skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--Legal bid over govt's 'inhumane' treatment of people with autism

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has taken the first step towards launching a legal challenge against the government over its `` repeated failure '' to give people with learning difficulties and autism the appropriate accommodation .
It has sent a letter threatening action to Health Secretary Matt Hancock over what it says is the `` inappropriate inpatient care '' of more than 2,000 people .
ECHR chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast there were `` numerous examples '' of cases which she said `` went beyond neglect '' including `` harassment , bullying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : `` The government has set itself repeated targets to improve the situation , so really all that we are asking is for those targets to be met .
`` We have asked the courts to understand that this is a fundamental breach of human rights .
`` It is a situation where we have seen 2,000 people in long-term inpatient inappropriate involuntary placements , and many of them have been medically discharged , but they are not able to go to more appropriate community placements because there is n't adequate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with learning disabilities are human beings , just like you and me .
`` They have human rights just like you and me , they have the right to adequate healthcare and they are loved just as you and I are by their families .
`` We think that people at the moment are suffering quite acutely .
We have called for a change in the law so public authorities are required by default to provide people with independent living and community-based care .
`` We think that families who have children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are actually losing faith in the system and are wondering what is happening to their child , '' she added .
The father of an autistic teenager who was locked up for 24 hours a day without any physical human contact told Sky News she was a `` changed person '' after she was moved to better accommodation in December after a lengthy campaign .
Bethany , 18 , spent three years in a mental health unit in solitary confinement in a room which her family described as `` a cell '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the floor .
Her father Jeremy said she is now living in a home which she helped design and decorate , and is supported by `` an amazing team of people who all fully understand her autism '' .
`` Her life has turned around - and not through medication , but humanity , '' he said .
`` It is people doing the right thing in the right place , '' he said , adding he was pleased to learn about the ECHR 's action `` because cases like my daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to make the government act on the recommendations in the reports it has itself commissioned .
They have ignored those recommendations for far too long , '' he said .
`` Bethany is now on a marvellous journey .
This is about all the other people locked in these horrific units .
Their rights are being so badly abused .
`` To see people fed through hatches , people who have to sit on the floor behind a line before the door is opened - that sort of inhumane treatment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system .
The money to pay millions of pounds to keep a child like mine locked away for three years - that money needs to be diverted to building homes in the community where support is offered . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care has 14 days to respond to the ECHR 's letter , which says that legal action will be postponed for three months if the department agrees to produce a timetabled plan on how to address the issues .
If the department does not agree to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the High Court for a judicial review .
A DHSC spokeswoman said : `` We are committed to protecting the rights of everyone with a learning disability or autism , and are determined to continue reducing the number of people with these conditions in mental health hospitals .
`` Abuse of any kind against patients in care is abhorrent and we take any allegations very seriously .
`` We have received the pre-action letter from the EHRC today and will respond in due course . ''

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has taken the first step towards launching a legal challenge against the government over its "repeated failure" to give people with learning difficulties and autism the appropriate accommodation.
It has sent a letter threatening action to Health Secretary Matt Hancock over what it says is the "inappropriate inpatient care" of more than 2,000 people.
EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast there were "numerous examples" of cases which she said "went beyond neglect" including "harassment, bullying, intimidation and physical abuse".
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She said: "The government has set itself repeated targets to improve the situation, so really all that we are asking is for those targets to be met.
"We have asked the courts to understand that this is a fundamental breach of human rights.
"It is a situation where we have seen 2,000 people in long-term inpatient inappropriate involuntary placements, and many of them have been medically discharged, but they are not able to go to more appropriate community placements because there isn't adequate provision.
"People with autism and people with learning disabilities are human beings, just like you and me.
"They have human rights just like you and me, they have the right to adequate healthcare and they are loved just as you and I are by their families.
"We think that people at the moment are suffering quite acutely. We have called for a change in the law so public authorities are required by default to provide people with independent living and community-based care.
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"We think that families who have children placed away from them in long term-care are actually losing faith in the system and are wondering what is happening to their child," she added.
Image: Photos of Bethany (C) now in happier times have been shared by her father Jeremy
The father of an autistic teenager who was locked up for 24 hours a day without any physical human contact told Sky News she was a "changed person" after she was moved to better accommodation in December after a lengthy campaign.
Bethany, 18, spent three years in a mental health unit in solitary confinement in a room which her family described as "a cell" in which her food was slid to her across the floor.
Her father Jeremy said she is now living in a home which she helped design and decorate, and is supported by "an amazing team of people who all fully understand her autism".
"Her life has turned around - and not through medication, but humanity," he said.
"It is people doing the right thing in the right place," he said, adding he was pleased to learn about the EHRC's action "because cases like my daughter's cannot continue".
"We need to make the government act on the recommendations in the reports it has itself commissioned. They have ignored those recommendations for far too long," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 'My autistic daughter is locked in a cell'
"Bethany is now on a marvellous journey. This is about all the other people locked in these horrific units. Their rights are being so badly abused.
"To see people fed through hatches, people who have to sit on the floor behind a line before the door is opened - that sort of inhumane treatment is torture.
"The money is in the system. The money to pay millions of pounds to keep a child like mine locked away for three years - that money needs to be diverted to building homes in the community where support is offered."
The Department of Health and Social Care has 14 days to respond to the EHRC's letter, which says that legal action will be postponed for three months if the department agrees to produce a timetabled plan on how to address the issues.
If the department does not agree to this, the equality commission will apply to the High Court for a judicial review.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 October 2019: Autistic teenager made to feel 'like caged animal'
A DHSC spokeswoman said: "We are committed to protecting the rights of everyone with a learning disability or autism, and are determined to continue reducing the number of people with these conditions in mental health hospitals.
"Abuse of any kind against patients in care is abhorrent and we take any allegations very seriously.
"We have received the pre-action letter from the EHRC today and will respond in due course."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--PM's cabinet reshuffle aimed at delivering on election promises

When Boris Johnson became Conservative party leader last July he assembled a war cabinet with one battle in mind : Brexit .
Leading Brexiteers were put in pole positions as the doubters and disloyal were purged .
That summer re-shuffle was the most brutal clear out in living memory , with 17 cabinet ministers replaced .
It was Mr Johnson who began the Brexit revolution back in 2016 and in December he went on to win the war handsomely .
Now his task is to rule well .
With the battleground of Brexit in his rear view mirror the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
What he needs now is a delivery cabinet to turn his election promises into tangible policy .
The much-vaunted overhaul of the Whitehall government machine - from creating an expanded business department to a new standalone immigration and borders - has been put on the back burner for now .
Mr Johnson and his team know those who voted for them are n't really interested in how the back office works , they 're interested in what is happening front of house .
The prime minister has promised new hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers , new buses and bike lanes .
Despite banning the B-word , he also has the enormous task of preparing the UK for Brexit when the transition period ends in December and Britain moves into a new trading relationship - still to be negotiated - with the EU .
He has to try to strike a future trade deal with Brussels , as well as trying to secure new arrangements with the EU on aviation , the regulation of medicines , security , and data sharing .
The government will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders - Michael Gove this week warned of checks and friction at ports and crossings - as well as building its own regulatory functions in Whitehall to replace those delegated from Brussels in a host of areas from medicines to chemicals .
It 's a daunting in-tray .
With all that going on , the last thing the prime minister wants is a drastic change in his top team - which is why this cabinet reshuffle is expected to be moderate .
`` This is the year of delivery , '' is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We do n't need a revolution . ''
This means that the big jobs are likely to go unchanged , with Chancellor Sajid Javid remaining in No 11 , Dominic Raab staying at the Foreign Office and Priti Patel remaining home secretary .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps are expected to stay in post .
Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden is expected to be promoted to cabinet - perhaps to culture secretary to replace Baroness Morgan , who is standing down .
The international development secretary Alok Sharma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One thing to watch out for is whether the prime minister picks this moment to clear out some of the old allies who he kept closer to him when he was running a minority government , but who might be more dispensable to him now that he has a 80-strong majority .
One such figure being talked about is Ben Wallace , the defence secretary , who has been a long-term ally of the prime minister but who has clashed with No 10 over issues such as Huawei .
And what about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target of women accounting for a third of his government before becoming prime minister in 2010 .
Mr Johnson is n't doing that , neither is he expected to increase the number of women around his top table from the seven currently serving as full cabinet ministers ( Cameron was rounded into for only getting to five back in 2014 ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The numbers might not be improving around the cabinet table but there is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senior women .
Defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan is in line for a promotion , while prisons minister Lucy Frazer has also been rumoured as a possible contender for promotion .
Theresa Villiers , the environment secretary , is rumoured to be in danger along with Andrea Leadsom , the business secretary .
It will be in the junior ministerial ranks that Mr Johnson will try to push for better gender balance and build with a string of promotions that could result in a 50-50 split at this level .
Gillian Keegan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in line for promotion as is Suella Braverman , a former junior Brexit minister .
Further down the food chain , the government is going to try to do more to promote female talent by ensuring that 60 % of the ministerial aide roles - the lowest rung on the ladder - are women by the summer ( the figure is currently 18 % ) .

When Boris Johnson became Conservative party leader last July he assembled a war cabinet with one battle in mind: Brexit.
Leading Brexiteers were put in pole positions as the doubters and disloyal were purged.
That summer reshuffle was the most brutal clear out in living memory, with 17 cabinet ministers replaced.
It was Mr Johnson who began the Brexit revolution back in 2016 and in December he went on to win the war handsomely.
Now his task is to rule well.
With the battleground of Brexit in his rear view mirror the prime minister needs a different type of top team.
What he needs now is a delivery cabinet to turn his election promises into tangible policy.
The much-vaunted overhaul of the Whitehall government machine - from creating an expanded business department to a new standalone immigration and borders - has been put on the back burner for now.
Mr Johnson and his team know those who voted for them aren't really interested in how the back office works, they're interested in what is happening front of house.
Advertisement
The prime minister has promised new hospitals, more nurses, GP appointments, more police officers, new buses and bike lanes.
Despite banning the B-word, he also has the enormous task of preparing the UK for Brexit when the transition period ends in December and Britain moves into a new trading relationship - still to be negotiated - with the EU.
He has to try to strike a future trade deal with Brussels, as well as trying to secure new arrangements with the EU on aviation, the regulation of medicines, security, and data sharing.
The government will have to prepare for new bureaucracy around the borders - Michael Gove this week warned of checks and friction at ports and crossings - as well as building its own regulatory functions in Whitehall to replace those delegated from Brussels in a host of areas from medicines to chemicals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Brexit: What now?
It's a daunting in-tray. With all that going on, the last thing the prime minister wants is a drastic change in his top team - which is why this cabinet reshuffle is expected to be moderate.
"This is the year of delivery," is how one government figure put it to me. "We don't need a revolution."
This means that the big jobs are likely to go unchanged, with Chancellor Sajid Javid remaining in No 11, Dominic Raab staying at the Foreign Office and Priti Patel remaining home secretary.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps are expected to stay in post.
Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden is expected to be promoted to cabinet - perhaps to culture secretary to replace Baroness Morgan, who is standing down.
The international development secretary Alok Sharma is also in line for promotion.
One thing to watch out for is whether the prime minister picks this moment to clear out some of the old allies who he kept closer to him when he was running a minority government, but who might be more dispensable to him now that he has a 80-strong majority.
One such figure being talked about is Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, who has been a long-term ally of the prime minister but who has clashed with No 10 over issues such as Huawei.
And what about the women?
David Cameron set himself a target of women accounting for a third of his government before becoming prime minister in 2010.
Mr Johnson isn't doing that, neither is he expected to increase the number of women around his top table from the seven currently serving as full cabinet ministers (Cameron was rounded into for only getting to five back in 2014).
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The numbers might not be improving around the cabinet table but there is expected to be a change of guard among the senior women.
Defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan is in line for a promotion, while prisons minister Lucy Frazer has also been rumoured as a possible contender for promotion.
Theresa Villiers, the environment secretary, is rumoured to be in danger along with Andrea Leadsom, the business secretary.
It will be in the junior ministerial ranks that Mr Johnson will try to push for better gender balance and build with a string of promotions that could result in a 50-50 split at this level.
Gillian Keegan, ministerial aide to the health secretary, is in line for promotion as is Suella Braverman, a former junior Brexit minister.
Further down the food chain, the government is going to try to do more to promote female talent by ensuring that 60% of the ministerial aide roles - the lowest rung on the ladder - are women by the summer (the figure is currently 18%).


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--Corbyn brings up Johnson's past in deportation row

Jeremy Corbyn has launched a personal attack on Boris Johnson over the government 's latest attempt to deport dozens of foreign criminals .
The Labour leader challenged the prime minister to say if he would treat a white boy the same way as one of those being forcibly removed from the UK back to Jamaica .
Speaking at Prime Minister 's Questions in the Commons , Mr Corbyn said an intervention from the courts blocking several people from being deported proved `` the government has learnt absolutely nothing from the Windrush scandal '' .
He appeared to reference Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP admitted in 2007 that he had tried cocaine at university , and allegations he discussed beating up a journalist .
Mr Corbyn asked of New York-born Mr Johnson : `` If there was a case of a young white boy with blonde hair who later dabbled in Class A drugs and conspired with a friend to beat up a journalist , would he deport that boy ?
`` Or is it one rule for young black boys from the Caribbean and another for young white boys from the US ? ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader `` demeans himself and besmirches the reputation of the Windrush generation '' .
`` He has no right to conflate them with those foreign national offenders we are deporting . ''
Mr Johnson has previously admitted to trying cocaine , saying when asked to confirm the allegation : `` Yes .
I tried it at university and I remember it vividly .
And it achieved no pharmacological , psychotropical or any other effect on me whatsoever . ''
Campaigners have this week claimed victory in their fight to stop the planned deportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who the Home Office says are foreign criminals and are being held at two centres near Heathrow Airport , were due to be flown to the Caribbean island on Tuesday morning .
But a Court of Appeal judge intervened to order the government not to remove those who did not have a functioning mobile phone and therefore adequate access to legal advice .
A Home Office spokesperson said : `` The planned charter flight to Jamaica is specifically for deporting foreign national offenders .
`` Those detained for removal include people convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing Class-A drugs .
`` We are urgently asking the judge to reconsider their ruling and it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst legal proceedings are ongoing . ''

Jeremy Corbyn has launched a personal attack on Boris Johnson over the government's latest attempt to deport dozens of foreign criminals.
The Labour leader challenged the prime minister to say if he would treat a white boy the same way as one of those being forcibly removed from the UK back to Jamaica.
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons, Mr Corbyn said an intervention from the courts blocking several people from being deported proved "the government has learnt absolutely nothing from the Windrush scandal".
He appeared to reference Mr Johnson's own past, after the Uxbridge MP admitted in 2007 that he had tried cocaine at university, and allegations he discussed beating up a journalist.
Image: Around 50 people were due to be deported earlier this week
Mr Corbyn asked of New York-born Mr Johnson: "If there was a case of a young white boy with blonde hair who later dabbled in Class A drugs and conspired with a friend to beat up a journalist, would he deport that boy?
"Or is it one rule for young black boys from the Caribbean and another for young white boys from the US?"
Mr Johnson hit back, claiming the Labour leader "demeans himself and besmirches the reputation of the Windrush generation".
"He has no right to conflate them with those foreign national offenders we are deporting."
Mr Johnson has previously admitted to trying cocaine, saying when asked to confirm the allegation: "Yes. I tried it at university and I remember it vividly. And it achieved no pharmacological, psychotropical or any other effect on me whatsoever."
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Image: Jeremy Corbyn said the government had learnt 'nothing' from the Windrush scandal
Campaigners have this week claimed victory in their fight to stop the planned deportation of 50 people.
The detainees, who the Home Office says are foreign criminals and are being held at two centres near Heathrow Airport, were due to be flown to the Caribbean island on Tuesday morning.
But a Court of Appeal judge intervened to order the government not to remove those who did not have a functioning mobile phone and therefore adequate access to legal advice.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The planned charter flight to Jamaica is specifically for deporting foreign national offenders.
"Those detained for removal include people convicted of manslaughter, rape, violent crime and dealing Class-A drugs.
"We are urgently asking the judge to reconsider their ruling and it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst legal proceedings are ongoing."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-07--Cabinet reshuffle: Possible winners and losers as PM shakes up top team

Boris Johnson is set to reshuffle his top team in the wake of his commanding general election victory .
Armed with a majority of 80 , the prime minister has room for manoeuvre and could opt for sweeping changes to his cabinet .
Sky News takes a look at who could be among the biggest winners and losers in Mr Johnson 's first major reshuffle .
Such predictions should always be taken with a pinch of salt - but these are some of the names being mentioned in Westminster .
There has been talk of tensions with Number 10 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to stay in post .
With the budget taking place on 11 March , he will get the chance to make his mark and burnish his economic credentials .
The home secretary is also expected to remain in her current role , which is one of the four Great Offices of State .
The PM 's de facto deputy could see his portfolio beefed up , according to recent speculation .
There are suggestions Mr Johnson could get rid of the role of international development secretary and hand the department 's powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no more now that we have left the EU , meaning Mr Barclay is out of a job .
He is expected to return to the ministerial fold after a very brief hiatus .
The chief secretary of the Treasury is well-liked within the party and is seen as one to watch for the future .
He could be in line for a promotion .
A junior culture minister , the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent is another tipped for a rise up the ministerial ladder .
A difficult few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet future into doubt .
He said in November that victims of the Grenfell Tower fire lacked `` common sense '' and was conspicuously absent from the airwaves during the election campaign .
The business secretary is said to be one of a number of female cabinet ministers who could be in line to be sacked .
The environment secretary is another who is rumoured to be at risk of losing her job .
The work and pensions secretary 's future in the job is also in doubt .
Amid continued controversy over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a fresh face .
The attorney general 's name has been mentioned in recent weeks as one of the candidates for the chop .

Boris Johnson is set to reshuffle his top team in the wake of his commanding general election victory.
Armed with a majority of 80, the prime minister has room for manoeuvre and could opt for sweeping changes to his cabinet.
Sky News takes a look at who could be among the biggest winners and losers in Mr Johnson's first major reshuffle.
Image: The reshuffle will be the first since Boris Johnson's December election victory
Such predictions should always be taken with a pinch of salt - but these are some of the names being mentioned in Westminster.
Potential winners
Sajid Javid
There has been talk of tensions with Number 10 in recent weeks, but the chancellor is expected to stay in post.
With the budget taking place on 11 March, he will get the chance to make his mark and burnish his economic credentials.
Priti Patel
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The home secretary is also expected to remain in her current role, which is one of the four Great Offices of State.
Dominic Raab
The PM's de facto deputy could see his portfolio beefed up, according to recent speculation.
There are suggestions Mr Johnson could get rid of the role of international development secretary and hand the department's powers to Mr Raab.
Stephen Barclay
The Brexit department is no more now that we have left the EU, meaning Mr Barclay is out of a job.
He is expected to return to the ministerial fold after a very brief hiatus.
Rishi Sunak
The chief secretary of the Treasury is well-liked within the party and is seen as one to watch for the future.
He could be in line for a promotion.
Helen Whately
A junior culture minister, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent is another tipped for a rise up the ministerial ladder.
Potential losers
Jacob Rees-Mogg
A difficult few months for the Commons leader has thrown his cabinet future into doubt.
He said in November that victims of the Grenfell Tower fire lacked "common sense" and was conspicuously absent from the airwaves during the election campaign.
Andrea Leadsom
The business secretary is said to be one of a number of female cabinet ministers who could be in line to be sacked.
Theresa Villiers
The environment secretary is another who is rumoured to be at risk of losing her job.
Therese Coffey
The work and pensions secretary's future in the job is also in doubt.
Amid continued controversy over Universal Credit, the PM may opt for a fresh face.
Geoffrey Cox
The attorney general's name has been mentioned in recent weeks as one of the candidates for the chop.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--MEPs call for UK to stay in 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules

MEPs have called for Britain to stay permanently aligned to EU employment , environmental and competition laws as the price of a free trade deal .
The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution setting out the chamber 's views on the forthcoming negotiations between Brussels and London .
It calls for `` dynamic alignment '' of UK and EU rules - which would mean that whenever the EU changed laws , the UK would be expected to follow suit .
The text was adopted by 543 votes to 39 .
MEPs agreed that given the size of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continent , future competition with the bloc must be kept open and fair through a `` level playing field '' .
This would mean guarantees for equal rules on social , environmental tax , state aid , consumer protection and climate matters .
The resolution is based on the draft negotiating directives from the European Commission set out by EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier .
`` The British people voted to be independent with control over our rules and laws , and so we will not accept alignment to EU rules in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's official spokesman said .
`` Having autonomy over our rules and laws is exactly the same principle that the EU have set out in their mandate .
`` In fact they have said the parties should ensure that the parties retain their autonomy and the ability to regulate economic activity .
`` That is exactly what we are doing and asking . ''
The spokesman added that the political declaration agreed by the two sides `` set out our commitment to discuss open and fair competition as part of negotiations on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relationship with the EU which is based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals and centred on free trade .
`` We are not asking for a special , bespoke or unique deal but one like the EU has previously struck with other friendly countries like Canada . ''
Britain left the EU on 31 January , but talks on the future relationship can only officially begin once the 27 EU states have endorsed the negotiating objectives drawn up by Mr Barnier .
This is not expected to happen until later this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking as soon as they are and have been ready to start talking since 1 February , '' the PM 's spokesman said .

MEPs have called for Britain to stay permanently aligned to EU employment, environmental and competition laws as the price of a free trade deal.
The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution setting out the chamber's views on the forthcoming negotiations between Brussels and London.
It calls for "dynamic alignment" of UK and EU rules - which would mean that whenever the EU changed laws, the UK would be expected to follow suit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
The text was adopted by 543 votes to 39.
MEPs agreed that given the size of the UK's economy and its closeness to the continent, future competition with the bloc must be kept open and fair through a "level playing field".
This would mean guarantees for equal rules on social, environmental tax, state aid, consumer protection and climate matters.
The resolution is based on the draft negotiating directives from the European Commission set out by EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
Downing Street gave the resolution short shrift.
"The British people voted to be independent with control over our rules and laws, and so we will not accept alignment to EU rules in any way," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said.
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"Having autonomy over our rules and laws is exactly the same principle that the EU have set out in their mandate.
"In fact they have said the parties should ensure that the parties retain their autonomy and the ability to regulate economic activity.
"That is exactly what we are doing and asking."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Can the UK and EU reach a deal on trade?
The spokesman added that the political declaration agreed by the two sides "set out our commitment to discuss open and fair competition as part of negotiations on our future relationship".
"We want a relationship with the EU which is based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals and centred on free trade.
"We are not asking for a special, bespoke or unique deal but one like the EU has previously struck with other friendly countries like Canada."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 The moment the UK left the EU
Britain left the EU on 31 January, but talks on the future relationship can only officially begin once the 27 EU states have endorsed the negotiating objectives drawn up by Mr Barnier.
This is not expected to happen until later this month.
"We are ready to start talking as soon as they are and have been ready to start talking since 1 February," the PM's spokesman said.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--Boris Johnson's £15k Caribbean Christmas break with partner was paid for by Tory donor

Boris Johnson 's Christmas break was a £15,000 gift from a wealthy businessman , it has been revealed .
The prime minister and his partner Carrie Symonds accepted accommodation for the private trip to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean .
It was a gift from David Ross , a Conservative donor who co-founded Carphone Warehouse .
The details were recorded in Mr Johnson 's entry in the Commons ' register of members ' interests .
Under the heading `` nature and value of benefit in kind ( or amount of any donation ) '' , the PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private holiday for my partner and me , value £15,000 . ''
The trip lasted for 10 days from 26 December to 5 January , according to the register .
A Number 10 spokeswoman said : `` All transparency requirements have been followed , as set out in the register of members ' financial interests . ''
At the time of the holiday , it was reported that Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds were visiting the private island Mustique .
The trip came in the wake of the PM 's general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office with a commanding majority .

Boris Johnson's Christmas break was a £15,000 gift from a wealthy businessman, it has been revealed.
The prime minister and his partner Carrie Symonds accepted accommodation for the private trip to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.
It was a gift from David Ross, a Conservative donor who co-founded Carphone Warehouse.
The details were recorded in Mr Johnson's entry in the Commons' register of members' interests.
Under the heading "nature and value of benefit in kind (or amount of any donation)", the PM's entry said: "Accommodation for a private holiday for my partner and me, value £15,000."
The trip lasted for 10 days from 26 December to 5 January, according to the register.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "All transparency requirements have been followed, as set out in the register of members' financial interests."
At the time of the holiday, it was reported that Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds were visiting the private island Mustique.
The trip came in the wake of the PM's general election victory, which saw him returned to office with a commanding majority.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--More than 160 terrorists released early in seven years

More than 160 convicted terrorists have been released early in the last seven years , MPs have been told , as the Commons debated the government 's emergency terror legislation .
Conservative MP John Hayes , a former security minister , said he was `` surprised and disappointed '' by the `` significant '' numbers contained in research from the House of Commons library .
He said this figure did not include offenders who had spent fewer than 12 months in prison .
The disclosure was made as MPs debated the government 's Terrorist Offenders ( Restriction of Early Release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of its Commons stages on Wednesday .
This will stop around 50 terrorists being automatically released halfway through their sentences .
The bill will ensure that terrorist offenders can not be released early without what the government says is a `` thorough risk assessment '' from the Parole Board .
Those who are deemed to still be a threat to public safety will be forced to spend the rest of their sentence behind bars , ministers say .
The legislation will cover offenders sentenced for offences such as training for terrorism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissemination of terrorist publications .
It will end the current system of automatic halfway release for those who are handed standard determinate sentences , instead requiring them to spend a minimum of two-thirds of their term in prison .
Downing Street hopes to speed the legislation through parliament and pass it into law by the end of the month .
It comes in the wake of the Streatham terror attack in south London earlier this month .
Sudesh Amman , 20 , stabbed two people a week after being released halfway through his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan , who killed two people in the London Bridge attack last year , was also released early .
The government wants to pass the bill by 27 February - the day before the next terrorist is expected to be freed under the current system .
Sunderland shopkeeper Mohammed Zahir Khan is due to be released on 28 February , it is understood .
He was imprisoned for four-and-a-half years in 2018 for sharing messages and material on social media supportive of Islamic State .
Around five other terrorists are expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is enacted .
Lawyers have warned the government that the legislation could be subjected to legal challenges from those already in prison who were sentenced under the current rules .
Article 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights forbids `` a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the criminal offence was committed '' .
But speaking in the Commons earlier , Justice Secretary Robert Buckland dismissed the prospect of the law being successfully challenged in the courts .
`` I 'm not going to anticipate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strasbourg , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But I will say this now and I will repeat it for the benefit of the record that it is my firm view that this Bill does not engage the provisions of Article 7 of the European Convention because it relates to the way in which the sentence is administered not a change in the nature of penalty itself . ''
Former prime minister Theresa May said the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of automatic early release , but said rehabilitating offenders was `` so important '' .
`` We will never deal with this issue of terrorism until we deal with the ideology that drives it , '' she said .
Mrs May called for the government to take `` extra efforts to find new paths to ensure that we can turn people away from the extremism and the terrorism that takes other people 's lives '' .

More than 160 convicted terrorists have been released early in the last seven years, MPs have been told, as the Commons debated the government's emergency terror legislation.
Conservative MP John Hayes, a former security minister, said he was "surprised and disappointed" by the "significant" numbers contained in research from the House of Commons library.
He said this figure did not include offenders who had spent fewer than 12 months in prison.
Image: Sudesh Amman had recently been released from prison when he launched his attack
The disclosure was made as MPs debated the government's Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Bill, with the legislation clearing all of its Commons stages on Wednesday.
This will stop around 50 terrorists being automatically released halfway through their sentences.
The bill will ensure that terrorist offenders cannot be released early without what the government says is a "thorough risk assessment" from the Parole Board.
Those who are deemed to still be a threat to public safety will be forced to spend the rest of their sentence behind bars, ministers say.
The legislation will cover offenders sentenced for offences such as training for terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation and the dissemination of terrorist publications.
It will end the current system of automatic halfway release for those who are handed standard determinate sentences, instead requiring them to spend a minimum of two-thirds of their term in prison.
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Downing Street hopes to speed the legislation through parliament and pass it into law by the end of the month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 Government races to pass new terror legislation
It comes in the wake of the Streatham terror attack in south London earlier this month.
Sudesh Amman, 20, stabbed two people a week after being released halfway through his sentence for spreading extremist material.
Usman Khan, who killed two people in the London Bridge attack last year, was also released early.
The government wants to pass the bill by 27 February - the day before the next terrorist is expected to be freed under the current system.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 Proposed anti-terror laws 'could be illegal'
Sunderland shopkeeper Mohammed Zahir Khan is due to be released on 28 February, it is understood.
He was imprisoned for four-and-a-half years in 2018 for sharing messages and material on social media supportive of Islamic State.
Around five other terrorists are expected to be released in March unless the new legislation is enacted.
Image: Usman Khan murdered two people in London Bridge last year
Lawyers have warned the government that the legislation could be subjected to legal challenges from those already in prison who were sentenced under the current rules.
Article 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights forbids "a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the criminal offence was committed".
But speaking in the Commons earlier, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland dismissed the prospect of the law being successfully challenged in the courts.
"I'm not going to anticipate litigation in domestic courts or indeed in Strasbourg," he said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"But I will say this now and I will repeat it for the benefit of the record that it is my firm view that this Bill does not engage the provisions of Article 7 of the European Convention because it relates to the way in which the sentence is administered not a change in the nature of penalty itself."
Former prime minister Theresa May said the government was right to be tackling the issue of automatic early release, but said rehabilitating offenders was "so important".
"We will never deal with this issue of terrorism until we deal with the ideology that drives it," she said.
Mrs May called for the government to take "extra efforts to find new paths to ensure that we can turn people away from the extremism and the terrorism that takes other people's lives".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--Labour trans campaign angers women's rights groups

Labour 's Rebecca Long-Bailey has backed a move to expel party members who express `` transphobic '' views , sparking a row with some women 's rights activists .
The leadership contender signed up to support the pledge which is part of a 12-point plan by the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights .
It states that `` trans women are women '' and `` trans men are men '' and that party members who `` express bigoted , transphobic views '' should be thrown out .
Two groups are specifically named as `` trans-exclusionist '' : Woman 's Place UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Woman 's Place UK , Judith Green , Ruth Serwotka and Kiri Tunks , said they are Labour members and `` extremely concerned by the scurrilous mischaracterisation '' and `` defamatory '' comments about their campaign .
They said they wanted to `` ensure that women 's voices are heard and our sex based rights upheld '' and called on Labour to `` affirm its support for women 's sex based rights and our right to organise and exercise our right to free speech and assembly '' .
Meanwhile , the LGB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` utterly false and are simply a malicious tactic used to smear us and to discourage people from listening to our views '' .
Social media users who identified as Labour members then started using the hashtag # expelme in opposition to the idea they should be kicked out for having different views to the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights .
Jaimi Steve , who tweeted she is her local Labour Party 's women 's officer in Burton , was one of them .
`` The Labour Party created the Equality Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex .
I supported the 2019 Labour manifesto to protect sex based rights .
Another , Kathleen Stock , wrote : `` I support Woman 's Place UK and LGB Alliance against this horrible public defamation .
`` I also support my own and other women 's right to talk about the erosion of their protections , spaces , and words to refer to themselves in the face of narrow , controlling trans activism .
# ExpelMe . ''
Much of the highly-charged debate over gender identity stems from potential reforms to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2004 , updating it to make it easier for people to legally change their gender .
`` Trans people already have the right to legally change their gender , and there is no suggestion of this right being removed , '' the government 's equalities department says .
`` This consultation simply asks how best government might make the existing process under the Gender Recognition Act a better service for those trans and non-binary people who wish to use it . ''

Labour's Rebecca Long-Bailey has backed a move to expel party members who express "transphobic" views, sparking a row with some women's rights activists.
The leadership contender signed up to support the pledge which is part of a 12-point plan by the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights.
It states that "trans women are women" and "trans men are men" and that party members who "express bigoted, transphobic views" should be thrown out.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey signed up to the plan by the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights
Two groups are specifically named as "trans-exclusionist": Woman's Place UK and LGB Alliance.
The three co-founders of Woman's Place UK, Judith Green, Ruth Serwotka and Kiri Tunks, said they are Labour members and "extremely concerned by the scurrilous mischaracterisation" and "defamatory" comments about their campaign.
They said they wanted to "ensure that women's voices are heard and our sex based rights upheld" and called on Labour to "affirm its support for women's sex based rights and our right to organise and exercise our right to free speech and assembly".
Meanwhile, the LGB Alliance said negative comments about their group were "utterly false and are simply a malicious tactic used to smear us and to discourage people from listening to our views".
Social media users who identified as Labour members then started using the hashtag #expelme in opposition to the idea they should be kicked out for having different views to the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights.
Jaimi Steve, who tweeted she is her local Labour Party's women's officer in Burton, was one of them.
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"The Labour Party created the Equality Act that prevents discrimination on the basis of sex. I supported the 2019
Labour manifesto to protect sex based rights.
"I support Woman's Place UK. They support me. #Expelme."
Another, Kathleen Stock, wrote: "I support Woman's Place UK and LGB Alliance against this horrible public defamation.
"I also support my own and other women's right to talk about the erosion of their protections, spaces, and words to refer to themselves in the face of narrow, controlling trans activism. #ExpelMe."
Much of the highly-charged debate over gender identity stems from potential reforms to the Gender Recognition Act, which was passed in 2004, updating it to make it easier for people to legally change their gender.
"Trans people already have the right to legally change their gender, and there is no suggestion of this right being removed," the government's equalities department says.
"This consultation simply asks how best government might make the existing process under the Gender Recognition Act a better service for those trans and non-binary people who wish to use it."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--UK suspends £4.7m funding for Commonwealth Secretariat

The government has suspended its funding of the Commonwealth Secretariat over concerns about its financial procedures .
Baroness Scotland , secretary general of the Commonwealth , has been told that Britain 's annual £4.7m contribution has been paused .
The development comes after Lady Scotland was criticised by internal auditors for giving a lucrative consultancy contract to a firm run by a personal friend .
The secretariat 's audit committee accused her of `` circumventing '' the usual competitive tendering rules .
A number of conditions have been attached to the government 's £4.7m funding , which the Foreign Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy and implementation are `` in line with international best practice '' .
An FCO spokeswoman said : `` We are committed to an effective Commonwealth that delivers for its member states , so we have set a number of conditions on UK funding to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation for this financial year .
`` These include conditions relating to ensuring that the Secretariat 's procurement policy and its implementation are in line with international best practice . ''
According to the BBC , auditors found that Lady Scotland had waived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Australia and New Zealand are said to have decreased their discretionary funding to the agency until its financial systems are improved .
A Commonwealth spokesman said the recommendations contained in a recent KPMG internal audit report on procurement had been accepted in full and the organisation was hopeful of the funding being reinstated .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' All six of the recommendations were accepted and all but one have been implemented , '' the spokesman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of February , 2020 .
`` The follow-up audit , in April , will test and verify this position .
`` We hope that the withheld discretionary funding , which is for the Commonwealth fund for technical co-operation , will then be reinstated , allowing the Commonwealth to continue delivering vital work on behalf of member countries . ''
The 54-nation group is made up largely of former British colonies .
Its aim is to promote `` democracy , human rights and the rule of law '' .

The government has suspended its funding of the Commonwealth Secretariat over concerns about its financial procedures.
Baroness Scotland, secretary general of the Commonwealth, has been told that Britain's annual £4.7m contribution has been paused.
The development comes after Lady Scotland was criticised by internal auditors for giving a lucrative consultancy contract to a firm run by a personal friend.
The secretariat's audit committee accused her of "circumventing" the usual competitive tendering rules.
A number of conditions have been attached to the government's £4.7m funding, which the Foreign Office said related to making sure its procurement policy and implementation are "in line with international best practice".
An FCO spokeswoman said: "We are committed to an effective Commonwealth that delivers for its member states, so we have set a number of conditions on UK funding to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation for this financial year.
"These include conditions relating to ensuring that the Secretariat's procurement policy and its implementation are in line with international best practice."
According to the BBC, auditors found that Lady Scotland had waived procurement rules 50 times in three years.
Australia and New Zealand are said to have decreased their discretionary funding to the agency until its financial systems are improved.
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A Commonwealth spokesman said the recommendations contained in a recent KPMG internal audit report on procurement had been accepted in full and the organisation was hopeful of the funding being reinstated.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"All six of the recommendations were accepted and all but one have been implemented," the spokesman said.
"The remaining recommendation will be implemented by the end of February, 2020.
"The follow-up audit, in April, will test and verify this position.
"We hope that the withheld discretionary funding, which is for the Commonwealth fund for technical co-operation, will then be reinstated, allowing the Commonwealth to continue delivering vital work on behalf of member countries."
The 54-nation group is made up largely of former British colonies.
Its aim is to promote "democracy, human rights and the rule of law".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--Stewart: More than 1,000 Londoners have invited me to stay over

Rory Stewart has told Sky News he has received more than 1,000 requests from Londoners for him to stay in their homes .
The independent mayoral candidate revealed the unusual campaign on Twitter on Tuesday , accompanied by the hashtag # ComeKipWithMe .
Mr Stewart , a former Conservative cabinet minister and MP , said it will allow him to `` get to know the city '' as he bids to cause a political upset and remove Labour 's Sadiq Khan from City Hall .
In a video posted on his Twitter account he promised to `` bring a sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for his hosts .
Some cracked jokes and mocked Mr Stewart 's unorthodox campaign , but he said the response has been positive .
`` So far we 've got over 1,000 requests coming in .
Very very serious , thoughtful requests , '' he told Kay Burley @ Breakfast .
`` People often saying 'come and see problems about safety and security , people do n't feel safe enough .
`` Or about housing .
My housing is n't affordable enough or it 's not good enough .
`` I now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , through nearly a thousand requests and make sure that we have a good variety of people . ''
Mr Stewart added that he would try and maintain the practice if he upsets the odds and wins May 's election .
`` If I 'm lucky enough to be mayor , I 'd try to do this every week and make sure I do this as the mayor , '' he continued .
`` So that every week as mayor I 'm in a different borough , staying with people , listening with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desk at City Hall and sharing people 's lives . ''
Mr Stewart , who ran for the Tory leadership last summer , has wasted no time in putting his campaign into action .
A 50-year-old charity worker has already hosted Mr Stewart - at her one-bedroom flat in Canning Town .
`` He slept on the floor because I have no furniture at the moment , '' Lorraine Tabone , who runs Lola 's Homeless in east London , told the Press Association .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker '' He woke me up with a coffee about 7am and we spoke about issues - homelessness , knife crime , everything .
`` Because it was all spontaneous and my oven was broken I could n't cook breakfast .
I just gave him a couple of Alpine bars for his travels .
`` We had a cup of tea and then they left .
They gave me a lovely bunch of tulips .
`` He was the perfect guest , a perfect gentleman . ''
Ms Tabone said she offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her charity , which she said is in `` desperate '' need of funding and a building to host its services .
She said she took him on a tour of Newham and Canning Town the night before , to speak to members of the homeless community .
They then went out for a Chinese meal .
`` He paid , and he only had boiled rice - I had the duck , '' she said .

Rory Stewart has told Sky News he has received more than 1,000 requests from Londoners for him to stay in their homes.
The independent mayoral candidate revealed the unusual campaign on Twitter on Tuesday, accompanied by the hashtag #ComeKipWithMe.
Mr Stewart, a former Conservative cabinet minister and MP, said it will allow him to "get to know the city" as he bids to cause a political upset and remove Labour's Sadiq Khan from City Hall.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 'Have me to stay': Rory Stewart's 'weird' request
In a video posted on his Twitter account he promised to "bring a sleeping bag, and a box of chocolate" for his hosts.
Some cracked jokes and mocked Mr Stewart's unorthodox campaign, but he said the response has been positive.
"So far we've got over 1,000 requests coming in. Very very serious, thoughtful requests," he told Kay Burley@Breakfast.
"People often saying 'come and see problems about safety and security, people don't feel safe enough.
"Or about housing. My housing isn't affordable enough or it's not good enough.
"I now have to go, with my teams, through nearly a thousand requests and make sure that we have a good variety of people."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:00 Stewart promises to 'get the basics right' if he becomes London mayor
Mr Stewart added that he would try and maintain the practice if he upsets the odds and wins May's election.
"If I'm lucky enough to be mayor, I'd try to do this every week and make sure I do this as the mayor," he continued.
"So that every week as mayor I'm in a different borough, staying with people, listening with people, getting out from behind the desk at City Hall and sharing people's lives."
Mr Stewart, who ran for the Tory leadership last summer, has wasted no time in putting his campaign into action.
A 50-year-old charity worker has already hosted Mr Stewart - at her one-bedroom flat in Canning Town.
"He slept on the floor because I have no furniture at the moment," Lorraine Tabone, who runs Lola's Homeless in east London, told the Press Association.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"He woke me up with a coffee about 7am and we spoke about issues - homelessness, knife crime, everything.
"Because it was all spontaneous and my oven was broken I couldn't cook breakfast. I just gave him a couple of Alpine bars for his travels.
"We had a cup of tea and then they left. They gave me a lovely bunch of tulips.
"He was the perfect guest, a perfect gentleman."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 June 2019: Stewart exits leadership race with Brexit warning for rivals
Ms Tabone said she offered to host Mr Stewart to raise awareness of her charity, which she said is in "desperate" need of funding and a building to host its services.
She said she took him on a tour of Newham and Canning Town the night before, to speak to members of the homeless community.
They then went out for a Chinese meal.
"He paid, and he only had boiled rice - I had the duck," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-13--Sajid Javid resigns as chancellor after refusing to sack aides

Sajid Javid has resigned as chancellor after refusing to sack his aides in a stunning row with the prime minister .
Rishi Sunak , who was previously chief secretary to the Treasury , will replace Mr Javid .
On a day when there were expectations of only a moderate shake-up of Boris Johnson 's government , Mr Javid sent shockwaves through Westminster by quitting his role .
His departure comes less than four weeks before this year 's budget , meaning Mr Javid will leave the Treasury without ever having delivered the set-piece fiscal announcement .
Sky News understands Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his role but resigned following a row with Downing Street over his close aides .
The prime minister demanded the chancellor sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury in recent weeks .
The chancellor refused and as a result both sides decided to part company .
Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell said : `` This must be a historical record with the government in crisis after just over two months in power .
`` Dominic Cummings has clearly won the battle to take absolute control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Chancellor . ''
In a wider shake-up of his government , Mr Johnson had earlier sacked eight ministers .
Just weeks after helping to restore power-sharing government in Northern Ireland , Mr Smith has lost his job .
Despite the praise he received for his role in returning devolved government at Stormont , the Skipton and Ripon MP had previously been earmarked as disloyal to Mr Johnson over Brexit .
He broke ranks with the prime minister last year by warning a no-deal Brexit would be `` very , very bad for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has lost the job she held since Mr Johnson became prime minister in July .
Prior to joining his cabinet , Ms Leadsom ran against Mr Johnson in last year 's Conservative leadership contest .
Another Brexiteer to lose her job now that the UK has left the EU .
Her replacement will have to help oversee negotiations on access to UK fishing waters as the government holds trade talks with the EU over the next few months .
The former barrister - yet another Brexiteer to leave the government - lost his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address the House of Commons on Thursday morning .
Solicitor general Michael Ellis instead took questions from MPs .
The Conservatives will now have gone through ten housing ministers in less than ten years after Ms McVey 's sacking .
The Brexiteer ran against Mr Johnson in last year 's Conservative leadership contest , but was knocked out in the first round .
The Kingswood MP has lost the job he held in two spells .
He was first appointed universities minister by ex-prime minister Theresa May in December 2018 and held the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last July .
Mr Skidmore returned to the job when his successor - Mr Johnson 's brother Jo Johnson - quit the government after just six weeks in post .
The Wealden MP has been removed from the role she had held since January 2018 , when she became the first Muslim woman to speak from the Commons despatch box .
She supported Jeremy Hunt against Mr Johnson in last year 's Conservative leadership contest .
Mr Johnson 's clear-out of the Department for Transport also included the sacking of Mr Freeman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief .
The prime minister has made transport improvement and infrastructure projects one of the priorities of his government .
The prime minister is expected to announce replacements for sacked ministers later today .

Sajid Javid has said he had "no option" but to resign as chancellor - because Boris Johnson attached conditions to him staying in the role which "no self-respecting minister would accept".
Mr Javid quit after refusing to sack his aides in a row with the prime minister that took Westminster by surprise.
Read Sajid Javid's full resignation letter at the bottom of this article
Image: Newly installed chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives at the Treasury
The former chancellor said the condition was something he was "unable to accept".
"I felt I was left with no option other than to resign."
He added: "I don't believe any self-respecting minister would accept such conditions and so therefore I felt the best thing to do was to go."
Former chief secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak has replaced Mr Javid, telling journalists as he entered the Treasury that he was "delighted to be appointed" and had "a lot to get on with".
He later tweeted that his "predecessor and good friend Saj" did a "fantastic job" as chancellor.
"He was a pleasure to work with and I hope to be able to build on his great work going forward," Mr Sunak added.
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On a day when there were expectations of only a moderate shake-up of Boris Johnson's government - little more than two months after the Tories' general election success - Mr Javid caused shockwaves by quitting his role.
His departure comes less than four weeks before this year's budget, meaning Mr Javid will leave the Treasury without ever having delivered the set-piece fiscal announcement.
Mr Javid was offered the chance to keep his role but resigned following a dispute with Downing Street over his close aides.
The prime minister demanded the chancellor sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury in recent weeks.
Image: Boris Johnson asked Mr Javid to sack his advisers
The chancellor refused and as a result both sides decided to part company.
Mr Javid made a number of pointed references to the row in his resignation letter to the PM.
The former chancellor said it was "crucial for the effectiveness of government that you have people around you who can give you clear and candid advice".
And he told Mr Johnson: "I would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution retains as much credibility as possible."
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In the hours after Mr Javid's resignation, Downing Street confirmed that a new joint team of special advisers was being established in Number 10 and Number 11 to advise the PM and his new chancellor.
Mr Johnson's official spokesman said preparations for the budget on 11 March will continue under Mr Sunak.
"Extensive preparations have already been carried out for the budget and they will continue at pace," they said.
He added that Mr Johnson thanked Mr Javid for his work as chancellor.
Image: Esther McVey, Julian Smith, Andrea Leadsom and Theresa Villiers were all sacked by the PM
Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell claimed the events amounted to a power-grab by Mr Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings.
He said: "This must be a historical record with the government in crisis after just over two months in power.
"Dominic Cummings has clearly won the battle to take absolute control of the Treasury and install his stooge as chancellor."
In a wider shake-up of his government, Mr Johnson had earlier sacked eight ministers before beginning the process of announcing their replacements.
Those told to leave government included Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom, Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox.
Full letter
Dear Prime Minister,
It has been a privilege to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Since being elected as the MP for Bromsgrove 10 years ago I have had the huge honour of holding several ministerial roles - running five departments, including two of the Great Offices of State.
While I am grateful for your continued trust and offer to continue in this role, I regret that I could not accept the conditions attached to the reappointment.
It is crucial for the effectiveness of government that you have people around you who can give you clear and candid advice, as I have always sought to do.
The government you lead has an enormous opportunity in the coming years to transform our country.
Millions of people have given their renewed trust in a Conservative government to move on from the divisions and distractions of recent years, and lead us forward into a decade of social and economic renewal. We must not waste a moment in delivering on that promise.
As you know, the agenda we have been developing over the last seven months is one that I have long supported.
From maintaining strong public finances, investing in infrastructure, protecting our environment, recruiting 20,000 police officers, and boosting housing and skills so the next generation can have the opportunities they deserve.
I would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution retains as much credibility as possible. The team there has impressed me with the energy and intellect they have brought to delivering the shifts in policy that I have led.
They are among the very best public servants we have and I hope they can continue to play a central role in driving an economic agenda that puts people and place at its heart.
My biggest hope is that this government will bring the country together, and help to level the playing field so that stories like mine are not exceptional or lucky.
While it is of course disappointing that I will no longer be in a position to see this vision through as one of your Cabinet Ministers, I am very optimistic about our country's future.
You and the government you lead will continue to have my full support from the backbenches.
I am very much looking forward to spending more time with my family, and to continuing to serve the people of Bromsgrove.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--PM may show the door to cabinet ministers in today's reshuffle

Boris Johnson will seek to promote more female MPs as he reshuffles the cabinet today - but ministers who fear for their jobs are said to be bracing themselves for the `` brutal '' process .
The prime minister will look to `` promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years '' , according to a No 10 source .
Female MPs in line for promotion include defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan , former Brexit minister Suella Braverman and Gillian Keegan .
Alok Sharma is expected to be promoted from his cabinet post at International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - who attends cabinet - is also in line for a bigger role .
Baroness Morgan has already said she intends to leave her role as culture secretary , and Andrea Leadsom and Theresa Villiers are seen as likely to lose cabinet positions .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox are also thought to be vulnerable - and they have been setting out why they should stay in their posts .
Acknowledging it is down to the prime minister to decide who he wants to serve in his cabinet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in this game long enough to know that British Cabinet reshuffles are brutal .
`` I enjoy the job as defence secretary , I 'm a veteran , I 'm a northern MP , I was actually in the Army , so I think all of those hopefully qualify me , but who knows . ''
Mr Cox said he would eagerly embrace any opportunity to continue in his role but insisted `` there are other doorways that will open '' if he is ejected from the cabinet .
`` Have I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me make plain : absolutely not .
This has been one of the greatest , in fact the greatest honour of my professional life , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chancellor Sajid Javid , Home Secretary Priti Patel and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab are expected to remain , while Downing Street has confirmed that Grant Shapps will stay as transport secretary .
A No 10 source said : `` The prime minister wants this reshuffle to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future .
`` He wants to promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years .
`` He will reward those MPs who have worked hard to deliver on this government 's priorities to level up the whole country and deliver the change people voted for last year . ''
The most junior ministerial rank - parliamentary under-secretary of state level - is likely to have a 50-50 gender split after the reshuffle .
By the summer , Mr Johnson also aims to ensure that at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary private secretaries - will be women , up from the current 18 % .

Boris Johnson will seek to promote more female MPs as he reshuffles the cabinet today - but ministers who fear for their jobs are said to be bracing themselves for the "brutal" process.
The prime minister will look to "promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years", according to a No 10 source.
Female MPs in line for promotion include defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan, former Brexit minister Suella Braverman and Gillian Keegan.
Alok Sharma is expected to be promoted from his cabinet post at International Development, while Paymaster General Oliver Dowden - who attends cabinet - is also in line for a bigger role.
Baroness Morgan has already said she intends to leave her role as culture secretary, and Andrea Leadsom and Theresa Villiers are seen as likely to lose cabinet positions.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox are also thought to be vulnerable - and they have been setting out why they should stay in their posts.
Acknowledging it is down to the prime minister to decide who he wants to serve in his cabinet, Mr Wallace said: "I have been in this game long enough to know that British Cabinet reshuffles are brutal.
"I enjoy the job as defence secretary, I'm a veteran, I'm a northern MP, I was actually in the Army, so I think all of those hopefully qualify me, but who knows."
Mr Cox said he would eagerly embrace any opportunity to continue in his role but insisted "there are other doorways that will open" if he is ejected from the cabinet.
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"Have I had enough of the job? Let me make plain: absolutely not. This has been one of the greatest, in fact the greatest honour of my professional life," he added.
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Chancellor Sajid Javid, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab are expected to remain, while Downing Street has confirmed that Grant Shapps will stay as transport secretary.
A No 10 source said: "The prime minister wants this reshuffle to set the foundations for government now and in the future.
"He wants to promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years.
"He will reward those MPs who have worked hard to deliver on this government's priorities to level up the whole country and deliver the change people voted for last year."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Brexit - what next?
The most junior ministerial rank - parliamentary under-secretary of state level - is likely to have a 50-50 gender split after the reshuffle.
By the summer, Mr Johnson also aims to ensure that at least 60% of ministerial aides - the parliamentary private secretaries - will be women, up from the current 18%.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--Will Boris Johnson let go of old allies as he reshuffles his cabinet?

When Boris Johnson became Conservative party leader last July he assembled a war cabinet with one battle in mind : Brexit .
Leading Brexiteers were put in pole positions as the doubters and disloyal were purged .
That summer reshuffle was the most brutal clear out in living memory , with 17 cabinet ministers replaced .
It was Mr Johnson who began the Brexit revolution back in 2016 and in December he went on to win the war handsomely .
Now his task is to rule well .
With the battleground of Brexit in his rear view mirror the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
What he needs now is a delivery cabinet to turn his election promises into tangible policy .
The much-vaunted overhaul of the Whitehall government machine - from creating an expanded business department to a new standalone immigration and borders - has been put on the back burner for now .
Mr Johnson and his team know those who voted for them are n't really interested in how the back office works , they 're interested in what is happening front of house .
The prime minister has promised new hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers , new buses and bike lanes .
Despite banning the B-word , he also has the enormous task of preparing the UK for Brexit when the transition period ends in December and Britain moves into a new trading relationship - still to be negotiated - with the EU .
He has to try to strike a future trade deal with Brussels , as well as trying to secure new arrangements with the EU on aviation , the regulation of medicines , security , and data sharing .
The government will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders - Michael Gove this week warned of checks and friction at ports and crossings - as well as building its own regulatory functions in Whitehall to replace those delegated from Brussels in a host of areas from medicines to chemicals .
It 's a daunting in-tray .
With all that going on , the last thing the prime minister wants is a drastic change in his top team - which is why this cabinet reshuffle is expected to be moderate .
`` This is the year of delivery , '' is how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We do n't need a revolution . ''
This means that the big jobs are likely to go unchanged , with Chancellor Sajid Javid remaining in No 11 , Dominic Raab staying at the Foreign Office and Priti Patel remaining home secretary .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps are expected to stay in post .
Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden is expected to be promoted to cabinet - perhaps to culture secretary to replace Baroness Morgan , who is standing down .
The international development secretary Alok Sharma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One thing to watch out for is whether the prime minister picks this moment to clear out some of the old allies who he kept closer to him when he was running a minority government , but who might be more dispensable to him now that he has a 80-strong majority .
One such figure being talked about is Ben Wallace , the defence secretary , who has been a long-term ally of the prime minister but who has clashed with No 10 over issues such as Huawei .
And what about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target of women accounting for a third of his government before becoming prime minister in 2010 .
Mr Johnson is n't doing that , neither is he expected to increase the number of women around his top table from the seven currently serving as full cabinet ministers ( Cameron was rounded into for only getting to five back in 2014 ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The numbers might not be improving around the cabinet table but there is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senior women .
Defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan is in line for a promotion , while prisons minister Lucy Frazer has also been rumoured as a possible contender for promotion .
Theresa Villiers , the environment secretary , is rumoured to be in danger along with Andrea Leadsom , the business secretary .
It will be in the junior ministerial ranks that Mr Johnson will try to push for better gender balance and build with a string of promotions that could result in a 50-50 split at this level .
Gillian Keegan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in line for promotion as is Suella Braverman , a former junior Brexit minister .
Further down the food chain , the government is going to try to do more to promote female talent by ensuring that 60 % of the ministerial aide roles - the lowest rung on the ladder - are women by the summer ( the figure is currently 18 % ) .


skynewspolitics--2020-02-12--PM says millionaire paid for his Caribbean holiday - but the donor denies it

The co-founder of Carphone Warehouse has denied paying for Boris Johnson 's £15,000 Christmas holiday .
The prime minister and his partner Carrie Symonds accepted accommodation for the private trip to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean .
According to Mr Johnson 's entry in the Commons ' register of members ' interests , the trip was paid for by David Ross .
The entry said : `` Accommodation for a private holiday for my partner and me , value £15,000 . ''
But a spokesman for the multimillionaire businessman told the Daily Mail his involvement had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accommodation .
A spokesman for the Grimsby-born businessman told the newspaper : `` Boris Johnson did not stay in David Ross 's house .
`` Boris wanted some help to find somewhere in Mustique , David called the company who run all the villas and somebody had dropped out .
`` So Boris got the use of a villa that was worth £15,000 , but David Ross did not pay any monies whatsoever for this . ''
Asked about Mr Johnson 's declaration , the spokesman said : `` I believe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mr Ross had `` not put his hand in his pocket whatsoever and can obviously prove that - [ he ] most definitely did not pay anything and it was not his house .
`` It was a house that was rented but the people could not turn up , so Boris Johnson got the use of it . ''
The trip , which came in the wake of Mr Johnson 's election victory , lasted for 10 days from 26 December to 5 January , according to the register .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers or face an inquiry .
Jon Trickett , the party 's shadow cabinet office minister , said : `` Boris Johnson must come clean about who has paid for his luxury trip .
`` If he fails to do so , the parliamentary commissioner for standards should step in and make him fess up .
`` The public deserves to know who is paying for their prime minister 's jaunts . ''
A Number 10 spokeswoman said : `` All transparency requirements have been followed , as set out in the register @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The co-founder of Carphone Warehouse has denied paying for Boris Johnson's £15,000 Christmas holiday.
The prime minister and his partner Carrie Symonds accepted accommodation for the private trip to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.
According to Mr Johnson's entry in the Commons' register of members' interests, the trip was paid for by David Ross.
Image: Carphone Warehouse was founded by Charles Dunstone (left) and David Ross (right)
The entry said: "Accommodation for a private holiday for my partner and me, value £15,000."
But a spokesman for the multimillionaire businessman told the Daily Mail his involvement had been limited to helping the prime minister find the accommodation.
A spokesman for the Grimsby-born businessman told the newspaper: "Boris Johnson did not stay in David Ross's house.
"Boris wanted some help to find somewhere in Mustique, David called the company who run all the villas and somebody had dropped out.
"So Boris got the use of a villa that was worth £15,000, but David Ross did not pay any monies whatsoever for this."
Image: Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson took the holiday over Christmas
Asked about Mr Johnson's declaration, the spokesman said: "I believe it is a mistake."
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He added that Mr Ross had "not put his hand in his pocket whatsoever and can obviously prove that - [he] most definitely did not pay anything and it was not his house.
"It was a house that was rented but the people could not turn up, so Boris Johnson got the use of it."
The trip, which came in the wake of Mr Johnson's election victory, lasted for 10 days from 26 December to 5 January, according to the register.
Labour has called for the PM to provide answers or face an inquiry.
Jon Trickett, the party's shadow cabinet office minister, said: "Boris Johnson must come clean about who has paid for his luxury trip.
"If he fails to do so, the parliamentary commissioner for standards should step in and make him fess up.
"The public deserves to know who is paying for their prime minister's jaunts."
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "All transparency requirements have been followed, as set out in the register of members' financial interests."
In a later clarification on Thursday, a spokesman for the businessman said: "Following media reports, I would like to provide further explanation of the benefit in
kind Mr Ross provided to Mr Johnson.
"Mr Ross facilitated accommodation for Mr Johnson on Mustique valued at £15,000.
"Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson's declaration to the House of Commons is correct."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-13--Sajid Javid says PM left him with 'no choice' but to quit

Sajid Javid has said he had `` no option '' but to resign as chancellor - because Boris Johnson attached conditions to him staying in the role which `` no self-respecting minister would accept '' .
Mr Javid quit after refusing to sack his aides in a row with the prime minister that took Westminster by surprise .
Read Sajid Javid 's full resignation letter at the bottom of this article The former chancellor said the condition was something he was `` unable to accept '' .
`` I felt I was left with no option other than to resign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't believe any self-respecting minister would accept such conditions and so therefore I felt the best thing to do was to go . ''
Former chief secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak has replaced Mr Javid , telling journalists as he entered the Treasury that he was `` delighted to be appointed '' and had `` a lot to get on with '' .
He later tweeted that his `` predecessor and good friend Saj '' did a `` fantastic job '' as chancellor .
`` He was a pleasure to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build on his great work going forward , '' Mr Sunak added .
On a day when there were expectations of only a moderate shake-up of Boris Johnson 's government - little more than two months after the Tories ' general election success - Mr Javid caused shockwaves by quitting his role .
His departure comes less than four weeks before this year 's budget , meaning Mr Javid will leave the Treasury without ever having delivered the set-piece fiscal announcement .
Mr Javid was offered the chance to keep his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street over his close aides .
The prime minister demanded the chancellor sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury in recent weeks .
The chancellor refused and as a result both sides decided to part company .
Mr Javid made a number of pointed references to the row in his resignation letter to the PM .
The former chancellor said it was `` crucial for the effectiveness of government that you have people around you who can give you clear and candid advice '' .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution retains as much credibility as possible . ''
In the hours after Mr Javid 's resignation , Downing Street confirmed that a new joint team of special advisers was being established in Number 10 and Number 11 to advise the PM and his new chancellor .
Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said preparations for the budget on 11 March will continue under Mr Sunak .
`` Extensive preparations have already been carried out for the budget and they will continue at pace , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson thanked Mr Javid for his work as chancellor .
Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell claimed the events amounted to a power-grab by Mr Johnson 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings .
He said : `` This must be a historical record with the government in crisis after just over two months in power .
`` Dominic Cummings has clearly won the battle to take absolute control of the Treasury and install his stooge as chancellor . ''
In a wider shake-up of his government , Mr Johnson had earlier sacked eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their replacements .
Those told to leave government included Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith , Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom , Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox .
It has been a privilege to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer .
Since being elected as the MP for Bromsgrove 10 years ago I have had the huge honour of holding several ministerial roles - running five departments , including two of the Great Offices of State .
While I am grateful for your continued trust and offer to continue in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not accept the conditions attached to the reappointment .
It is crucial for the effectiveness of government that you have people around you who can give you clear and candid advice , as I have always sought to do .
The government you lead has an enormous opportunity in the coming years to transform our country .
Millions of people have given their renewed trust in a Conservative government to move on from the divisions and distractions of recent years , and lead us forward into a decade of social and economic renewal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in delivering on that promise .
As you know , the agenda we have been developing over the last seven months is one that I have long supported .
From maintaining strong public finances , investing in infrastructure , protecting our environment , recruiting 20,000 police officers , and boosting housing and skills so the next generation can have the opportunities they deserve .
I would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution retains as much credibility as possible .
The team there has impressed me with the energy and intellect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in policy that I have led .
They are among the very best public servants we have and I hope they can continue to play a central role in driving an economic agenda that puts people and place at its heart .
My biggest hope is that this government will bring the country together , and help to level the playing field so that stories like mine are not exceptional or lucky .
While it is of course disappointing that I will no longer be in a position to see this vision through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am very optimistic about our country 's future .
You and the government you lead will continue to have my full support from the backbenches .
I am very much looking forward to spending more time with my family , and to continuing to serve the people of Bromsgrove .