skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Trump 'apoplectic' over Johnson giving green light to Huawei

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson do not see eye to eye over the risks of Huawei Donald Trump was `` apoplectic '' with fury in a phone call with Boris Johnson over the prime minister ’ s decision to back involvement by Chinese phone giant Huawei in the UK ’ s 5G mobile network , it has been claimed .
According to the Financial Times ( FT ) , the US president expressed his anger `` in livid terms '' in a call on the day the British government announced its controversial decision , which is opposed by many senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's anger and clash with the prime minister in a transatlantic call emerged a day after Mr Johnson was challenged on the decision in PMQs by former cabinet ministers Damian Green and David Davis .
Responding to the FT claim , a senior Downing Street source told Sky News : `` It 's not an account I recognise . ''
But the FT also quotes a second official claiming the Trump-Johnson phone call was `` very difficult '' .
On the day of the phone call last Tuesday , first revealed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , both Downing Street and the White House gave bland accounts of the conversation .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The prime minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon and updated him on the outcome of the UK 's telecoms supply chain review .
`` The prime minister underlined the importance of like-minded countries working together to diversify the market and break the dominance of a small number of companies . ''
In its account , the White House merely said : `` Today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom .
The two leaders discussed critical regional and bilateral issues , including telecommunications security . ''
But now the FT has reported : `` One individual briefed on the contents of the call said Mr Trump was 'apoplectic ' with Mr Johnson for his Huawei decision and expressed his views in livid terms .
`` A second official confirmed that the Trump-Johnson call was 'very difficult ' .
British officials with knowledge of the exchange said they were taken aback by the force of the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence , the US vice- resident , said after the Huawei decision that the Trump administration had made its disappointment at the UK decision `` very clear to them '' .
Following the Huawei decision , London and Washington have agreed to collaborate on reducing the use of Huawei equipment in Britain .
William Barr , the US attorney-general , has suggested the US should consider buying a controlling stake in Ericsson and Nokia to help build a stronger international competitor .
Mr Barr said America and its allies should be actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlling stake in the European companies , either directly or through a consortium of private American and allied companies .
He added : `` It 's all very well to tell our friends and allies they should n't install Huawei 's , but whose infrastructure are they going to install ? ''
The FT adds that the split over Huawei adds to growing transatlantic tensions between the US and UK on several policy areas .
`` Mr Trump is opposed to Mr Johnson 's proposed digital services tax , with senior figures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FT reports .
`` The two countries are also divided on the Iran nuclear deal , from which Mr Trump withdrew in 2018 .
`` US officials spent months trying to convince London to follow their lead over Huawei .
Analysts said Mr Trump 's own views and interest in the UK 's Huawei decision were barely known until the telephone call .
`` He had previously described Huawei as 'very dangerous ' in public comments , although his administration approved some US sales to the company late last year .
`` Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said publicly it was 'disappointed ' but both governments agreed not to further ruffle any feathers .
But the private phone call laid bare the challenges facing Mr Johnson on relations with the US , particularly as the UK prepares to enter negotiations for a transatlantic free trade deal . ''
In PMQs this week , Mr Green , formerly Theresa May 's unofficial deputy prime minister , called on Mr Johnson to reduce Huawei 's 35 % 5G stake and Mr Davis , a former Brexit secretary , demanded an alternative deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister is conscious of the very widespread concern in this House about the plans to involve Huawei in 5G networks , concern that will have only been increased by the news this week that France is building a new 5G network without the involvement of Huawei , following the lead of Australia .
`` If they can do , we could do it .
Will you confirm that you want to reduce Huawei 's involvement over time , and can he give a timescale as to when that involvement will hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You are certainly right that we are going to be reducing the involvement of Huawei below the 35 % market cap , but he is also right in his general vision , which is one I entirely share .
`` What has happened , I am afraid , is a failure of like-minded countries to produce an alternative to the 5G network except that provided by high-risk vendors .
That is why we are now doubling the science budget .
We will be working with some of the countries he mentions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market . ''
Mr Davis then told MPs : `` The Australian agencies analysed the involvement of any element of Huawei in their 5G system and determined that any involvement would lead to a major risk of both sabotage and espionage .
`` Can the prime minister give an undertaking that this country will lead the Five Eyes and NATO to create an alternative to Huawei in the next two years ? ''
He replied : `` Yes , we will of course do nothing either to endanger our critical national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five Eyes partners , as you have rightly suggested , and we will work to ensure that high-risk vendors can not dominate our market . ''
In the US , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been one of the most vocal members of the Trump administration opposed to the Huawei decision .
He had previously called on Mr Johnson to reconsider and warned that the Conservatives would be betraying the legacy of Margaret Thatcher if they opened the door to the Chinese manufacturer .
But by the time Mr Pompeo visited Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was publicly keen to move on .
`` I 'm confident we can work together to implement that decision and work to get this right , '' he said .
Mr Pompeo described the Huawei decision as Britain 's `` sovereign '' decision but acknowledged that the US did not agree and would ensure that its information was secure .
`` Good friends do n't always agree on everything , '' Mr Pompeo added .

Donald Trump was "apoplectic" with fury in a phone call with Boris Johnson over the prime minister's decision to back involvement by Chinese phone giant Huawei in the UK’s 5G mobile network, it has been claimed.
According to the Financial Times (FT), the US president expressed his anger "in livid terms" in a call on the day the British government announced its controversial decision, which is opposed by many senior Conservative MPs.
The report of Mr Trump's anger and clash with the prime minister in a transatlantic call emerged a day after Mr Johnson was challenged on the decision in PMQs by former cabinet ministers Damian Green and David Davis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Explained: Why 5G and Huawei matter
Responding to the FT claim, a senior Downing Street source told Sky News: "It's not an account I recognise."
But the FT also quotes a second official claiming the Trump-Johnson phone call was "very difficult".
On the day of the phone call last Tuesday, first revealed by the president in a news conference with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both Downing Street and the White House gave bland accounts of the conversation.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon and updated him on the outcome of the UK's telecoms supply chain review.
"The prime minister underlined the importance of like-minded countries working together to diversify the market and break the dominance of a small number of companies."
In its account, the White House merely said: "Today, President Donald J Trump spoke with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom. The two leaders discussed critical regional and bilateral issues, including telecommunications security."
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But now the FT has reported: "One individual briefed on the contents of the call said Mr Trump was 'apoplectic' with Mr Johnson for his Huawei decision and expressed his views in livid terms.
"A second official confirmed that the Trump-Johnson call was 'very difficult'. British officials with knowledge of the exchange said they were taken aback by the force of the president's language towards Mr Johnson."
Mike Pence, the US vice-president, said after the Huawei decision that the Trump administration had made its disappointment at the UK decision "very clear to them".
Following the Huawei decision, London and Washington have agreed to collaborate on reducing the use of Huawei equipment in Britain.
William Barr, the US attorney-general, has suggested the US should consider buying a controlling stake in Ericsson and Nokia to help build a stronger international competitor.
Mr Barr said America and its allies should be actively considering proposals for American ownership of a controlling stake in the European companies, either directly or through a consortium of private American and allied companies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 'Nothing' must imperil relationship with US
He added: "It's all very well to tell our friends and allies they shouldn't install Huawei's, but whose infrastructure are they going to install?"
The FT adds that the split over Huawei adds to growing transatlantic tensions between the US and UK on several policy areas.
"Mr Trump is opposed to Mr Johnson's proposed digital services tax, with senior figures in his administration threatening retaliation," the FT reports.
"The two countries are also divided on the Iran nuclear deal, from which Mr Trump withdrew in 2018.
"US officials spent months trying to convince London to follow their lead over Huawei. Analysts said Mr Trump's own views and interest in the UK's Huawei decision were barely known until the telephone call.
"He had previously described Huawei as 'very dangerous' in public comments, although his administration approved some US sales to the company late last year.
"Following Britain's decision, the White House said publicly it was 'disappointed' but both governments agreed not to further ruffle any feathers. But the private phone call laid bare the challenges facing Mr Johnson on relations with the US, particularly as the UK prepares to enter negotiations for a transatlantic free trade deal."
In PMQs this week, Mr Green, formerly Theresa May's unofficial deputy prime minister, called on Mr Johnson to reduce Huawei's 35% 5G stake and Mr Davis, a former Brexit secretary, demanded an alternative deal.
Image: Mike Pence says the US is 'disappointed' by the UK's decision
Mr Green told MPs: "The prime minister is conscious of the very widespread concern in this House about the plans to involve Huawei in 5G networks, concern that will have only been increased by the news this week that France is building a new 5G network without the involvement of Huawei, following the lead of Australia.
"If they can do, we could do it.
"Will you confirm that you want to reduce Huawei's involvement over time, and can he give a timescale as to when that involvement will hit zero?"
Image: Huawei will help the UK develop its 5G infrastructure
Mr Johnson replied: "You are certainly right that we are going to be reducing the involvement of Huawei below the 35% market cap, but he is also right in his general vision, which is one I entirely share.
"What has happened, I am afraid, is a failure of like-minded countries to produce an alternative to the 5G network except that provided by high-risk vendors. That is why we are now doubling the science budget.
"We will be working with some of the countries he mentions in order to produce exactly that diversification in the market."
Image: Damian Green has questioned the PM's decision
Mr Davis then told MPs: "The Australian agencies analysed the involvement of any element of Huawei in their 5G system and determined that any involvement would lead to a major risk of both sabotage and espionage.
"Can the prime minister give an undertaking that this country will lead the Five Eyes and NATO to create an alternative to Huawei in the next two years?"
He replied: "Yes, we will of course do nothing either to endanger our critical national security infrastructure or to prejudice co-operation with Five Eyes partners, as you have rightly suggested, and we will work to ensure that high-risk vendors cannot dominate our market."
Image: Former Brexit Secretary David Davis also has concerns about Huawei
In the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been one of the most vocal members of the Trump administration opposed to the Huawei decision.
He had previously called on Mr Johnson to reconsider and warned that the Conservatives would be betraying the legacy of Margaret Thatcher if they opened the door to the Chinese manufacturer.
But by the time Mr Pompeo visited Britain immediately after the difficult Trump-Johnson phone call, he was publicly keen to move on.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Pompeo: 'China central threat of our times'
"I'm confident we can work together to implement that decision and work to get this right," he said.
Mr Pompeo described the Huawei decision as Britain's "sovereign" decision but acknowledged that the US did not agree and would ensure that its information was secure.
"Good friends don't always agree on everything," Mr Pompeo added.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--MP auctions 'shouldergate' dress after social media storm

An MP is auctioning an off-the-shoulder dress she wore in the Commons which sparked a blacklash on social media .
Tracy Brabin was forced to defend her attire after the garment slipped off her shoulder when she leaned on the despatch box due to a broken ankle on Tuesday .
The Labour representative for Batley and Spen has now decided to sell the dress for charity on eBay , claiming it has sold out on ASOS as a result of the coverage .
`` Black dress worn by Tracy Brabin MP in 'shouldergate ' as widely covered across the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is an ASOS dress which has been flying off the shelves as a result of the coverage - and is now sold out !
`` All money raised will go to Girlguiding UK to support their work helping girls build confidence and self-esteem , in the hope that they grow up to be leaders . ''
At the time of writing there were 38 bids , with a going price of £210 .
Ms Brabin went on the offensive after receiving a number of derogatory comments about her dress earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I 'm not ... A slag , Hungover , A tart , About to breastfeed , A slapper , Drunk , Just been banged over a wheelie bin , '' she tweeted .
`` Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder . ''
Social media users had told her to `` put some clothes on love '' or called her `` drunk '' , `` classless '' and looking like a `` slapper '' .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Brabin called criticism of the dress `` everyday sexism '' .
`` I wore it yesterday , I 'll wear it again , '' she said .
`` Whilst I can brush [ these comments ] off as sometimes part of the job , I think it was really important that I could call it out .
`` Because there are women across the country and world in work who have to put up with this sort of judgement every day of the week .
`` And certainly , young women who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men feeling very free to comment on what they 're wearing and how they look . ''

An MP is auctioning an off-the-shoulder dress she wore in the Commons which sparked a blacklash on social media.
Tracy Brabin was forced to defend her attire after the garment slipped off her shoulder when she leaned on the despatch box due to a broken ankle on Tuesday.
The Labour representative for Batley and Spen has now decided to sell the dress for charity on eBay, claiming it has sold out on ASOS as a result of the coverage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 'Crass comments on my dress sexualised me'
"Black dress worn by Tracy Brabin MP in 'shouldergate' as widely covered across the media," the listing read.
"This is an ASOS dress which has been flying off the shelves as a result of the coverage - and is now sold out!
"All money raised will go to Girlguiding UK to support their work helping girls build confidence and self-esteem, in the hope that they grow up to be leaders."
At the time of writing there were 38 bids, with a going price of £210.
Ms Brabin went on the offensive after receiving a number of derogatory comments about her dress earlier this week.
"Sorry I don't have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I'm not... A slag, Hungover, A tart, About to breastfeed, A slapper, Drunk, Just been banged over a wheelie bin," she tweeted.
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"Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder."
Social media users had told her to "put some clothes on love" or called her "drunk", "classless" and looking like a "slapper".
Speaking on Sky's Sarah-Jane Mee Show, Ms Brabin called criticism of the dress "everyday sexism".
"I wore it yesterday, I'll wear it again," she said.
"Whilst I can brush [these comments] off as sometimes part of the job, I think it was really important that I could call it out.
"Because there are women across the country and world in work who have to put up with this sort of judgement every day of the week.
"And certainly, young women who are subject to the male gaze and men feeling very free to comment on what they're wearing and how they look."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Fox causes havoc after breaking into parliament

Fox causes havoc after breaking into parliament Fox causes havoc after breaking into parliament The fox managed to get past a police officer wearing a high-vis jacket A cunning fox has managed to break into parliament and evade capture from the authorities .
The mammal was spotted climbing an escalator into the main building where MPs ' offices are .
It was spotted by staff wandering round Portcullis House , having out-foxed police and security guards and made it as far as the cafe and then up to the fourth floor .
A message on Conservative MP Julia Lopez 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : just leaving Westminster office for the night and see a fox climbing escalator into Portcullis House !
`` We have seen some strange things in Parliament since 2017 , but this tops it ! ''
Labour MP Karl Turner managed to get a snap of the wily creature sneaking past a high vis-clad police officer .
`` This little fella must know that Boris Johnson is planning to let rip with filthy fox hunting , '' he posted .
Droppings were also spotted after the fox 's political adventure .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Portcullis House atrium about half an hour ago , and now I 've just found this outside my office ( 2 floors up ! )
# Foxontherun , '' Labour MP Kerry McCarthy tweeted .
The SNP 's Alison Thewliss was more practical , commenting : `` If the fox is willing to eat the mice and rats in Parliament that might actually be a useful development . ''
Footage later on showed the fox being removed from a building in a blue box , before being released onto the pavement next @ @ @ @ @

A cunning fox has managed to break into parliament and evade capture from the authorities.
The mammal was spotted climbing an escalator into the main building where MPs' offices are.
It was spotted by staff wandering round Portcullis House, having out-foxed police and security guards and made it as far as the cafe and then up to the fourth floor.
Image: The fox was spotted near one of parliament's cafes
A message on Conservative MP Julia Lopez's Twitter account read: "Team Lopez: just leaving Westminster office for the night and see a fox climbing escalator into Portcullis House!
"We have seen some strange things in Parliament since 2017, but this tops it!"
Labour MP Karl Turner managed to get a snap of the wily creature sneaking past a high vis-clad police officer.
"This little fella must know that Boris Johnson is planning to let rip with filthy fox hunting," he posted.
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Droppings were also spotted after the fox's political adventure.
"So apparently there was a fox running around in Portcullis House atrium about half an hour ago, and now I've just found this outside my office (2 floors up!) #Foxontherun," Labour MP Kerry McCarthy tweeted.
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The SNP's Alison Thewliss was more practical, commenting: "If the fox is willing to eat the mice and rats in Parliament that might actually be a useful development."
Footage later on showed the fox being removed from a building in a blue box, before being released onto the pavement next to the River Thames.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Labour leadership: Sky News to host live debate with the contenders

In a critical period for our country , who the leader of the Opposition is really matters .
By shaping the political narrative , holding the government to account and pushing key policy agendas , the next leader of the Labour Party has an opportunity - some would say a responsibility - to change the country .
That 's why Sky News is excited to be hosting a live TV debate with the contenders vying to be Labour 's next leader .
The candidates will face an audience of 100 voters on Thursday 27 February - just a week after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be hosted by Sophy Ridge at 8pm and will last one hour , without breaks .
Sky News has decided to hold the debate in Dewsbury , a Leave-voting seat in Yorkshire that Labour lost to the Conservatives on a 4.5 % swing in 2019 .
It 's exactly the sort of constituency the new leader will need to recapture if they are to lead the party to victory at the next election .
The audience will be representative of the UK population in terms of gender and ethnicity .
One third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current Labour voters , and the final third will be past Labour voters who switched away in the 2019 General Election .
They will come from across the country - but with a bias towards the North of England and the voters the party most needs to recapture .
The contenders are keen to pitch to Labour Party members in order to win their votes , but the next leader of the Opposition matters for the whole country .
That 's why we are keen to hear the candidates set out their stall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in a format where they can be challenged and challenge each other , and truly put their ideas to the test .

In a critical period for our country, who the leader of the Opposition is really matters.
By shaping the political narrative, holding the government to account and pushing key policy agendas, the next leader of the Labour Party has an opportunity - some would say a responsibility - to change the country.
That's why Sky News is excited to be hosting a live TV debate with the contenders vying to be Labour's next leader.
Image: Sophy Ridge will host the programme from 8pm
The candidates will face an audience of 100 voters on Thursday 27 February - just a week after ballots open in the contest. It will be hosted by Sophy Ridge at 8pm and will last one hour, without breaks.
Sky News has decided to hold the debate in Dewsbury, a Leave-voting seat in Yorkshire that Labour lost to the Conservatives on a 4.5% swing in 2019.
It's exactly the sort of constituency the new leader will need to recapture if they are to lead the party to victory at the next election.
The audience will be representative of the UK population in terms of gender and ethnicity. One third will be Labour members, one third current Labour voters, and the final third will be past Labour voters who switched away in the 2019 General Election.
They will come from across the country - but with a bias towards the North of England and the voters the party most needs to recapture.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn is stepping down after leading Labour to a disastrous election result
The contenders are keen to pitch to Labour Party members in order to win their votes, but the next leader of the Opposition matters for the whole country.
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That's why we are keen to hear the candidates set out their stall on live TV for everyone to hear, in a format where they can be challenged and challenge each other, and truly put their ideas to the test.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Brexit-backing City tycoon Cruddas to join Lords

Peter Cruddas , one of the City 's richest men , is to be handed a seat in the House of Lords as Boris Johnson swells the ranks of Brexit-backing Conservatives in the upper chamber .
Sky News can exclusively reveal that Mr Cruddas is on a list of nominees that will be considered by the House of Lords Appointments Commission ( HoLAC ) during the coming days .
Mr Cruddas , who founded the FTSE-250 financial services company CMC Markets with a £10,000 investment in 1989 , will join fellow City heavyweight Michael Spencer on the list of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A prolific donor who has given more than £3.5m to the Tories , Mr Cruddas was one of the founders of Vote Leave and gave the campaign group £1.5m in the build-up to the 2016 referendum .
He was also among the substantial donors to Mr Johnson 's leadership campaign last year , telling one interviewer : `` I 'm going to give him some money and back him .
`` I think we need a Brexiteer as our next prime minister .
`` The country voted to leave the European Union and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered that , and it should be someone like Boris Johnson . ''
One of the City 's most influential self-made businessmen , Mr Cruddas served as Tory treasurer until 2012 , when his term was brought to an abrupt end by a cash-for-access story in The Sunday Times .
Mr Cruddas successfully sued the newspaper for libel , although his financial award was later reduced on appeal .
A Court of Appeal judgement found that while aspects of his conduct had been `` unacceptable and wrong '' , it upheld the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favour .
The tycoon was also exonerated by the Electoral Commission .
Since floating CMC on the London Stock Exchange in 2016 , Mr Cruddas has seen the value of his 60.2 % stake in the company fluctuate amid various threats of regulatory restrictions against the sector .
On Thursday , shares in the company closed at 169.6p , giving it a market value of £490m .
Its value has risen by more than 40 % during the last year .
Mr Cruddas has built a reputation as a major philanthropist and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his personal foundation .
As a big donor to Vote Leave , Mr Cruddas became an integral - albeit behind-the-scenes - figure in the campaign for Britain to leave the EU .
By contrast , Mr Spencer was a vocal member of the Remain camp , although he too subsequently helped swell Mr Johnson 's leadership campaign coffers .
Mr Spencer , the founder of ICAP , has seen a number of previous efforts to install him in the Lords blocked on account of the company 's involvement in the Libor rate-rigging scandal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any allegations of wrongdoing .
Having seen off the question marks against his reputation , the decision to ennoble Mr Spencer will come as little surprise .
He was among a group of substantial donors to Mr Johnson 's leadership bid last summer , and over a long period has given millions of pounds to the Tories .
Friends estimate that he helped raise in excess of £100m for party coffers during his four years as treasurer , which culminated in him helping to corral the funds that took Mr Cameron into Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominees for peerages are expected to be two former Tory chancellors , Philip Hammond and Ken Clarke , according to the BBC .
There was speculation in the City on Thursday that Dame Helena Morrissey , a Brexit-supporting former executive at Legal & General Investment Management and now a board member at the wealth manager St James 's Place , may also have been nominated by the PM .
In recent weeks , preparations for the latest crop of appointments to the Lords has been overshadowed by the presence - or otherwise - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaker , John Bercow .
The appointments are expected to be announced as soon as next week .
Neither Mr Cruddas , CMC nor Dame Helena could be reached for comment .

Peter Cruddas, one of the City's richest men, is to be handed a seat in the House of Lords as Boris Johnson swells the ranks of Brexit-backing Conservatives in the upper chamber.
Sky News can exclusively reveal that Mr Cruddas is on a list of nominees that will be considered by the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HoLAC) during the coming days.
Mr Cruddas, who founded the FTSE-250 financial services company CMC Markets with a £10,000 investment in 1989, will join fellow City heavyweight Michael Spencer on the list of new peers, insiders said on Thursday.
A prolific donor who has given more than £3.5m to the Tories, Mr Cruddas was one of the founders of Vote Leave and gave the campaign group £1.5m in the build-up to the 2016 referendum.
He was also among the substantial donors to Mr Johnson's leadership campaign last year, telling one interviewer: "I'm going to give him some money and back him.
"I think we need a Brexiteer as our next prime minister.
"The country voted to leave the European Union and I think we should have someone that delivered that, and it should be someone like Boris Johnson."
One of the City's most influential self-made businessmen, Mr Cruddas served as Tory treasurer until 2012, when his term was brought to an abrupt end by a cash-for-access story in The Sunday Times.
Mr Cruddas successfully sued the newspaper for libel, although his financial award was later reduced on appeal.
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A Court of Appeal judgement found that while aspects of his conduct had been "unacceptable and wrong", it upheld the ruling of libel and malicious falsehood in his favour.
The tycoon was also exonerated by the Electoral Commission.
Since floating CMC on the London Stock Exchange in 2016, Mr Cruddas has seen the value of his 60.2% stake in the company fluctuate amid various threats of regulatory restrictions against the sector.
Image: Traders work at their desks at CMC Markets in London
On Thursday, shares in the company closed at 169.6p, giving it a market value of £490m.
Its value has risen by more than 40% during the last year.
Mr Cruddas has built a reputation as a major philanthropist and has pledged to donate £100m to charity through his personal foundation.
As a big donor to Vote Leave, Mr Cruddas became an integral - albeit behind-the-scenes - figure in the campaign for Britain to leave the EU.
By contrast, Mr Spencer was a vocal member of the Remain camp, although he too subsequently helped swell Mr Johnson's leadership campaign coffers.
Mr Spencer, the founder of ICAP, has seen a number of previous efforts to install him in the Lords blocked on account of the company's involvement in the Libor rate-rigging scandal.
He was never personally implicated in any allegations of wrongdoing.
Having seen off the question marks against his reputation, the decision to ennoble Mr Spencer will come as little surprise.
He was among a group of substantial donors to Mr Johnson's leadership bid last summer, and over a long period has given millions of pounds to the Tories.
Friends estimate that he helped raise in excess of £100m for party coffers during his four years as treasurer, which culminated in him helping to corral the funds that took Mr Cameron into Downing Street in 2010.
Among the other nominees for peerages are expected to be two former Tory chancellors, Philip Hammond and Ken Clarke, according to the BBC.
There was speculation in the City on Thursday that Dame Helena Morrissey, a Brexit-supporting former executive at Legal & General Investment Management and now a board member at the wealth manager St James's Place, may also have been nominated by the PM.
In recent weeks, preparations for the latest crop of appointments to the Lords has been overshadowed by the presence - or otherwise - on the list of the former Commons speaker, John Bercow.
The appointments are expected to be announced as soon as next week.
Neither Mr Cruddas, CMC nor Dame Helena could be reached for comment.
A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Tory MP reprimanded but avoids suspension for talk with far-right figures

A Tory MP who spoke alongside far-right politicians at a conference has been reprimanded by his party but avoided a suspension .
Daniel Kawczynski was widely condemned for talking at the National Conservatism event in Rome .
He was part of a line-up that included Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban , a Polish MEP who reportedly described homophobia as a `` totally fictitious problem '' and Marion Marechal , the niece of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen who also called France `` the little niece of Islam '' .
Mr Kawczynski , MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Jews and the government 's envoy for post-Holocaust issues .
The Muslim Council of Britain ( MCB ) said the Tories ' claim of not tolerating racism `` is truly farcical '' and said Mr Kawczynski should not be allowed to represent the party in parliament anymore .
But the Conservatives defied the call and issued a statement saying : `` Daniel Kawczynski has been formally warned that his attendance at this event was not acceptable , particularly in light of the views of some of those in attendance , which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to hold himself to higher standards . ''
`` Daniel has accepted this and apologised . ''
Labour 's shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne criticised Mr Kawczynski for previously calling critics `` hysterical '' and for failing to make a public apology .
`` In refusing to suspend Daniel Kawczynski , the Conservatives are condoning his decision to stand shoulder to shoulder with fascists and legitimising the Islamophobia , antisemitism and homophobia they promote , '' Mr Gwynne added .
Mr Kawczynski has defended speaking at the conference , saying others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tastes '' but `` they represent serious ideas and concerns , some of which are shared by many citizens of the UK '' .
He added that Mr Orban and Italy 's former deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini `` have certainly proved electorally attractive in their own countries and have every right to speak at a conference on the subject of national sovereignty , the very thing they have pledged to defend and which accounts for their popularity with voters '' .

A Tory MP who spoke alongside far-right politicians at a conference has been reprimanded by his party but avoided a suspension.
Daniel Kawczynski was widely condemned for talking at the National Conservatism event in Rome.
He was part of a line-up that included Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, a Polish MEP who reportedly described homophobia as a "totally fictitious problem" and Marion Marechal, the niece of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen who also called France "the little niece of Islam".
Mr Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, was condemned by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the government's envoy for post-Holocaust issues.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said the Tories' claim of not tolerating racism "is truly farcical" and said Mr Kawczynski should not be allowed to represent the party in parliament anymore.
But the Conservatives defied the call and issued a statement saying: "Daniel Kawczynski has been formally warned that his attendance at this event was not acceptable, particularly in light of the views of some of those in attendance, which we utterly condemn, and that he is expected to hold himself to higher standards."
"Daniel has accepted this and apologised."
Labour's shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne criticised Mr Kawczynski for previously calling critics "hysterical" and for failing to make a public apology.
"In refusing to suspend Daniel Kawczynski, the Conservatives are condoning his decision to stand shoulder to shoulder with fascists and legitimising the Islamophobia, antisemitism and homophobia they promote," Mr Gwynne added.
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Mr Kawczynski has defended speaking at the conference, saying others who appeared are "not to everyone's tastes" but "they represent serious ideas and concerns, some of which are shared by many citizens of the UK".
He added that Mr Orban and Italy's former deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini "have certainly proved electorally attractive in their own countries and have every right to speak at a conference on the subject of national sovereignty, the very thing they have pledged to defend and which accounts for their popularity with voters".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Windrush compensation scheme extended to 'right wrongs'

A compensation scheme for members of the Windrush generation has been extended for two years to `` right the wrongs '' they have faced .
The Home Office announced it was making the system more `` flexible '' for those who have suffered losses .
It was rolled out to help those who came legally to work in Britain from the Caribbean after the Second World War until around 1970 , but were never given official immigration status and then faced potential deportation or refused health care .
Anyone who was adversely affected by the government 's mistakes is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2023 .
The Home Office says that date is being `` kept under review '' , meaning it could be extended again .
Victims will no longer be expected to show they took immediate steps to resolve their immigration status .
For example , if someone lost their job as a result of not being able to evidence their lawful status and they tried to contact the government or sought advice at any time to resolve this , then this will be taken into account .
The Home Office says this chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher award .
Home Secretary Priti Patel blamed `` successive governments '' for the scandal that erupted in March 2018 .
`` We have listened to feedback from community leaders and those affected , to hear how the government can begin to do justice to those who have contributed so much to our country , '' she said .
`` The Windrush Compensation Scheme has been developed in conjunction with those affected and I hope the scheme will ease the burden from the unacceptable mistreatment experienced by some members of the Windrush generation @ @

A compensation scheme for members of the Windrush generation has been extended for two years to "right the wrongs" they have faced.
The Home Office announced it was making the system more "flexible" for those who have suffered losses.
It was rolled out to help those who came legally to work in Britain from the Caribbean after the Second World War until around 1970, but were never given official immigration status and then faced potential deportation or refused health care.
Anyone who was adversely affected by the government's mistakes is now able to apply for compensation until 2 April 2023.
Image: The HMT Empire Windrush brought 492 workers to the UK from the Caribbean in 1948
The Home Office says that date is being "kept under review", meaning it could be extended again.
Victims will no longer be expected to show they took immediate steps to resolve their immigration status.
For example, if someone lost their job as a result of not being able to evidence their lawful status and they tried to contact the government or sought advice at any time to resolve this, then this will be taken into account.
The Home Office says this chance may help some people qualify for a higher award.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel blamed "successive governments" for the Windrush scandal
Home Secretary Priti Patel blamed "successive governments" for the scandal that erupted in March 2018.
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"We have listened to feedback from community leaders and those affected, to hear how the government can begin to do justice to those who have contributed so much to our country," she said.
"The Windrush Compensation Scheme has been developed in conjunction with those affected and I hope the scheme will ease the burden from the unacceptable mistreatment experienced by some members of the Windrush generation."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-06--Commons slams Bercow for naming staff in book

House of Commons slams former speaker John Bercow for naming staff in book House of Commons slams former speaker John Bercow for naming staff in book The House of Commons has hit out at John Bercow for naming members of staff in his autobiography without their permission .
A spokesman said it was `` unacceptable '' for the former speaker to identify current and ex-members of staff for `` the purpose of financial gain or commercial success '' .
`` House of Commons staff work incredibly hard to enable the effective functioning of our democracy and have a right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' they said .
`` It is unacceptable to publicly name current or former staff without their prior knowledge or authority , especially for the purpose of financial gain or commercial success .
`` A crucial element of the work of House of Commons staff is to provide confidential , impartial advice to MPs .
`` Breaking this confidentiality undermines this important principle and also places staff in a position from which they are unable to respond . ''
But a spokesman for Mr Bercow defended his decision to name members of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but highly vocal group of people consistently seeking to blacken his name , it would be odd if Mr Bercow did not comment on their unfounded allegations and the reasons behind them , '' he said .
`` He was advised by Speaker 's Counsel not to do so in detail while he was in office .
He is therefore doing so now .
`` If the book had not addressed these issues , he would rightly have been accused of serious omission .
`` Critics are entitled to air their views .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to make unfounded allegations and expect Mr Bercow to say nothing in return . ''
Mr Bercow stepped down as speaker in November after 10 years in the role .
His autobiography , Unspeakable , was published on Thursday .
It comes as Mr Bercow faces allegations of bullying from two senior parliamentary officials - former clerk of the House Lord Lisvane , and the former Black Rod , David Leakey .
He strongly denies the allegations against him .
In an exclusive interview with Sky News earlier this week , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary staff and politicians were `` total and utter rubbish '' .
The row with the Commons could impact on Mr Bercow 's hopes of entering the House of Lords .
Downing Street broke with the tradition of offering a retiring speaker a place on the red benches , in a sign of the irritation within Number 10 at Mr Bercow 's time in the speaker 's chair .
He has since been nominated by outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn .
Mr Leakey told Sky News the former speaker entering the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament would struggle to live down '' .

The House of Commons has hit out at John Bercow for naming members of staff in his autobiography without their permission.
A spokesman said it was "unacceptable" for the former speaker to identify current and ex-members of staff for "the purpose of financial gain or commercial success".
"House of Commons staff work incredibly hard to enable the effective functioning of our democracy and have a right to expect that their privacy be respected," they said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Bercow: Accuser is a 'know-nothing'
"It is unacceptable to publicly name current or former staff without their prior knowledge or authority, especially for the purpose of financial gain or commercial success.
"A crucial element of the work of House of Commons staff is to provide confidential, impartial advice to MPs.
"Breaking this confidentiality undermines this important principle and also places staff in a position from which they are unable to respond."
But a spokesman for Mr Bercow defended his decision to name members of staff.
"Given there is a small but highly vocal group of people consistently seeking to blacken his name, it would be odd if Mr Bercow did not comment on their unfounded allegations and the reasons behind them," he said.
"He was advised by Speaker's Counsel not to do so in detail while he was in office. He is therefore doing so now.
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"If the book had not addressed these issues, he would rightly have been accused of serious omission.
"Critics are entitled to air their views. What they are not entitled to do is to make unfounded allegations and expect Mr Bercow to say nothing in return."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 'The red mist would descend'
Mr Bercow stepped down as speaker in November after 10 years in the role.
His autobiography, Unspeakable, was published on Thursday.
It comes as Mr Bercow faces allegations of bullying from two senior parliamentary officials - former clerk of the House Lord Lisvane, and the former Black Rod, David Leakey.
He strongly denies the allegations against him.
In an exclusive interview with Sky News earlier this week, Mr Bercow said accusations he "brutalised" parliamentary staff and politicians were "total and utter rubbish".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 After 10 years as Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow is stepping down.
Mr Leakey stands by his claims.
The row with the Commons could impact on Mr Bercow's hopes of entering the House of Lords.
Downing Street broke with the tradition of offering a retiring speaker a place on the red benches, in a sign of the irritation within Number 10 at Mr Bercow's time in the speaker's chair.
He has since been nominated by outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Mr Leakey told Sky News the former speaker entering the House of Lords would be "a scandal that parliament would struggle to live down".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-07--IS bride Shamima Begum loses first stage of legal fight over her citizenship

IS bride Shamima Begum loses first stage of legal fight over her citizenship IS bride Shamima Begum loses first stage of legal fight over her citizenship Shamima Begum was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join Islamic State IS bride Shamima Begum has lost the first stage of a legal challenge against the decision to revoke her British citizenship .
She was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join Islamic State in 2015 .
Begum , who is now 20 , lived under Islamic State rule for more than three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Syrian refugee camp last February .
Then-home secretary Sajid Javid stripped her of her British citizenship later that month .
Begum is currently in a Syrian camp and wants to be allowed back in Britain for therapy after all three of her children died .
Her lawyers argue the move to revoke her citizenship is unlawful because it has left her stateless .
Stripping someone of their citizenship is deemed lawful only if the individual is entitled to citizenship of another country .
Begum launched legal action against the Home Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immigration Appeals Commission ( SAC ) .
The latter is a specialist tribunal that hears challenges to decisions to remove someone 's British citizenship on the grounds of national security .
The tribunal , led by SIAC president Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing , ruled on Friday that the revocation did not leave Ms Begum stateless .
Announcing the tribunal 's decision , judge Doron Blum said the move did not breach the Home Office 's `` extraterritorial human rights policy by exposing Begum to a real risk of death or inhuman or degrading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have an effective appeal in her current circumstances '' , it `` does not follow that her appeal succeeds '' on that ground , he added .
Begum 's barrister , Tom Hickman QC , had argued that Begum - who is of British-Bangladeshi heritage - `` is not considered a national of Bangladesh and was therefore rendered stateless by the deprivation decision '' .
But the tribunal ruled that she was a `` citizen of Bangladesh by descent '' at the time she was stripped of her citizenship and so was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move `` had the effect - and was designed - to prevent '' Begum from coming back to the UK , meaning she was `` abandoned '' in a detention camp .
This means she `` can not have a fair and effective appeal '' because she is not able to speak confidentially with her lawyers or give evidence in support of her case , he added .
The tribunal did accept that `` in her current circumstances , the appellant can not play any meaningful part in her appeal and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be fair and effective '' .
But it added : `` We can not accept , without investigation , the assumption , apparently made by the appellant 's representatives , that if she can not have a fair and effective appeal her appeal must succeed . ''
Begum 's lawyers also argued that the `` wretched and squalid '' conditions in al-Roj - and in the al-Hawl camp from which she was moved for her own safety - breached her human rights .
It was ruled that the conditions at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights under Article 3 '' of the European Convention on Human Rights , which protects the right to freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment .
But the tribunal said the decision did not breach the Home Office 's policy on the extraterritorial application of human rights .
It said : `` The appellant was in that situation as a result of her own choices , and of the actions of others , but not because of anything the secretary of state had done . ''
Begum and two other pupils from Bethnal Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - boarded a flight at Gatwick and flew to Istanbul in Turkey .
They later made their way to Raqqa in Syria .
Begum married a Dutch IS fighter , Yago Riedijk , three weeks after arriving in the country .
Sky News tracked her down in February 2019 .
Begum told Sky correspondent John Sparks that she was `` just a housewife '' during her four years in IS-held territory and `` a lot of people should have sympathy '' for her .

IS bride Shamima Begum has lost the first stage of a legal challenge against the decision to revoke her British citizenship.
She was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join Islamic State in 2015.
Begum, who is now 20, lived under Islamic State rule for more than three years before being discovered nine months pregnant in a Syrian refugee camp last February.
Image: Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum travelled to Syria in 2015
Then-home secretary Sajid Javid stripped her of her British citizenship later that month.
Begum is currently in a Syrian camp and wants to be allowed back in Britain for therapy after all three of her children died.
Her lawyers argue the move to revoke her citizenship is unlawful because it has left her stateless.
Stripping someone of their citizenship is deemed lawful only if the individual is entitled to citizenship of another country.
Begum launched legal action against the Home Office at the High Court and the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SAC).
The latter is a specialist tribunal that hears challenges to decisions to remove someone's British citizenship on the grounds of national security.
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The tribunal, led by SIAC president Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing, ruled on Friday that the revocation did not leave Ms Begum stateless.
Announcing the tribunal's decision, judge Doron Blum said the move did not breach the Home Office's "extraterritorial human rights policy by exposing Begum to a real risk of death or inhuman or degrading treatment".
While she "cannot have an effective appeal in her current circumstances", it "does not follow that her appeal succeeds" on that ground, he added.
Image: Begum married a Dutch IS fighter three weeks after arriving in Syria
Begum's barrister, Tom Hickman QC, had argued that Begum - who is of British-Bangladeshi heritage - "is not considered a national of Bangladesh and was therefore rendered stateless by the deprivation decision".
But the tribunal ruled that she was a "citizen of Bangladesh by descent" at the time she was stripped of her citizenship and so was not stateless.
Mr Hickman also said the move "had the effect - and was designed - to prevent" Begum from coming back to the UK, meaning she was "abandoned" in a detention camp.
This means she "cannot have a fair and effective appeal" because she is not able to speak confidentially with her lawyers or give evidence in support of her case, he added.
The tribunal did accept that "in her current circumstances, the appellant cannot play any meaningful part in her appeal and that, to that extent, the appeal will not be fair and effective".
But it added: "We cannot accept, without investigation, the assumption, apparently made by the appellant's representatives, that if she cannot have a fair and effective appeal her appeal must succeed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Shamima Begum asks politicians for 'mercy'
Begum's lawyers also argued that the "wretched and squalid" conditions in al-Roj - and in the al-Hawl camp from which she was moved for her own safety - breached her human rights.
It was ruled that the conditions at the camp "would breach the appellant's rights under Article 3" of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment.
But the tribunal said the decision did not breach the Home Office's policy on the extraterritorial application of human rights.
It said: "The appellant was in that situation as a result of her own choices, and of the actions of others, but not because of anything the secretary of state had done."
Reacting to the ECHR element of the ruling, Maya Foa, director of human rights NGO Reprieve, said: "The court today found that the detention conditions of British nationals in North East Syria constitute torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
"It is rank hypocrisy for the government to abandon British families to torture, which it professes to categorically oppose.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:47 IS bride full interview: I was okay with beheadings
"The only just solution is for the government to repatriate British families, and to try people in British courts if they have charges to answer."
Begum and two other pupils from Bethnal Green Academy - Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase - boarded a flight at Gatwick and flew to Istanbul in Turkey.
They later made their way to Raqqa in Syria.
Begum married a Dutch IS fighter, Yago Riedijk, three weeks after arriving in the country.
Sky News tracked her down in February 2019.
Begum told Sky correspondent John Sparks that she was "just a housewife" during her four years in IS-held territory and "a lot of people should have sympathy" for her.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-07--Sky News Labour leadership debate: Be in the audience

Sky News Labour leadership debate : Be in the audience Sky News Labour leadership debate : Be in the audience @ @ @ @ @ ) Labour leadership candidates Emily Thornberry , Lisa Nandy , Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca @ @ @ @ @ a live TV debate with the contenders vying to be Labour 's next leader , @ @ @ @ @ the audience .
The hour-long debate will take place on Thursday 27 February , live @ @ @ @ @ .
It begins at 8pm and will be hosted by Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ questions from a studio audience made up of Labour members , current Labour voters and @ @ @ @ @ away from the party in the 2019 General Election .
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca Long-Bailey , shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy are vying @ @ @ @ @ If you would like to be a member of the live studio audience and be @ @ @ @ @ asking a question , apply here .

Sky News is hosting a live TV debate with the contenders vying to be Labour's next leader, and you could be in the audience.
The hour-long debate will take place on Thursday 27 February, live from Dewsbury in west Yorkshire.
It begins at 8pm and will be hosted by Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge.
Image: Sophy Ridge will host the programme from 8pm
The candidates will face questions from a studio audience made up of Labour members, current Labour voters and past Labour voters who switched away from the party in the 2019 General Election.
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy are vying to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.
If you would like to be a member of the live studio audience and be in with a chance of asking a question, apply here.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-07--Long-Bailey vows to give workers right to turn off phones out of hours

Labour leadership : Rebecca Long-Bailey vows to give workers right to turn off phones out of hours Labour leadership : Rebecca Long-Bailey vows to give workers right to turn off phones out of hours In France , firms with over 50 workers are obliged to define employees ' rights to ignore their phones Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has promised to give employees the right not to be contacted outside of working hours .
The shadow business secretary says the move will help end `` 24/7 work culture '' .
Her campaign team have revealed few details about how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be along the lines of France 's `` right to disconnect '' , which obliges companies with more than 50 workers to define employees ' rights to ignore their phones .
Ms Long-Bailey told BBC Breakfast : `` Aspirational socialism is about us all rising together , and that means coming together to collectively solve issues that are damaging our mental health and stopping us getting quality time with our families or in our communities .
`` We can all do better with aspirational socialism , through pushing for an end to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions empowered to negotiate this , we can work hard , be paid for the work we do and keep that precious time with our friends and family , uninterrupted by emails or demands . ''
Ms Long-Bailey , MP for Salford and Eccles , is one of four candidates to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader .
The others are shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer , shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and Lisa Nandy , MP for Wigan .
They have all made it through to the final ballot of party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from constituency parties and Labour affiliates - apart from Ms Thornberry .
She is battling to win the requisite support ahead of the 14 February deadline .
A winner in the contest will be announced in early April .

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has promised to give employees the right not to be contacted outside of working hours.
The shadow business secretary says the move will help end "24/7 work culture".
Her campaign team have revealed few details about how the policy would be implemented.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey is one of four candidates to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader
It could be along the lines of France's "right to disconnect", which obliges companies with more than 50 workers to define employees' rights to ignore their phones.
Ms Long-Bailey told BBC Breakfast: "Aspirational socialism is about us all rising together, and that means coming together to collectively solve issues that are damaging our mental health and stopping us getting quality time with our families or in our communities.
"We can all do better with aspirational socialism, through pushing for an end to the 24/7 work culture, and with trade unions empowered to negotiate this, we can work hard, be paid for the work we do and keep that precious time with our friends and family, uninterrupted by emails or demands."
Ms Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles, is one of four candidates to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader.
The others are shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan.
They have all made it through to the final ballot of party members after winning sufficient levels of support from constituency parties and Labour affiliates - apart from Ms Thornberry.
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She is battling to win the requisite support ahead of the 14 February deadline.
A winner in the contest will be announced in early April.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-07--Labour suspends two candidates in governing body election

The timing of the suspensions will inevitably raise questions around possible factional political motivation Two candidates standing for election to Labour 's governing body have been suspended by the party pending an investigation .
Wirral councillor Jo Bird and long-time party activist Mohammed Azam were both hoping to secure seats on the National Executive Committee as constituency party representatives .
The suspension means that they can not stand as candidates for these positions .
Sky News understands the decision was taken on Thursday evening .
A Labour Party spokesperson said : `` The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our rules and procedures , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken . ''
According to the official tally on Labour 's website , Ms Bird 's candidacy had already won the endorsement of 45 constituency parties , and was supported by the Labour Left Alliance , the Labour Representation Committee and Jewish Voice for Labour .
Mr Azam , who in the past has served on the NEC and as a councillor in Oldham , had won the endorsement of 26 constituency parties and the support of the left-wing Campaign for Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuclear Disarmament .
Ms Bird was suspended in March last year for referring to `` Jew process '' during a speech .
She was allowed back into the party after apologising and receiving a formal warning .
The timing of the suspensions will inevitably raise questions around possible factional political motivation , given the growing signs of disagreement on left of the party .
In recent NEC elections , left-wing pressure groups have formed alliances to rally support behind an agreed `` slate '' of candidates .
However , in this contest the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates to other left-wing groups such as the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and the Labour Left Alliance .
On Labour 's official tally Lauren Townsend and Leigh Drennan , the NEC candidates backed Momentum , currently have received 32 and 6 constituency endorsements respectively .
On Thursday , it was announced former minister Liam Byrne was selected to be Labour 's candidate in the West Midlands mayoral race , with Momentum 's favoured candidate Salma Yacoob beaten into third place .
The NEC by-election was called after the incumbent NEC constituency party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were elected as MPs in the general election .

Two candidates standing for election to Labour's governing body have been suspended by the party pending an investigation.
Wirral councillor Jo Bird and long-time party activist Mohammed Azam were both hoping to secure seats on the National Executive Committee as constituency party representatives.
The suspension means that they cannot stand as candidates for these positions.
Sky News understands the decision was taken on Thursday evening.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken."
According to the official tally on Labour's website, Ms Bird's candidacy had already won the endorsement of 45 constituency parties, and was supported by the Labour Left Alliance, the Labour Representation Committee and Jewish Voice for Labour.
Mr Azam, who in the past has served on the NEC and as a councillor in Oldham, had won the endorsement of 26 constituency parties and the support of the left-wing Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and the Labour Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
Ms Bird was suspended in March last year for referring to "Jew process" during a speech. She was allowed back into the party after apologising and receiving a formal warning.
The timing of the suspensions will inevitably raise questions around possible factional political motivation, given the growing signs of disagreement on left of the party.
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In recent NEC elections, left-wing pressure groups have formed alliances to rally support behind an agreed "slate" of candidates.
However, in this contest the pro-Corbyn activist network Momentum has backed different candidates to other left-wing groups such as the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and the Labour Left Alliance.
On Labour's official tally Lauren Townsend and Leigh Drennan, the NEC candidates backed Momentum, currently have received 32 and 6 constituency endorsements respectively.
On Thursday, it was announced former minister Liam Byrne was selected to be Labour's candidate in the West Midlands mayoral race, with Momentum's favoured candidate Salma Yacoob beaten into third place.
The NEC by-election was called after the incumbent NEC constituency party reps, Claudia Webbe and Navendu Mishra, were elected as MPs in the general election.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-09--Sinn Fein to exclude major parties from new Ireland coalition, McDonald says

Irish election : Sinn Fein to exclude Fine Gael and Fianna Fail from new coalition - McDonald Irish election : Sinn Fein to exclude Fine Gael and Fianna Fail from new coalition - McDonald Sinn Fein wants to exclude Ireland 's major political parties , Fianna Fail and Fine Gael , from a new coalition government , its president Mary Lou McDonald has said .
The final result is expected later , but counting suggests the party , formerly the political wing of the IRA , could poll more votes than either of its rivals , who have dominated Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean it is outperforming even Saturday night 's extraordinary exit poll that put all three parties on 22 % , sending shockwaves through Irish politics .
Sinn Fein has already opened talks with smaller , like-minded , parties such as the Greens and People Before Profit as well as independents .
Speaking at her Dublin Central constituency count , where she was elected with 11 , 223 votes , Ms McDonald told Sky News she wants to form a government `` ideally with no Fianna Fail or Fine Gael in it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside their long-held differences and taking power together , she described the idea as `` fundamentally undemocratic '' after Sinn Fein won the support of `` around a quarter of the electorate '' .
`` The political establishment , including Fianna Fail or Fine Gael , are in a state of denial , they 're still not listening to what the people want . ''
This election is `` a big statement for change '' and Sinn Fein is `` changing the shape and mould of Irish politics , '' she added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ solving the housing crisis , it is about getting to grips with the crisis in our health services , it is about giving families and workers a break and breathing space so that ordinary people begin to experience this economic recovery that they have heard so much about . ''
The party fielded 42 candidates across the 39 constituencies , meaning it could never reach the 80 seats needed for a majority in the Dail parliament , but it can claim it has arrived as a political force in the south of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gael and Fianna Fail appears unlikely as both have vowed never to go into government with Sinn Fein , while Fianna Fail has ruled out a `` grand coalition '' with Fine Gael .
Plus , all three party leaders , Ms McDonald , prime minister Leo Varadkar of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail 's Micheal Martin are known to not be on friendly terms .
Both Mr Varadkar and Mr Martin were outpolled by Sinn Fein candidates in their constituencies .
But Mr Varadkar remained trenchant about the prospects for a coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` not an option '' as `` nobody can be forced into a forced marriage or a forced coalition '' .
`` It seems that we have now a three-party system and that 's going to make forming a government quite difficult . ''
Asked if he would be picking up the phone to Ms McDonald , he replied : `` No . ''
The exit poll was taken at 250 locations with 5,376 respondents who had just voted and has a margin of error of 1.3 % .
No party is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable it to govern on its own , and a coalition administration of some sort is almost inevitable , or failing that , another election soon .

Sinn Fein wants to exclude Ireland's major political parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, from a new coalition government, its president Mary Lou McDonald has said.
A final election result is expected later, but counting suggests the party, formerly the political wing of the IRA, could poll more votes than either of its rivals, who have dominated Irish politics for 90 years.
That would mean it is outperforming even Saturday night's extraordinary exit poll that put all three parties on 22%, sending shockwaves through Irish politics.
Image: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald at the Dublin City count
Image: Leo Varadkar was tipped to suffer major losses in the election
Sinn Fein has already opened talks with smaller, like-minded, parties such as the Greens and People Before Profit as well as independents.
The party fielded 42 candidates across the 39 constituencies, meaning it could never reach the 80 seats needed for a majority in the Dail parliament.
Speaking at her Dublin Central constituency count, where she was elected with 11, 223 votes, Ms McDonald told Sky News she wants to form a government "ideally with no Fianna Fail or Fine Gael in it."
As for her party's opponents putting aside their long-held differences and taking power together, she described the idea as "fundamentally undemocratic" after Sinn Fein won the support of "around a quarter of the electorate".
"The political establishment, including Fianna Fail or Fine Gael, are in a state of denial, they're still not listening to what the people want."
This election is "a big statement for change" and Sinn Fein is "changing the shape and mould of Irish politics," she added.
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Sinn Fein's platform is "about solving the housing crisis, it is about getting to grips with the crisis in our health services, it is about giving families and workers a break and breathing space so that ordinary people begin to experience this economic recovery that they have heard so much about."
Image: Michael Martin, leader of Fianna Fail
Taking power with either Fine Gael and Fianna Fail appears unlikely as both have vowed never to go into government with Sinn Fein, while Fianna Fail has ruled out a "grand coalition" with Fine Gael.
Plus, all three party leaders, Ms McDonald, prime minister Leo Varadkar of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin are known to not be on friendly terms.
Both Mr Varadkar and Mr Martin were outpolled by Sinn Fein candidates in their constituencies.
But Mr Varadkar remained trenchant about the prospects for a coalition, saying an alliance with Sinn Fein was "not an option" as "nobody can be forced into a forced marriage or a forced coalition".
"It seems that we have now a three-party system and that's going to make forming a government quite difficult."
Asked if he would be picking up the phone to Ms McDonald, he replied: "No."
The exit poll was taken at 250 locations with 5,376 respondents who had just voted and has a margin of error of 1.3%.
No party is expected to reach the 80-seat threshold to enable it to govern on its own, and a coalition administration of some sort is almost inevitable, or failing that, another election soon.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-09--Well Hello Mary Lou, goodbye two-party politics

Sinn Fein 's Donnchadh O Laoghaire ( C ) celebrates being the first TD elected to the 33rd Dail All changed , changed utterly .
The words of the poet WB Yeats in the wake of Ireland 's uprising against British rule in 1916 .
They could equally apply to the general election that has just taken place , producing something of a political revolution .
For generations , Ireland has been a two-party state - governed by either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael - but there 's a third contender now : Sinn Fein .
The party long seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the IRA '' has come of age , now fighting its battles at the ballot box .
: : Ireland election : What are the main issues ?
In the parish-pump politics of this island , it 's a big deal to have the Taoiseach ( Prime Minister ) in your constituency .
But Leo Varadkar , the man who has held that office for the last two years , did n't top the poll in Dublin West .
His own consolation was that the opposition leader , Micheal Martin , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cork South Central .
It was a different story in Dublin Central , where Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald swept to instant victory .
It 's just over two years since Ms McDonald succeeded Gerry Adams , the man who had led Sinn Fein for three decades .
A graduate in English Literature with a Masters in European Integration Studies , she began her political career as a researcher .
Having served as Sinn Fein 's first ever MEP , she became the party 's deputy leader in 2009 and was elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She and her husband Martin Lanigan have two children but she 's very private about her personal life away from the cut and thrust of politics .
Ireland has witnessed radical social change - votes for same-same sex marriage and abortion - and this result is viewed by many as the next chapter of that .
An electorate , exercised about the crisis in public services - homelessness , hospital overcrowding , the high cost of living - has lost faith in the establishment parties .
It 's a grassroots movement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all ages , not just those too young to remember the IRA 's campaign of violence .
To put it simply , in the Republic of Ireland , they have decided to focus on the future more than the past .
A song from the end of the last century may be more applicable than the poetry from the start of it .

All changed, changed utterly. The words of the poet WB Yeats in the wake of Ireland's uprising against British rule in 1916.
They could equally apply to the general election that has just taken place, producing something of a political revolution.
For generations, Ireland has been a two-party state - governed by either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael - but there's a third contender now: Sinn Fein.
Image: Sinn Fein's Donnchadh O Laoghaire celebrates being the first TD elected to the 33rd Dail
The party long seen by many as "the political wing of the IRA" has come of age, now fighting its battles at the ballot box.
Image: Leo Varadkar failed to top the poll in Dublin West
:: Ireland election: What are the main issues?
In the parish-pump politics of this island, it's a big deal to have the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) in your constituency.
But Leo Varadkar, the man who has held that office for the last two years, didn't top the poll in Dublin West.
His only consolation was that the opposition leader, Micheal Martin, had to wait until the sixth count in Cork South Central.
It was a different story in Dublin Central, where Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald swept to instant victory.
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It's just over two years since Ms McDonald succeeded Gerry Adams, the man who had led Sinn Fein for three decades.
Image: Micheal Martin said his party looked like being on course to win the most seats
A graduate in English Literature with a Masters in European Integration Studies, she began her political career as a researcher.
Having served as Sinn Fein's first ever MEP, she became the party's deputy leader in 2009 and was elected to the Irish Parliament two years later.
She and her husband Martin Lanigan have two children but she's very private about her personal life away from the cut and thrust of politics.
Ireland has witnessed radical social change - votes for same-same sex marriage and abortion - and this result is viewed by many as the next chapter of that.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
An electorate, exercised about the crisis in public services - homelessness, hospital overcrowding, the high cost of living - has lost faith in the establishment parties.
It's a grassroots movement and Sinn Fein has won support from voters of all ages, not just those too young to remember the IRA's campaign of violence.
To put it simply, in the Republic of Ireland, they have decided to focus on the future more than the past.
A song from the end of the last century may be more applicable than the poetry from the start of it.
Well Hello Mary Lou, goodbye two-party politics.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-09--Labour: Tory refusal to give Bercow peerage 'bullying too'

Tory bosses have been accused by political opponents of `` bullying '' John Bercow in refusing to give him a peerage .
Speaking to Sky News , Labour deputy leadership contender Dawn Butler criticised Conservative bosses for breaking with historical convention in failing to nominate the controversial former Commons speaker for a seat in the House of Lords .
But in a robust defence , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said he did not think Mr Bercow should be elevated to the upper chamber , telling the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that Westminster was `` a better place '' without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing a series of allegations that he bullied staff by the former clerk of the House , Lord Lisvane , and the former black rod - the senior official in the House of Lords - Lieutenant General David Leakey .
Mr Bercow , who strongly denies the claims , has made no secret of his irritation that he was not automatically given a seat in the Lords when he retired as speaker , as had been the custom .
He was nominated by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after the government declined to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the role he played in the Brexit debates .
Ministers have , however , said no one should be given a peerage while they face outstanding claims of bullying and abuse .
But speaking to Ridge , Ms Butler said : `` We really do need to ask the Conservatives why is it that you have n't like everybody else ensured that the Speaker of the House is given a peerage ?
Otherwise I think that is a form of bullying too . ''
The Labour frontbencher added : `` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House is always given a peerage so I think the first question for me is why has n't he been given a peerage from the Conservatives ?
`` I would like to know the reason why he was n't given a peerage .
I suspect it 's actually do to with Brexit rather than anything else .
`` The other thing is due process has to happen so if you accuse somebody of bullying there has to be due process .
`` If John Bercow 's been accused of bullying then there needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been found guilty or is it just an accusation ?
And I think those are the things that we have to go through . ''
But rejecting her criticism , Mr Jenrick said : `` Personally , I would n't offer John Bercow a peerage .
I think you have seen some very serious allegations of bullying and harassment from senior , credible people .
`` These are important things that need to be investigated before any decision like that is taken and in my own experience , parliament is better place without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` The prime minister chooses individuals who could sit in the House of Lords as Conservative peers .
There 's no obligation on the prime minister to make John Bercow a member of the House of Lords .
`` John Bercow never believed in convention himself when he was speaker .
He explicitly said that he did n't think conventions needed to be abided by .
`` There should be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Lords , as indeed in the House of Commons , and the allegations against John Bercow need now to be investigated .
`` A lot of his conduct is there for all the world to see because it was done sitting in the speaker 's chair in the house of Commons . ''
In her interview with Ridge , Ms Butler also set out her pitch to be Labour 's second-in-command , describing herself as the `` unity candidate '' : Highlighting her experience , she said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with everybody and I have worked with everybody in Parliament and right now we need somebody who is going to bring the whole party together and I 'm that person . ''
Following Labour 's drubbing at the polls , she acknowledged the raft of Labour 's election pledges were `` too complex '' with `` just too much of it '' .
She said : `` I call it the Toby Carvery Manifesto , there was just too much on the plate and we have to take our time to explain it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called for more diversity in newsrooms after she was confused with a fellow black Labour MP Marsha de Cordova .
She said : `` I 've been in politics for a number of years now , I first came in in 2015 and the fact that people are still getting me confused with other MPs is actually a disgrace .
`` It 's not about making a mistake , it 's about making an effort so making an effort so that you can distinguish one black female MP from another black female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nobody in a newsroom who can identify us individually then find somebody who can and make sure that your newsroom is more diverse . ''

Tory bosses have been accused by political opponents of "bullying" John Bercow in refusing to give him a peerage.
Speaking to Sky News, Labour deputy leadership contender Dawn Butler criticised Conservative bosses for breaking with historical convention in failing to nominate the controversial former Commons speaker for a seat in the House of Lords.
But in a robust defence, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said he did not think Mr Bercow should be elevated to the upper chamber, telling the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that Westminster was "a better place" without him.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Bercow: Accuser is a 'know-nothing'
The former speaker is currently facing a series of allegations that he bullied staff by the former clerk of the House, Lord Lisvane, and the former black rod - the senior official in the House of Lords - Lieutenant General David Leakey.
Mr Bercow, who strongly denies the claims, has made no secret of his irritation that he was not automatically given a seat in the Lords when he retired as speaker, as had been the custom.
He was nominated by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after the government declined to do so, amid claims ministers remain annoyed at the role he played in the Brexit debates.
Ministers have, however, said no one should be given a peerage while they face outstanding claims of bullying and abuse.
But speaking to Ridge, Ms Butler said: "We really do need to ask the Conservatives why is it that you haven't like everybody else ensured that the Speaker of the House is given a peerage? Otherwise I think that is a form of bullying too."
The Labour frontbencher added: "It is the norm that the Speaker of the House is always given a peerage so I think the first question for me is why hasn't he been given a peerage from the Conservatives?
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"I would like to know the reason why he wasn't given a peerage. I suspect it's actually do to with Brexit rather than anything else.
"The other thing is due process has to happen so if you accuse somebody of bullying there has to be due process.
"If John Bercow's been accused of bullying then there needs to be due process and has he been found guilty or is it just an accusation? And I think those are the things that we have to go through."
But rejecting her criticism, Mr Jenrick said: "Personally, I wouldn't offer John Bercow a peerage. I think you have seen some very serious allegations of bullying and harassment from senior, credible people.
"These are important things that need to be investigated before any decision like that is taken and in my own experience, parliament is better place without John Bercow and long may that continue."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "The prime minister chooses individuals who could sit in the House of Lords as Conservative peers. There's no obligation on the prime minister to make John Bercow a member of the House of Lords.
"John Bercow never believed in convention himself when he was speaker. He explicitly said that he didn't think conventions needed to be abided by.
"There should be a high bar on anybody who ends up in the House of Lords, as indeed in the House of Commons, and the allegations against John Bercow need now to be investigated.
"A lot of his conduct is there for all the world to see because it was done sitting in the speaker's chair in the house of Commons."
In her interview with Ridge, Ms Butler also set out her pitch to be Labour's second-in-command, describing herself as the "unity candidate":
Highlighting her experience, she said: "I have got the temperament to work with everybody and I have worked with everybody in Parliament and right now we need somebody who is going to bring the whole party together and I'm that person."
Following Labour's drubbing at the polls, she acknowledged the raft of Labour's election pledges were "too complex" with "just too much of it".
She said: "I call it the Toby Carvery Manifesto, there was just too much on the plate and we have to take our time to explain it in bite-sized chunks."
Ms Butler also called for more diversity in newsrooms after she was confused with a fellow black Labour MP Marsha de Cordova.
She said: "I've been in politics for a number of years now, I first came in in 2015 and the fact that people are still getting me confused with other MPs is actually a disgrace.
"It's not about making a mistake, it's about making an effort so making an effort so that you can distinguish one black female MP from another black female MP.
"If you have got nobody in a newsroom who can identify us individually then find somebody who can and make sure that your newsroom is more diverse."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-09--PM urged 'to go full speed ahead' on HS2

HS2 : PM urged 'to go full speed ahead ' on rail scheme by former rival Jeremy Hunt HS2 : PM urged 'to go full speed ahead ' on rail scheme by former rival Jeremy Hunt The major infrastructure project has been dogged by delays and spiralling costs The prime minister has been urged to `` go full speed ahead '' on HS2 by his former leadership rival .
Jeremy Hunt , who challenged Boris Johnson for the top job , told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme he had long been `` ashamed '' of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a modern , 21st century nation this needed to be `` sorted out '' , he said .
The former cabinet minister 's comments came after the PM told Tory northern MPs that a decision on the controversial HS2 rail project will be taken `` within days '' .
Mr Johnson has already indicated he will press ahead with the scheme , which has been dogged by delays and spiralling costs .
He recently told Sky News ' children 's current affairs programme , FYI , that `` in a hole the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is keep digging '' .
Speaking to Ridge , Mr Hunt said : `` I am a strong supporter of HS2 - I would go for HS3 , HS4 .
`` As someone who lived in Japan I have always been ashamed at the state of our railways .
`` Nearly anywhere else you go in the world they have decent railways , which have had proper investment .
`` If we want to be a modern , 21st century country then it 's time we sorted that out .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed ahead on that one . ''
The first stage of the scheme would link London and Birmingham , while the next phase would connect the high-speed route to Leeds and Manchester .
However , there is a suggestion the second part of the plan could now be subject to a review .
In response the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has suggested a `` compromise '' , which would see work on HS2 north of Birmingham put on hold to prioritise a new east-west rail link from Liverpool to Hull - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Burnham told Ridge : `` Basically , HS2 has been designed as a north-south railway and when you come to the east-west bit , the Northern Powerhouse area , it does n't work very well .
`` If you ask people in the North which one would they prioritise , most people would say get east-west right . ''
He added : `` If government ministers are listening , I want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can all agree that we now prioritise east-west ... then I think that 's something we could get behind because we could look at the prospect of an east-west railway across the north opening in the 2030s and HS2 is only planned to come here in the 2040s .
`` So , there is room for a compromise here and maybe it 's about taking the team who are working on HS2 north of Birmingham off that project and putting them on Northern Powerhouse Rail . ''
This could later be joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Burnham .
Concerns have been raised over the major infrastructure project , which having been allocated £56bn in 2015 , could now cost up to £106bn , according to estimates .
Some £8bn has already been spent on the mammoth scheme .
Last month , Whitehall 's spending watchdog said HS2 was over budget and behind schedule because its complexity and risks were under-estimated .

The prime minister has been urged to "go full speed ahead" on HS2 by his former leadership rival.
Jeremy Hunt, who challenged Boris Johnson for the top job, told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme he had long been "ashamed" of the country's rail network.
For Britain to be a modern, 21st century nation this needed to be "sorted out", he said.
Image: Hunt says he has long been 'ashamed' of the country's rail network
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 'In a hole the size of HS2, you have to keep digging'
The former cabinet minister's comments came after the PM told Tory northern MPs that a decision on the controversial HS2 rail project will be taken "within days".
Mr Johnson has already indicated he will press ahead with the scheme, which has been dogged by delays and spiralling costs.
He recently told Sky News' children's current affairs programme, FYI, that "in a hole the size of HS2, the only thing to do is keep digging".
Speaking to Ridge, Mr Hunt said: "I am a strong supporter of HS2 - I would go for HS3, HS4.
"As someone who lived in Japan I have always been ashamed at the state of our railways.
"Nearly anywhere else you go in the world they have decent railways, which have had proper investment.
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"If we want to be a modern, 21st century country then it's time we sorted that out.
"I very much hope we go full speed ahead on that one."
The first stage of the scheme would link London and Birmingham, while the next phase would connect the high-speed route to Leeds and Manchester.
However, there is a suggestion the second part of the plan could now be subject to a review.
In response the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has suggested a "compromise", which would see work on HS2 north of Birmingham put on hold to prioritise a new east-west rail link from Liverpool to Hull - the so-called Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Burnham told Ridge: "Basically, HS2 has been designed as a north-south railway and when you come to the east-west bit, the Northern Powerhouse area, it doesn't work very well.
"If you ask people in the North which one would they prioritise, most people would say get east-west right."
He added: "If government ministers are listening, I want to make an offer to them.
"If we can all agree that we now prioritise east-west... then I think that's something we could get behind because we could look at the prospect of an east-west railway across the north opening in the 2030s and HS2 is only planned to come here in the 2040s.
"So, there is room for a compromise here and maybe it's about taking the team who are working on HS2 north of Birmingham off that project and putting them on Northern Powerhouse Rail."
This could later be joined up with HS2 in Birmingham, said Mr Burnham.
Image: The second part of the HS2 scheme to Manchester and Leeds could now be reviewed
Concerns have been raised over the major infrastructure project, which having been allocated £56bn in 2015, could now cost up to £106bn, according to estimates.
Some £8bn has already been spent on the mammoth scheme.
Last month, Whitehall's spending watchdog said HS2 was over budget and behind schedule because its complexity and risks were under-estimated.