skynewspolitics--2020-08-24--PM's apology over exams U-turn as minister quiet on resignation

Downing Street has apologised for the `` distress '' caused by the exams U-turn , as a senior minister refused to deny he offered to resign .
Boris Johnson 's spokesman issued an apology after the chaos faced by A-level , GCSE and BTEC pupils last week .
The prime minister was on holiday in Scotland while the row erupted over an algorithm designed to moderate teachers ' predicted grades because exams were cancelled due to coronavirus .
Asked about the U-turn , which happened on Tuesday last week , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` The PM is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been caused .
`` Our focus has been and will be ensuring that students can move on to the next phase and ensuring kids can get back to school next week . ''
It follows heartbreaking stories of students who missed out on university places - or in the case of one person Sky News spoke to , a bursary - due to being unfairly downgraded .
The algorithm appeared to boost private schools ' performance , with ministers in Scotland , Northern Ireland , Wales and then England succumbing to pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Secretary Gavin Williamson faced calls to quit after the fiasco , with one newspaper reporting he offered his resignation but had it turned down by Mr Johnson .
Asked yes or no if the story was correct , Mr Williamson said `` My focus is making sure that we put right the problems . ''
Pressed a further two times , he added : `` My focus now is ensuring that all children are welcome back into the school classrooms next week and the week after , and we look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on with trying to ensure schools fully reopen for the new academic year and that parents have confidence it is safe to send kids back .
The UK 's four chief medical officers said `` very few , if any '' children would come to long-term harm from the virus by going back to school , while there is a `` certainty '' of harm from not attending .
But the issue has ignited after 17 members of staff and two pupils tested positive for COVID-19 at a school in Dundee - less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland .
Mr Williamson suggested parents may be fined if they refuse to send their kids back .
He said : `` We would ask all schools to work with those parents , encourage them to bring their children back , deal with the concerns that they have and fining would be very much the last resort - as it has always been . ''
Mr Williamson also said closing schools would only happen as a `` last resort '' , though England 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

Downing Street has apologised for the "distress" caused by the exams U-turn, as a senior minister refused to deny he offered to resign.
Boris Johnson's spokesman issued an apology after the chaos faced by A-level, GCSE and BTEC pupils last week.
The prime minister was on holiday in Scotland while the row erupted over an algorithm designed to moderate teachers' predicted grades because exams were cancelled due to coronavirus.
Image: The education secretary faced down calls to quit
Asked about the U-turn, which happened on Tuesday last week, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "The PM is of course sorry for any distress that has been caused.
"Our focus has been and will be ensuring that students can move on to the next phase and ensuring kids can get back to school next week."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:10 'Balance of risk is in favour of children going to school'
It follows heartbreaking stories of students who missed out on university places - or in the case of one person Sky News spoke to, a bursary - due to being unfairly downgraded.
The algorithm appeared to boost private schools' performance, with ministers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and then England succumbing to pressure to leave teachers' marks unchanged.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson faced calls to quit after the fiasco, with one newspaper reporting he offered his resignation but had it turned down by Mr Johnson.
Asked yes or no if the story was correct, Mr Williamson said "My focus is making sure that we put right the problems."
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Image: Gavin Williamson suggested some parents could be fined
Pressed a further two times, he added: "My focus now is ensuring that all children are welcome back into the school classrooms next week and the week after, and we look forward to doing so."
Ministers are pushing on with trying to ensure schools fully reopen for the new academic year and that parents have confidence it is safe to send kids back.
The UK's four chief medical officers said "very few, if any" children would come to long-term harm from the virus by going back to school, while there is a "certainty" of harm from not attending.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 Death of child from COVID 'exceptionally rare event'
But the issue has ignited after 17 members of staff and two pupils tested positive for COVID-19 at a school in Dundee - less than two weeks after schools returned in Scotland.
Mr Williamson suggested parents may be fined if they refuse to send their kids back.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Face covering could be used in Scottish schools
He said: "We would ask all schools to work with those parents, encourage them to bring their children back, deal with the concerns that they have and fining would be very much the last resort - as it has always been."
Mr Williamson also said closing schools would only happen as a "last resort", though England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the measure would be taken "if necessary".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-24--BBC confirms 'patriotic' songs will stay for this year's Proms

Orchestral versions of Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia !
will be performed at the famous Last Night Of The Proms , the BBC has confirmed .
The traditional anthems had reportedly been in doubt due to their perceived association with colonialism and slavery .
The broadcaster has said the culmination of the annual celebration of classical music will include `` familiar , patriotic elements '' .
It comes after The Sunday Times claimed organisers were considering dropping several traditional songs in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement .
The newspaper claimed Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's repertoire and reduce the patriotic elements '' .
And it said the BBC was `` yet to agree '' the final programme amid `` concern '' about `` how to respond to the ongoing debates over race equality '' .
Fury then broke out about the event which usually takes place in mid-September and is watched live by more than 6,000 at the Royal Albert Hall in London - but will go ahead without an audience this year due to coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman intervened to say songs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted he had raised his concerns with the BBC .
A spokesperson for the broadcaster initially said they were `` still finalising arrangements '' .
Then on Monday evening , a new statement clarified the instrumental versions of traditional songs including Land Of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia !
will still feature .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The spokesperson confirmed with `` much reduced musical forces '' , the Proms will `` curate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Jerusalem and the national anthem '' , including performances from soprano Golda Schultz and the BBC Symphony Orchestra .
And You 'll Never Walk Alone will be added to the programme so the set is `` capturing the mood of this unique time '' , they added .
The BBC also said `` we very much regret the unjustified personal attacks '' on Ms Stasevska and clarified : `` As ever , decisions about the Proms are made by the BBC , in consultation with all artists involved . ''

Orchestral versions of Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia! will be performed at the famous Last Night Of The Proms, the BBC has confirmed.
The traditional anthems had reportedly been in doubt due to their perceived association with colonialism and slavery.
The broadcaster has said the culmination of the annual celebration of classical music will include "familiar, patriotic elements".
It comes after The Sunday Times claimed organisers were considering dropping several traditional songs in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Image: The event is usually watched live at the Royal Albert Hall by an audience of over 6,000
The newspaper claimed Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska was "keen to modernise the evening's repertoire and reduce the patriotic elements".
And it said the BBC was "yet to agree" the final programme amid "concern" about "how to respond to the ongoing debates over race equality".
Fury then broke out about the event, which usually takes place in September in front of more than 6,000 at the Royal Albert Hall - but will this year be without an audience due to coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman intervened to say songs should not be dropped from the performance and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted he had raised his concerns with the BBC.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster initially said they were "still finalising arrangements".
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Then on Monday evening, a new statement clarified the instrumental versions of traditional songs including Land Of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia! will still feature.
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The spokesperson confirmed with "much reduced musical forces", the Proms will "curate a concert that includes familiar, patriotic elements such as Jerusalem and the national anthem", including performances from soprano Golda Schultz and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
You'll Never Walk Alone will also be added to the programme so the set is "capturing the mood of this unique time", they added.
The BBC also said "we very much regret the unjustified personal attacks" on Ms Stasevska and clarified: "As ever, decisions about the Proms are made by the BBC, in consultation with all artists involved."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma urged the BBC to use subtitles during the instrumental pieces to allow viewers to sing along from home.
"The Last Night of the Proms gives huge amounts of pleasure to millions of people," he told Sky News.
"I personally think it's a very joyous occasion and it's going to be very strange this year that you're not going to have a live audience.
"I understand the BBC has said they will maintain some of these traditions.
"Personally I would like to see the lyrics sung, I understand some songs will have lyrics.
"Of course, the BBC is always able to put on subtitles so if people want they can sing along from home."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-25--Wales announces review into face mask use in schools - hours after Scotland takes action

The Welsh government is to review whether children should wear face coverings in schools after Scottish pupils were told to wear masks in corridors .
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has asked a scientific advisory group to consider the current guidance for schools in Wales .
It follows new advice from the World Health Organisation , issued at the weekend , that said children aged 12 and over should wear masks .
And , just hours before Mr Gethings 's announcement , the Scottish Government revealed secondary school pupils in Scotland will have to wear face coverings when moving through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
All pupils over the age of five will also have to wear face masks on school buses in Scotland .
The developments will heap further pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to change the guidance on face coverings in English schools .
Downing Street has said there are `` no plans '' to change the current advice in England , which states face masks are not recommended because pupils and staff are mixing in consistent groups .
And Mr Johnson stressed on Tuesday that `` all of our scientific advice is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he opened the door to a possible future review of the guidance on face masks by adding : `` We will look at changing medical evidence as we go on - if we need to change advice of course we will . ''

The Welsh government is to review whether children should wear face coverings in schools after Scottish pupils were told to put on masks in corridors.
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has asked a scientific advisory group to consider the current guidance for schools in Wales, which are due to return next week.
:: Coronavirus latest news: Keep up-to-date with COVID-19 developments around the world
Just hours earlier on Tuesday, the Scottish government revealed secondary school pupils in Scotland will have to wear face coverings when moving through corridors and other communal areas from next Monday.
All pupils over the age of five will also have to wear face masks on school buses in Scotland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 'Schools are safe' - PM
The developments will heap further pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to change the guidance on face coverings in English schools.
Downing Street has said there are "no plans" to change the current advice in England, which states face masks are not recommended because pupils and staff are mixing in consistent groups.
The UK government has also pointed to other measures schools are taking to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Johnson stressed on Tuesday that "all of our scientific advice is that schools are safe".
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However, he opened the door to a possible future review of the guidance on face masks by adding: "We will look at changing medical evidence as we go on - if we need to change advice of course we will."
In a sign of some of the pressure Mr Johnson might be under not to review the existing guidance, Conservative MP Marcus Fysh - the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education - tweeted: "Masks should be banned in schools.
"The country should be getting back to normal not pandering to this scientifically illiterate guff."
Both the Welsh government and Scottish government highlighted new advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) - which said children aged 12 and over should wear masks - as a factor behind their decisions.
Image: Secondary school pupils in Scotland will have to wear face masks in corridors from next week
But Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson, told Sky News that the wearing of face masks in schools should still be a "local decision".
"The really important point here is what happens in the schools, the decisions in the schools, are something that should be made by the local authorities in conjunction with the teachers and the parents in each area," she said.
"Because what you need to be very aware of is, what is the transmission status? What is actually going on in your community?
"So the first thing we're saying is: really understand your transmission."
She added children aged over 12, in terms of the transmission of COVID-19, have the "same sorts of risks as adults".
"If there are really enclosed environments, if you really cannot ensure good ventilation, [and] you cannot make it possible for them to physically distance more than a metre apart, then the wearing of masks may be something you add to the armoury," the WHO spokesperson said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Is it safe for kids to be back in school?
Mr Gething said the Welsh government's review would "look at any additional risks and benefits to children, young people and staff from the wearing of face coverings in school settings".
He spoke shortly after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon used her daily coronavirus briefing to confirm the updated guidance for Scottish schools would come into effect from Monday 31 August.
"Adults and pupils in secondary schools should wear face coverings when they're moving around school in areas where distancing is challenging," she said.
"For example, through corridors or in communal spaces.
"And, secondly, adults and children aged five and over should wear face coverings on dedicated school transport.
"That, of course, simply now mirrors the situation on public transport more generally."
She said the updated advice was based on "the latest scientific evidence, as well as the real-life experience of schools" since they reopened in Scotland on 11 August.
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Labour and teaching unions have called for Mr Johnson to follow the example of Scotland - and now Wales - and review the guidance on face coverings in English schools.
Labour's shadow education secretary, Kate Green, said: "There is a growing body of evidence that the use of face masks in communal areas in secondary schools helps protect students and staff and drive down transmission.
"The prime minister must listen to this evidence and act quickly to give certainty to parents and teachers who are just days away from schools reopening.
"The last thing concerned parents and pupils need is another last minute u-turn from this government that throws school plans into chaos."
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said - if there was to be a "U-turn" by the prime minister on the issue - it should be made "sooner rather than later, because the start of the new term is imminent".
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "It is vital that we do all we can to ensure we limit the spread of coronavirus in all settings, including in schools.
"The WHO has advised children over 12 to wear a face covering where they can't socially distance, and as more countries are introducing them in school corridors and communal areas, it's important that lessons are learned."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-24--BBC confirms 'patriotic' songs will stay for this year's Proms - but without lyrics

Orchestral versions of Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia !
will be performed at the famous Last Night Of The Proms , the BBC has confirmed .
The traditional anthems had reportedly been in doubt due to their perceived association with colonialism and slavery .
The broadcaster has said the culmination of the annual celebration of classical music will include `` familiar , patriotic elements '' .
It comes after The Sunday Times claimed organisers were considering dropping several traditional songs in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement .
The newspaper claimed Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's repertoire and reduce the patriotic elements '' .
And it said the BBC was `` yet to agree '' the final programme amid `` concern '' about `` how to respond to the ongoing debates over race equality '' .
Fury then broke out about the event , which usually takes place in September in front of more than 6,000 at the Royal Albert Hall - but will this year be without an audience due to coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman intervened to say songs should not be dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dowden tweeted he had raised his concerns with the BBC .
A spokesperson for the broadcaster initially said they were `` still finalising arrangements '' .
Then on Monday evening , a new statement clarified the instrumental versions of traditional songs including Land Of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia !
will still feature .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The spokesperson confirmed with `` much reduced musical forces '' , the Proms will `` curate a concert that includes familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national anthem '' , including performances from soprano Golda Schultz and the BBC Symphony Orchestra .
You 'll Never Walk Alone will also be added to the programme so the set is `` capturing the mood of this unique time '' , they added .
The BBC also said `` we very much regret the unjustified personal attacks '' on Ms Stasevska and clarified : `` As ever , decisions about the Proms are made by the BBC , in consultation with all artists involved . ''
Business Secretary Alok Sharma urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instrumental pieces to allow viewers to sing along from home .
`` The Last Night of the Proms gives huge amounts of pleasure to millions of people , '' he told Sky News .
`` I personally think it 's a very joyous occasion and it 's going to be very strange this year that you 're not going to have a live audience .
`` I understand the BBC has said they will maintain some of these traditions .
`` Personally I would like to see the lyrics sung , I understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , the BBC is always able to put on subtitles so if people want they can sing along from home . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--Home Office admits video attacking lawyers who help migrants was wrong

The Home Office has removed an advert that attacked `` activist lawyers '' who represent people fighting deportation , admitting it should not have been published .
The department 's top civil servant , permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft , upheld complaints against the video tweeted out on Wednesday .
It sparked widespread condemnation from legal figures and opposition politicians , with human rights charity Liberty calling the post `` boastful disregard for human life '' .
Labour MP Kate Osamor said it was `` dishing out racism , xenophobia and persecution '' while Joanna Cherry QC , an SNP MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece of `` propaganda '' against the justice system .
Nazir Afal , a former chief prosecutor , added that it was `` scandalous '' as `` activist lawyers ensure humans have rights '' and that `` our laws are followed '' .
Barrister Matthew Scott tweeted : `` Apparently it 's now the patriotic duty of lawyers not to help asylum seekers . ''
A day after the video was released , Mr Rycroft responded to a complaint by Jonathan Portes - a former top civil servant .
`` I agree the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used on an official government channel , '' he said .
`` I have made clear to the team this post should not be used again from Home Office accounts or anywhere else by civil servants . ''
The video was deleted a few hours later .
Labour 's shadow justice secretary David Lammy said : `` It is a blatant breach of civil service standards and an attack on the rule of law . ''
Earlier , minister Chris Philp shared the video in defence of the government 's action to deter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boats across the English Channel , in search of a better life .
`` Today we removed people who came by small boat but had previously claimed asylum in other EU countries back to those EU countries , '' he said .
`` These crossings are dangerous , unnecessary and futile - we will seek to return people who make them .
`` Yesterday and today , no one made the crossing . ''
Another deportation flight scheduled for Thursday morning was halted due to a high volume of last-minute legal challenges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Priti Patel had promised last year the crossings would have become an `` infrequent phenomenon '' by now .
She has since appointed a so-called `` Clandestine Channel threat commander '' , who she says will lead efforts to cut the numbers arriving by small boat , which have been at least 4,100 since the start of 2020 .

The Home Office has removed an advert that attacked "activist lawyers" who represent people fighting deportation, admitting it should not have been published.
The department's top civil servant, permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft, upheld complaints against the video tweeted out on Wednesday.
It sparked widespread condemnation from legal figures and opposition politicians, with human rights charity Liberty calling the post "boastful disregard for human life".
Image: At least 4,100 people have arrived in small boat crossings this year
Labour MP Kate Osamor said it was "dishing out racism, xenophobia and persecution" while Joanna Cherry QC, an SNP MP, called it a "disgraceful" piece of "propaganda" against the justice system.
Nazir Afal, a former chief prosecutor, added that it was "scandalous" as "activist lawyers ensure humans have rights" and that "our laws are followed".
Barrister Matthew Scott tweeted: "Apparently it's now the patriotic duty of lawyers not to help asylum seekers."
A day after the video was released, Mr Rycroft responded to a complaint by Jonathan Portes - a former top civil servant.
"I agree the phrase you quote should not have been used on an official government channel," he said.
"I have made clear to the team this post should not be used again from Home Office accounts or anywhere else by civil servants."
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Image: Priti Patel said the crossings would have become an 'infrequent phenomenon'
The video was deleted a few hours later.
Labour's shadow justice secretary David Lammy said: "It is a blatant breach of civil service standards and an attack on the rule of law."
Earlier, minister Chris Philp shared the video in defence of the government's action to deter those coming to the UK on small boats across the English Channel, in search of a better life.
"Today we removed people who came by small boat but had previously claimed asylum in other EU countries back to those EU countries," he said.
Image: A group of people, thought to be migrants, crossing the Channel in a small boat
"These crossings are dangerous, unnecessary and futile - we will seek to return people who make them.
"Yesterday and today, no one made the crossing."
Another deportation flight scheduled for Thursday morning was halted due to a high volume of last-minute legal challenges, the Home Office said.
Home Secretary Priti Patel had promised last year the crossings would have become an "infrequent phenomenon" by now.
She has since appointed a so-called "Clandestine Channel threat commander", who she says will lead efforts to cut the numbers arriving by small boat, which have been at least 4,100 since the start of 2020.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--New Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey tells 'out of touch' party: 'Wake up and smell the coffee'

Sir Ed Davey has been elected the new Liberal Democrat leader and immediately admitted the party `` must change '' after losing touch with `` too many voters '' .
Following a month-long ballot of party members , Sir Ed secured 42,756 votes to beat fellow MP Layla Moran ( 24,564 votes ) to the leadership .
A former cabinet minister from the Lib Dem-Conservative coalition government , Sir Ed had been the Lib Dems ' acting leader since last year 's general election .
The 54-year-old , a father of two , now becomes the party 's fourth permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than five years .
Sir Ed called on the Lib Dems to `` wake up and smell the coffee '' as he outlined the challenge they face in trying to reconnect with the wider UK electorate , following their poor performance in December 's election .
`` Nationally , our party has lost touch with too many voters , '' the Kingston and Surbiton MP told party members , after being announced as the new Lib Dem leader on Thursday .
`` Yes , we are powerful advocates locally .
Our campaigners listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities and deliver results .
`` But at the national level , we have to face the facts of three disappointing general election results .
`` The truth is voters do n't believe that the Liberal Democrats want to help ordinary people get on in life .
`` Voters do n't believe we share their values .
And voters do n't believe we are on the side of people like them .
`` Nationally , voters have been sending us a message .
But we have not been listening .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As leader I am telling you : I have got that message .
I am listening now . ''
Sir Ed paid tribute to the `` passionate campaign '' of his leadership rival Ms Moran , the Oxford West and Abingdon MP , and promised her a `` big role in my team '' .
The Lib Dems had been without a permanent leader since December 's general election , in which previous leader Jo Swinson lost her seat in the House of Commons .
The election was a huge disappointment for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 11 seats - one seat down on their 2017 result .
This was despite high hopes - and impressive polling - for the anti-Brexit party ahead of the election campaign , at the start of which Ms Swinson declared herself to be a `` candidate for prime minister '' .
However , the Lib Dems struggled through the election campaign and an internal inquiry into the party 's performance - conducted after election night - likened their efforts to a `` high-speed car crash '' .
None of the former Labour or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lib Dems ahead of the election kept their seats in the House of Commons .
Sir Ed will now face a challenge in reviving the Lib Dems ' fortunes ahead of local elections ; expected to be held next May following their postponement from this year due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Recent opinion polling has consistently put the Lib Dems below 10 % - massively behind the Conservatives and Labour .
Edward Jonathan Davey was born in Mansfield , Nottinghamshire , on Christmas Day 1965 .
His father , John , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother , Nina Joan , died when he was 15 .
After the death of his mother , he first went to live with his two older brothers before moving in with his maternal grandparents .
He attended Nottingham High School - which also counts fellow ex-cabinet ministers Ken Clarke , Geoff Hoon and Ed Balls among its former students - before taking a gap year during which he worked in a pork pie factory and for Boots before hitchhiking around Spain .
He then studied Politics , Philosophy and Economics at Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lib Dems as a researcher in parliament .
A new job at a management consultancy firm saw him leave Westminster in 1993 .
But he was back in parliament in 1997 when he won the Kingston and Surbiton seat for the Lib Dems at that year 's general election .
He retained the seat at the 2001 , 2005 and 2010 general elections .
When the Lib Dems formed a government with the Conservatives in 2010 , he first became a junior business minister before being promoted to the cabinet - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 .
He lost his seat in the House of Commons at the 2015 general election and was knighted in 2016 for `` political and public service '' .
In his time away from parliament , he set up a consultancy business focused on renewable energy and also took on a number of jobs related to the energy sector , including for a lobbying company .
He returned to parliament after winning back the Kingston and Surbiton seat at the 2017 general election .
In July 2019 , he unsuccessfully ran for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Swinson .
However , following Ms Swinson 's loss of her parliamentary seat less than five months later - at the 2019 general election - Sir Ed , who had been serving as deputy leader , was made the party 's acting leader .
He has now been elected the Lib Dems ' new permanent leader .
Sir Ed lives in Surbiton , south west London , with his wife , Emily , and their two children , John and Ellie .
John has an undiagnosed neurological condition which means he ca @ @ @ @ @

Sir Ed Davey has been elected the new Liberal Democrat leader and immediately admitted the party "must change" after losing touch with "too many voters".
Following a month-long ballot of party members, Sir Ed secured 42,756 votes to beat fellow MP Layla Moran (24,564 votes) to the leadership.
A former cabinet minister from the Lib Dem-Conservative coalition government, Sir Ed had been the Lib Dems' acting leader since last year's general election.
Image: Rival candidate Layla Moran was beaten to the party's leadership
The 54-year-old, a father of two, now becomes the party's fourth permanent leader to be elected in little more than five years.
Sir Ed called on the Lib Dems to "wake up and smell the coffee" as he outlined the challenge they face in trying to reconnect with the wider UK electorate, following their poor performance in December's election.
"Nationally, our party has lost touch with too many voters," the Kingston and Surbiton MP told party members, after being announced as the new Lib Dem leader on Thursday.
"Yes, we are powerful advocates locally. Our campaigners listen to local people, work hard for communities and deliver results.
"But at the national level, we have to face the facts of three disappointing general election results.
"The truth is voters don't believe that the Liberal Democrats want to help ordinary people get on in life.
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"Voters don't believe we share their values. And voters don't believe we are on the side of people like them.
"Nationally, voters have been sending us a message. But we have not been listening.
"It is time for us to start listening. As leader I am telling you: I have got that message. I am listening now."
Sir Ed paid tribute to the "passionate campaign" of his leadership rival Ms Moran, the Oxford West and Abingdon MP, and promised her a "big role in my team".
Image: Former Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson lost her seat in the House of Commons at December's election
The Lib Dems had been without a permanent leader since December's general election, in which previous leader Jo Swinson lost her seat in the House of Commons.
The election was a huge disappointment for the Lib Dems, with the party winning just 11 seats - one seat down on their 2017 result.
This was despite high hopes - and impressive polling - for the anti-Brexit party ahead of the election campaign, at the start of which Ms Swinson declared herself to be a "candidate for prime minister".
However, the Lib Dems struggled through the election campaign and an internal inquiry into the party's performance - conducted after election night - likened their efforts to a "high-speed car crash".
Image: Sir Ed, with his wife Emily, secured 42,756 votes to win the leadership election
None of the former Labour or Conservative MPs who made high-profile defections to the Lib Dems ahead of the election kept their seats in the House of Commons.
Sir Ed will now face a challenge in reviving the Lib Dems' fortunes ahead of local elections; expected to be held next May following their postponement from this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Recent opinion polling has consistently put the Lib Dems below 10% - massively behind the Conservatives and Labour.
Who is Sir Ed Davey?
Edward Jonathan Davey was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, on Christmas Day 1965.
His father, John, died when he was four and his mother, Nina Joan, died when he was 15.
After the death of his mother, he first went to live with his two older brothers before moving in with his maternal grandparents.
He attended Nottingham High School - which also counts fellow ex-cabinet ministers Ken Clarke, Geoff Hoon and Ed Balls among its former students - before taking a gap year during which he worked in a pork pie factory and for Boots before hitchhiking around Spain.
He then studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University and went on to work for the Lib Dems as a researcher in parliament.
A new job at a management consultancy firm saw him leave Westminster in 1993.
But he was back in parliament in 1997 when he won the Kingston and Surbiton seat for the Lib Dems at that year's general election.
He retained the seat at the 2001, 2005 and 2010 general elections.
Image: Sir Ed served as a cabinet minister in David Cameron's coalition government
When the Lib Dems formed a government with the Conservatives in 2010, he first became a junior business minister before being promoted to the cabinet - as energy and climate change secretary - in 2012.
He lost his seat in the House of Commons at the 2015 general election and was knighted in 2016 for "political and public service".
In his time away from parliament, he set up a consultancy business focused on renewable energy and also took on a number of jobs related to the energy sector, including for a lobbying company.
He returned to parliament after winning back the Kingston and Surbiton seat at the 2017 general election.
In July 2019, he unsuccessfully ran for the Lib Dem leadership after being beaten by Ms Swinson.
However, following Ms Swinson's loss of her parliamentary seat less than five months later - at the 2019 general election - Sir Ed, who had been serving as deputy leader, was made the party's acting leader.
He has now been elected the Lib Dems' new permanent leader.
Sir Ed lives in Surbiton, south west London, with his wife, Emily, and their two children, John and Ellie.
John has an undiagnosed neurological condition which means he can't walk or talk.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--The Lib Dems are about to reinvent themselves again - but their new leader faces some big challenges

The Liberal Democrats are about to reinvent themselves yet again .
Sir Ed Davey , their fifth new leader in five years , warned in his victory speech that the party needs to `` wake up and smell the coffee '' .
`` Nationally our party has lost touch with too many voters , '' he said .
It has been a dramatic slide over the last decade for the Lib Dems , having been a junior partner in David Cameron 's 2010 coalition government - with then leader Nick Clegg serving five years as deputy prime minister .
Subsequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cable and Jo Swinson ) were fated to lead a party considerably damaged by this dalliance with the Conservatives .
Coalitions mean compromise and for the Lib Dems this meant abandoning its pledge on student fees .
Such arrangements are not good for the long-term health of smaller parties .
So it proved , as the fruits of two decades ' worth of campaigning fell into ruin .
At the 1992 general election , the first fought by the Liberal Democrats newly divorced from David Owen 's Social Democrats , the party won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats .
Riding on Labour 's coattails in 1997 , the Liberal Democrats under Paddy Ashdown more than doubled the tally of parliamentary seats to 46 with vote share unchanged .
This improvement in converting votes into seats is crucial in explaining the party 's rise .
Charles Kennedy , built on this legacy , and under his leadership the party tripled its 1992 representation .
In truth , the Liberal Democrats were damned if they joined the coalition and damned if they did n't .
Mr Clegg 's party had just won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were the difference between a Conservative minority government and stable government .
They might not get another opportunity to govern and the reward might be in replacing Labour in a revised party system .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Local campaigning was the key to Lib Dem success , but a year after entering the coalition the party 's councillors felt the full backlash .
Ironically , many of those defeated had captured their seats from the Conservatives in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coalition , and even beyond , the party 's local government strength eroded .
It was only in May 2019 that the recovery began .
But in December 's general election the party failed to capitalise .
Overall , vote share rose from eight to 12 % but the party made a net loss of one seat - Jo Swinson 's troubled leadership ending in her own defeat .
High up Sir Ed 's agenda will be rediscovering the capacity to convert what voter support it has into MPs and councillors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ineffective the Lib Dem campaign really was .
The key to success in our first past the post voting system lies in converting constituency vote shares above 30 % into seats .
The Lib Dems won 30-40 % vote share in 33 constituencies - but won only two of them .
There were a further 18 constituencies where the party polled above 40 % vote share but even here it won only half of them , with the Conservatives winning the others .
For a small party trying to maximise its support these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election some years away there is time to remedy this .
But there is very little time to restore the party 's credibility before fresh electoral challenges next May .
With many more council seats available because of 2020 's postponed elections there is greater scope for restoring the foundations .
Should Sir Ed fail in that task then the party might not be thinking about a replacement but rather contemplating its own future .

The Liberal Democrats are about to reinvent themselves yet again.
Sir Ed Davey, their fifth new leader in five years, warned in his victory speech that the party needs to "wake up and smell the coffee".
"Nationally our party has lost touch with too many voters," he said.
Image: The 2010 coalition government: Conservative PM David Cameron with then Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg
It has been a dramatic slide over the last decade for the Lib Dems, having been a junior partner in David Cameron's 2010 coalition government - with then leader Nick Clegg serving five years as deputy prime minister.
Subsequent leaders (Tim Farron, Sir Vince Cable and Jo Swinson) were fated to lead a party considerably damaged by this dalliance with the Conservatives.
Coalitions mean compromise and for the Lib Dems this meant abandoning its pledge on student fees. Such arrangements are not good for the long-term health of smaller parties.
So it proved, as the fruits of two decades' worth of campaigning fell into ruin.
At the 1992 general election, the first fought by the Liberal Democrats newly divorced from David Owen's Social Democrats, the party won almost a fifth of votes and 20 seats.
Riding on Labour's coattails in 1997, the Liberal Democrats under Paddy Ashdown more than doubled the tally of parliamentary seats to 46 with vote share unchanged.
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This improvement in converting votes into seats is crucial in explaining the party's rise.
Charles Kennedy, built on this legacy, and under his leadership the party tripled its 1992 representation.
In truth, the Liberal Democrats were damned if they joined the coalition and damned if they didn't.
Mr Clegg's party had just won a quarter of votes cast in 2010 and were the difference between a Conservative minority government and stable government.
They might not get another opportunity to govern and the reward might be in replacing Labour in a revised party system.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Punishment came swiftly, however.
Local campaigning was the key to Lib Dem success, but a year after entering the coalition the party's councillors felt the full backlash. Ironically, many of those defeated had captured their seats from the Conservatives in the late 1990s.
For the duration of the coalition, and even beyond, the party's local government strength eroded.
It was only in May 2019 that the recovery began.
But in December's general election the party failed to capitalise.
Overall, vote share rose from eight to 12% but the party made a net loss of one seat - Jo Swinson's troubled leadership ending in her own defeat.
High up Sir Ed's agenda will be rediscovering the capacity to convert what voter support it has into MPs and councillors.
The 2019 general election result demonstrates how ineffective the Lib Dem campaign really was.
The key to success in our first past the post voting system lies in converting constituency vote shares above 30% into seats.
The Lib Dems won 30-40% vote share in 33 constituencies - but won only two of them.
There were a further 18 constituencies where the party polled above 40% vote share but even here it won only half of them, with the Conservatives winning the others.
For a small party trying to maximise its support these are disastrous figures.
With the next general election some years away there is time to remedy this.
But there is very little time to restore the party's credibility before fresh electoral challenges next May.
With many more council seats available because of 2020's postponed elections there is greater scope for restoring the foundations.
Should Sir Ed fail in that task then the party might not be thinking about a replacement but rather contemplating its own future.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--£13-a-day self-isolation payments are 'an insult', government warned

Compensation payments for people who have to self-isolate have been branded “ an insult ” by a charity in one of the pilot areas .
The government is trialling payments to those who claim Universal Credit - or Working Tax Credit - to help them financially if they are asked to quarantine .
People that are eligible will be entitled to £13 a day , which totals £130 for someone who is isolating for 10 days , and £182 for someone who is doing so 14 days .
: : Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 hotspots , including Pendle in Lancashire .
`` Would you give up working , for £13 a day ?
, '' asked Lynne Mitchell , who works at food charity Pendle Food Club .
`` I would n't .
People here have no savings .
We 're wrung out .
The 10 or so people who 've come in today for food say it 's not enough to keep them at home if they were asked to self-isolate .
`` It 's an insult , really . ''
Karl Murray , 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self-employed cleaner , currently claiming working tax credits .
He says the government proposal is not enough .
`` I 'd have to go to work , '' he told Sky News , adding : `` They say it 's a choice , but you do n't really get a choice , do you ?
`` Unfortunately I 'd probably have to go to work . ''
Mr Murray is already accessing the food charity to stop himself going hungry .
He says not only would he not self-isolate if he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reticent to take a test if he had coronavirus symptoms .
`` If I thought it might be just like a bit of a cold , or even if it could be COVID-19 , I probably would n't go for a test '' , he said .
`` I 'd do what I had to do because of my personal circumstances .
The £13 would maybe cover my gas and water bills , but the rest - it would n't cover that .
It 's need to be closer to what I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Local councils , which have lobbied the government for additional support , believe the amount should be closer to the living wage - at around £50 a day .
One Pendle councillor , Mohammad Iqbal , told Sky News , the amount currently proposed by the government was `` a slap in the face to normal working class people '' .

Compensation payments for people who have to self-isolate have been branded “an insult” by a charity in one of the pilot areas.
The government is trialling payments to those who claim Universal Credit - or Working Tax Credit - to help them financially if they are asked to quarantine.
People that are eligible will be entitled to £13 a day, which totals £130 for someone who is isolating for 10 days, and £182 for someone who is doing so 14 days.
:: Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Image: The compensation scheme is being trialled in Pendle, Lancashire
The scheme is being trialled in several COVID-19 hotspots, including Pendle in Lancashire.
"Would you give up working, for £13 a day?," asked Lynne Mitchell, who works at food charity Pendle Food Club.
"I wouldn't. People here have no savings. We're wrung out. The 10 or so people who've come in today for food say it's not enough to keep them at home if they were asked to self-isolate.
"It's an insult, really."
Image: Lynne Mitchell says the payments are 'an insult'
Karl Murray, 45, also lives in Pendle and is a self-employed cleaner, currently claiming working tax credits. He says the government proposal is not enough.
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"I'd have to go to work," he told Sky News, adding: "They say it's a choice, but you don't really get a choice, do you?
"Unfortunately I'd probably have to go to work."
Mr Murray is already accessing the food charity to stop himself going hungry.
He says not only would he not self-isolate if he was asked to, but he would be reticent to take a test if he had coronavirus symptoms.
"If I thought it might be just like a bit of a cold, or even if it could be COVID-19, I probably wouldn't go for a test", he said.
"I'd do what I had to do because of my personal circumstances. The £13 would maybe cover my gas and water bills, but the rest - it wouldn't cover that. It's need to be closer to what I could earn in a day."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Local councils, which have lobbied the government for additional support, believe the amount should be closer to the living wage - at around £50 a day.
One Pendle councillor, Mohammad Iqbal, told Sky News, the amount currently proposed by the government was "a slap in the face to normal working class people".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-26--The one factor that may be behind all the government's U-turns

Why does the government make so many U-turns ?
Is it all really - as the second departure of a senior mandarin this week might suggest - the result of bad advice from officials , necessitating their peremptory removal ?
This subject is dominating private discussions among Tories and every politician in Westminster has a different theory .
Some point fingers at Boris Johnson for delegating too much .
Many blame the quality of the advice he gets , the mistrust of those outside a tight circle and their controlling tendencies .
The scale of the churn among Britain 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while outgoing cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill was never the perfect fit for the job .
It 's far from ideal that the most senior person charged with running the country after the PM has been in the departure lounge since June without a replacement announced , which will probably account for some of the most egregious policy mistakes .
Many also accept that coronavirus is a challenge like none other , that there is n't a playbook for dealing with it and cut the PM some slack on that basis .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through too many of the U-turns to be ignored , and hints at a bigger neuralgia in government : nervousness about being outflanked by Nicola Sturgeon .
The pattern is easy to see .
Tuesday 's mask U-turn came after Scotland 's first minister had also announced schools north of the border would require masks at the start of the week .
Ms Sturgeon abandoned the exam algorithm more than a week before Mr Johnson followed suit .
Free school meals were extended for further months by Ms Sturgeon weeks before Tory MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tack in Westminster .
Masks in shops were required by Ms Sturgeon north of the border for less than a month before Mr Johnson copied that too .
Meanwhile , one of the biggest moments of political heat for the PM came in May was when he abandoned the `` stay at home '' slogan in England , while the governments of Northern Ireland , Wales and Scotland refused to follow suit .
Many of these U-turns by Mr Johnson 's government have been reluctant , angry and preceded by repeated denials that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that defend the government 's initial position but are then left floundering when Number 10 changes its mind .
The reasoning , according to one minister , is a deep-seated worry about the state of the union .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Number 10 are nervous about Nicola Sturgeon offering an alternative in Scotland when they are trying to argue the case for the United Kingdom , '' they said .
`` This is particularly true ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to make the case for the union , then it does n't help to have big differences between the nations . ''
The problem for Mr Johnson is that he can never be more progressive than Ms Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford , her Welsh counterpart .
Breaches with Northern Ireland are even more complicated , given the fragile relations with the DUP after the Brexit breach , and the desire to minimise differences either side of the Irish Sea .
Having begun this pattern of behaviour - and deciding he needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the four nations - it is hard to see how Mr Johnson breaks free from it , meaning more U-turns are likely in future .

Why does the government make so many U-turns?
Is it all really - as the second departure of a senior mandarin this week might suggest - the result of bad advice from officials, necessitating their peremptory removal?
This subject is dominating private discussions among Tories and every politician in Westminster has a different theory.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon's policy decisions have repeatedly been followed by similar moves from Mr Johnson's administration
Some point fingers at Boris Johnson for delegating too much. Many blame the quality of the advice he gets, the mistrust of those outside a tight circle and their controlling tendencies.
The scale of the churn among Britain's most senior mandarins hasn't helped, while outgoing cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill was never the perfect fit for the job.
It's far from ideal that the most senior person charged with running the country after the PM has been in the departure lounge since June without a replacement announced, which will probably account for some of the most egregious policy mistakes.
Many also accept that coronavirus is a challenge like none other, that there isn't a playbook for dealing with it and cut the PM some slack on that basis.
But there is one common denominator which runs through too many of the U-turns to be ignored, and hints at a bigger neuralgia in government: nervousness about being outflanked by Nicola Sturgeon.
The pattern is easy to see. Tuesday's mask U-turn came after Scotland's first minister had also announced schools north of the border would require masks at the start of the week.
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Ms Sturgeon abandoned the exam algorithm more than a week before Mr Johnson followed suit.
Free school meals were extended for further months by Ms Sturgeon weeks before Tory MPs joined a coalition forcing ministers to change tack in Westminster.
Masks in shops were required by Ms Sturgeon north of the border for less than a month before Mr Johnson copied that too.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest moments of political heat for the PM came in May was when he abandoned the "stay at home" slogan in England, while the governments of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland refused to follow suit.
Many of these U-turns by Mr Johnson's government have been reluctant, angry and preceded by repeated denials that they would happen, maddening Tory MPs that defend the government's initial position but are then left floundering when Number 10 changes its mind.
The reasoning, according to one minister, is a deep-seated worry about the state of the union.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Number 10 are nervous about Nicola Sturgeon offering an alternative in Scotland when they are trying to argue the case for the United Kingdom," they said.
"This is particularly true ahead of the Scottish elections, but if you are going to make the case for the union, then it doesn't help to have big differences between the nations."
The problem for Mr Johnson is that he can never be more progressive than Ms Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford, her Welsh counterpart.
Breaches with Northern Ireland are even more complicated, given the fragile relations with the DUP after the Brexit breach, and the desire to minimise differences either side of the Irish Sea.
Having begun this pattern of behaviour - and deciding he needs to champion the union by minimising the differences between the four nations - it is hard to see how Mr Johnson breaks free from it, meaning more U-turns are likely in future.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--Brother vs brother: Brexit divisions remain strong with three months to go

Two brothers on different sides of the Brexit debate have shown feelings remain strong on the issue with just three months until the key changes come into effect .
Ian Baxter voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum , while his brother , Nigel Baxter , voted to leave .
Nigel , managing director of RH Commercial Vehicles - a large Renault truck dealer - believes the UK is `` already seeing the benefits of leaving the EU '' .
But Ian , chair of Baxter Freight , thinks the UK is already economically worse off and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure a trade agreement with other countries than they are with Britain .
As the Brexit transition period comes to an end in just over three months , the pair discussed how they feel about the country 's withdrawal from the bloc on the Sky News Daily podcast .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker They have spent the past six years exchanging their contrasting views and remain strongly aligned to how they voted .
`` Negotiations were always going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were going to be , but we 'll get a trade deal with the EU , '' said Nigel .
`` We 've got the best of both worlds - we 're able to negotiate trade deals around the world now . ''
He admitted that the UK was `` not yet match fit '' because it had not had to negotiate a trade deal for 40 years , but said he believed the government was getting there .
The Brexiteer said there had been a `` detrimental effect '' from the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're on the right track '' and are already seeing the benefits when it comes to fishing and farming .
`` I 'm prepared to put a substantial amount of money on with you that we will have that trade agreement by the end of the year , '' he told his brother .
But Ian said he was not so sure and that he believed the UK may have to agree to the EU 's trade rules .
`` This 'cake and eat it ' we 've been promised is nonsense - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Ian thinks the pandemic has shown how Europe needs to work together , and questioned whether the UK would get a `` fantastic '' trade agreement with `` Donald Trump 's America '' .
He also said he thought the UK was damaging relationships with its neighbours by trying to engage in fractious trade negotiations .
`` We 'll have no trade sovereignty and will have to take all the things we do n't want for things we do want , '' he added .
But have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not think so , with the pair finally agreeing on something - that their family and the nation has room for debate , which is something they said they would be doing over dinner next week .
`` I 'm happy to listen but it does n't mean I 'll agree , '' said Nigel .
Ian added : `` We have to heal the rifts and understand as a country , and hopefully we 'll come to a day when all our issues are settled . ''

Two brothers on different sides of the Brexit debate have shown feelings remain strong on the issue with just three months until the key changes come into effect.
Ian Baxter voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, while his brother, Nigel Baxter, voted to leave.
Nigel, managing director of RH Commercial Vehicles - a large Renault truck dealer - believes the UK is "already seeing the benefits of leaving the EU".
But Ian, chair of Baxter Freight, thinks the UK is already economically worse off and is now "far more desperate" to secure a trade agreement with other countries than they are with Britain.
As the Brexit transition period comes to an end in just over three months, the pair discussed how they feel about the country's withdrawal from the bloc on the Sky News Daily podcast.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
They have spent the past six years exchanging their contrasting views and remain strongly aligned to how they voted.
"Negotiations were always going to be cat and mouse, they always were going to be, but we'll get a trade deal with the EU," said Nigel.
"We've got the best of both worlds - we're able to negotiate trade deals around the world now."
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He admitted that the UK was "not yet match fit" because it had not had to negotiate a trade deal for 40 years, but said he believed the government was getting there.
Image: Britain's chief negotiator David Frost (L) and EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
The Brexiteer said there had been a "detrimental effect" from the COVID-19 pandemic but that he believed "we're on the right track" and are already seeing the benefits when it comes to fishing and farming.
"I'm prepared to put a substantial amount of money on with you that we will have that trade agreement by the end of the year," he told his brother.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 EU negotiator 'disappointed' by Brexit talks
But Ian said he was not so sure and that he believed the UK may have to agree to the EU's trade rules.
"This 'cake and eat it' we've been promised is nonsense - it's clearly making us worse off," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 £350m for UK - GB border despite assurances
Ian thinks the pandemic has shown how Europe needs to work together, and questioned whether the UK would get a "fantastic" trade agreement with "Donald Trump's America".
He also said he thought the UK was damaging relationships with its neighbours by trying to engage in fractious trade negotiations.
"We'll have no trade sovereignty and will have to take all the things we don't want for things we do want," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:17 COVID-19 'dwarfs' impact of no-deal Brexit
But have their opposing views damaged their relationship?
They do not think so, with the pair finally agreeing on something - that their family and the nation has room for debate, which is something they said they would be doing over dinner next week.
"I'm happy to listen but it doesn't mean I'll agree," said Nigel.
Ian added: "We have to heal the rifts and understand as a country, and hopefully we'll come to a day when all our issues are settled."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--Brexit: deal, no deal - does it really matter?

On 23 June 2016 , the UK voted to leave the European Union .
Despite leaving the EU at the @ @ @ @ @ future relationship with our European neighbours remains unclear .
The transition period ends on 31 @ @ @ @ @ strike a deal and is the country really prepared for the implications of a no @ @ @ @ @ Nigel Baxter were on opposing sides of the Brexit debate - and remain very much @ @ @ @ @ a frank discussion on the Sky News Daily podcast as we examine where we are @ @ @ @ @ what 's still to come .
On day three of our special series ahead of @ @ @ @ @ deputy political editor Sam Coates is joined by Brexiteer John Longworth , Georgina Wright from @ @ @ @ @ Anand Menon , director of UK in a Changing Europe .
Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

On 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union.
The issue divided a nation - and families.
Despite leaving the EU at the end of January, our future relationship with our European neighbours remains unclear.
The transition period ends on 31 December - but will negotiators strike a deal and is the country really prepared for the implications of a no deal?
Brothers Ian and Nigel Baxter were on opposing sides of the Brexit debate - and remain very much so.
They engage in a frank discussion on the Sky News Daily podcast as we examine where we are at in the process and what's still to come.
On day three of our special series ahead of Parliament's return, our deputy political editor Sam Coates is joined by Brexiteer John Longworth, Georgina Wright from the Institute for Government and Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe.
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Daily podcast team:
Podcast producer - Annie Joyce
Podcast producer - Nicola Eyers
Politics producer - Mollie Malone
Assistant producer - Sabah Choudhry
Interviews producers - Oli Foster
Interviews producers - Tatiana Alderson
Interviews producers - Megan Coutts
Archive - Simon Windsor
Music - Steven Wheeler


skynewspolitics--2020-08-26--PM blames 'mutant algorithm' for A-levels fiasco, then sacks education chief

Boris Johnson has blamed a `` mutant algorithm '' for the A-level results fiasco before sacking the most senior official at the Department for Education .
Jonathan Slater will stand down as permanent secretary at the department on 1 September , following the furore over the awarding of A-level grades this month .
He is the second top official to leave their job in the wake of the debacle , after it was announced on Tuesday that Ofqual 's chief regulator Sally Collier would depart her position .
Following widespread anger from students , teachers and parents this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ditch a controversial algorithm and instead allow A-level and GCSE grades to be based on teachers ' predictions .
The `` moderation '' algorithm , designed by Ofqual , meant around 280,000 students in England saw their A-level grades fall by one grade or more from their predicted results .
The algorithm , used following the cancellation of this year 's exams due to the coronavirus pandemic , was claimed to have disproportionately penalised students from schools in disadvantaged communities .
And the news of Mr Slater 's departure came shortly after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children that a `` mutant algorithm '' was to blame for this summer 's grades chaos .
On a visit to a school in Coalville , Leicestershire , on Wednesday , Mr Johnson acknowledged the situation had been `` stressful '' for those awaiting A-level and GCSE results .
`` I 'm afraid your grades were almost derailed by a mutant algorithm , '' he told pupils .
`` I know how stressful that must have been for pupils up and down the country .
`` I 'm very , very glad that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' A mutant is an organism that is different from others of its type because of a permanent change in its genes .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding to the prime minister 's comments , Labour 's shadow education secretary Kate Green accused Mr Johnson of `` shamelessly trying to avoid taking responsibility for the exams fiasco that his government created '' .
She added : `` Responsibility for this shambles lies squarely with Downing Street and the Department for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted the algorithm to work and were warned weeks in advance of issues , but repeatedly refused to address the problems they had created .
`` It is this Tory government 's incompetence that is to blame for the exams fiasco . ''
Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , said : `` It is brazen of the prime minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own government created .
`` Parents , students , teachers and heads will be horrified to see the leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like some minor passing fad . ''
Despite the departures of Mr Slater and Ms Collier in the wake of the A-levels controversy , the prime minister has stood by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson .
Mr Williamson this week refused to comment on reports he offered his resignation to Mr Johnson but had it turned down .
Announcing Mr Slater 's departure on Wednesday , a Cabinet Office statement suggested the top official was effectively sacked by Mr Johnson .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister has concluded that there is a need for fresh official leadership at the Department for Education , '' the statement read .
`` Jonathan Slater has therefore agreed that he will stand down on 1 September , in advance of the end of his tenure in spring 2021 .
`` Susan Acland-Hood , currently interim second permanent secretary , will take over as acting permanent secretary .
`` A permanent successor to replace Jonathan Slater will be appointed in the coming weeks .
`` The cabinet secretary would like to put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of public service , culminating in over four years as permanent secretary of the Department for Education . ''
The FDA union accused the government of `` scapegoating civil servants '' .
`` If it was n't clear before , then it certainly is now - this administration will throw civil service leaders under bus without a moment 's hesitation to shield ministers from any kind of accountability , '' they said in a statement .

Boris Johnson has blamed a "mutant algorithm" for the A-level results fiasco before sacking the most senior official at the Department for Education.
Jonathan Slater will stand down as permanent secretary at the department on 1 September, following the furore over the awarding of A-level grades this month.
He is the second top official to leave their job in the wake of the debacle, after it was announced on Tuesday that Ofqual's chief regulator Sally Collier would depart her position.
Image: Students protested over the use of an algorithm to award their grades
Following widespread anger from students, teachers and parents this month, the Department for Education was forced to ditch a controversial algorithm and instead allow A-level and GCSE grades to be based on teachers' predictions.
The "moderation" algorithm, designed by Ofqual, meant around 280,000 students in England saw their A-level grades fall by one grade or more from their predicted results.
The algorithm, used following the cancellation of this year's exams due to the coronavirus pandemic, was claimed to have disproportionately penalised students from schools in disadvantaged communities.
And the news of Mr Slater's departure came shortly after the prime minister was criticised for telling school children that a "mutant algorithm" was to blame for this summer's grades chaos.
On a visit to a school in Coalville, Leicestershire, on Wednesday, Mr Johnson acknowledged the situation had been "stressful" for those awaiting A-level and GCSE results.
"I'm afraid your grades were almost derailed by a mutant algorithm," he told pupils.
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"I know how stressful that must have been for pupils up and down the country.
"I'm very, very glad that it has finally been sorted out."
A mutant is an organism that is different from others of its type because of a permanent change in its genes.
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Responding to the prime minister's comments, Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green accused Mr Johnson of "shamelessly trying to avoid taking responsibility for the exams fiasco that his government created".
She added: "Responsibility for this shambles lies squarely with Downing Street and the Department for Education, who set out how they wanted the algorithm to work and were warned weeks in advance of issues, but repeatedly refused to address the problems they had created.
"It is this Tory government's incompetence that is to blame for the exams fiasco."
Image: The prime minister has stood by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: "It is brazen of the prime minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own government created.
"Parents, students, teachers and heads will be horrified to see the leader of this country treat his own exams fiasco like some minor passing fad."
Despite the departures of Mr Slater and Ms Collier in the wake of the A-levels controversy, the prime minister has stood by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
Mr Williamson this week refused to comment on reports he offered his resignation to Mr Johnson but had it turned down.
Announcing Mr Slater's departure on Wednesday, a Cabinet Office statement suggested the top official was effectively sacked by Mr Johnson.
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"The prime minister has concluded that there is a need for fresh official leadership at the Department for Education," the statement read.
"Jonathan Slater has therefore agreed that he will stand down on 1 September, in advance of the end of his tenure in spring 2021.
"Susan Acland-Hood, currently interim second permanent secretary, will take over as acting permanent secretary.
"A permanent successor to replace Jonathan Slater will be appointed in the coming weeks.
"The cabinet secretary would like to put on record his thanks to Jonathan for 35 years of public service, culminating in over four years as permanent secretary of the Department for Education."
The FDA union accused the government of "scapegoating civil servants".
"If it wasn't clear before, then it certainly is now - this administration will throw civil service leaders under bus without a moment's hesitation to shield ministers from any kind of accountability," they said in a statement.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-26--Welsh government recommends face coverings in secondary schools

The Welsh government has recommended the use of face coverings in communal areas of secondary schools where social distancing is not possible .
The new guidance also applies to pupils over 11 on school transport , along with college students and staff .
It will require schools and local authorities to carry out risk assessments of their sites to determine if the two-metre rule can not be maintained .
A joint statement by health minister Vaughan Gething and education minister Kirsty Williams said : `` The current advice from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales is that face coverings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 11 years in indoor settings in which social distancing can not be maintained , including schools and school transport .
`` We will amend our operational guidance for schools and FE to require settings and local authorities to undertake risk assessments of their estates to determine if face coverings should be recommended for their staff and young people in communal areas .
`` This will also include school and college transport . ''
Mr Gething had asked a scientific advisory group to consider the current coronavirus guidance for the nation 's schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
That came hours before Boris Johnson reversed advice that pupils should not wear face masks in English secondaries , amid growing pressure from headteachers , teaching unions and medical experts .
Meanwhile , a teaching union questioned if the UK government was following scientific advice or `` prioritising political expediency '' following the U-turn .
Union chiefs had previously urged clarity on wearing masks and sought reassurance for pupils , staff and parents ahead of schools reopening next week .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Roach , general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union , said : `` It is deeply regrettable that the government has failed to heed concerns until the last possible moment .
`` The latest announcement on face coverings raises serious questions about whether the government is seriously following the scientific advice or is simply prioritising political expediency in order to meet the prime minister 's wish to ensure that every school reopens fully at the start of term come what may .
`` This latest government U-turn will raise questions about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officers last Sunday that there is a low risk of coronavirus transmission in schools . ''
The chief and deputy chief medical officers of England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland said in a joint statement on Sunday that children have an `` exceptionally low risk of dying '' from COVID-19 .

The Welsh government has recommended the use of face coverings in communal areas of secondary schools where social distancing is not possible.
The new guidance also applies to pupils over 11 on school transport, along with college students and staff.
It will require schools and local authorities to carry out risk assessments of their sites to determine if the two-metre rule cannot be maintained.
A joint statement by health minister Vaughan Gething and education minister Kirsty Williams said: "The current advice from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales is that face coverings are recommended for all members of the public over 11 years in indoor settings in which social distancing cannot be maintained, including schools and school transport.
"We will amend our operational guidance for schools and FE to require settings and local authorities to undertake risk assessments of their estates to determine if face coverings should be recommended for their staff and young people in communal areas.
"This will also include school and college transport."
Mr Gething had asked a scientific advisory group to consider the current coronavirus guidance for the nation's schools, which are due to return next week.
That came hours before Boris Johnson reversed advice that pupils should not wear face masks in English secondaries, amid growing pressure from headteachers, teaching unions and medical experts.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Meanwhile, a teaching union questioned if the UK government was following scientific advice or "prioritising political expediency" following the U-turn.
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Union chiefs had previously urged clarity on wearing masks and sought reassurance for pupils, staff and parents ahead of schools reopening next week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 PM: We're following WHO advice on masks in schools
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Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: "It is deeply regrettable that the government has failed to heed concerns until the last possible moment.
"The latest announcement on face coverings raises serious questions about whether the government is seriously following the scientific advice or is simply prioritising political expediency in order to meet the prime minister's wish to ensure that every school reopens fully at the start of term come what may.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:42 Minister defends U-turn on masks advice
"This latest government U-turn will raise questions about the statement issued by the UK's chief medical officers last Sunday that there is a low risk of coronavirus transmission in schools."
The chief and deputy chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said in a joint statement on Sunday that children have an "exceptionally low risk of dying" from COVID-19.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-25--Boris Johnson makes U-turn and abandons face masks advice for schools

Boris Johnson has abandoned advice that pupils should not wear face masks in English secondary schools .
The prime minister performed his latest U-turn in the face of growing pressure from headteachers , teaching unions and medical experts .
: : Coronavirus latest news : Keep up-to-date with COVID-19 developments around the world Face coverings will be mandatory in communal areas and corridors for children in towns and cities that are subject to stricter coronavirus restrictions .
But while headteachers will retain discretion over the use of face masks in schools in other parts of England , the government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used .
On a visit to a school in Leicestershire on Wednesday , Mr Johnson said the government was following updated advice from the World Health Organisation - despite that shift happening four days ago .
The WHO issued new guidance on 21 August , saying `` children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults , in particular when they can not guarantee at least a one-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area '' .
The prime minister also suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experience of Scottish pupils , who have been back in schools since 11 August .
But he added it would be `` nonsensical '' to enforce the use of face coverings inside classrooms .
`` On the issue of face coverings , what you 've got is the WHO saying face coverings should be used by over-12s , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` What we 're saying is if you 're in a school where there is a 'hot spot ' then it probably does make sense in confined areas outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the corridor and elsewhere .
`` As they discovered in Scotland , where they 've had the kids in for at least a couple of weeks now , what they found was that it was raining outside , people were coming in and they were congregating in the corridors and the move to face coverings they thought was sensible .
`` What we are doing , following what the WHO have said , is we are saying , if you are in a hot spot area where there is a higher risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ types of areas outside the classroom .
`` But not in the classrooms , because that is clearly nonsensical - you ca n't teach with face coverings , you ca n't expect people to learn with face coverings . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier told Sky News the new advice was an `` extra precautionary measure '' to prevent the transmission of coronavirus in some schools .
The UK government 's change in advice came late on Tuesday - hours after the Scottish government recommended the wearing of face masks in secondary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was reviewing its advice on face coverings for pupils .
Meanwhile , Northern Ireland updated its guidance on face coverings to recommend they be worn by teachers and pupils in corridors and other communal areas of all secondary schools .
Asked if he and the prime minister had been bumped into action by the devolved administrations , Mr Williamson said : `` What we 're recommending in terms of mandating the wearing of face coverings in communal areas in secondary schools is only in a very , very small number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local lockdown .
`` We recognise that there are added concerns in those communities about transmission . ''
Labour has accused the UK government of having `` passed the buck '' to schools to decide on whether face coverings should be worn .
But Mr Williamson said : `` We 've always had a system in this country where there is a lot of devolved responsibility for head teachers .
`` As you go around the whole school estate in this country , every school tends to be of a different shape and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognise that head teachers will sometimes need to show an element of discretion . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The prime minister faces resistance to the move from within his own ranks , with Tory MP Marcus Fysh voicing his oppostion after it emerged the U-turn may be imminent .
`` Masks should be banned in schools , '' he said on Twitter .
`` The country should be getting back to normal not pandering to this scientifically illiterate guff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases across the UK on Tuesday - up from 853 on Monday - and 16 more deaths among people who had tested positive for the virus .

Boris Johnson has abandoned advice that pupils should not wear face masks in English secondary schools.
The prime minister performed his latest U-turn in the face of growing pressure from headteachers, teaching unions and medical experts.
:: Coronavirus latest news: Keep up-to-date with COVID-19 developments around the world
Face coverings will be mandatory in communal areas and corridors for children in towns and cities that are subject to stricter coronavirus restrictions.
But while headteachers will retain discretion over the use of face masks in schools in other parts of England, the government will drop guidance that they should not be used.
On a visit to a school in Leicestershire on Wednesday, Mr Johnson said the government was following updated advice from the World Health Organisation - despite that shift happening four days ago.
The WHO issued new guidance on 21 August, saying "children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a one-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area".
The prime minister also suggested the U-turn on face coverings had come following the experience of Scottish pupils, who have been back in schools since 11 August.
But he added it would be "nonsensical" to enforce the use of face coverings inside classrooms.
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Image: Boris Johnson visited a school in Leicestershire on Tuesday
"On the issue of face coverings, what you've got is the WHO saying face coverings should be used by over-12s," Mr Johnson said.
"What we're saying is if you're in a school where there is a 'hot spot' then it probably does make sense in confined areas outside the classroom to use a face coverings in the corridor and elsewhere.
"As they discovered in Scotland, where they've had the kids in for at least a couple of weeks now, what they found was that it was raining outside, people were coming in and they were congregating in the corridors and the move to face coverings they thought was sensible.
"What we are doing, following what the WHO have said, is we are saying, if you are in a hot spot area where there is a higher risk of transmission then face coverings in those types of areas outside the classroom.
"But not in the classrooms, because that is clearly nonsensical - you can't teach with face coverings, you can't expect people to learn with face coverings."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Williamson denies 'lag' in masks policy
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier told Sky News the new advice was an "extra precautionary measure" to prevent the transmission of coronavirus in some schools.
The UK government's change in advice came late on Tuesday - hours after the Scottish government recommended the wearing of face masks in secondary school corridors, and the Welsh government said it was reviewing its advice on face coverings for pupils.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland updated its guidance on face coverings to recommend they be worn by teachers and pupils in corridors and other communal areas of all secondary schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Sturgeon: Face coverings to be worn in Scottish schools
Asked if he and the prime minister had been bumped into action by the devolved administrations, Mr Williamson said: "What we're recommending in terms of mandating the wearing of face coverings in communal areas in secondary schools is only in a very, very small number of areas in the country which are in local lockdown.
"We recognise that there are added concerns in those communities about transmission."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 'Schools are safe' - PM
Labour has accused the UK government of having "passed the buck" to schools to decide on whether face coverings should be worn.
But Mr Williamson said: "We've always had a system in this country where there is a lot of devolved responsibility for head teachers.
"As you go around the whole school estate in this country, every school tends to be of a different shape and a different size.
"We do recognise that head teachers will sometimes need to show an element of discretion."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The prime minister faces resistance to the move from within his own ranks, with Tory MP Marcus Fysh voicing his oppostion after it emerged the U-turn may be imminent.
"Masks should be banned in schools," he said on Twitter.
"The country should be getting back to normal not pandering to this scientifically illiterate guff."
Officials announced another 1,184 confirmed COVID-19 cases across the UK on Tuesday - up from 853 on Monday - and 16 more deaths among people who had tested positive for the virus.