiry into Ms Patel would be `` an independent investigation… led by an external lawyer '' .
The Labour leader accused Mr Johnson of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullies in his government '' and having `` no shame in defending bullying '' .
`` There ca n't be one rule for workers across this country and another rule for him and his ministers , '' said Mr Corbyn .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson said : `` If there are allegations , of course it is right they should be properly investigated by the Cabinet Office and that is what is happening . ''
He added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons about bullying from the leader of a party where female MPs were bullied so badly in the matter of antisemitism they actually left the party .
`` And where the shadow chancellor [ John McDonnell ] has still not apologised for his call for a member of our party to be lynched . ''
Ms Patel has been under pressure since the resignation of Sir Philip Rutnam , the top civil servant at the Home Office , who has vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal .
Conservative MP Nadine Dorries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascinated '' by the number of Labour MPs raising the issuing of bullying in the Commons .
She accused them of being `` totally silent '' when similar claims were made about former Speaker John Bercow , who has been nominated for a peerage by Mr Corbyn .

Boris Johnson has declared he is "sticking by" Priti Patel amid growing bullying allegations against his embattled home secretary.
The prime minister launched a fulsome defence of Ms Patel in his first public comments since a Whitehall inquiry was launched into the accusations against her.
But immediately following Mr Johnson's comments, Labour claimed they have been contacted by civil servants in the Home Office and other departments within the last 24 hours with more bullying and harassment allegations against Ms Patel.
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Labour would not comment on the number of cases or give more details, but said the claims relate to the home secretary and "another former minister".
"It is quite clear this is not an isolated allegation by one individual about one incident or one set of incidents," said a spokesman for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
There have also been reports of other allegations against Ms Patel from her various spells in government.
A spokesperson for the cabinet minister said: "The home secretary completely rejects all allegations made against her."
Mr Johnson gave a public show of support to Ms Patel, who sat next to him in the House of Commons, as he faced down questions about his home secretary during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
He told MPs: "The home secretary is doing an outstanding job delivering change, putting police out on the street, cutting crime and delivering a new immigration system.
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"I'm sticking by her."
Mr Corbyn called for the prime minister to offer assurances that the Cabinet Office inquiry into Ms Patel would be "an independent investigation… led by an external lawyer".
The Labour leader accused Mr Johnson of being "determined to cover up for bullies in his government" and having "no shame in defending bullying".
"There can't be one rule for workers across this country and another rule for him and his ministers," said Mr Corbyn.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson said: "If there are allegations, of course it is right they should be properly investigated by the Cabinet Office and that is what is happening."
He added to Mr Corbyn: "I take no lessons about bullying from the leader of a party where female MPs were bullied so badly in the matter of antisemitism they actually left the party.
"And where the shadow chancellor [John McDonnell] has still not apologised for his call for a member of our party to be lynched."
Ms Patel has been under pressure since the resignation of Sir Philip Rutnam, the top civil servant at the Home Office, who has vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal.
Conservative MP Nadine Dorries posted on Twitter that she was "fascinated" by the number of Labour MPs raising the issuing of bullying in the Commons.
She accused them of being "totally silent" when similar claims were made about former Speaker John Bercow, who has been nominated for a peerage by Mr Corbyn.
"Sickening, double standards," Ms Dorries tweeted. Mr Bercow denies the allegations.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--Johnson announces changes to sick pay to tackle coronavirus

Workers who need to self-isolate because of coronavirus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off , Boris Johnson has announced .
The prime minister told MPs that the rules would be changed as part of forthcoming emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
At the moment , sick pay is paid from the fourth day someone is absent from work due to illness .
The number of UK cases now stands at 85 .
Earlier , England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK is `` almost certain '' with `` some deaths '' expected .
Mr Johnson revealed the government 's plan for tackling coronavirus on Tuesday , and the issue dominated exchanges between him and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during PMQs .
Mr Johnson said those who self-isolate are `` helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus '' .
`` If they stay at home and if we ask people to self-isolate , they may lose out financially , '' he told the House of Commons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the health secretary will bring forward , as part of our emergency coronavirus legislation , measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules , and I think that 's the right way forward .
`` Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing . ''
The government has come under pressure in recent days to act to compensate employees who follow health advice and do not go into work .
According to its coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers could be off sick during a peak in cases .
Mr Corbyn welcomed the move , but pressed Mr Johnson on whether the change would apply to workers not entitled to statutory sick pay so they would not need to make the `` terrible choice between health and hardship '' .
The PM said he was `` very much aware '' of the issues confronting the self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts , adding that `` some of them will be entitled to statutory sick pay , a great many '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement was an `` important step forward '' , but was still `` not enough '' , pointing out that two million workers `` still do n't earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay '' .
`` They ca n't afford not to work .
And statutory sick pay still is n't enough to live on , '' she said .
`` Government must go further to ensure that no one is penalised for doing the right thing . ''
CBI deputy director-general Josh Hardie said : `` Employers have a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is put into practice fairly .
Making statutory sick pay available from day one is an important first step . ''
The Resolution foundation think-tank said the move `` goes some way to reassuring workers '' .
Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But its research director Laura Gardiner said the change would not help an estimated five million self-employed workers and around two million employees who earned less than £118-a-week , the minimum level to qualify for payments .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order , while the NHS could be closed to all but critical care .
• Police would `` concentrate on responding to serious crimes '' if they lose a `` significant '' amount of staff to illness • UK has stockpiles of medicines for the NHS , along with protective clothing and equipment for medical staff • If coronavirus becomes widespread , there will be a focus on essential services for those `` most at risk '' • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as needed • There will be increased government communication with parliament , the public and the media • Social distancing strategies could be implemented , which would include school closures , home-working , and reducing the number of large scale gatherings • Non-urgent operations and procedures could be cancelled and hospital discharges monitored to free up beds • Measures would come into place to help businesses with short-term cash flow problems • A distribution strategy for sending out key medicines and equipment to NHS and social care patients

Workers who need to self-isolate because of coronavirus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off, Boris Johnson has announced.
The prime minister told MPs that the rules would be changed as part of forthcoming emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
At the moment, sick pay is paid from the fourth day someone is absent from work due to illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
The number of UK cases now stands at 85.
Earlier, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told Sky News that a serious outbreak in the UK is "almost certain" with "some deaths" expected.
Mr Johnson revealed the government's plan for tackling coronavirus on Tuesday, and the issue dominated exchanges between him and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during PMQs.
Mr Johnson said those who self-isolate are "helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus".
"If they stay at home and if we ask people to self-isolate, they may lose out financially," he told the House of Commons.
"So, I can today announce that the health secretary will bring forward, as part of our emergency coronavirus legislation, measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules, and I think that's the right way forward.
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"Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Coronavirus adverts launched
The government has come under pressure in recent days to act to compensate employees who follow health advice and do not go into work.
According to its coronavirus blueprint, up to one in five workers could be off sick during a peak in cases.
Mr Corbyn welcomed the move, but pressed Mr Johnson on whether the change would apply to workers not entitled to statutory sick pay so they would not need to make the "terrible choice between health and hardship".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 Coronavirus: How bad will it get?
The PM said he was "very much aware" of the issues confronting the self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts, adding that "some of them will be entitled to statutory sick pay, a great many".
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the announcement was an "important step forward", but was still "not enough", pointing out that two million workers "still don't earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay".
"They can't afford not to work. And statutory sick pay still isn't enough to live on," she said.
"Government must go further to ensure that no one is penalised for doing the right thing."
CBI deputy director-general Josh Hardie said: "Employers have a big role to play in ensuring that self-isolation is put into practice fairly. Making statutory sick pay available from day one is an important first step."
The Resolution foundation think-tank said the move "goes some way to reassuring workers".
Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But its research director Laura Gardiner said the change would not help an estimated five million self-employed workers and around two million employees who earned less than £118-a-week, the minimum level to qualify for payments.
Under the government's plan to tackle coronavirus, police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order, while the NHS could be closed to all but critical care.
Other key points include:
Police would "concentrate on responding to serious crimes" if they lose a "significant" amount of staff to illness
UK has stockpiles of medicines for the NHS, along with protective clothing and equipment for medical staff
If coronavirus becomes widespread, there will be a focus on essential services for those "most at risk"
The Ministry of Defence will provide support as needed
There will be increased government communication with parliament, the public and the media
Social distancing strategies could be implemented, which would include school closures, home-working, and reducing the number of large scale gatherings
Non-urgent operations and procedures could be cancelled and hospital discharges monitored to free up beds
Measures would come into place to help businesses with short-term cash flow problems
A distribution strategy for sending out key medicines and equipment to NHS and social care patients
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--Vegetarian Corbyn gets mixed reception at kebab awards

As a well-known vegetarian , one of the last places you would expect to find Jeremy Corbyn is at the British Kebab Awards .
But the Labour leader was up on stage at the event on Tuesday night , presenting the award for best kebab restaurant in north and west London to Kabul City Restaurant .
Video footage from the event shows there were some boos as Mr Corbyn got up on stage .
The MP for Islington North smiled despite the mixed response .
Mr Corbyn told the audience : `` My test of a kebab restaurant because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry about this - I ca n't ignore the truth that I am a vegetarian - is that , does it contain salad and do they have good falafels ?
`` That has divided the audience .
`` But can I tell everyone who operates a kebab restaurant or uses one , they are something very nice and very special in our community . ''
The outgoing Labour leader , who has been an MP for almost 40 years , said he would `` be around in politics for some time to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and business minister Nadhim Zahawi were among the other politicians at the event .
Another winner on the night was vegan kebab chain What The Pitta , which took home the award for best London takeaway .
It was co-founded by Cem Kaymaz-Yildiz and Roj Gul and started out selling at pop-ups around the capital in 2017 before later opening a store in Shoreditch .
Members of the public voted for the 150 finalists who faced the judges , which included Labour MP Carolyn Harris , Tory MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samson Sohail , Cobra beer sales director .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Kebab Awards founder Ibrahim Dogus said : `` The kebab is an unsung cornerstone of high streets across the country , and the simply superb quality of this year 's entries shows that British small businesses can more than compete on a world stage of cuisine .
`` What is also just as important is that we must not let Brexit hinder the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employ so many people often from migrant backgrounds . ''
More than 1.3 million kebabs are sold across Britain every day , with the industry 's annual contribution to the economy coming in at £28bn , according to the British Kebab Awards .

As a well-known vegetarian, one of the last places you would expect to find Jeremy Corbyn is at the British Kebab Awards.
But the Labour leader was up on stage at the event on Tuesday night, presenting the award for best kebab restaurant in north and west London to Kabul City Restaurant.
Video footage from the event shows there were some boos as Mr Corbyn got up on stage.
The MP for Islington North smiled despite the mixed response.
Mr Corbyn told the audience: "My test of a kebab restaurant because of predilection not to eat meat is, sorry about this - I can't ignore the truth that I am a vegetarian - is that, does it contain salad and do they have good falafels?
"That has divided the audience.
"But can I tell everyone who operates a kebab restaurant or uses one, they are something very nice and very special in our community."
The outgoing Labour leader, who has been an MP for almost 40 years, said he would "be around in politics for some time to come".
London mayor Sadiq Khan, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and business minister Nadhim Zahawi were among the other politicians at the event.
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Another winner on the night was vegan kebab chain What The Pitta, which took home the award for best London takeaway.
It was co-founded by Cem Kaymaz-Yildiz and Roj Gul and started out selling at pop-ups around the capital in 2017 before later opening a store in Shoreditch.
Members of the public voted for the 150 finalists who faced the judges, which included Labour MP Carolyn Harris, Tory MP David Warburton, journalist Ash Sarkar and Samson Sohail, Cobra beer sales director.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Kebab Awards founder Ibrahim Dogus said: "The kebab is an unsung cornerstone of high streets across the country, and the simply superb quality of this year's entries shows that British small businesses can more than compete on a world stage of cuisine.
"What is also just as important is that we must not let Brexit hinder the UK's flourishing restaurant and takeaway industries, which employ so many people often from migrant backgrounds."
More than 1.3 million kebabs are sold across Britain every day, with the industry's annual contribution to the economy coming in at £28bn, according to the British Kebab Awards.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--Coronavirus could shut down parliament for months

Parliament could shut its doors for months under emergency government plans to tackle the spread of the coronavirus .
It follows the UK 's biggest day-on-day increase in cases , with 87 people now confirmed to have the disease .
MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee committee are due to question England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty on Thursday as to how well prepared the UK is to deal with the impact of a possible global pandemic .
Downing Street has confirmed that Boris Johnson is in talks with the parliamentary authorities about a possible shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One option is for parliament 's Easter recess , due to start on March 31 , to be brought forward .
Another is for MPs and peers not to return after Easter , with the Commons and Lords suspended until September .
• British beleaguered regional airline Flybe collapsed on Thursday , blaming coronavirus for its final demise • Italy shut down all schools and universities and banned fans from sporting events after 3,089 people tested positive and 107 have died - the largest number of deaths outside China • Eleven people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , as California declared a state of emergency with 53 cases • Some passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship have been quarantined at sea off the Mexico coast after a group of patients in California who had been on the ship contracted the virus • Australia has banned foreign arrivals from South Korea to slow the spread as it recorded its second illness • In Iran , 77 people have died , including Iran 's former ambassador to the Vatican • In China , deaths and cases have lowered substantially .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer than the day before - and 139 were infected Sky News has learned that Professor Whitty briefed the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of coronavirus in the Palace of Westminster .
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg is certain to be quizzed about a potential shutdown of Parliament when he gives his regular Thursday morning statement to MPs on next week 's Commons business .
And it is understood that the commissions of both Houses , made up of some of parliament 's most senior MPs and peers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Commons , when they meet next Monday .
Sir Lindsay , who succeeded John Bercow as Speaker last October , is said to be concerned about the spread of coronavirus , not only for the staff working in parliament , but also because the Palace of Westminster is a major tourist attraction .
Sir Lindsay 's office has confirmed that he had held talks with Professor Whitty and is being kept updated by the chief medical officer 's team and the Clerk of the Commons .
The possibility of a shutdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was bombed in the Second World War , emerged after the prime minister hinted to MPs that an announcement was imminent .
Mr Johnson said the chief medical officer , chief scientific adviser and Health Secretary Matt Hancock would be setting out the government 's plans for dealing with `` large gatherings '' such as in parliament , in the next 48 hours .
`` We are still at the containment stage , '' said the PM .
`` When we come to the delay phase you 'll be hearing a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about large gatherings and places such as parliament . ''
Later , a spokesman for the prime minister said : `` Discussions are already taking place with parliamentary authorities and scientific and medical advisers .
`` I 'm sure parliament will be led by the advice of the experts in terms of taking the steps it needs in order to protect the people who work there . ''
A parliamentary spokesman added : `` We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to work with the Department for Health and Public Health England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of precautionary measures including placing information posters across the parliamentary estate encouraging thorough hand-washing .
`` We have been reassured by Public Health England that the steps we are taking to reduce the risk of transmission are proportionate and reasonable . ''
Mr Johnson 's hint came in response to a question during PMQs from SNP MP Carol Monaghan , who said : `` Every week 650 of us come here from every part of the UK , spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituencies , potentially becoming the very vectors that we are trying to shut down .
`` Parliament must stay open , but what plans does the prime minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem ? ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In the House of Lords , where the average age of peers is 70 , fears have also been expressed for the health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom are in the age group worst-affected by the virus .
The leader of the Liberal Democrats peers , Lord Newby , said there were older peers with health issues who were considering not coming into the Lords , where peers ' daily allowance is rising by an inflation-busting 3.1 % to £323 a day in April .
`` At this moment I do n't think they are running to the hills but if there are more cases in London and they rose significantly then perhaps this could happen but I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Lord Newby .

Parliament could shut its doors for months under emergency government plans to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.
It follows the UK's biggest day-on-day increase in cases, with 87 people now confirmed to have the disease.
MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee committee are due to question England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty on Thursday as to how well prepared the UK is to deal with the impact of a possible global pandemic.
Downing Street has confirmed that Boris Johnson is in talks with the parliamentary authorities about a possible shutdown if the outbreak continues to get worse.
One option is for parliament's Easter recess, due to start on March 31, to be brought forward. Another is for MPs and peers not to return after Easter, with the Commons and Lords suspended until September.
Other coronavirus developments:
British beleaguered regional airline Flybe collapsed on Thursday, blaming coronavirus for its final demise
collapsed on Thursday, blaming coronavirus for its final demise Italy shut down all schools and universities and banned fans from sporting events after 3,089 people tested positive and 107 have died - the largest number of deaths outside China
shut down all schools and universities and banned fans from sporting events after 3,089 people tested positive and 107 have died - the largest number of deaths outside China Eleven people have now died from coronavirus in the US, as California declared a state of emergency with 53 cases
Some passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship have been quarantined at sea off the Mexico coast after a group of patients in California who had been on the ship contracted the virus
Australia has banned foreign arrivals from South Korea to slow the spread as it recorded its second illness
In Iran, 77 people have died, including Iran's former ambassador to the Vatican
In China, deaths and cases have lowered substantially. 31 people died on Thursday - seven fewer than the day before - and 139 were infected
Sky News has learned that Professor Whitty briefed the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of coronavirus in the Palace of Westminster.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg is certain to be quizzed about a potential shutdown of Parliament when he gives his regular Thursday morning statement to MPs on next week's Commons business.
And it is understood that the commissions of both Houses, made up of some of parliament's most senior MPs and peers, will discuss plans including suspending the Lords and Commons, when they meet next Monday.
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Sir Lindsay, who succeeded John Bercow as Speaker last October, is said to be concerned about the spread of coronavirus, not only for the staff working in parliament, but also because the Palace of Westminster is a major tourist attraction.
Sir Lindsay's office has confirmed that he had held talks with Professor Whitty and is being kept updated by the chief medical officer's team and the Clerk of the Commons.
The possibility of a shutdown, which would be the first since parliament was bombed in the Second World War, emerged after the prime minister hinted to MPs that an announcement was imminent.
Mr Johnson said the chief medical officer, chief scientific adviser and Health Secretary Matt Hancock would be setting out the government's plans for dealing with "large gatherings" such as in parliament, in the next 48 hours.
"We are still at the containment stage," said the PM. "When we come to the delay phase you'll be hearing a lot more detail about what we propose to do about large gatherings and places such as parliament."
Later, a spokesman for the prime minister said: "Discussions are already taking place with parliamentary authorities and scientific and medical advisers.
"I'm sure parliament will be led by the advice of the experts in terms of taking the steps it needs in order to protect the people who work there."
A parliamentary spokesman added: "We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to work with the Department for Health and Public Health England.
"We have taken a range of precautionary measures including placing information posters across the parliamentary estate encouraging thorough hand-washing.
"We have been reassured by Public Health England that the steps we are taking to reduce the risk of transmission are proportionate and reasonable."
Mr Johnson's hint came in response to a question during PMQs from SNP MP Carol Monaghan, who said: "Every week 650 of us come here from every part of the UK, spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world, and we then return to our constituencies, potentially becoming the very vectors that we are trying to shut down.
"Parliament must stay open, but what plans does the prime minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem?"
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In the House of Lords, where the average age of peers is 70, fears have also been expressed for the health and wellbeing of elderly members, most of whom are in the age group worst-affected by the virus.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats peers, Lord Newby, said there were older peers with health issues who were considering not coming into the Lords, where peers' daily allowance is rising by an inflation-busting 3.1% to £323 a day in April.
"At this moment I don't think they are running to the hills but if there are more cases in London and they rose significantly then perhaps this could happen but I'm not aware of anybody taking that step yet," said Lord Newby.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


skynewspolitics--2020-03-04--New culture minister launches scathing attack against the BBC

Boris Johnson 's new minister for the BBC has fired the opening salvo in a Tory war with the corporation , declaring it needs a major shake-up of its output and news coverage if it is to survive .
In what amounts to an accusation of bias , Oliver Dowden - appointed digital , culture , media and sport secretary last month - claims the BBC is guilty of a `` narrow urban outlook '' in its programmes .
He says TV viewers are now turning to iPlayer , Netflix and YouTube and - in a damning criticism - claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public service broadcasting is now seen as less impartial than channels like Sky News .
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Mr Dowden 's attack will be seen as a government indictment that the BBC is instinctively pro-Remain and failing to reflect the views of pro-Brexit voters who backed the Tories in the December general election .
And it comes as the prime minister and his allies embark on a battle with the corporation over the future of the BBC licence fee , with top Tories demanding its replacement with a voluntary subscription system .
Formerly David Cameron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dowden told MPs in his maiden speech in 2015 that he was `` the MP for Albert Square '' , since EastEnders is filmed at the BBC 's Elstree studios in his Hertsmere constituency .
His uncompromising warning to the corporation now comes in a major speech - his first since his appointment - to media and technology bosses in London , in which he sets three major challenges for the BBC : • Firstly , does the BBC truly reflect `` all of the nation '' and is it close to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it guard its `` unique selling point of impartiality '' in all its output ?
• And is it ready to embrace `` proper reform '' to ensure its long term sustainability for the decades ahead ?
Mr Dowden 's speech follows a warning from BBC presenter Jeremy Vine that the organisation is currently facing its `` hardest time '' in the 33 years he has worked for the corporation .
Speaking at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards , Mr Vine said : `` I 'm not worried , but I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does all over again because the world has changed since we started .
`` We 've got to do Strictly and we 've got to do the Proms and we 've got to keep persuading people that they should fund both and it 's difficult . ''
Mr Dowden , addressing the Media and Telecoms 2020 & Beyond conference , said : `` As a Conservative , I understand that for institutions to retain support and relevance , they have to change .
`` In the coming years we will be taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and the BBC 's central role within it .
`` This will start with the consultation on whether to decriminalise TV licence evasion .
Then the process for agreeing the next licence fee settlement .
And then , the mid-term review of the BBC Charter .
`` All of this will be in the context of a licence fee based charter that runs to 2027 . ''
Suggesting the BBC does not reflect the whole nation , Mr Dowden said : `` If we 're honest , some of our biggest institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , key political and social trends in recent years .
`` The BBC needs to be closer to , and understand the perspectives of , the whole of the United Kingdom and avoid providing a narrow urban outlook .
`` By this , I do n't just mean getting authentic and diverse voices on and off screen - although this is important .
`` But also making sure there is genuine diversity of thought and experience .
`` And this matters because if you do n't have that , you miss what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distant and disengaged . ''
On news , Mr Dowden said : `` Recent Ofcom research shows the perception of news impartiality is currently lower for some public service broadcasting channels than commercial channels like Sky and CNN .
`` Ultimately , if people do n't perceive impartiality , then they wo n't believe what they see and read and they 'll feel it is not relevant to them .
`` In an age of fake news and self reinforcing algorithms , the need for genuine impartiality is greater than ever . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We know that half of all UK homes have a subscription to a major streaming service , while under 18s now spend over an hour a day on YouTube .
`` My generation is no longer just turning on the TV when we get home , but is consuming different types of content through the likes of iPlayer and Netflix .
`` While younger generations are favouring self-generated content on platforms like YouTube .
`` When there is so much choice around , the BBC and our public service broadcasters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevance and representation .
`` So the BBC is an institution to be cherished .
`` We would be crazy to throw it away but it must reflect all of our nation , and all perspectives .
`` And it must rise to the challenge of how it will ensure its sustainability as a crucial service in a rapidly changing world .
`` This work is crucial as we look to our nation 's future in the years ahead . ''

Boris Johnson's new minister for the BBC has fired the opening salvo in a Tory war with the corporation, declaring it needs a major shake-up of its output and news coverage if it is to survive.
In what amounts to an accusation of bias, Oliver Dowden - appointed digital, culture, media and sport secretary last month - claims the BBC is guilty of a "narrow urban outlook" in its programmes.
He says TV viewers are now turning to iPlayer, Netflix and YouTube and - in a damning criticism - claims that in an age of fake news public service broadcasting is now seen as less impartial than channels like Sky News. .
Image: Culture secretary Oliver Dowden was highly critical of the BBC
Mr Dowden's attack will be seen as a government indictment that the BBC is instinctively pro-Remain and failing to reflect the views of pro-Brexit voters who backed the Tories in the December general election.
And it comes as the prime minister and his allies embark on a battle with the corporation over the future of the BBC licence fee, with top Tories demanding its replacement with a voluntary subscription system.
Formerly David Cameron's deputy chief of staff, Mr Dowden told MPs in his maiden speech in 2015 that he was "the MP for Albert Square", since EastEnders is filmed at the BBC's Elstree studios in his Hertsmere constituency.
His uncompromising warning to the corporation now comes in a major speech - his first since his appointment - to media and technology bosses in London, in which he sets three major challenges for the BBC:
Firstly, does the BBC truly reflect "all of the nation" and is it close to the British people?
Secondly, does it guard its "unique selling point of impartiality" in all its output?
And is it ready to embrace "proper reform" to ensure its long term sustainability for the decades ahead?
Mr Dowden's speech follows a warning from BBC presenter Jeremy Vine that the organisation is currently facing its "hardest time" in the 33 years he has worked for the corporation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:15 'No woman wants to take action against their employer'
Speaking at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards , Mr Vine said: "I'm not worried, but I think the BBC needs to justify what it does all over again because the world has changed since we started.
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"We've got to do Strictly and we've got to do the Proms and we've got to keep persuading people that they should fund both and it's difficult."
Mr Dowden, addressing the Media and Telecoms 2020 & Beyond conference, said: "As a Conservative, I understand that for institutions to retain support and relevance, they have to change.
"In the coming years we will be taking a proper look at our public service broadcasting system and the BBC's central role within it.
"This will start with the consultation on whether to decriminalise TV licence evasion. Then the process for agreeing the next licence fee settlement. And then, the mid-term review of the BBC Charter.
"All of this will be in the context of a licence fee based charter that runs to 2027."
Suggesting the BBC does not reflect the whole nation, Mr Dowden said: "If we're honest, some of our biggest institutions missed, or were slow to pick up, key political and social trends in recent years.
"The BBC needs to be closer to, and understand the perspectives of, the whole of the United Kingdom and avoid providing a narrow urban outlook.
"By this, I don't just mean getting authentic and diverse voices on and off screen - although this is important.
"But also making sure there is genuine diversity of thought and experience.
"And this matters because if you don't have that, you miss what's important to people and you seem distant and disengaged."
On news, Mr Dowden said: "Recent Ofcom research shows the perception of news impartiality is currently lower for some public service broadcasting channels than commercial channels like Sky and CNN.
"Ultimately, if people don't perceive impartiality, then they won't believe what they see and read and they'll feel it is not relevant to them.
"In an age of fake news and self reinforcing algorithms, the need for genuine impartiality is greater than ever."
Image: BBC veteran Jeremy Vine said the corporation is facing its 'hardest time' in his 33 years working there
On changing TV viewing habits, he said: "We know that half of all UK homes have a subscription to a major streaming service, while under 18s now spend over an hour a day on YouTube.
"My generation is no longer just turning on the TV when we get home, but is consuming different types of content through the likes of iPlayer and Netflix.
"While younger generations are favouring self-generated content on platforms like YouTube.
"When there is so much choice around, the BBC and our public service broadcasters need to focus even more strongly on relevance and representation.
"So the BBC is an institution to be cherished.
"We would be crazy to throw it away but it must reflect all of our nation, and all perspectives.
"And it must rise to the challenge of how it will ensure its sustainability as a crucial service in a rapidly changing world.
"This work is crucial as we look to our nation's future in the years ahead."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--5G inquiry to examine 2025 deadline promise

An inquiry into 5G networks and the UK 's broadband is being launched to look at how realistic the government 's pledge is to bring high-speed internet to every home and business by 2025 .
What is needed to achieve that , how realistic the ambition is and what it will mean for people and businesses will be looked into by the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) select committee .
Boris Johnson has faced questions over the viability of his promise to bring gigabit-speed broadband to the whole of the UK in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase average internet speeds for many parts of the country .
DCMS committee chair Julian Knight said : `` The delivery of full-fibre broadband is critical to the success of the UK , particularly the need to ensure that our businesses of the future are equipped with a reliable , future-proofed network no matter where they are based .
`` The government has said it wants to achieve this nationwide roll-out by 2025 .
`` We 'll be carrying out a reality check to find out what steps must be taken now if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The committee will also look at the role controversial new 5G technology could play and will examine schemes such as the Shared Rural Network to improve mobile connectivity .
The network is a joint venture between the four major mobile operatores - O2 , Vodafone , Three and EE - and the government which includes sharing infrastructure as well as building new phone masts .
Mr Johnson has previously promised to make `` poor mobile signal a thing of the past '' .
On Wednesday , a cross-party group of US senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their `` significant concern '' with Mr Johnson 's decision to hand Chinese telecoms company Huawei an infrastructure role in distributing 5G in the UK .
Critics claim Huawei has close links to the Chinese government and its equipment could be used for espionage purposes , although the company has always denied this .
Donald Trump was reported to have been `` apopletic '' with Mr Johnson during a phone call last month after the UK pushed ahead with allowing Huawei to build `` non-core '' parts of the UK 's 5G networks @

An inquiry into 5G networks and the UK's broadband is being launched to look at how realistic the government's pledge is to bring high-speed internet to every home and business by 2025.
What is needed to achieve that, how realistic the ambition is and what it will mean for people and businesses will be looked into by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee.
Boris Johnson has faced questions over the viability of his promise to bring gigabit-speed broadband to the whole of the UK in the next five years, which would significantly increase average internet speeds for many parts of the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Explained: Why 5G and Huawei matter
DCMS committee chair Julian Knight said: "The delivery of full-fibre broadband is critical to the success of the UK, particularly the need to ensure that our businesses of the future are equipped with a reliable, future-proofed network no matter where they are based.
"The government has said it wants to achieve this nationwide roll-out by 2025.
"We'll be carrying out a reality check to find out what steps must be taken now if this target is to be reached."
The committee will also look at the role controversial new 5G technology could play and will examine schemes such as the Shared Rural Network to improve mobile connectivity.
The network is a joint venture between the four major mobile operatores - O2, Vodafone, Three and EE - and the government which includes sharing infrastructure as well as building new phone masts.
Mr Johnson has previously promised to make "poor mobile signal a thing of the past".
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On Wednesday, a cross-party group of US senators wrote a letter to British MPs expressing their "significant concern" with Mr Johnson's decision to hand Chinese telecoms company Huawei an infrastructure role in distributing 5G in the UK.
Image: Huawei has denied its equipment could be used for spying
Critics claim Huawei has close links to the Chinese government and its equipment could be used for espionage purposes, although the company has always denied this.
Donald Trump was reported to have been "apopletic" with Mr Johnson during a phone call last month after the UK pushed ahead with allowing Huawei to build "non-core" parts of the UK's 5G networks.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--Conservative Party accused of 'denial' over Islamophobia

The Conservatives have been accused of `` denial , dismissal and deceit '' over claims of Islamophobia in the party , as a dossier detailing allegations against more than 300 people was released .
The Muslim Council of Britain has submitted the document to the UK 's human rights watchdog , alleging that the party has a `` systemic and widespread '' Islamophobia crisis .
It includes claims against MPs , party members , councillors and advisers to Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
The submission contains allegations against 16 MPs , one MEP , nine election candidates and 183 party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It also repeats allegations of Islamophobia against the PM .
A spokeswoman for the Conservative Party insisted it has a `` robust approach to discrimination of any kind '' and said it `` consistently takes decisive action '' to deal with `` any incidents of hatred , abuse or intimidation '' .
`` We are holding an independent review which is looking at how we can improve our processes , to make sure that any instances are isolated , and that there are thorough processes in place to stamp them out as and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has committed to holding an inquiry into all forms of discrimination within its ranks , but it has so far resisted calls for an independent inquiry into Islamophobia specifically .
Mr Johnson has said the party has a `` zero-tolerance approach '' to Islamophobia , but the MCB has said `` this does not appear to be the case '' .
`` There is no doubt that the Conservative Party has an Islamophobia crisis : it is institutional , systemic and widespread , '' its secretary general Harun Khan said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denial , dismissal and deceit .
`` This results in clear discrimination against Muslims because of their religion .
`` The absence of meaningful action by the Conservative Party despite the wealth of evidence makes it all the more important that the EHRC recognises the impact of this level of Islamophobia in our governing party , and takes swift action . ''
It first handed a dossier to the Equality and Human Rights Commission in May , detailing about 150 individuals it believes have displayed Islamophobia or made anti-Islam or anti-Muslim comments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dossier includes the `` dehumanising and offensive '' remarks in which he likened Muslim women who wear a veil to `` bank robbers '' and `` letter boxes '' .
Mr Johnson apologised during the election campaign for `` all the hurt and offence '' that had been caused to the Muslim community by Islamophobia within the party .
Mr Khan criticised the EHRC for having `` failed to give any response '' to its first call for the watchdog to investigate last year .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker He wants the EHRC to now take `` swift action '' and said it was `` extraordinary '' that it had yet to do so .
A spokeswoman for the watchdog said it was still waiting for the Tories to reveal the terms of its inquiry while considering a decision .
`` We are actively considering what , if any , action we may take in relation to the handling of Islamophobia and other discrimination within the Conservative Party , '' she said .
`` We are also awaiting the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent review which we will consider as part of our decision making process . ''

The Conservatives have been accused of "denial, dismissal and deceit" over claims of Islamophobia in the party, as a dossier detailing allegations against more than 300 people was released.
The Muslim Council of Britain has submitted the document to the UK's human rights watchdog, alleging that the party has a "systemic and widespread" Islamophobia crisis.
It includes claims against MPs, party members, councillors and advisers to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The submission contains allegations against 16 MPs, one MEP, nine election candidates and 183 party members, according to the MCB.
It also repeats allegations of Islamophobia against the PM.
A spokeswoman for the Conservative Party insisted it has a "robust approach to discrimination of any kind" and said it "consistently takes decisive action" to deal with "any incidents of hatred, abuse or intimidation".
"We are holding an independent review which is looking at how we can improve our processes, to make sure that any instances are isolated, and that there are thorough processes in place to stamp them out as and when they occur."
The party has committed to holding an inquiry into all forms of discrimination within its ranks, but it has so far resisted calls for an independent inquiry into Islamophobia specifically.
Mr Johnson has said the party has a "zero-tolerance approach" to Islamophobia, but the MCB has said "this does not appear to be the case".
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"There is no doubt that the Conservative Party has an Islamophobia crisis: it is institutional, systemic and widespread," its secretary general Harun Khan said.
"The party's response has been one of denial, dismissal and deceit.
"This results in clear discrimination against Muslims because of their religion.
"The absence of meaningful action by the Conservative Party despite the wealth of evidence makes it all the more important that the EHRC recognises the impact of this level of Islamophobia in our governing party, and takes swift action."
The MCB represents mosques, schools and charitable associations.
It first handed a dossier to the Equality and Human Rights Commission in May, detailing about 150 individuals it believes have displayed Islamophobia or made anti-Islam or anti-Muslim comments.
With regards to the PM, the dossier includes the "dehumanising and offensive" remarks in which he likened Muslim women who wear a veil to "bank robbers" and "letter boxes".
Mr Johnson apologised during the election campaign for "all the hurt and offence" that had been caused to the Muslim community by Islamophobia within the party.
Mr Khan criticised the EHRC for having "failed to give any response" to its first call for the watchdog to investigate last year.
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He wants the EHRC to now take "swift action" and said it was "extraordinary" that it had yet to do so.
A spokeswoman for the watchdog said it was still waiting for the Tories to reveal the terms of its inquiry while considering a decision.
"We are actively considering what, if any, action we may take in relation to the handling of Islamophobia and other discrimination within the Conservative Party," she said.
"We are also awaiting the final terms of reference of the party's independent review which we will consider as part of our decision making process."