skynewspolitics--2020-07-27--Minister cuts short Spain holiday after being caught out by quarantine announcement

The transport secretary will cut short his holiday in Spain and return to the UK after being caught out by the reintroduction of coronavirus quarantine measures for the country .
Grant Shapps flew there on Saturday morning to start his summer holiday , just hours before the government announced it was scrapping its travel corridor for Spain .
Since midnight on Saturday , Britons returning to the UK from mainland Spain and the Balearic and Canary Islands once again have to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival .
In a statement sent to Sky News , Mr Shapps said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to work in the UK as soon as possible in order to help handle the situation .
`` The sooner I get back from Spain myself , the sooner I can get through quarantine .
`` So I 'm leaving my family to travel back to the UK on Wednesday . ''
Mr Shapps will not be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate , Downing Street has confirmed .
`` The same rules apply to ministers as they do anyone else , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in `` constant contact '' with his officials and industry representatives whilst in Spain , adding he had `` reviewed the data and worked with colleagues to make the difficult decision to introduce quarantine '' .
The transport secretary added in his statement that it was a `` necessary emergency imposition '' .
Downing Street has defended the move , saying it was `` announced straight away '' after a decision was taken based on new data on cases numbers received on Friday .
The decision was announced after Spain recorded more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running .
The PM 's spokesman said decisions on border measures and travel advice `` can be changed rapidly if necessary to help stop the spread of the disease '' .
He added : `` Unfortunately no travel is risk-free during this pandemic and disruption is possible and so anyone travelling abroad should be aware that our travel advice and exemption list is under constant review as we monitor the international situation . ''
But the decision has angered tourists , airlines and travel firms .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is now advising against all non-essential travel to the whole of Spain , including the Balearic and Canary Islands .
`` We have considered the overall situation for British nationals travelling to and from the Balearic and Canary Islands , including the impact of the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK , and concluded that we should advise British nationals against all non-essential travel to the whole of Spain , '' a spokesman said .
Madrid had been calling for the UK to exempt travellers to the Balearic and Canary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reyes Maroto has insisted it is safe for holidaymakers to visit the popular destinations .
Spain 's tourism association - known as CEHAT - has offered to pay for tourists to take COVID-19 tests and called the quarantine decision `` illogical '' and `` unfair '' .
Downing Street has said the government expects employers to be `` flexible '' in allowing staff to work from home while self-isolating .
Number 10 said holidaymakers who miss out on work may be eligible for Universal Credit or employment support allowance - but not statutory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said workers who lose their jobs as a result of having to go into quarantine could appeal to the Advisory , Conciliation and Arbitration Service ( ACAS ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady is calling on the government to increase sick pay from its current level of £95 a week to `` at least '' the level of the real living wage - £320 a week .
She has also demanded that ministers change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to self-isolate .

The transport secretary will cut short his holiday in Spain and return to the UK after being caught out by the reintroduction of coronavirus quarantine measures for the country.
Grant Shapps flew there on Saturday morning to start his summer holiday, just hours before the government announced it was scrapping its travel corridor for Spain.
Since midnight on Saturday, Britons returning to the UK from mainland Spain and the Balearic and Canary Islands once again have to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 Britons abroad angry about quarantine change
In a statement sent to Sky News, Mr Shapps said: "I think it's right to get back to work in the UK as soon as possible in order to help handle the situation.
"The sooner I get back from Spain myself, the sooner I can get through quarantine.
"So I'm leaving my family to travel back to the UK on Wednesday."
Mr Shapps will not be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate, Downing Street has confirmed.
"The same rules apply to ministers as they do anyone else," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said.
Mr Shapps said he had been in "constant contact" with his officials and industry representatives whilst in Spain, adding he had "reviewed the data and worked with colleagues to make the difficult decision to introduce quarantine".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 How will the travel quarantine be enforced?
The transport secretary added in his statement that it was a "necessary emergency imposition".
Downing Street has defended the move, saying it was "announced straight away" after a decision was taken based on new data on cases numbers received on Friday.
The decision was announced after Spain recorded more than 900 new coronavirus cases for two days running.
The PM's spokesman said decisions on border measures and travel advice "can be changed rapidly if necessary to help stop the spread of the disease".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 TUI boss calls for 'nuanced' quarantine policy
He added: "Unfortunately no travel is risk-free during this pandemic and disruption is possible and so anyone travelling abroad should be aware that our travel advice and exemption list is under constant review as we monitor the international situation."
But the decision has angered tourists, airlines and travel firms.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also updated its travel advice for Spain.
It is now advising against all non-essential travel to the whole of Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Outbreaks in Spain 'perfectly controlled'
"We have considered the overall situation for British nationals travelling to and from the Balearic and Canary Islands, including the impact of the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK, and concluded that we should advise British nationals against all non-essential travel to the whole of Spain," a spokesman said.
Madrid had been calling for the UK to exempt travellers to the Balearic and Canary Islands from the quarantine.
Tourism minister Reyes Maroto has insisted it is safe for holidaymakers to visit the popular destinations.
Spain's tourism association - known as CEHAT - has offered to pay for tourists to take COVID-19 tests and called the quarantine decision "illogical" and "unfair".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Angry tourists vent over quarantine
Downing Street has said the government expects employers to be "flexible" in allowing staff to work from home while self-isolating.
Number 10 said holidaymakers who miss out on work may be eligible for Universal Credit or employment support allowance - but not statutory sick pay.
The PM's spokesman said workers who lose their jobs as a result of having to go into quarantine could appeal to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).
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TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady is calling on the government to increase sick pay from its current level of £95 a week to "at least" the level of the real living wage - £320 a week.
She has also demanded that ministers change the law to stop firms sacking workers who have to self-isolate.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-26--PM says he was 'too fat' as he launches obesity crackdown

Boris Johnson has said he used to be `` too fat '' as he announced a national crackdown on obesity .
The prime minister claimed he was `` way overweight '' when he got struck down with coronavirus in April , but that since his recovery he has been `` building up my fitness '' with a morning jog .
He added the plan to ban junk food adverts on TV and online before the watershed and stopping shops from displaying sweets and chocolates at supermarket checkouts was not meant to be `` excessively bossy '' but a gentle nudge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` buy one , get one free '' promotions on high-fat products as part of Mr Johnson 's new `` Better Health '' campaign .
He is encouraging Britons to lose weight to save the NHS time and money .
People who are clinically obese are 40 % more likely to die of COVID-19 , according to new Public Health England figures .
Mr Johnson 's time in intensive care has seen him U-turn on his approach to the country 's waistlines , after previous criticisms of so-called `` sin taxes '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said of the changes outlined on Monday : `` Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier .
`` If we all do our bit , we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus - as well as taking pressure off the NHS . ''
The changes will also force large restaurants , cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees to put calorie labels on their food .
There will be a further consultation on whether the same calorie counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year and if the ad ban should be extended further online , the Department of Health said .
As part of the programme , NHS weight loss services will also be expanded , while GPs will be encouraged to prescribe bike rides , with patients in pilot areas to be given access to bikes .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker TV chef Jamie Oliver , who has campaigned on childhood obesity for 20 years , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in the right direction '' .
He said children from the country 's poorest communities were `` most at risk '' , adding that `` having access to varied and healthier food plays a vital part in keeping us healthy and resilient '' .
But he said the `` devil will be in the detail '' and issued a reminder about the government 's commitment to halving childhood obesity by 2030 .
Health minister Helen Whately told Sky News on Monday : `` What we do know , and there 's evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foods influences children , and has even more influence on children from more deprived backgrounds who are more likely to be overweight .
`` The fact is , you do n't get overweight overnight from eating too much on one day , you become overweight from eating a bit extra for many many days over a period of time so eating a bit less over time is what 's needed in order to lose weight . ''
Tam Fry , chairman of the National Obesity Forum , said the government 's plans were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the national emergency that obesity is '' .
He claimed the PM had `` completely disregarded '' former chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies 's October 2019 report on childhood obesity , and that Mr Johnson 's `` meagre list falls woefully short '' .
Kate Nicholls , chief executive of UK Hospitality , which represents the industry , criticised the timing of enforcing extra calorie labelling costs on restaurants and pubs while they battle the challenges posed by COVID-19 .
She said it `` could not come at a worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs and regulatory burdens '' as a `` slap in the face '' .
Two-thirds ( 63 % ) of UK adults are above a healthy weight , with 36 % overweight and 28 % obese , according to government data .
One in three children aged 10 to 11 are overweight or obese , and children living with obesity are five times more likely to become obese adults .
Michelle Mitchell , Cancer Research UK 's chief executive , said the new measures represent a `` landmark day for the nation 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 13 types of cancer , as well as diabetes , heart disease and other serious illnesses , she added .

Boris Johnson has said he used to be "too fat" as he announced a national crackdown on obesity.
The prime minister claimed he was "way overweight" when he got struck down with coronavirus in April, but that since his recovery he has been "building up my fitness" with a morning jog.
He added the plan to ban junk food adverts on TV and online before the watershed and stopping shops from displaying sweets and chocolates at supermarket checkouts was not meant to be "excessively bossy" but a gentle nudge.
Image: Supermarkets won't be able to display sweets and chocolates at checkouts
Also planned is an end to "buy one, get one free" promotions on high-fat products as part of Mr Johnson's new "Better Health" campaign.
He is encouraging Britons to lose weight to save the NHS time and money.
Image: Boris Johnson, pictured here running during the Conservative Party conference in 2017, has launched an obesity drive
People who are clinically obese are 40% more likely to die of COVID-19, according to new Public Health England figures.
Mr Johnson's time in intensive care has seen him U-turn on his approach to the country's waistlines, after previous criticisms of so-called "sin taxes" and "nannying" by the government.
He said of the changes outlined on Monday: "Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier.
"If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus - as well as taking pressure off the NHS."
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The changes will also force large restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees to put calorie labels on their food.
There will be a further consultation on whether the same calorie counts should be applied to alcohol before the end of the year and if the ad ban should be extended further online, the Department of Health said.
As part of the programme, NHS weight loss services will also be expanded, while GPs will be encouraged to prescribe bike rides, with patients in pilot areas to be given access to bikes.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
TV chef Jamie Oliver, who has campaigned on childhood obesity for 20 years, said the PM's plans were a "huge step in the right direction".
He said children from the country's poorest communities were "most at risk", adding that "having access to varied and healthier food plays a vital part in keeping us healthy and resilient".
But he said the "devil will be in the detail" and issued a reminder about the government's commitment to halving childhood obesity by 2030.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Oliver: I can't believe it - PM really has a plan
Health minister Helen Whately told Sky News on Monday: "What we do know, and there's evidence of this, is advertising of unhealthy foods influences children, and has even more influence on children from more deprived backgrounds who are more likely to be overweight.
"The fact is, you don't get overweight overnight from eating too much on one day, you become overweight from eating a bit extra for many many days over a period of time so eating a bit less over time is what's needed in order to lose weight."
Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said the government's plans were "not enough to see an end to the national emergency that obesity is".
Image: Mr Johnson is also unveiling better access to cycling for people who are overweight
He claimed the PM had "completely disregarded" former chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies's October 2019 report on childhood obesity, and that Mr Johnson's "meagre list falls woefully short".
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, which represents the industry, criticised the timing of enforcing extra calorie labelling costs on restaurants and pubs while they battle the challenges posed by COVID-19.
She said it "could not come at a worse time" and described "rafts of costs and regulatory burdens" as a "slap in the face".
Two-thirds (63%) of UK adults are above a healthy weight, with 36% overweight and 28% obese, according to government data.
One in three children aged 10 to 11 are overweight or obese, and children living with obesity are five times more likely to become obese adults.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said the new measures represent a "landmark day for the nation's health".
Obesity increases the chances of 13 types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and other serious illnesses, she added.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-27--Online sales tax considered in bid to save the high street

A new tax on goods sold online is being considered by the chancellor in a bid to save the high street post-coronavirus , Downing Street has revealed .
It could be a 2 % levy on online sales , which would raise £2bn a year , or a charge on deliveries , as part of a campaign to cut congestion and emissions .
The move comes after Rishi Sunak highlighted concerns that business rates are effectively penalising high street stores and giving internet retailers an unfair advantage .
`` Last week , as we set out in the budget and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence to look into all aspects of the business rates system , '' the prime minister 's spokesman said .
`` And as part of this we will consider the case for introducing alternative taxes as part of the review , including an online sales tax .
`` The pandemic has had a significant impact on how business is done and the effect of this will become clearer over time .
`` We 'll continue to support businesses as far as possible , but we must also ensure that the tax system raises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services . ''
In its consultation document , the Treasury said : `` Some commentators argue that the business rates system creates a distortion within the retail sector , favouring online retailers that can operate without the high-value properties that are a feature of more traditional retail .
`` This has led to proposals that the government should levy a tax on companies based on their online sales , and that this could be used to fund business rates reductions for retail properties . ''
The online sales tax idea coincides with recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of Tory backbenchers , mostly Remainers , calling themselves `` moderate Conservative MPs '' .
In a report from the `` One Nation Caucus '' , the MPs call for `` a relentless focus on the government 's levelling-up agenda , in order to get the economy moving across the whole country '' .
Proposals include creating new Economic Development Zones to drive growth , expanding the number of planned Freeports , and creating technology adoption funds to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution .
The report also suggests a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a new consumer right to prevent loyalty penalties , and proposals for managing repayments of COVID business loans , recommending an approach similar to the Student Loan scheme .
`` The chancellor is doing a tremendous job of steering our economy through these difficult times , '' said the author , ex-minister Stephen Hammond , who was one of 21 pro-Remain MPs who lost the Tory whip last year .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more action will be needed to drive growth across the whole country .
`` Our new report sets out a number of 'oven-ready ' One Nation proposals to double down on levelling up and driving growth , which we hope they will consider at the forthcoming autumn budget . ''
Other MPs contributing to the report are ex-ministers Philip Dunne and John Penrose and backbenchers John Stevenson , Alan Mak and Julie Marson .
Damian Green , former first secretary of state and chair of the One Nation Caucus , added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our international relations in the post-Brexit era are two huge tasks and moderate Conservatives want to help the prime minister succeed in both . ''

A new tax on goods sold online is being considered by the chancellor in a bid to save the high street post-coronavirus, Downing Street has revealed.
It could be a 2% levy on online sales, which would raise £2bn a year, or a charge on deliveries, as part of a campaign to cut congestion and emissions.
The move comes after Rishi Sunak highlighted concerns that business rates are effectively penalising high street stores and giving internet retailers an unfair advantage.
Image: Rishi Sunak wearing a mask - after not wearing one while serving food to promote his jobs speech
"Last week, as we set out in the budget and manifesto, we published a call for evidence to look into all aspects of the business rates system," the prime minister's spokesman said.
"And as part of this we will consider the case for introducing alternative taxes as part of the review, including an online sales tax.
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on how business is done and the effect of this will become clearer over time.
"We'll continue to support businesses as far as possible, but we must also ensure that the tax system raises sufficient revenue to fund our vital public services."
In its consultation document, the Treasury said: "Some commentators argue that the business rates system creates a distortion within the retail sector, favouring online retailers that can operate without the high-value properties that are a feature of more traditional retail.
"This has led to proposals that the government should levy a tax on companies based on their online sales, and that this could be used to fund business rates reductions for retail properties."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Chancellor: 'We can't protect every job'
The online sales tax idea coincides with recommendations for restarting the economy after COVID-19 from a group of Tory backbenchers, mostly Remainers, calling themselves "moderate Conservative MPs".
In a report from the "One Nation Caucus", the MPs call for "a relentless focus on the government's levelling-up agenda, in order to get the economy moving across the whole country".
Proposals include creating new Economic Development Zones to drive growth, expanding the number of planned Freeports, and creating technology adoption funds to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The report also suggests a number of policies to protect people on low incomes, including a new consumer right to prevent loyalty penalties, and proposals for managing repayments of COVID business loans, recommending an approach similar to the Student Loan scheme.
"The chancellor is doing a tremendous job of steering our economy through these difficult times," said the author, ex-minister Stephen Hammond, who was one of 21 pro-Remain MPs who lost the Tory whip last year.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"But if we are to safeguard our recovery, more action will be needed to drive growth across the whole country.
"Our new report sets out a number of 'oven-ready' One Nation proposals to double down on levelling up and driving growth, which we hope they will consider at the forthcoming autumn budget."
Other MPs contributing to the report are ex-ministers Philip Dunne and John Penrose and backbenchers John Stevenson, Alan Mak and Julie Marson.
Damian Green, former first secretary of state and chair of the One Nation Caucus, added: "Levelling up in this country and re-setting our international relations in the post-Brexit era are two huge tasks and moderate Conservatives want to help the prime minister succeed in both."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-26--Sturgeon faces new questions over whether she misled parliament about when she knew of Salmond compl

Sturgeon faces new questions over whether she misled parliament about when she knew of Salmond complaints

Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon faces new questions over whether she misled parliament about when she knew of sexual misconduct complaints against Alex Salmond .
Sky News has learned there are conflicting accounts of a meeting she attended at the height of a Scottish government inquiry into her predecessor .
Ms Sturgeon told parliament she was informed of complaints against Mr Salmond when he told her himself on 2 April 2018 .
However , a previously unseen account of an earlier meeting contradicts her version of events .
It indicates she was involved in a `` discussion about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to parliament .
Political opponents say it raises questions over whether or not the first minister misled the Scottish Parliament and breached the ministerial code .
The questions arise from events in 2018 , when two female civil servants made complaints of historical sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond , which he strenuously denied .
The Scottish government mounted an inquiry but it was abandoned after Mr Salmond launched a legal challenge and the Court of Session found the handling of the investigation was `` tainted by apparent bias '' .
The contradiction surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what she knew of the Scottish government 's inquiry - and when .
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament in January 2019 , she said she was informed of the inquiry by Mr Salmond himself on 2 April 2018 .
However , it emerged during Mr Salmond 's recent criminal trial - at which he was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault - that a meeting took place four days before on 29 March 2018 .
The meeting took place in the first minister 's Holyrood office and was attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Geoff Aberdein , Mr Salmond 's former chief of staff .
No evidence was heard at the trial about the content of the 29 March meeting , but Sky News has seen an account that indicates the complaints against Mr Salmond were discussed , contradicting what Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament .
The account that we have seen states : `` The conversation was around the fact of the complaints , without discussing the specifics of them .
`` There was discussion about the investigation , the process of it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation being conducted by civil servants . ''
Details of the meeting were recorded during precognition interviews prior to the criminal trial and Mr Aberdein revealed his involvement while giving evidence as a defence witness .
He told the court he had been contacted by an aide to Ms Sturgeon in the spring of 2018 and it triggered a series of subsequent meetings .
9 March 2018 - During this meeting , Nicola Sturgeon 's aide told Geoff Aberdein of two complaints of alleged misconduct against Alex Salmond 29 March 2018 - Geoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
A senior Scottish government official was also present .
Sky News has been told that the investigation into complaints against Alex Salmond was discussed at this meeting 2 April 2018 - Nicola Sturgeon met Alex Salmond at her house in Glasgow .
She tells the Scottish Parliament that this was when he informed her of the complaints against him .
Geoff Aberdein was among others present in the house at the time , including a senior Scottish government official .
Ms Sturgeon has said she stands by the statement she made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was visiting a temporary emergency critical care hospital in Glasgow on Monday , continued : `` There is a parliamentary enquiry that is now getting under way .
`` I am required to give in the first instance written evidence to that enquiry over the next week or so , and then no doubt I will be called to give oral evidence to that enquiry .
`` I will put my side of this to that enquiry .
I said recently that while I do n't relish this process at all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief to be able to do so .
`` But I will share information with the committee in the way that the committee has asked me to do . ''
Christine Jardine MP , Liberal Democrat for Edinburgh West , says the sequence of meetings raises serious questions for Scotland 's first minister .
She told Sky News : `` What we have now are concerns about inconsistencies in what we 've been told , and what we need is to know whether the first minister deliberately , or by mistake , misled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has the first minister given full disclosure ?
If not , that 's a serious matter . ''
A Scottish government spokesperson told Sky News that Ms Sturgeon does not dispute that the 29 March meeting took place but refutes the suggestion that it involved discussion of the Scottish government 's Salmond inquiry .
Sky News asked the Scottish government several questions regarding the meeting on 29 March 2018 .
We asked if the Alex Salmond investigation was indeed discussed .
A spokesperson replied : `` The first minister stands by her statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker We asked if the first minister misled the Scottish Parliament when she told MSPs that it was Mr Salmond who informed her of the investigation into complaints against him on 2 April 2018 .
A spokesperson replied : `` The first minister stands by her statement to parliament . ''
We asked if minutes were kept of the 29 March 2018 meeting and if it was recorded in the diaries of either Ms Sturgeon or the government official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .
When contacted by Sky News , Mr Aberdein declined to comment .
Questions arising from the new revelations will almost certainly be asked of Ms Sturgeon when she faces a Holyrood committee looking into the Scottish government 's botched 2018 investigation of complaints against Mr Salmond .
The cross-party committee will start taking oral evidence in the autumn from the first minister and others , who include Mr Salmond , Mr Aberdein and Ms Sturgeon 's husband Peter Murrell , the chief executive of the SNP .
There are other reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry .
Both have been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Scottish government itself is looking into how its harassment procedures were applied .
Separately , Ms Sturgeon referred herself to an independent panel that will look into whether or not she broke the ministerial code in her dealings with Mr Salmond .
Her self-referral came after opposition parties questioned why she had been made aware of the inquiry into Mr Salmond when , as first minister , she should not have known about it until its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings and two phone calls with Mr Salmond in spring-summer 2018 had not been minuted as government business .
Ms Sturgeon said at the time that it was party business , not government , and insisted she had done nothing to intervene in the inquiry process .

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon faces new questions over whether she misled parliament about when she knew of sexual misconduct complaints against Alex Salmond.
Sky News has learned there are conflicting accounts of a meeting she attended at the height of a Scottish government inquiry into her predecessor.
Ms Sturgeon told parliament she was informed of complaints against Mr Salmond when he told her himself on 2 April 2018. However, a previously unseen account of an earlier meeting contradicts her version of events.
It indicates she was involved in a "discussion about the investigation" before the date she gave to parliament.
Political opponents say it raises questions over whether or not the first minister misled the Scottish Parliament and breached the ministerial code.
The questions arise from events in 2018, when two female civil servants made complaints of historical sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond, which he strenuously denied.
The Scottish government mounted an inquiry but it was abandoned after Mr Salmond launched a legal challenge and the Court of Session found the handling of the investigation was "tainted by apparent bias".
The contradiction surrounding Ms Sturgeon's version of events centres on what she knew of the Scottish government's inquiry - and when.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament in January 2019, she said she was informed of the inquiry by Mr Salmond himself on 2 April 2018.
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Image: Mr Salmond was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault
However, it emerged during Mr Salmond's recent criminal trial - at which he was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault - that a meeting took place four days before on 29 March 2018.
The meeting took place in the first minister's Holyrood office and was attended by Ms Sturgeon, a government official and Geoff Aberdein, Mr Salmond's former chief of staff.
No evidence was heard at the trial about the content of the 29 March meeting, but Sky News has seen an account that indicates the complaints against Mr Salmond were discussed, contradicting what Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament.
The account that we have seen states: "The conversation was around the fact of the complaints, without discussing the specifics of them.
"There was discussion about the investigation, the process of it, the fact it was a civil service investigation being conducted by civil servants."
Details of the meeting were recorded during precognition interviews prior to the criminal trial and Mr Aberdein revealed his involvement while giving evidence as a defence witness.
He told the court he had been contacted by an aide to Ms Sturgeon in the spring of 2018 and it triggered a series of subsequent meetings.
6 March 2018 - Geoff Aberdein met Nicola Sturgeon's aide for "a catch up"
9 March 2018 - During this meeting, Nicola Sturgeon's aide told Geoff Aberdein of two complaints of alleged misconduct against Alex Salmond
29 March 2018 - Geoff Aberdein met Nicola Sturgeon in her Holyrood office. A senior Scottish government official was also present. Sky News has been told that the investigation into complaints against Alex Salmond was discussed at this meeting
2 April 2018 - Nicola Sturgeon met Alex Salmond at her house in Glasgow. She tells the Scottish Parliament that this was when he informed her of the complaints against him. Geoff Aberdein was among others present in the house at the time, including a senior Scottish government official.
Image: Salmond's allegations were 'discussed' at a meeting Ms Sturgeon attended on 29 March 2018, the new account claims
Ms Sturgeon has said she stands by the statement she made to parliament.
The first minister, who was visiting a temporary emergency critical care hospital in Glasgow on Monday, continued: "There is a parliamentary enquiry that is now getting under way.
"I am required to give in the first instance written evidence to that enquiry over the next week or so, and then no doubt I will be called to give oral evidence to that enquiry.
"I will put my side of this to that enquiry. I said recently that while I don't relish this process at all, it will to some extent be a relief to be able to do so.
"But I will share information with the committee in the way that the committee has asked me to do."
Christine Jardine MP, Liberal Democrat for Edinburgh West, says the sequence of meetings raises serious questions for Scotland's first minister.
She told Sky News: "What we have now are concerns about inconsistencies in what we've been told, and what we need is to know whether the first minister deliberately, or by mistake, misled parliament."
She added: "Has the first minister given full disclosure? If not, that's a serious matter."
A Scottish government spokesperson told Sky News that Ms Sturgeon does not dispute that the 29 March meeting took place but refutes the suggestion that it involved discussion of the Scottish government's Salmond inquiry.
Sky News asked the Scottish government several questions regarding the meeting on 29 March 2018.
We asked if the Alex Salmond investigation was indeed discussed. A spokesperson replied: "The first minister stands by her statement to parliament."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
We asked if the first minister misled the Scottish Parliament when she told MSPs that it was Mr Salmond who informed her of the investigation into complaints against him on 2 April 2018.
A spokesperson replied: "The first minister stands by her statement to parliament."
We asked if minutes were kept of the 29 March 2018 meeting and if it was recorded in the diaries of either Ms Sturgeon or the government official present. The Scottish government made no comment.
When contacted by Sky News, Mr Aberdein declined to comment.
Questions arising from the new revelations will almost certainly be asked of Ms Sturgeon when she faces a Holyrood committee looking into the Scottish government's botched 2018 investigation of complaints against Mr Salmond.
The cross-party committee will start taking oral evidence in the autumn from the first minister and others, who include Mr Salmond, Mr Aberdein and Ms Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell, the chief executive of the SNP.
There are other reviews, too, stemming from the abandoned inquiry. Both have been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Scottish government itself is looking into how its harassment procedures were applied.
Separately, Ms Sturgeon referred herself to an independent panel that will look into whether or not she broke the ministerial code in her dealings with Mr Salmond.
Her self-referral came after opposition parties questioned why she had been made aware of the inquiry into Mr Salmond when, as first minister, she should not have known about it until its outcome.
They also queried why three meetings and two phone calls with Mr Salmond in spring-summer 2018 had not been minuted as government business.
Ms Sturgeon said at the time that it was party business, not government, and insisted she had done nothing to intervene in the inquiry process.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-26--UK revises Spain travel advice amid quarantine row

The UK government has revised its travel advice for Spain to warn against all non-essential travel to the Balearics and Canaries - despite calls for the islands to be exempt from quarantine rules .
The Foreign Office said the latest advice came after it considered `` the impact of the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK '' .
Britons were already advised against non-essential travel to mainland Spain .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , who is currently on holiday in Spain , announced he is cutting short his trip to return home and now faces a two-week quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get back from Spain myself , the sooner I can get through quarantine , '' he said in a statement .
Travel firm TUI UK has cancelled all holidays to the Spanish islands for the next few days , following the government 's change .
The company has called on the government to take a more targeted approach to coronavirus quarantine measures as it also cancelled flights to mainland Spain until 9 August .
Jet2 has announced the suspension of its flights to some holiday destinations in Spain and to Faro airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the areas of Spain affected are Costa de Almeria , Alicante , Malaga and Murcia - and the suspension will last until mid-August .
In a statement , Jet2 said : `` We urge the government to provide the industry with clarity , so that we can keep our all-important customers up-to-date and informed . ''
Spain was added to the UK 's quarantine list - which already included Portugal - from midnight on Saturday with just a few hours ' warning .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the move was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justified '' and he said the country is in talks with UK authorities to make them reconsider their decision .
The number of coronavirus cases in Spain has increased by 6,355 since Friday .
Data also shows that infection rates are currently rising in many European countries , which could all be at risk of being placed on a quarantine list .
Spain 's government has been calling for the UK to exempt travellers to the Balearic and Canary Islands from the newly announced two-week quarantine .
Tourism minister Reyes Maroto insisted it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular destinations .
She said : `` We 've been talking all weekend .
What we 'd like is for quarantines to be lifted on the islands as early as possible and we hope it will be today rather than tomorrow . ''
Daniel Trigg , chairman of the Lanzarote Business and Residents ' Association said he was caught off-guard by the UK government 's decision to apply a blanket rule across all of Spain and its islands , adding that Lanzarote currently has just one case of coronavirus .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not understand how the Canary Islands can be included .
`` We 've complied with everything and just do not understand why we 're all put in the same category as mainland Spain . ''
Mr Trigg urged the British government to reconsider the decision due to Lanzarote 's reliance on tourism for income and its precarious outlook for jobs .
He added : `` Thousands of people will be put out of work and will never recover .
Some businesses will just not last this .
`` You 're [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a lot of business and a lot of hard working families , including a lot of self-employed people in the tourism sector . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman said no international travel is `` risk-free '' , adding : `` Decisions on border measures and travel advice can be changed rapidly if necessary to stop the spread of the disease . ''
Spain 's tourism association - known as CEHAT - has offered to pay for tourists to take coronavirus tests and called the quarantine decision `` illogical '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister showed no signs of budging , saying `` within individual countries there is no way for us to control intra-country transport '' so it is `` very difficult '' to have regional exemptions .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that the government received data on Friday which showed a `` big jump '' in COVID-19 cases across Spain .
He said ministers looked at the data on Saturday afternoon and acted as quickly as they could - and the Department for Transport stands ready to do the same again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helen Whately urged people to work from home when they return from Spain and asked employers to `` be supportive '' .
France said at the weekend that its R-rate was up to 1.3 - with countries aiming for 1 or less in order to contain the virus .
Daily new infections in France on Friday rose to 1,130 .
Spain 's ministry of foreign affairs insisted the situation in the country was `` under control '' , with outbreaks `` localised , isolated and controlled '' .
But the number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than 900 new infections reported on Friday .
Emily Harrison , from Essex , who was flying to London , said : `` It 's not given very much time to prepare so everyone is now panicking , and I also think it ruins plans for everybody , so I do n't really agree with that because it has come too soon .
We have n't had enough preparation . ''
Close to 1.8 million holidays were likely to have been thrown into chaos by the quarantine move , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pippa Stickler , who was due to fly home to the UK , said she and her partner are unable to get 14 days off work upon their return .
She said : `` My partner is in a hands-on job with only four days ' holiday remaining , so it has to be unpaid , and I ca n't work from home so can not be off . ''
Mr Raab said no employee should be penalised for isolating , telling Sky News : `` If someone is following the law in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should , they ca n't have penalties taken against them . ''
The decision to impose a quarantine for travellers returning from Spain has been taken by all the devolved administrations in charge of health policy in England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to The Times , trips to France , Italy and Greece are being cancelled in `` large numbers '' following the ruling by ministers on Spain , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an already under-strain travel sector .
British Airways and easyJet both expressed `` disappointment '' with the Spain quarantine decision , but said flights would not be immediately affected .
BA added that customers who no longer wished to travel to Spain could contact them to claim a voucher for future travel , while easyJet has said customers can transfer their flights without a change fee or get a voucher for the value of their booking .

The UK government has revised its travel advice for Spain to warn against all non-essential travel to the Balearics and Canaries - despite calls for the islands to be exempt from quarantine rules.
The Foreign Office said the latest advice came after it considered "the impact of the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK".
Britons were already advised against non-essential travel to mainland Spain.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who is currently on holiday there, announced he is cutting short his trip to return home and now faces a two-week quarantine on his return.
"The sooner I get back from Spain myself, the sooner I can get through quarantine," he said in a statement.
Image: Grant Shapps faces a two-week quarantine on his return to the UK from Spain
Travel firm TUI UK has cancelled all holidays to the Spanish islands for the next few days, following the government's change.
The company has called on the government to take a more targeted approach to coronavirus quarantine measures as it also cancelled flights to mainland Spain until 9 August.
Jet2 urged passengers due to fly to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza "not to go to the airport" on Tuesday.
A spokesman said: "We are not operating flights to these destinations."
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"This advice also applies to customers travelling to any of our destinations in mainland Spain. We will be operating our scheduled programme of flights back to the UK from these destinations," they added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Angry tourists vent over quarantine
Spain was added to the UK's quarantine list - which already included Portugal - from midnight on Saturday with just a few hours' warning.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the move was an "error" and "not justified", adding the country is in talks with UK authorities to make them reconsider their decision.
The number of coronavirus cases in Spain has increased by 6,355 since Friday.
Data also shows that infection rates are currently rising in many European countries, which could all be at risk of being placed on the quarantine list.
Spain's government has been calling for the UK to exempt travellers to the Balearic and Canary Islands from the newly announced two-week quarantine.
Tourism minister Reyes Maroto insisted it was safe for holidaymakers to visit the popular destinations.
She said: "We've been talking all weekend. What we'd like is for quarantines to be lifted on the islands as early as possible and we hope it will be today rather than tomorrow."
Daniel Trigg, chairman of the Lanzarote Business and Residents' Association, said he was caught off-guard by the UK government's decision to apply a blanket rule across all of Spain and its islands, adding that Lanzarote currently has just one case of coronavirus.
He said: "It came out of nowhere. We do not understand how the Canary Islands can be included.
"We've complied with everything and just do not understand why we're all put in the same category as mainland Spain."
Mr Trigg urged the British government to reconsider the decision due to Lanzarote's reliance on tourism for income and its precarious outlook for jobs.
He added: "Thousands of people will be put out of work and will never recover. Some businesses will just not last this.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Outbreaks in Spain 'perfectly controlled'
"You're [the UK government] going to wipe out a lot of business and a lot of hard working families, including a lot of self-employed people in the tourism sector."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said no international travel is "risk-free", adding: "Decisions on border measures and travel advice can be changed rapidly if necessary to stop the spread of the disease."
Spain's tourism association - known as CEHAT - has offered to pay for tourists to take coronavirus tests and called the quarantine decision "illogical" and "unfair".
But a UK minister showed no signs of budging, saying "within individual countries there is no way for us to control intra-country transport" so it is "very difficult" to have regional exemptions.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that the government received data on Friday which showed a "big jump" in COVID-19 cases across Spain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Spain quarantine: UK acted 'swiftly'
He said ministers looked at the data on Saturday afternoon and acted as quickly as they could - and the Department for Transport stands ready to do the same again.
Speaking to Sky News, health minister Helen Whately urged people to work from home when they return from Spain and asked employers to "be supportive".
France said at the weekend that its R-rate was up to 1.3 - with countries aiming for 1 or less in order to contain the virus. Daily new infections in France on Friday rose to 1,130.
Spain's ministry of foreign affairs insisted the situation in the country was "under control", with outbreaks "localised, isolated and controlled".
But the number of cases there has tripled in two weeks, with more than 900 new infections reported on Friday.
Emily Harrison, from Essex, who was flying to London, said: "It's not given very much time to prepare so everyone is now panicking, and I also think it ruins plans for everybody, so I don't really agree with that because it has come too soon. We haven't had enough preparation."
Close to 1.8 million holidays were likely to have been thrown into chaos by the quarantine move, according to travel company The PC Agency.
Tourist Pippa Stickler, who was due to fly home to the UK, said she and her partner are unable to get 14 days off work upon their return.
Image: TUI has cancelled flights to mainland Spain
She said: "My partner is in a hands-on job with only four days' holiday remaining, so it has to be unpaid, and I can't work from home so cannot be off."
Mr Raab said no employee should be penalised for isolating, telling Sky News: "If someone is following the law in relation to quarantine and self-isolating the way they should, they can't have penalties taken against them."
The decision to impose a quarantine for travellers returning from Spain has been taken by all the devolved administrations in charge of health policy in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
According to The Times, trips to France, Italy and Greece are being cancelled in "large numbers" following the ruling by ministers on Spain, a development likely to heap further pressure on an already under-strain travel sector.
British Airways and easyJet both expressed "disappointment" with the Spain quarantine decision, but said flights would not be immediately affected.
BA added that customers who no longer wished to travel to Spain could contact them to claim a voucher for future travel, while easyJet has said customers can transfer their flights without a change fee or get a voucher for the value of their booking.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-26--Blair says government should investigate Russian interference

There should be a government investigation into whether Russia interfered in the EU referendum , Tony Blair has told Sky News , as he also warned Scottish independence was a `` possibility '' .
In a wide-ranging interview with Sophy Ridge on Sunday , the former prime minister also praised current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
He said Sir Keir , who replaced Jeremy Corbyn in April , is doing a `` great job '' and he speaks with him `` from time to time '' .
Mr Blair , who was PM from 1997 to 2007 , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit was down to Russian interference .
`` That would be foolish in my view , '' he told Ridge .
But he said it was `` sensible '' to ascertain whether any interference took place .
`` You should know and the government should investigate for the future at any rate , '' Mr Blair told the programme .
A long-awaited report from the Intelligence and Security Committee released this week found that UK spy agencies took their `` eye off the ball '' over Russian interference and the government `` badly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` illogical '' approach by MI5 not to fully investigate how much Moscow tried to influence the Brexit referendum because of an `` extreme caution '' of being seen to interfere in `` democratic processes '' .
Ministers `` did not want to know '' and `` actively avoided looking for evidence '' , SNP MP and committee member Stewart Hosie said in the wake of the report 's release .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs there was `` no smoking gun '' in the report , while the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the referendum was `` not necessary '' .
Mr Johnson accused `` Islingtonian Remainers '' of seizing on it to cast doubt over the vote for Brexit .
Mr Blair suggested in his Sky News interview that the government had ignored the threat from Russia .
`` Whether we 've taken our eye off the ball or just decided not to put our eye on it is an interesting question , '' he said .
`` We live in a new world today where cyber-security is going to be a massive , massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that want to weaken the West .
`` We know basically why they want to do it , and we 've just got to make sure that they are all the time constrained . ''
Downing Street has promised to give the security services extra powers to fight foreign interference , including introducing a `` register of foreign agents '' .
Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday , the PM said : `` This government is bringing forward legislation , not only a new Espionage Act , not only new laws to protect against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Magnitsky Act directly to counter individuals in Russia or elsewhere who transgress human rights . ''
Mr Johnson also claimed there was `` no country in the Western world that is more vigilant in protecting the interests of this country or the international community from Russian interference '' .
On the question of Scottish independence , Mr Blair told Ridge that it was a `` possibility '' .
Mr Johnson , the former PM claimed , is `` not going to be the person who is going to save the union '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's been two problems really over the last decade , '' Mr Blair said .
The former PM said that Labour `` went off , in my view , completely the wrong direction on Scotland '' and there was `` no proper opposition '' to the Scottish National Party until Ruth Davidson took over the Scottish Tories in 2011 .
Mr Blair , who led Labour from 1994 to when he left Number 10 , was a vocal critic of Mr Corbyn 's leadership of the party .
By contrast , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top job earlier this year .
Mr Blair told Ridge he has `` made the Labour Party competitive again '' .
`` There is still a long way to go on policy but he 's made a really impressive start , '' he said .
But he warned Sir Keir to handle the issue of possible tax rises carefully .
`` The public out there ... are probably worried that you are going to raise taxes so you 've just got to be mindful of that concern , '' Mr Blair cautioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there that is what I call radical but sensible and that 's where the Labour Party 's got to go to and I think there is much more talent on the front bench now and Keir is obviously , as I say , he 's a sensible , serious guy and we 've got the time to get it right . ''
Although he has been out of office for 13 years , Mr Blair has remained involved in British politics .
He made frequent interventions on the issue of Brexit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate surrounding the government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Despite winning three elections for Labour he remains a controversial figure both inside and outside of the party - in large part due to the legacy of the 2003 invasion of Iraq .
And Mr Blair made clear that he will continue speaking out on issues he cares about .
`` I always say to people , if you do n't want to listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't bother , '' he said .
`` But I 'm not going to be playing rounds of golf and sitting at home twiddling my thumbs , that 's not going to happen , ever . ''

There should be a government investigation into whether Russia interfered in the EU referendum, Tony Blair has told Sky News, as he also warned Scottish independence was a "possibility".
In a wide-ranging interview with Sophy Ridge on Sunday, the former prime minister also praised current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
He said Sir Keir, who replaced Jeremy Corbyn in April, is doing a "great job" and he speaks with him "from time to time".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 19:54 Full interview: Tony Blair
Mr Blair, who was PM from 1997 to 2007, said he did not think the vote for Brexit was down to Russian interference.
"That would be foolish in my view," he told Ridge.
But he said it was "sensible" to ascertain whether any interference took place.
"You should know and the government should investigate for the future at any rate," Mr Blair told the programme.
A long-awaited report from the Intelligence and Security Committee released this week found that UK spy agencies took their "eye off the ball" over Russian interference and the government "badly underestimated" the threat.
It criticised the "illogical" approach by MI5 not to fully investigate how much Moscow tried to influence the Brexit referendum because of an "extreme caution" of being seen to interfere in "democratic processes".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 PM slammed for Russia report
Ministers "did not want to know" and "actively avoided looking for evidence", SNP MP and committee member Stewart Hosie said in the wake of the report's release.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs there was "no smoking gun" in the report, while the government has said a "retrospective assessment" of the referendum was "not necessary".
Mr Johnson accused "Islingtonian Remainers" of seizing on it to cast doubt over the vote for Brexit.
Mr Blair suggested in his Sky News interview that the government had ignored the threat from Russia.
"Whether we've taken our eye off the ball or just decided not to put our eye on it is an interesting question," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Russia report: UK took 'eye off the ball'
"We live in a new world today where cyber-security is going to be a massive, massive question for government and there are governments that want to weaken the West.
"We know basically why they want to do it, and we've just got to make sure that they are all the time constrained."
Downing Street has promised to give the security services extra powers to fight foreign interference, including introducing a "register of foreign agents".
Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday, the PM said: "This government is bringing forward legislation, not only a new Espionage Act, not only new laws to protect against theft of our intellectual property but also a Magnitsky Act directly to counter individuals in Russia or elsewhere who transgress human rights."
Mr Johnson also claimed there was "no country in the Western world that is more vigilant in protecting the interests of this country or the international community from Russian interference".
On the question of Scottish independence, Mr Blair told Ridge that it was a "possibility".
Mr Johnson, the former PM claimed, is "not going to be the person who is going to save the union".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:23 April: Government 'too slow' to act on coronavirus- Blair
"My view of Scotland is there's been two problems really over the last decade," Mr Blair said.
The former PM said that Labour "went off, in my view, completely the wrong direction on Scotland" and there was "no proper opposition" to the Scottish National Party until Ruth Davidson took over the Scottish Tories in 2011.
Mr Blair, who led Labour from 1994 to when he left Number 10, was a vocal critic of Mr Corbyn's leadership of the party.
By contrast, he has praised Sir Keir since he won the top job earlier this year.
Mr Blair told Ridge he has "made the Labour Party competitive again".
"There is still a long way to go on policy but he's made a really impressive start," he said.
Image: Mr Blair said Sir Keir has 'made the Labour Party competitive again'
But he warned Sir Keir to handle the issue of possible tax rises carefully.
"The public out there... are probably worried that you are going to raise taxes so you've just got to be mindful of that concern," Mr Blair cautioned.
"There is a policy agenda out there that is what I call radical but sensible and that's where the Labour Party's got to go to and I think there is much more talent on the front bench now and Keir is obviously, as I say, he's a sensible, serious guy and we've got the time to get it right."
Although he has been out of office for 13 years, Mr Blair has remained involved in British politics.
He made frequent interventions on the issue of Brexit and has in recent months contributed to the debate surrounding the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Despite winning three elections for Labour he remains a controversial figure both inside and outside of the party - in large part due to the legacy of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
And Mr Blair made clear that he will continue speaking out on issues he cares about.
"I always say to people, if you don't want to listen, it's a free world, don't bother," he said.
"But I'm not going to be playing rounds of golf and sitting at home twiddling my thumbs, that's not going to happen, ever."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-26--'We cannot wait' to learn lessons before potential second wave of COVID-19, govt warned

`` We can not wait '' to learn lessons from the coronavirus pandemic , an MP leading an inquiry into the government 's handling of the outbreak so far has told Sky News .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday , Layla Moran said the `` rapid inquiry '' was needed before a potential second wave of COVID-19 later this year .
The Lib Dem MP and party leadership candidate told the programme that more than 50 MPs - including some Conservatives - are involved with the inquiry .
More than 1,000 submissions have been received so far , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence from bereaved families , health experts , professional bodies and the public , with final recommendations set to be published by the end of the summer .
Ms Moran added : `` The vast majority have come from individuals who are suffering from long-lasting effects of coronavirus , they call it long-COVID .
`` The other big group that 's written in on an individual basis are bereaved families where tragically one of their own passed away and I am really concerned about the mental support around them .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a full report that will then sum all of that up by the end of September , but our view is that we can not wait . ''
The Oxford West and Abingdon MP said one of the questions the inquiry will try to answer is `` what is the government 's overall strategy ? ''
.
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We 've seen other countries , including in the United Kingdom , say they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero transmission in the community of coronavirus , and they have done that by putting things in place like a proper test and trace system that works from start to finish , social distancing and clamping down on things like that earlier , '' she said .
`` We have not heard from Boris Johnson if that is what he is aiming for in England and the whole of the United Kingdom and that is one of the big questions , because if we are n't aiming for zero-COVID before the autumn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure that the NHS is prepared ? ''
The prime minister has promised to set up an independent inquiry into the government 's handling of the pandemic , telling MPs earlier this month : `` We will seek to learn the lessons of this pandemic in the future and certainly we will have an independent inquiry into what happened . ''
Discussing her bid to be the next Lib Dem leader , Ms Moran said the survival of the party could be at stake in its leadership election .
The Lib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledging to reverse Brexit , but saw former leader Jo Swinson lose her seat on a disappointing night for the party .
`` It has now been three general elections in a row , we are bumping along at 6 % in the polls , change has never been more necessary , in fact it 's essential for the survival of our party and what I want to do as leader is to reverse that decline , '' Ms Moran said .
`` This is a really critical moment for our party and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward together , then I am seriously concerned about the future of the party . ''
The party 's new leader will be announced at the end of August .
Sir Ed Davey , the party 's acting leader and a former cabinet minister in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition government , is also standing .

"We cannot wait" to learn lessons from the coronavirus pandemic, an MP leading an inquiry into the government's handling of the outbreak so far has told Sky News.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Layla Moran said the "rapid inquiry" was needed before a potential second wave of COVID-19 later this year.
The Lib Dem MP and party leadership candidate told the programme that more than 50 MPs - including some Conservatives - are involved with the inquiry.
Image: More than 40,000 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19, according to official government figures
More than 1,000 submissions have been received so far, Ms Moran said.
The inquiry will hear evidence from bereaved families, health experts, professional bodies and the public, with final recommendations set to be published by the end of the summer.
Ms Moran added: "The vast majority have come from individuals who are suffering from long-lasting effects of coronavirus, they call it long-COVID.
"The other big group that's written in on an individual basis are bereaved families where tragically one of their own passed away and I am really concerned about the mental support around them.
"We are going to release recommendations as we go, with a full report that will then sum all of that up by the end of September, but our view is that we cannot wait."
The Oxford West and Abingdon MP said one of the questions the inquiry will try to answer is "what is the government's overall strategy?".
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We've seen other countries, including in the United Kingdom, say they are aiming for what is termed zero-COVID, zero transmission in the community of coronavirus, and they have done that by putting things in place like a proper test and trace system that works from start to finish, social distancing and clamping down on things like that earlier," she said.
"We have not heard from Boris Johnson if that is what he is aiming for in England and the whole of the United Kingdom and that is one of the big questions, because if we aren't aiming for zero-COVID before the autumn, then what do we need to do to make sure that the NHS is prepared?"
The prime minister has promised to set up an independent inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic, telling MPs earlier this month: "We will seek to learn the lessons of this pandemic in the future and certainly we will have an independent inquiry into what happened."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 PM promises pandemic inquiry at the right time
Discussing her bid to be the next Lib Dem leader, Ms Moran said the survival of the party could be at stake in its leadership election.
The Lib Dems went into the last general election pledging to reverse Brexit, but saw former leader Jo Swinson lose her seat on a disappointing night for the party.
"It has now been three general elections in a row, we are bumping along at 6% in the polls, change has never been more necessary, in fact it's essential for the survival of our party and what I want to do as leader is to reverse that decline," Ms Moran said.
"This is a really critical moment for our party and unless we change and unless we move forward together, then I am seriously concerned about the future of the party."
Image: Sir Ed Davey is also standing to be the next Lib Dem leader
The party's new leader will be announced at the end of August.
Sir Ed Davey, the party's acting leader and a former cabinet minister in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition government, is also standing.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-26--Priti Patel wants explanation from Twitter and Instagram over 'abhorrent' Wiley tweets

Priti Patel has demanded an explanation from Twitter and Instagram over the length of time it took to remove `` abhorrent '' posts made by Wiley .
Police are currently investigating a series of antisemitic comments posted on the Grime artist 's social media accounts .
The Home Secretary tweeted on Sunday : `` The antisemitic posts from Wiley are abhorrent .
`` They should not have been able to remain on Twitter and Instagram for so long and I have asked them for a full explanation .
`` Social media companies must act much faster to remove such appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was accused of `` ignoring antisemitism '' as Wiley 's tweets were still visible 12 hours after they were first posted .
A number of tweets have since been removed and the 41-year-old has been issued a seven-day ban by the site .
Twitter previously said Wiley 's account had been temporarily locked `` for violating our hateful conduct policy '' , while Facebook said there was `` no place for hate speech on Instagram '' .
The Metropolitan Police said on Saturday : `` The Met takes all reports of antisemitism extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed . ''
Meanwhile , Wiley 's management company , A-List Management , `` cut all ties '' with the star .
The artist 's now former manager , John Woolf , who is Jewish , wrote on Twitter : `` Following Wiley 's antisemitic tweets today we at @ A_ListMGMT have cut all ties with him .
There is no place in society for antisemitism . ''
He had earlier said he did not support or condone what Wiley posted but that he would speak to him privately and `` help educate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video on Instagram , Wiley appeared to say it was him who had cut ties with his management .
Other MPs criticised Twitter for allowing the tweets to remain visible .
Labour MP Jess Phillips said on Saturday : `` Just seen all the Wiley stuff .
Why on earth have @ Twitter left up such blatant antisemitism and hatred ?
It hits all the dangerous beats , Jews get things you do n't get , they are in control , they think their better ...
This is dangerous stuff .
Surely it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil Coyle added : `` His management appear able to act quicker than @ Twitter emphasising , once again , that legislation ( including the Online Harms Bill ) should ensure social media platforms are not used to spread hate . ''
John Mann , the government 's independent adviser on antisemitism , said the tweets `` demonstrated precisely why the law needs changing to hold them to reasonable account '' .
Meanwhile , the Campaign Against Antisemitism asked police to investigate Wiley 's content and called on his social media accounts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outpouring of anti-Jewish venom '' .
Wiley , known as the Godfather of Grime and whose real name is Richard Cowie , received an MBE for services to music in 2018 .

Priti Patel has demanded an explanation from Twitter and Instagram over the length of time it took to remove "abhorrent" posts made by Wiley.
Police are currently investigating a series of antisemitic comments posted on the Grime artist's social media accounts.
The Home Secretary tweeted on Sunday: "The antisemitic posts from Wiley are abhorrent.
"They should not have been able to remain on Twitter and Instagram for so long and I have asked them for a full explanation.
"Social media companies must act much faster to remove such appalling hatred from their platforms."
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Twitter was accused of "ignoring antisemitism" as Wiley's tweets were still visible 12 hours after they were first posted.
A number of tweets have since been removed and the 41-year-old has been issued a seven-day ban by the site.
Twitter previously said Wiley's account had been temporarily locked "for violating our hateful conduct policy", while Facebook said there was "no place for hate speech on Instagram".
The Metropolitan Police said on Saturday: "The Met takes all reports of antisemitism extremely seriously. The relevant material is being assessed."
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Meanwhile, Wiley's management company, A-List Management, "cut all ties" with the star.
The artist's now former manager, John Woolf, who is Jewish, wrote on Twitter: "Following Wiley's antisemitic tweets today we at @A_ListMGMT have cut all ties with him. There is no place in society for antisemitism."
Image: Priti Patel described Wiley's posts as 'abhorrent'
He had earlier said he did not support or condone what Wiley posted but that he would speak to him privately and "help educate him".
However, in a video on Instagram, Wiley appeared to say it was him who had cut ties with his management.
Other MPs criticised Twitter for allowing the tweets to remain visible.
Labour MP Jess Phillips said on Saturday: "Just seen all the Wiley stuff. Why on earth have @Twitter left up such blatant antisemitism and hatred? It hits all the dangerous beats, Jews get things you don't get, they are in control, they think their better... This is dangerous stuff. Surely it should come down."
Image: Wiley has been issued a seven-day Twitter ban
Fellow MP Neil Coyle added: "His management appear able to act quicker than @Twitter emphasising, once again, that legislation (including the Online Harms Bill) should ensure social media platforms are not used to spread hate."
John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, said the tweets "demonstrated precisely why the law needs changing to hold them to reasonable account".
Meanwhile, the Campaign Against Antisemitism asked police to investigate Wiley's content and called on his social media accounts to be shut down "to prevent further outpouring of anti-Jewish venom".
Wiley, known as the Godfather of Grime and whose real name is Richard Cowie, received an MBE for services to music in 2018.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-25--Coronavirus is here 'for the foreseeable future', Tony Blair warns

Tony Blair has told Sky News the UK is going to be living with COVID-19 , not eliminating it , for the foreseeable future .
He has urged Boris Johnson to put measures in place to contain and control the virus to prevent a new surge of cases in the autumn .
The former prime minister has also accused the government of inconsistent messages on face masks , which became compulsory in shops in England on Friday .
And he claimed that since another lockdown in the UK was unrealistic , masks would help to control coronavirus , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blair recorded an interview for Sophy Ridge On Sunday as he launches a new report on tackling coronavirus by his Institute for Global Change think tank .
In its report , the institute calls for the widespread wearing of face masks and social distancing for some time to prevent a second surge of coronavirus cases as lockdown rules are eased .
The former PM began his interview by criticising the government 's record on testing .
`` We 're doing infinitely better than we were , we 're testing many , many more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I still do n't think we 've got the right strategy in place for what I would call mass testing , and if you think our capacity is 300,000 tests a day , we 're probably only utilising , on our calculations , about half of that .
`` We 'll soon have 500,000 tests a day capacity .
We should be using all of it and that means extending greatly the numbers of people who have got access to tests and using the data and local communities much more effectively in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why I still think we 're short of where we need to be is that , if you analyse what we know about this disease now and look at the global data , the reality is that we 're going to be living with COVID-19 , we 're not going to be eliminating it . ''
Asked for how long , Mr Blair said : `` Well , for the foreseeable future , for enough of the future that means it 's worth putting in place the containment infrastructure that allows you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that if you just look in the last few days you 've had surges of cases in Poland , Australia , Romania , Israel , Argentina , several other countries .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' So there 's a pattern developing which is that people go into lockdown , they ease the lockdown , but then there are significant spikes .
`` And we 're still in the summer months when it 's frankly easier to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you end up with a resurgence in the autumn . ''
He added : `` Now , it may not happen , but you have got to hope for the best and plan for the worst .
And so what we do in the paper we 've put out from the institute is suggest a whole range of things that you could do now that would allow you to put in place that containment infrastructure . ''
Asked if the government 's messaging on face coverings had been clear and consistent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think even the most ardent supporter of the government would say that .
`` They began by saying they were n't necessary .
I think we said two or three months ago that it was obvious we were going to go in the direction of masks .
`` There are certain things that are just obvious when you look at them .
And the evidence on masks , by the way , is absolutely clear globally , there 's no doubt they help control the disease .
`` If you look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just the Asian countries where it 's more of the normal culture , but take a country like Austria , where they 've used masks extensively , there 's no doubt they have been able better to control the disease .
`` And it 's all about controlling it , because if you think that you ca n't really go back into lockdown ... and I think it 's just unrealistic to think we 're going to be able to do that . ''
: : Listen to the All Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The former PM said the government should `` use the months of August and September '' to get ready for a potential second wave and avoid a `` devastating '' second national lockdown .
`` I am already horrified by the potential economic damage , even from the lockdown we 've done and the loss of confidence , if you go back into another big lockdown , I think it would be devastating for the economy , '' Mr Blair said .
`` You ca n't rule out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be a terrible situation so the likelihood is you 're going to have spikes , you might have a resurgence and you are going to have to control it because you wo n't be able to go back into the kind of nuclear option of lockdown .
`` So if that 's the case , just prepare now , use the months of August and September to put in place the best infrastructure you possibly can . ''

Tony Blair has told Sky News the UK is going to be living with COVID-19, not eliminating it, for the foreseeable future.
He has urged Boris Johnson to put measures in place to contain and control the virus to prevent a new surge of cases in the autumn.
The former prime minister has also accused the government of inconsistent messages on face masks, which became compulsory in shops in England on Friday.
Image: Boris Johnson's policy on masks has not been consistent, Mr Blair said
And he claimed that since another lockdown in the UK was unrealistic, masks would help to control coronavirus, as they have in many other countries.
Mr Blair recorded an interview for Sophy Ridge On Sunday as he launches a new report on tackling coronavirus by his Institute for Global Change think tank.
In its report, the institute calls for the widespread wearing of face masks and social distancing for some time to prevent a second surge of coronavirus cases as lockdown rules are eased.
The former PM began his interview by criticising the government's record on testing.
"We're doing infinitely better than we were, we're testing many, many more people," he acknowledged.
"But I still don't think we've got the right strategy in place for what I would call mass testing, and if you think our capacity is 300,000 tests a day, we're probably only utilising, on our calculations, about half of that.
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"We'll soon have 500,000 tests a day capacity. We should be using all of it and that means extending greatly the numbers of people who have got access to tests and using the data and local communities much more effectively in doing it.
"And the reason why I still think we're short of where we need to be is that, if you analyse what we know about this disease now and look at the global data, the reality is that we're going to be living with COVID-19, we're not going to be eliminating it."
Asked for how long, Mr Blair said: "Well, for the foreseeable future, for enough of the future that means it's worth putting in place the containment infrastructure that allows you to control it.
"Because the problem is that if you just look in the last few days you've had surges of cases in Poland, Australia, Romania, Israel, Argentina, several other countries.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"So there's a pattern developing which is that people go into lockdown, they ease the lockdown, but then there are significant spikes.
"And we're still in the summer months when it's frankly easier to deal with the disease. There is a possibility that you end up with a resurgence in the autumn."
He added: "Now, it may not happen, but you have got to hope for the best and plan for the worst. And so what we do in the paper we've put out from the institute is suggest a whole range of things that you could do now that would allow you to put in place that containment infrastructure."
Asked if the government's messaging on face coverings had been clear and consistent, Mr Blair said: "No, I think even the most ardent supporter of the government would say that.
"They began by saying they weren't necessary. I think we said two or three months ago that it was obvious we were going to go in the direction of masks.
"There are certain things that are just obvious when you look at them. And the evidence on masks, by the way, is absolutely clear globally, there's no doubt they help control the disease.
"If you look at the countries that have used masks extensively, not just the Asian countries where it's more of the normal culture, but take a country like Austria, where they've used masks extensively, there's no doubt they have been able better to control the disease.
"And it's all about controlling it, because if you think that you can't really go back into lockdown... and I think it's just unrealistic to think we're going to be able to do that."
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The former PM said the government should "use the months of August and September" to get ready for a potential second wave and avoid a "devastating" second national lockdown.
"I am already horrified by the potential economic damage, even from the lockdown we've done and the loss of confidence, if you go back into another big lockdown, I think it would be devastating for the economy," Mr Blair said.
"You can't rule out doing it but it's going to have to be a terrible situation so the likelihood is you're going to have spikes, you might have a resurgence and you are going to have to control it because you won't be able to go back into the kind of nuclear option of lockdown.
"So if that's the case, just prepare now, use the months of August and September to put in place the best infrastructure you possibly can."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-28--'Signs of second coronavirus wave in Europe', PM warns

Boris Johnson has warned the signs of a `` second wave '' of coronavirus are surfacing in Europe , as he defended changing travel advice on Spain .
The prime minister backed the decision taken over the weekend to tell any travellers returning from Spain to the UK to quarantine for 14 days over fears COVID-19 levels there are growing .
`` What we have to do is take swift and decisive action where we think that the risks are starting to bubble up again , '' he said on a visit to Nottingham on Tuesday .
`` Let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe : Amongst some of our European friends , I 'm afraid you are starting to see in some places the signs of a second wave of the pandemic . ''
The UK government , which has authority over health powers in England , and devolved administrations in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland changed position on Spain given fears of rising coronavirus case numbers .
Ministers have also updated travel advice to urge people not to visit both mainland Spain and the Balearic and Canary islands .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error '' and `` not justified '' , adding the country is in talks with British authorities to urge them to reconsider .
He added : `` In most of Spain , the incidence is very much inferior to even the numbers registered in the UK . ''
Madrid is also pushing for countries to follow the example of Germany and issue regional rather than nationwide warnings , given COVID-19 rates are relatively low in some parts of the country .
Spain 's latest two-week infection rate is now 39.4 per 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the previous fortnight - but cases are concentrated in Aragon , Catalonia and Navarre .
In his first public comments since the diplomatic row blew up , Mr Johnson did not deny a report overnight in the Daily Telegraph that the amount of time anyone could be forced to self-quarantine may be cut from 14 to 10 days .
`` We are always looking at ways in which we can mitigate the impact of the quarantine , try to help people , try to make sure that the science is working to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` At the moment you have got to stick with the guidance that we are giving , we have given the guidance now about Spain and about some other places around the world .
`` I 'm afraid if we do see signs of a second wave in other countries it is really our job , our duty , to act swiftly and decisively to stop ... travellers coming back from those places seeding the disease here in the UK . ''
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told anyone planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not assume the rules or regulations ... will stay the same while you are there or be the same when you come to travel home . ''
Labour has accused the UK government of using a `` very blunt tool '' and urged it to take a `` more localised approach '' to travel advice .

Boris Johnson has warned the signs of a "second wave" of coronavirus are surfacing in Europe, as he defended changing travel advice on Spain.
The prime minister backed the decision taken over the weekend to tell any travellers returning from Spain to the UK to quarantine for 14 days over fears COVID-19 levels there are growing.
"What we have to do is take swift and decisive action where we think that the risks are starting to bubble up again," he said on a visit to Nottingham on Tuesday.
Image: Travellers from Spain are required to self isolate for 14 days
"Let's be absolutely clear about what's happening in Europe: Amongst some of our European friends, I'm afraid you are starting to see in some places the signs of a second wave of the pandemic."
The UK government, which has authority over health powers in England, and devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland changed position on Spain given fears of rising coronavirus case numbers.
Ministers have also updated travel advice to urge people not to visit both mainland Spain and the Balearic and Canary islands.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the move was an "error" and "not justified", adding the country is in talks with British authorities to urge them to reconsider.
He added: "In most of Spain, the incidence is very much inferior to even the numbers registered in the UK."
Madrid is also pushing for countries to follow the example of Germany and issue regional rather than nationwide warnings, given COVID-19 rates are relatively low in some parts of the country.
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Spain's latest two-week infection rate is now 39.4 per 100,000 people - a rise of 260% compared to the previous fortnight - but cases are concentrated in Aragon, Catalonia and Navarre.
Image: Virus rates are rising in some parts of Spain
In his first public comments since the diplomatic row blew up, Mr Johnson did not deny a report overnight in the Daily Telegraph that the amount of time anyone could be forced to self-quarantine may be cut from 14 to 10 days.
"We are always looking at ways in which we can mitigate the impact of the quarantine, try to help people, try to make sure that the science is working to help travellers and holidaymakers," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Angry tourists vent over quarantine
"At the moment you have got to stick with the guidance that we are giving, we have given the guidance now about Spain and about some other places around the world.
"I'm afraid if we do see signs of a second wave in other countries it is really our job, our duty, to act swiftly and decisively to stop ... travellers coming back from those places seeding the disease here in the UK."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told anyone planning to take a holiday: "We cannot assume the rules or regulations... will stay the same while you are there or be the same when you come to travel home."
Labour has accused the UK government of using a "very blunt tool" and urged it to take a "more localised approach" to travel advice.