skynewspolitics--2020-06-11--Nigel Farage to leave LBC Radio 'with immediate effect'

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage will no longer host his LBC Radio show `` with immediate effect '' , the broadcaster has announced .
In a statement posted on Twitter , LBC said : `` Nigel Farage 's contract with LBC is up very shortly and , following discussions with him , Nigel is stepping down from LBC with immediate effect .
`` We thank Nigel for the enormous contribution he has made to LBC and wish him well . ''
The Nigel Farage Show , which began in January 2017 , was broadcast on LBC five days a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls from members of the public as part of a discussion of current affairs .
Mr Farage hosted his show as recently as Wednesday evening .
LBC and its parent company , Global Radio , had been criticised for their employment of Mr Farage .
It came after the companies said they would observe a minute 's silence to mark the death of George Floyd in US police custody .
In a statement , they also promised to `` make a sustained effort to evolve for the better '' .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Following weekend protests in the UK over Mr Floyd 's killing in Minneapolis , Mr Farage claimed a `` new form of the Taliban was born in the UK '' .
He also described the Black Lives Matter group as `` a far-left Marxist organisation that wants to abolish the police and dismantle capitalism '' .
Mr Farage 's comments were reported to have angered some staff at Capital Xtra , another of Global 's radio stations .
Following the news of Mr Farage 's departure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter : `` We got our station back . ''
His comment echoed Mr Farage 's tweet the morning after the 2016 EU referendum , when he posted : `` We got our country back . ''
Sky News has attempted to contact Mr Farage 's spokesperson for comment .

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage will no longer host his LBC Radio show "with immediate effect", the broadcaster has announced.
In a statement posted on Twitter, LBC said: "Nigel Farage's contract with LBC is up very shortly and, following discussions with him, Nigel is stepping down from LBC with immediate effect.
"We thank Nigel for the enormous contribution he has made to LBC and wish him well."
The Nigel Farage Show, which began in January 2017, was broadcast on LBC five days a week and saw the Brexit Party leader taking calls from members of the public as part of a discussion of current affairs.
Mr Farage hosted his show as recently as Wednesday evening.
LBC and its parent company, Global Radio, had been criticised for their employment of Mr Farage.
It came after the companies said they would observe a minute's silence to mark the death of George Floyd in US police custody.
In a statement, they also promised to "make a sustained effort to evolve for the better".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Following weekend protests in the UK over Mr Floyd's killing in Minneapolis, Mr Farage claimed a "new form of the Taliban was born in the UK".
He also described the Black Lives Matter group as "a far-left Marxist organisation that wants to abolish the police and dismantle capitalism".
Mr Farage's comments were reported to have angered some staff at Capital Xtra, another of Global's radio stations.
Following the news of Mr Farage's departure, LBC presenter James O'Brien posted on Twitter: "We got our station back."
His comment echoed Mr Farage's tweet the morning after the 2016 EU referendum, when he posted: "We got our country back."
Sky News has attempted to contact Mr Farage's spokesperson for comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--UK 'formally confirms' to EU that it won't extend Brexit transition period

The UK has `` formally confirmed '' to the EU that it will not extend the Brexit transition period and `` the moment for an extension has now passed '' , Michael Gove has said .
It comes after the first ministers of Scotland and Wales wrote to Boris Johnson demanding an extension past the end of December .
In their letter , Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said ending the arrangement then would be `` extraordinarily reckless '' amid the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Gove posted on Twitter that he had chaired a `` constructive '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maros Sefcovic , the EU Commission 's Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations .
He said : `` I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for extension has now passed .
On January 1 , 2021 , we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence . ''
Mr Sefcovic said : `` From our side , I have taken note of the position of the UK on this issue and have stated , as President von der Leyen has already done , that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In this context , we both , with Chancellor Gove , agreed on accelerating the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and to accelerate our work , and we also agreed that the Joint Committee should meet again in early September .
`` By this date we also concluded that specialised committees including the one on the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol will meet in the coming weeks . ''
Reacting to the UK 's move , EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Brussels had `` always been open to an extension '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took note of UK 's decision not to extend .
We must now make progress on substance , '' he said .
`` To give every chance to the negotiations , we agreed to intensify talks in the next weeks and months . ''
The prime minister has repeatedly ruled out asking the EU for an extension since he entered Downing Street last summer .
Nevertheless , the first ministers argue the COVID-19 outbreak has changed things since Britain formally left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is maintaining the status quo of membership of the bloc and trying to negotiate a free trade agreement .
The pair said that without an extension , Britain would `` at very best '' be left with a `` damaging 'bare bones ' trade deal or even worse , a disastrous no deal outcome '' .
`` At the time the withdrawal agreement was signed , no-one could have imagined the enormous economic dislocation which the COVID-19 pandemic has caused - in Wales , Scotland , the whole of the UK , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' they said .
`` While we hope that the second half of this year will see the beginnings of a recovery , we believe that exiting the transition period at the end of the year would be extraordinarily reckless .
`` It would pile a further very significant economic and social shock on top of the COVID-19 crisis , hitting businesses whose reserves , in many case , have already been exhausted , leading to more business closures and redundancies . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Sturgeon and Mr Drakeford said that because Britain can request an extension - and Brussels is open to one - `` the shock would be avoidable '' .
`` No-one could reproach the UK government for changing its position in the light of the wholly unforeseeable COVID-19 crisis , particularly as the EU has made it clear it is open to an extension request , '' the pair said .
`` We therefore call on you to take the final opportunity which the next few weeks provide to ask for an extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide a breathing space to complete the negotiations , to implement the outcome , and to give our businesses the opportunity to find their feet after the enormous disruption of recent months . ''

The UK has "formally confirmed" to the EU that it will not extend the Brexit transition period, as it unveiled its post-exit border plans.
"The moment for an extension has now passed," Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said.
The government has also confirmed that it has scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said 'the shock would be avoidable'
Mr Gove said Britain would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the "time to adjust".
The developments come after the first ministers of Scotland and Wales wrote to Boris Johnson demanding an extension to the transition period past the end of December.
In their letter, Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said ending the arrangement then would be "extraordinarily reckless" amid the effects of the coronavirus pandemic - and they believe it could lead to a "disastrous no deal outcome".
Mr Gove posted on Twitter that he had chaired a "constructive" meeting of the EU Joint Committee with Maros Sefcovic, the EU Commission's Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations.
He said: "I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for extension has now passed. On January 1, 2021, we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence."
Mr Sefcovic said: "From our side, I have taken note of the position of the UK on this issue and have stated, as President von der Leyen has already done, that the EU remains open to such an extension.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:45 UK needs to be 'realistic' about Brexit deal
"In this context, we both, with Chancellor Gove, agreed on accelerating the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and to accelerate our work, and we also agreed that the Joint Committee should meet again in early September.
"By this date we also concluded that specialised committees including the one on the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol will meet in the coming weeks."
Reacting to the UK's move, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said Brussels had "always been open to an extension".
"At today's joint committee, we took note of the UK's decision not to extend. We must now make progress on substance," he said.
"To give every chance to the negotiations, we agreed to intensify talks in the next weeks and months."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments'
The prime minister has repeatedly ruled out asking the EU for an extension since he entered Downing Street last summer.
Nevertheless, the first ministers argue the COVID-19 outbreak has changed things since Britain formally left the EU at the end of January after 47 years of membership.
During the transition period, Britain is maintaining the status quo of membership of the bloc and trying to negotiate a free trade agreement.
The pair said that without an extension, Britain would "at very best" be left with a "damaging 'bare bones' trade deal or even worse, a disastrous no deal outcome".
"We believe that exiting the transition period at the end of the year would be extraordinarily reckless," they said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 EU deal: Some checks will be needed
"It would pile a further very significant economic and social shock on top of the COVID-19 crisis, hitting businesses whose reserves, in many case, have already been exhausted, leading to more business closures and redundancies."
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Drakeford said that because Britain can request an extension - and Brussels is open to one - "the shock would be avoidable".
On border checks, the Cabinet Office said a "flexible and pragmatic approach" would now see them introduced in three stages.
Tariffs will need to be paid on all imports from January, with traders importing standard goods having to prepare for basic custom requirements. They will have up to six months to complete customs declarations.
Then, from April, meat, dairy and other animal and regulated plant products will need pre-notification and relevant health documentation.
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Traders will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay tariffs from July 2021.
The Cabinet Office said this would not apply to Northern Ireland, given it is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and added that a £50m package of support would boost the capacity of customs intermediaries.
UK sources said Mr Gove's meeting was the last formal opportunity to ask for an extension to the transition, given it was the last scheduled meeting of the joint committee before the 1 July deadline.
However, London and Brussels can agree to hold another such meeting, during which a delay could be asked for under the terms of the Brexit deal.
The PM is due to sit down for a virtual summit with EU leaders on Monday in a bid to break the trade deal deadlock.
An "intensified timetable" for talks next month has also been agreed, with possible discussions in person if public health guidelines allow it.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--PM: Anti-racism protests 'hijacked by extremists'

Boris Johnson has claimed anti-racism protests in the UK have been `` hijacked by extremists intent on violence '' .
The prime minister said it was `` absurd and shameful '' that a statue of Sir Winston Churchill was `` at risk of attack '' by protesters .
Referring to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US , Mr Johnson concluded a series of tweets by saying `` the only responsible course of action is to stay away from these protests '' .
He wrote : `` We can not now try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We can not pretend to have a different history .
The statues in our cities and towns were put up by previous generations . ''
The statement posted on Mr Johnson 's Twitter page said : `` The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country - and the whole of Europe - from a fascist and racist tyranny .
`` It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protesters .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were and are unacceptable to us today , but he was a hero , and he fully deserves his memorial . ''
It comes after workers boarded up both a statue of Churchill and the Cenotaph in central London ahead of weekend protests .
While the majority of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have been peaceful , statues around the country have been targeted .
Churchill is honoured with numerous monuments across the country , the most famous located in London 's Parliament Square .
Revered for his opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also espoused racist views of Indians , who he said he `` hated '' and considered to be `` a beastly people with a beastly religion '' .
The issue of monuments to controversial historical figures rose to prominence after protesters pushed a bronze figure of slave trader Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour on Sunday .
However , some activists have suggested the debate over historical statues is distracting from more pressing concerns around widespread and continuing systemic injustices faced by people of colour .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Business minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News on Wednesday that `` any slave trader should not have a statue '' .
He added : `` I would n't be breaking the law to take statues down , it should be done through our democratic process .
`` This country is a democracy , a proud democracy and it should be up to local people to decide what they want to do with that statue and any other statue . ''
Other monuments also removed from public view ahead of further protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner Robert Milligan outside the Museum of London .
And Guy 's and St Thomas ' hospitals in London say they will take down two statues linked to slavery - those of Thomas Guy and Sir Robert Clayton .

Boris Johnson has claimed anti-racism protests in the UK have been "hijacked by extremists intent on violence".
The prime minister said it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Sir Winston Churchill was "at risk of attack" by protesters.
Referring to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US, Mr Johnson concluded a series of tweets by saying "the only responsible course of action is to stay away from these protests".
Image: The statue of Winston Churchil was boarded up overnight
He wrote: "We cannot now try to edit or censor our past.
"We cannot pretend to have a different history. The statues in our cities and towns were put up by previous generations."
The statement posted on Mr Johnson's Twitter page said: "The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country - and the whole of Europe - from a fascist and racist tyranny.
"It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protesters.
"Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial."
It comes after workers boarded up both a statue of Churchill and the Cenotaph in central London ahead of weekend protests.
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While the majority of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have been peaceful, statues around the country have been targeted.
Churchill is honoured with numerous monuments across the country, the most famous located in London's Parliament Square.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 'I've had enough' - anti-racism protester
Revered for his opposition to Hitler's Nazi regime, he also espoused racist views of Indians, who he said he "hated" and considered to be "a beastly people with a beastly religion".
The issue of monuments to controversial historical figures rose to prominence after protesters pushed a bronze figure of slave trader Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour on Sunday.
However, some activists have suggested the debate over historical statues is distracting from more pressing concerns around widespread and continuing systemic injustices faced by people of colour.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Business minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News on Wednesday that "any slave trader should not have a statue".
He added: "I wouldn't be breaking the law to take statues down, it should be done through our democratic process.
"This country is a democracy, a proud democracy and it should be up to local people to decide what they want to do with that statue and any other statue."
Image: Most of the protests in support of Black Lives Matter have been peaceful
Other monuments also removed from public view ahead of further protests planned this weekend include one of slave owner Robert Milligan outside the Museum of London.
And Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in London say they will take down two statues linked to slavery - those of Thomas Guy and Sir Robert Clayton.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--Minister warns against 'airbrushing' Britain's history

There is a danger of `` airbrushing '' Britain 's history by re-examining aspects of our culture and history , a minister has warned .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Edward Argar said it was right to `` debate our history and debate it openly '' .
But he cautioned that forgetting the past `` including the bad bits '' would mean we `` suffer the consequences and you forget '' .
The health minister was speaking after one of the most famous episodes of 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers was removed from a streaming service .
The `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been temporarily taken down from UKTV because it has `` racial slurs '' .
It is the latest programme to be criticised for its depiction of race , following the likes of Little Britain , The Mighty Boosh and Bo Selecta .
The killing of George Floyd in police custody in the US has sparked protests around the world , including in the UK .
Black Lives Matter demonstrators have taken to the streets to highlight issues faced by black people in the UK and call for action to tackle racial injustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on parts of British culture , along with statues in public spaces of controversial figures .
According to Sky News research , eight out of 10 councils are considering the future of contentious statues in their area in response to recent protests .
Asked about the Fawlty Towers decision , Mr Argar said : `` I had n't seen that particular report about that episode , but I 've seen more broadly what 's been happening .
`` I think we 've got to be very careful .
`` It 's absolutely right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ openly , warts and all as it were , the things that as a country we can be proud of and the things as a country we should n't be proud of .
`` We 've got to be very careful about airbrushing that history .
`` Because as has been said by a number of people , if you as a country forget your past , forget your history and are n't willing to examine it , including the bad bits , you suffer the consequences and you forget . ''
Workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winston Churchill and the Cenotaph in central London ahead of a weekend of possible protests .
Though the majority of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have been peaceful , statues around the country have been targeted .
Sir Winston 's statue was boarded up overnight for its own protection after protesters pushed a monument of slave trader Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour on Sunday .
On Thursday evening , a tower block sign bearing the slave trader 's name in the city was also removed .
A statue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from outside the Museum of London .
Guy 's and St Thomas ' hospitals in London have said they will remove two statues linked to slavery in response to anti-racism protests across the UK .
The NHS foundation trust which runs the hospitals said monuments of Thomas Guy and Sir Robert Clayton will be moved out of public view .
Thomas Guy , who founded Guy 's hospital in the 18th century , had shares in the South Sea Company which was involved in the slave trade .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Robert Clayton , who was president of St Thomas ' hospital in the 17th century , was a banker connected to the Royal African Company which shipped slaves across the Atlantic .
A statue of the Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell in Poole has been given 24-hour protection after plans for its temporary removal were delayed .
Baden-Powell , a British Army officer who started Scouting in 1907 , has been accused by critics of racism and of being a Nazi sympathiser .

There is a danger of "airbrushing" Britain's history by re-examining aspects of our culture and history, a minister has warned.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Edward Argar said it was right to "debate our history and debate it openly".
But he cautioned that forgetting the past "including the bad bits" would mean we "suffer the consequences and you forget".
Image: 'I think we've got to be very careful,' said Edward Argar
The health minister was speaking after one of the most famous episodes of 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers was removed from a streaming service.
The "don't mention the war" episode has been temporarily taken down from UKTV because it has "racial slurs".
It is the latest programme to be criticised for its depiction of race, following the likes of Little Britain, The Mighty Boosh and Bo Selecta.
The killing of George Floyd in police custody in the US has sparked protests around the world, including in the UK.
Black Lives Matter demonstrators have taken to the streets to highlight issues faced by black people in the UK and call for action to tackle racial injustice.
This has also prompted renewed scrutiny on parts of British culture, along with statues in public spaces of controversial figures.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 Should these statues be taken down?
According to Sky News research, eight out of 10 councils are considering the future of contentious statues in their area in response to recent protests.
Asked about the Fawlty Towers decision, Mr Argar said: "I hadn't seen that particular report about that episode, but I've seen more broadly what's been happening.
"I think we've got to be very careful.
"It's absolutely right we debate our history and debate it openly, warts and all as it were, the things that as a country we can be proud of and the things as a country we shouldn't be proud of.
"We've got to be very careful about airbrushing that history.
"Because as has been said by a number of people, if you as a country forget your past, forget your history and aren't willing to examine it, including the bad bits, you suffer the consequences and you forget."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 28 councils reviewing controversial statues
Workers have boarded up a statue of Sir Winston Churchill and the Cenotaph in central London ahead of a weekend of possible protests.
Though the majority of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have been peaceful, statues around the country have been targeted.
Sir Winston's statue was boarded up overnight for its own protection after protesters pushed a monument of slave trader Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour on Sunday.
On Thursday evening, a tower block sign bearing the slave trader's name in the city was also removed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Cheers as protesters pull down slave trader statue
A statue of slave owner Robert Milligan has also been removed from outside the Museum of London.
Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in London have said they will remove two statues linked to slavery in response to anti-racism protests across the UK.
The NHS foundation trust which runs the hospitals said monuments of Thomas Guy and Sir Robert Clayton will be moved out of public view.
Thomas Guy, who founded Guy's hospital in the 18th century, had shares in the South Sea Company which was involved in the slave trade.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Sir Robert Clayton, who was president of St Thomas' hospital in the 17th century, was a banker connected to the Royal African Company which shipped slaves across the Atlantic.
A statue of the Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell in Poole has been given 24-hour protection after plans for its temporary removal were delayed.
Baden-Powell, a British Army officer who started Scouting in 1907, has been accused by critics of racism and of being a Nazi sympathiser.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--Violent protesters 'could be jailed within 24 hours' under government plans

Violent protesters could be jailed within 24 hours under government plans to fast-track cases , reports suggest .
The move comes ahead of possible demonstrations this weekend in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .
According to The Times , anybody caught vandalising , causing criminal damage or assaulting police officers could be processed quickly through magistrates ' courts with extended opening hours .
Home Secretary Priti Patel and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland have put forward the measure based on the response to the 2011 riots in London , the paper suggests .
The majority of protests in support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparked by the killing of George Floyd in police custody in the US , have been peaceful .
But there have been pockets of violence , with the National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) saying that more than 130 people have been arrested in the protests .
More than 155,000 people have taken part in almost 200 demonstrations , according to the NPCC , adding that 62 police officers have been injured .
Black Lives Matter organisers , meanwhile , have cancelled a protest in London 's Hyde Park on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fears the demonstration would be hijacked by far-right groups .
A protective covering has been erected around the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square .
Scaffolding and boards have also been put up around the Cenotaph .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to stay at home amid concerns of further protests in the capital .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker BLM LDN said the Hyde Park event was cancelled , although a similar event on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want the protests to be a safe space for people to attend however we do n't think it 'll be possible with people like them present , '' a post on Instagram said .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

Violent protesters could be jailed within 24 hours under government plans to fast-track cases, reports suggest.
The move comes ahead of possible demonstrations this weekend in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
According to The Times, anybody caught vandalising, causing criminal damage or assaulting police officers could be processed quickly through magistrates' courts with extended opening hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Black Lives Matter: In their own words
Home Secretary Priti Patel and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland have put forward the measure based on the response to the 2011 riots in London, the paper suggests.
The majority of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, sparked by the killing of George Floyd in police custody in the US, have been peaceful.
But there have been pockets of violence, with the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) saying that more than 130 people have been arrested in the protests.
More than 155,000 people have taken part in almost 200 demonstrations, according to the NPCC, adding that 62 police officers have been injured.
Black Lives Matter organisers, meanwhile, have cancelled a protest in London's Hyde Park on Saturday.
The decision has been taken due to fears the demonstration would be hijacked by far-right groups.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Patel: Police 'have my full backing'
A protective covering has been erected around the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.
Scaffolding and boards have also been put up around the Cenotaph.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to stay at home amid concerns of further protests in the capital.
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
BLM LDN said the Hyde Park event was cancelled, although a similar event on Friday will still go ahead.
"We want the protests to be a safe space for people to attend however we don't think it'll be possible with people like them present," a post on Instagram said.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--Government 'abandons' plan for full border checks on EU goods

The government will take a `` flexible '' approach to post-Brexit border checks on goods imported from the EU next year in order to assist businesses already struggling with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Later today the UK government will formally rule out any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December , despite trade talks with the EU remaining stalled .
In February , cabinet minister Michael Gove said imports from the EU would be subject to the same customs and regulatory checks as those coming from the rest of the world , but according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce `` a temporary light-touch regime at UK ports such as Dover for incoming EU goods '' whether or not a trade deal is agreed .
Confirming the report in the Financial Times , a government source said : `` We recognise the impact that coronavirus has had on UK businesses , and as we take back control of our laws and our borders at the end of this year , we will take a pragmatic and flexible approach to help business adjust to the changes and opportunities of being outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But trade experts have warned such a move would have ramifications beyond EU imports .
David Henig , UK director of European Centre For International Political Economy , said any decision to relax border controls on EU goods would also need to apply to goods from the rest of the world .
`` If there 's no deal with the EU we have to treat imports from them equally to those from other WTO members , '' Mr Henig wrote in a social media post .
Ministers have long insisted they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period beyond 31 December 2020 , but later today Mr Gove will make that position official as he meets EU counterparts .
Mr Gove will co-chair a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee , which oversees the application of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement , alongside European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic .
Although the deadline for seeking an extension is not until the end of June , any extension request needs to be first agreed at a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee .
The group will not meet again before the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` high-level '' talks between Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , EU Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli , scheduled to take place via video conference next Monday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Downing Street said the UK and EU had also agreed an `` intensified timetable '' for negotiations .
`` This new process will involve a mix of formal negotiating rounds and smaller group meetings , both in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable this , '' Number 10 added .
Negotiations will be held in each of the five weeks between the week beginning 29 June and week beginning 27 July .
Last week Mr Johnson 's chief negotiator , David Frost , acknowledged the two sides had come `` close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve '' through formal remote negotiations between officials .

The government will take a "flexible" approach to post-Brexit border checks on goods imported from the EU next year in order to assist businesses already struggling with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Later today the UK government will formally rule out any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December, despite trade talks with the EU remaining stalled.
In February, cabinet minister Michael Gove said imports from the EU would be subject to the same customs and regulatory checks as those coming from the rest of the world, but according to the Financial Times the government intends to introduce "a temporary light-touch regime at UK ports such as Dover for incoming EU goods" whether or not a trade deal is agreed.
Confirming the report in the Financial Times, a government source said: "We recognise the impact that coronavirus has had on UK businesses, and as we take back control of our laws and our borders at the end of this year, we will take a pragmatic and flexible approach to help business adjust to the changes and opportunities of being outside the single market and the customs union."
But trade experts have warned such a move would have ramifications beyond EU imports.
David Henig, UK director of European Centre For International Political Economy, said any decision to relax border controls on EU goods would also need to apply to goods from the rest of the world.
"If there's no deal with the EU we have to treat imports from them equally to those from other WTO members," Mr Henig wrote in a social media post.
Ministers have long insisted they would refuse any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December 2020, but later today Mr Gove will make that position official as he meets EU counterparts.
Mr Gove will co-chair a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee, which oversees the application of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, alongside European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'UK backtracking on Brexit commitments'
Although the deadline for seeking an extension is not until the end of June, any extension request needs to be first agreed at a meeting of the UK-EU joint committee. The group will not meet again before the end of the month.
It comes ahead of "high-level" talks between Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President David Sassoli, scheduled to take place via video conference next Monday.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Downing Street said the UK and EU had also agreed an "intensified timetable" for negotiations.
"This new process will involve a mix of formal negotiating rounds and smaller group meetings, both in London and Brussels assuming public health guidelines enable this," Number 10 added.
Negotiations will be held in each of the five weeks between the week beginning 29 June and week beginning 27 July.
Last week Mr Johnson's chief negotiator, David Frost, acknowledged the two sides had come "close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve" through formal remote negotiations between officials.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--Is Priti Patel 'gaslighting' or leading the way? - Two views from BAME people

Home Secretary Priti Patel has hit back after becoming involved in a row over her response to the Black Lives Matter protests .
The home secretary had condemned protesters for going against social distancing rules and toppling a statue of a slave trader in Bristol .
In a letter from several Labour MPs , she was accused of using her heritage and experience of racism to `` gaslight other minority communities '' .
Ms Patel later said she was `` sad '' to have received the letter and that the MPs were dismissing the `` contributions of those who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic minorities should behave '' .
Here , Sky News has spoken to two people from BAME backgrounds who have differing views on this .
Nimco Ali is an author and activist of Somali heritage who co-founded The Five Foundation , the global partnership to end female genital mutilation .
Last summer before she became the home secretary , I had a meeting with Priti Patel .
I brought my then-12-year-old cousin with me that day because I wanted him to see what I did .
Myself and Priti spent an hour or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever went back into the cabinet she would love a role where she could deliver for girls and women .
That meeting and seeing her at the victory rally on the night of the election are moments I think back to when I see people twist her words or dismiss her achievements in the face of so much .
At the rally , I made an off-hand comment about the hate I had been getting on Twitter for supporting the Conservative Party and I said one of the things I had been called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a moment and I could see she was hurt I had to face that .
I just wanted to hug her , so I did .
She told my little cousin that Westminster was waiting for young men like him and he is always welcome to reach out to her for advice on school .
When she said this , I knew she was giving a kid the faith to never dim his light - no matter what anyone says .
Priti has seen and lived racism and hate many of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risen to the top and made history .
We should be proud of women like her - not knocking them .
As home secretary she has led from the front to ensure that people have the right to peacefully protest .
But if they break the law , they will be dealt with .
So rather than spending their time attacking and harassing a BAME woman doing her job to keep us all safe , some people on the left should be apologising and standing with her to bring the social unrest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political activist , law graduate and co-founder of the pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice .
I 'm a black man .
But I 'm also financially , academically and professionally privileged , so racial discrimination can never trap me into poverty .
Because I will never experience the full extent of the adversity racism can cause , if I were to ever claim that the government or policies I support are the right thing for racial equality - purely because I have experienced some racism in my life - you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salt .
Priti Patel says she wo n't take lessons from Labour MPs about racism or social justice .
She implies that her own experience of discrimination would prevent her from discriminating against those who , like her , have foreign ethnic backgrounds .
This is the same Priti Patel who admitted that her immigration policy would have banned her own family from this country .
This is the same Priti Patel who condemned those who tore down a slaver 's statue as `` utterly disgraceful '' without condemning the fact that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is the same Priti Patel whose government has repeatedly refused to even criticise Donald Trump after he quoted a racist police chief when threatening to shoot those rioting against racist police .
Nobody is saying you ca n't be an Asian Tory .
Nobody is saying she ca n't discuss her experiences of racism .
What we are saying is that someone in one of the most privileged positions in the country should n't be using the fact that she has experienced some racism to give herself a get-out-of-jail-free card for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by her government .

Home Secretary Priti Patel has hit back after becoming involved in a row over her response to the Black Lives Matter protests.
The home secretary had condemned protesters for going against social distancing rules and toppling a statue of a slave trader in Bristol.
In a letter from several Labour MPs, she was accused of using her heritage and experience of racism to "gaslight other minority communities".
Ms Patel later said she was "sad" to have received the letter and that the MPs were dismissing the "contributions of those who don't conform to their view of how ethnic minorities should behave".
Here, Sky News has spoken to two people from BAME backgrounds who have differing views on this.
Nimco Ali is an author and activist of Somali heritage who co-founded The Five Foundation, the global partnership to end female genital mutilation.
Last summer before she became the home secretary, I had a meeting with Priti Patel.
I brought my then-12-year-old cousin with me that day because I wanted him to see what I did.
Myself and Priti spent an hour or so talking and she said if she ever went back into the cabinet she would love a role where she could deliver for girls and women.
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That meeting and seeing her at the victory rally on the night of the election are moments I think back to when I see people twist her words or dismiss her achievements in the face of so much.
At the rally, I made an off-hand comment about the hate I had been getting on Twitter for supporting the Conservative Party and I said one of the things I had been called.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Home sec recalls being 'racially abused in the streets'
The smile on her face disappeared for a moment and I could see she was hurt I had to face that.
I just wanted to hug her, so I did.
She told my little cousin that Westminster was waiting for young men like him and he is always welcome to reach out to her for advice on school.
When she said this, I knew she was giving a kid the faith to never dim his light - no matter what anyone says.
Priti has seen and lived racism and hate many of us will never know and yet she has risen to the top and made history.
We should be proud of women like her - not knocking them.
As home secretary she has led from the front to ensure that people have the right to peacefully protest. But if they break the law, they will be dealt with.
So rather than spending their time attacking and harassing a BAME woman doing her job to keep us all safe, some people on the left should be apologising and standing with her to bring the social unrest to an end.
Femi Oluwole is a political activist, law graduate and co-founder of the pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice.
I'm a black man. But I'm also financially, academically and professionally privileged, so racial discrimination can never trap me into poverty.
Because I will never experience the full extent of the adversity racism can cause, if I were to ever claim that the government or policies I support are the right thing for racial equality - purely because I have experienced some racism in my life - you should take that with a pinch of salt.
Priti Patel says she won't take lessons from Labour MPs about racism or social justice.
She implies that her own experience of discrimination would prevent her from discriminating against those who, like her, have foreign ethnic backgrounds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Priti Patel: Toppling statue 'utterly disgraceful'
This is the same Priti Patel who admitted that her immigration policy would have banned her own family from this country.
This is the same Priti Patel who condemned those who tore down a slaver's statue as "utterly disgraceful" without condemning the fact that we still have monuments of racist mass murderers.
This is the same Priti Patel whose government has repeatedly refused to even criticise Donald Trump after he quoted a racist police chief when threatening to shoot those rioting against racist police.
Nobody is saying you can't be an Asian Tory.
Nobody is saying she can't discuss her experiences of racism.
What we are saying is that someone in one of the most privileged positions in the country shouldn't be using the fact that she has experienced some racism to give herself a get-out-of-jail-free card for the racial oppression both tolerated and facilitated by her government.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-12--Starmer the most popular opposition leader since Blair - poll

Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular leader of the opposition since Tony Blair , according to a new poll .
Two months into the role , the new Labour leader is matching the performance of Mr Blair in the 1990s , the data from Ipsos Mori found .
Mr Blair became leader of the opposition in 1994 and went on to win a landslide victory in the 1997 general election .
He recorded two further electoral successes as PM , in 2001 and 2005 , before stepping down in 2007 .
But whilst the poll will be encouraging for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a more capable leader of the country than Sir Keir , by 43 % to 38 % .
The Conservatives also maintain a slight leader over Labour .
But the gap between the parties has narrowed in recent months , according to the research .
The Tories are on 43 % - down nine points since March , while Labour is on 38 % ( up eight ) .
Meanwhile , the Liberal Democrats are on 10 % ( up one ) .
The study of 1,059 adults was carried out between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Sir Keir , who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April , has a net satisfaction score of 31 % .
This matches the best score registered by Mr Blair in December 1994 .
The study suggests that the public are divided over how well ministers have handled the coronavirus pandemic .
A total of 40 % of those polled believe the government 's response has gone well , while 44 % think the outbreak has been managed badly .
When it comes to Mr Johnson , 47 % are satisfied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , with 49 % dissatisfied .
Commenting on the findings , Gideon Skinner , head of political research at Ipsos Mori , said : `` Labour will of course be encouraged that Keir Starmer is achieving comparable leader satisfaction ratings to Tony Blair and David Cameron when they led the opposition , as both went on to become general election winners .
`` However this is still very early days - it 's not unusual to see a honeymoon period for a new leader .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker '' And there is an important difference , Boris Johnson is still more popular than John Major and Gordon Brown were when Blair and Cameron achieved their best scores .
`` With concerns about the economy and the coronavirus high , how the two leaders handle these over the next few months will be crucial . ''

Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular leader of the opposition since Tony Blair, according to a new poll.
Two months into the role, the new Labour leader is matching the performance of Mr Blair in the 1990s, the data from Ipsos Mori found.
Mr Blair became leader of the opposition in 1994 and went on to win a landslide victory in the 1997 general election.
Image: Tony Blair won three elections for Labour and stepped down as prime minister and party leader in 2007
He recorded two further electoral successes as PM, in 2001 and 2005, before stepping down in 2007.
But whilst the poll will be encouraging for Labour, Boris Johnson is still viewed as a more capable leader of the country than Sir Keir, by 43% to 38%.
The Conservatives also maintain a slight leader over Labour.
But the gap between the parties has narrowed in recent months, according to the research.
The Tories are on 43% - down nine points since March, while Labour is on 38% (up eight).
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are on 10% (up one).
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 April: What direction will Labour head in now?
The study of 1,059 adults was carried out between 5 and 10 June.
It found that Sir Keir, who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader in April, has a net satisfaction score of 31%.
This matches the best score registered by Mr Blair in December 1994.
The study suggests that the public are divided over how well ministers have handled the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:31 Starmer: 'We've got a mountain to climb'
A total of 40% of those polled believe the government's response has gone well, while 44% think the outbreak has been managed badly.
When it comes to Mr Johnson, 47% are satisfied with the way the PM is doing his job, with 49% dissatisfied.
Commenting on the findings, Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos Mori, said: "Labour will of course be encouraged that Keir Starmer is achieving comparable leader satisfaction ratings to Tony Blair and David Cameron when they led the opposition, as both went on to become general election winners.
"However this is still very early days - it's not unusual to see a honeymoon period for a new leader.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"And there is an important difference, Boris Johnson is still more popular than John Major and Gordon Brown were when Blair and Cameron achieved their best scores.
"With concerns about the economy and the coronavirus high, how the two leaders handle these over the next few months will be crucial."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-13--Some schools in England to welcome back all year groups from next week

From next week primary schools with capacity to accommodate maximum class sizes of 15 pupils will be encouraged to welcome back all year groups .
The new guidance comes after the government was forced to shelve its plan for all primary school children to have at least a month of classroom education before the summer holidays .
The Labour Party has said the short notice of the announcement will contribute to `` widespread confusion '' for schools , pupils and parents .
Currently only reception , year one and year six have been allowed to return , and many reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all three groups .
Last week in the House of Commons , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said : `` While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer , we continue to work with the sector on the next steps , where we would like schools that have the capacity to bring back more children - in those smaller class sizes - to do so if they are able to before the summer holidays . ''
Labour 's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long Bailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear advance warning could create further uncertainty for schools , pupils and parents .
`` There 's widespread confusion across the sector , and the government so far has failed to build a consensus between school leaders , trade unions , leading experts within the sector around the safety principles that need to be put in place within schools for a safer wider reopening , '' she told Sky News .
`` There 's a feeling that schools and local authorities have been left to navigate this by themselves , and that should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What the government should have done from the start is create a task force to reach a consensus , not only to ensure safety principles were put in place , but also to provide reassurance that it was safe to go back into the classroom , and that did n't happen .
The government has to work very quickly to rebuild trust . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour has also called on ministers to reconsider the decision to withdraw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vouchers over the summer holidays .
Last week , the prime minister promised a `` massive catch-up operation '' to help school children who have missed out on education .
Although schools will not be expected to open over the summer , the government 's hope is that a support package will be in place through the holidays and into the next academic year .
Ministers insist they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September , if it is deemed safe to do so .
A Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered detailed plans to be rapidly drawn up '' .
`` The PM is acutely aware that school closures will have a disproportionate impact on all children , and particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children .
`` He appreciates the consequences of months out of school , and this package will be focused on providing extended support for children .
`` The PM is so grateful for the hard work of teachers , parents and schools to keep educating children throughout this difficult period . ''
But in an interview with The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England said the government had not moved fast enough , and risked violating the basic right to education enshrined in a UN convention .
`` It has taken 200 years of campaigning to get children out of the workplace and into the classroom , ensuring that education was a basic right for all children , '' Anne Longfield told the newspaper .
`` We seem for the first time to be prepared to let that start to go into reverse .
And I think that is a very , very dangerous place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister back in April that education was one of the top three priorities for easing lockdown , but it seems to have been given up on quite easily . ''
The Department for Education claims progress is being made on getting children back to school , pointing to survey results which show 70 % of 18,000 primary schools who responded have opened for eligible year groups .

From next week primary schools with capacity to accommodate maximum class sizes of 15 pupils will be encouraged to welcome back another year group.
The government is set to announce primary schools will also be able to accept a year group other than reception, year one and year six - but only if the school has capacity to do so while maintaining group sizes of up to 15 and can continue to make sure protective measures are in place.
The new guidance comes after the government was forced to shelve its plan for all primary school children to have at least a month of classroom education before the summer holidays.
The Labour Party has said the short notice of the announcement will contribute to "widespread confusion" for schools, pupils and parents.
Currently only reception, year one and year six have been allowed to return, and many reopened schools have not been able to accommodate all three groups.
Last week in the House of Commons, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer, we continue to work with the sector on the next steps, where we would like schools that have the capacity to bring back more children - in those smaller class sizes - to do so if they are able to before the summer holidays."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Failure to reopen schools is 'astonishing'
Labour's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long Bailey said the announcement of new guidelines without clear advance warning could create further uncertainty for schools, pupils and parents.
"There's widespread confusion across the sector, and the government so far has failed to build a consensus between school leaders, trade unions, leading experts within the sector around the safety principles that need to be put in place within schools for a safer wider reopening," she told Sky News.
"There's a feeling that schools and local authorities have been left to navigate this by themselves, and that should never have been the case.
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"What the government should have done from the start is create a task force to reach a consensus, not only to ensure safety principles were put in place, but also to provide reassurance that it was safe to go back into the classroom, and that didn't happen. The government has to work very quickly to rebuild trust."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Labour has also called on ministers to reconsider the decision to withdraw funding for free school meals and meal vouchers over the summer holidays.
Last week, the prime minister promised a "massive catch-up operation" to help school children who have missed out on education.
Although schools will not be expected to open over the summer, the government's hope is that a support package will be in place through the holidays and into the next academic year.
Image: Plans for all primary school children to have at least a month in the classroom before the holidays were shelved
Ministers insist they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September, if it is deemed safe to do so.
A Number 10 source said Mr Johnson had "ordered detailed plans to be rapidly drawn up".
"The PM is acutely aware that school closures will have a disproportionate impact on all children, and particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
"He appreciates the consequences of months out of school, and this package will be focused on providing extended support for children.
"The PM is so grateful for the hard work of teachers, parents and schools to keep educating children throughout this difficult period."
Image: Ministers say they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September
But in an interview with The Observer, the children's commissioner for England said the government had not moved fast enough, and risked violating the basic right to education enshrined in a UN convention.
"It has taken 200 years of campaigning to get children out of the workplace and into the classroom, ensuring that education was a basic right for all children," Anne Longfield told the newspaper.
"We seem for the first time to be prepared to let that start to go into reverse. And I think that is a very, very dangerous place to be.
"We heard from the prime minister back in April that education was one of the top three priorities for easing lockdown, but it seems to have been given up on quite easily."
The Department for Education claims progress is being made on getting children back to school, pointing to survey results which show 70% of 18,000 primary schools who responded have opened for eligible year groups.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-14--PM orders 'urgent' review of two-metre rule amid calls for it to be scrapped

Boris Johnson has ordered an `` urgent '' comprehensive review into the two-metre social distancing rule amid calls for it to be scrapped .
Easing the current restriction is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably .
The World Health Organisation recommends keeping a distance of at least one metre .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the issue will be looked at `` in the round '' and will involve scientists and economists as the coronavirus pandemic evolves .
But it will be ministers rather than the government 's scientific advisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether to relax the current rule , he said .
And he warned that while he understood concerns from businesses about not being able to operate under social distancing laws , health and safety was still the number one priority .
Some experts , including the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty , have previously signalled their reluctance to see any easing while the COVID-19 epidemic continues .
Speaking on Sky News , the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now we have made good progress in suppressing the virus , we 're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning , and that enables us to take a fresh look at this .
`` Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule .
We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less . ''
He added : `` It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Sunak said he recognised the importance of reducing the rule ahead of non-essential businesses reopening their doors for the first time in three months on Monday .
He added : `` I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on businesses ' ability to open and thereby maintain the jobs that they have , and make sure all the people that work for them can come back to those jobs .
`` That 's really important to me . ''
But he added it must be `` safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still continuing to move through the country .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Organisations such as the British Beer & Pub Association ( BBPA ) have been urging ministers to reduce the two-metre distance rule to one metre , adding that only a third of the UK 's pubs will be able to reopen later on this year .
On Monday , non-essential stores will be able to reopen for the first time in three months despite rules around social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak added it was safe to go shopping next week as the five tests , which is the government 's measure to see if restrictions can be eased , had been met .
The five tests involve making sure the NHS can cope with the demand , to see a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates , having reliable data from SAGE which shows the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels , being `` confident '' that challenges such as testing capacity and PPE are in hand , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to a second peak of the virus .
`` People will see tomorrow it 's a slightly different experience , '' Mr Sunak said .
`` Obviously there 's social distancing , a new process for returns .
`` There might be one-way systems , there will be screens up everywhere and staff will be able to provide advice and help .
`` It is a safe environment and we should be able to go out knowing that , we should be able to shop in confidence , knowing that it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and down the country are ready to welcome us back and get our high streets springing back to life again . ''

Boris Johnson has ordered an "urgent" comprehensive review into the two-metre social distancing rule amid calls for it to be scrapped.
Easing the current restriction is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably.
The World Health Organisation recommends keeping a distance of at least one metre.
Image: People are seen enjoying the sunshine at St James's Park in central London from a safe distance
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the issue will be looked at "in the round" and will involve scientists and economists as the coronavirus pandemic evolves.
But it will be ministers rather than the government's scientific advisers who will take the final decision on whether to relax the current rule, he said.
And he warned that while he understood concerns from businesses about not being able to operate under social distancing laws, health and safety was still the number one priority.
Some experts, including the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty, have previously signalled their reluctance to see any easing while the COVID-19 epidemic continues.
Speaking on Sky News, the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule.
"Now we have made good progress in suppressing the virus, we're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning, and that enables us to take a fresh look at this.
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"Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule. We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less."
He added: "It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is what we will do urgently."
Mr Sunak said he recognised the importance of reducing the rule ahead of non-essential businesses reopening their doors for the first time in three months on Monday.
He added: "I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on businesses' ability to open and thereby maintain the jobs that they have, and make sure all the people that work for them can come back to those jobs.
"That's really important to me."
But he added it must be "safe to do so" as the virus is still continuing to move through the country.
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Organisations such as the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) have been urging ministers to reduce the two-metre distance rule to one metre, adding that only a third of the UK's pubs will be able to reopen later on this year.
On Monday, non-essential stores will be able to reopen for the first time in three months despite rules around social distancing still being in place.
Image: Retailers have been gearing up to reopen on 15 June
But Mr Sunak added it was safe to go shopping next week as the five tests, which is the government's measure to see if restrictions can be eased, had been met.
The five tests involve making sure the NHS can cope with the demand, to see a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates, having reliable data from SAGE which shows the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels, being "confident" that challenges such as testing capacity and PPE are in hand, and making sure that the adjustment will not lead to a second peak of the virus.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"People will see tomorrow it's a slightly different experience," Mr Sunak said. "Obviously there's social distancing, a new process for returns.
"There might be one-way systems, there will be screens up everywhere and staff will be able to provide advice and help.
"It is a safe environment and we should be able to go out knowing that, we should be able to shop in confidence, knowing that it's safe, I know that shops up and down the country are ready to welcome us back and get our high streets springing back to life again."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-13--Some schools in England to welcome back another year group from next week

From next week primary schools with capacity to accommodate maximum class sizes of 15 pupils will be encouraged to welcome back another year group .
The government is set to announce primary schools will also be able to accept a year group other than reception , year one and year six - but only if the school has capacity to do so while maintaing group sizes of up to 15 and can continue to make sure protective measures are in place .
The new guidance comes after the government was forced to shelve its plan for all primary school children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classroom education before the summer holidays .
The Labour Party has said the short notice of the announcement will contribute to `` widespread confusion '' for schools , pupils and parents .
Currently only reception , year one and year six have been allowed to return , and many reopened schools have not been able to accommodate all three groups .
Last week in the House of Commons , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said : `` While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector on the next steps , where we would like schools that have the capacity to bring back more children - in those smaller class sizes - to do so if they are able to before the summer holidays . ''
Labour 's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long Bailey said the announcement of new guidelines without clear advance warning could create further uncertainty for schools , pupils and parents .
`` There 's widespread confusion across the sector , and the government so far has failed to build a consensus between school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the sector around the safety principles that need to be put in place within schools for a safer wider reopening , '' she told Sky News .
`` There 's a feeling that schools and local authorities have been left to navigate this by themselves , and that should never have been the case .
`` What the government should have done from the start is create a task force to reach a consensus , not only to ensure safety principles were put in place , but also to provide reassurance that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classroom , and that did n't happen .
The government has to work very quickly to rebuild trust . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour has also called on ministers to reconsider the decision to withdraw funding for free school meals and meal vouchers over the summer holidays .
Last week , the prime minister promised a `` massive catch-up operation '' to help school children who have missed out on education .
Although schools will not be expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's hope is that a support package will be in place through the holidays and into the next academic year .
Ministers insist they are working with local authorities to ensure all schools can reopen in September , if it is deemed safe to do so .
A Number 10 source said Mr Johnson had `` ordered detailed plans to be rapidly drawn up '' .
`` The PM is acutely aware that school closures will have a disproportionate impact on all children , and particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months out of school , and this package will be focused on providing extended support for children .
`` The PM is so grateful for the hard work of teachers , parents and schools to keep educating children throughout this difficult period . ''
But in an interview with The Observer , the children 's commissioner for England said the government had not moved fast enough , and risked violating the basic right to education enshrined in a UN convention .
`` It has taken 200 years of campaigning to get children out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ensuring that education was a basic right for all children , '' Anne Longfield told the newspaper .
`` We seem for the first time to be prepared to let that start to go into reverse .
And I think that is a very , very dangerous place to be .
`` We heard from the prime minister back in April that education was one of the top three priorities for easing lockdown , but it seems to have been given up on quite easily . ''
The Department for Education claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to school , pointing to survey results which show 70 % of 18,000 primary schools who responded have opened for eligible year groups .


skynewspolitics--2020-06-14--Labour to support 10-year jail sentences for memorial vandals

Labour will support the government in introducing prison sentences of up to 10 years for those who desecrate war memorials .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News his party was `` willing to work with the government '' on proposed new legislation .
Recent protests in London have seen the Cenotaph marked with graffiti , while on Saturday a man was photographed apparently urinating next to the memorial to PC Keith Palmer , the policeman killed in the 2017 Westminster terror attack .
A group of MPs will meet Justice Secretary Robert Buckland this week to discuss proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision about damage to war memorials .
The Sunday Telegraph reported Home Secretary Priti Patel and Attorney General Suella Braverman will also join the discussions with Conservative backbenchers .
The newspaper said one option being considered by ministers is to amend the Criminal Damage Act .
This would make war memorials exempt from a stipulation that damage amounting to less than £5,000 should be treated as a lesser offence and handled by a magistrates ' court .
Asked about the newspaper report , Mr Thomas-Symonds told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in creating a specific offence of protecting war memorials and I would be willing to work with the government on that . ''
Appearing on the same programme , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said `` one of the most distressing '' aspects of recent protests was the treatment of memorials .
`` I know many people , certainly MPs , have raised this issue , '' he added .
`` The justice secretary will be meeting with all those MPs , I believe this week , to discuss these matters further .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see yesterday . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tory MPs Jonathan Gullis and James Sunderland , who served in Iraq , Bosnia , and the Falklands during his time in the British Army , have proposed a Desecration of War Memorials Bill .
The proposed legislation , aimed at enabling police and courts to more easily prosecute those who damage memorials , is due to be considered by the House of Commons on 23 June .
Mr Gullis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Desecration of memorials that remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today is repugnant '' .
He added : `` At present there is no specific law to protect these important monuments and unless £5,000 worth of damage is done , it is incredibly hard to prosecute .
`` We sadly lack in this area compared to our Commonwealth friends .
`` Therefore I will be putting forward this bill to bring about a clear custodial sentence and fine for such heinous acts . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd guitarist David Gilmour , was jailed for 16 months for violent disorder during the 2010 student protests in London .
He was photographed swinging from a Union flag on the Cenotaph .

Labour will support the government in introducing prison sentences of up to 10 years for those who desecrate war memorials.
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News his party was "willing to work with the government" on proposed new legislation.
Recent protests in London have seen the Cenotaph marked with graffiti, while on Saturday a man was photographed apparently urinating next to the memorial to PC Keith Palmer, the policeman killed in the 2017 Westminster terror attack.
A group of MPs will meet Justice Secretary Robert Buckland this week to discuss proposals to amend existing laws to make a provision about damage to war memorials.
The Sunday Telegraph reported Home Secretary Priti Patel and Attorney General Suella Braverman will also join the discussions with Conservative backbenchers.
The newspaper said one option being considered by ministers is to amend the Criminal Damage Act.
This would make war memorials exempt from a stipulation that damage amounting to less than £5,000 should be treated as a lesser offence and handled by a magistrates' court.
Asked about the newspaper report, Mr Thomas-Symonds told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show: "I would support the government in creating a specific offence of protecting war memorials and I would be willing to work with the government on that."
Appearing on the same programme, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said "one of the most distressing" aspects of recent protests was the treatment of memorials.
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"I know many people, certainly MPs, have raised this issue," he added.
"The justice secretary will be meeting with all those MPs, I believe this week, to discuss these matters further.
"But that was absolutely shocking scenes to see yesterday."
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Tory MPs Jonathan Gullis and James Sunderland, who served in Iraq, Bosnia, and the Falklands during his time in the British Army, have proposed a Desecration of War Memorials Bill.
The proposed legislation, aimed at enabling police and courts to more easily prosecute those who damage memorials, is due to be considered by the House of Commons on 23 June.
Mr Gullis recently wrote on his website: "Desecration of memorials that remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today is repugnant".
He added: "At present there is no specific law to protect these important monuments and unless £5,000 worth of damage is done, it is incredibly hard to prosecute.
"We sadly lack in this area compared to our Commonwealth friends.
"Therefore I will be putting forward this bill to bring about a clear custodial sentence and fine for such heinous acts."
Charlie Gilmour, the son of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, was jailed for 16 months for violent disorder during the 2010 student protests in London.
He was photographed swinging from a Union flag on the Cenotaph.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-14--Johnson marks third anniversary of Grenfell fire as commemorations held online

The third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is being marked today in commemorations taking place online because of the coronavirus lockdown .
A virtual service , remembering the 72 people who died , was hosted by the Bishop of Kensington at which video messages by the prime minister and leader of the opposition were played .
Faith leaders will conduct sermons and reflections online throughout the day , and bells of churches in London will toll 72 times in tribute to the victims .
Also , survivors group Grenfell United has asked homeowners across the UK to display green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his message , Boris Johnson said the country was working to ensure such a disaster would not be repeated .
He said : `` That night , 72 men , women and children were taken from us in the cruellest of circumstances .
`` As a nation , we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again .
`` While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person , all of us in this country are with you in spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people are still at risk from the cladding that accelerated the deadly 2017 blaze , and a second , similar , fire could see greater loss of life .
In a video message , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do `` everything in my power '' to prevent such a tragedy happening again .
His party estimates 56,000 people are living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell .
Sir Keir said : `` In the midst of their suffering , the Grenfell community came together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
Because no one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced .
`` But three years on and , unbelievably , tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes .
Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability .
Three years on their campaign continues . ''
The fire began as a small kitchen fire just before 1am on the fourth floor of the 23 storey tower block in North Kensington , west London .
Within minutes , flames had raced up the exterior of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four sides with such speed that by 3am , most of the upper floors were well alight .
The Grenfell Tower fire was the most deadly domestic blaze since World War Two , but the Fire Brigades Union ( FBU ) has warned `` the loss of life could be worse still '' if a similar tragedy occurred .
In what he called `` a chilling warning to the prime minister '' , FBU general secretary Matt Wrack described a `` postcode lottery '' concerning how many firefighters would be sent to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` Lives in London and the South East are worth no more than the rest of the country , yet different regions have drastically different standards . ''
He added the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell was deeply traumatic , but said there was `` a good chance that the next Grenfell will be outside London , in an area where fewer resources are mobilised to a fire , and the loss of life could be worse still '' .
The public inquiry into the disaster , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the night , was paused in March because of the pandemic and is due to restart on 6 July .

The third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is being marked today in commemorations taking place online because of the coronavirus lockdown.
A series of video messages from relatives of the victims were played during a virtual service, remembering the 72 people who died, hosted by the Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin.
Messages from members of the local community and musical performances were played.
Image: People hug during a commemoration to mark the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire
Image: The Bishop of Kensington led the online commemoration service
Relatives paid tribute to their loved ones and vowed to continue to fight for justice when the second phase of the public inquiry restarts.
Faith leaders conducted sermons and reflections online throughout the day - and at 6pm, churches across London rang their bells 72 times in memory of those who lost their lives.
The Grenfell United survivors' group has asked homeowners across the UK to display green lights from windows from 10.30pm.
In a video message, Boris Johnson said the country was working to ensure such a disaster would not be repeated.
The prime minister said: "That night, 72 men, women and children were taken from us in the cruellest of circumstances.
"As a nation, we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again.
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"While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, all of us in this country are with you in spirit."
Image: 72 people died in the Grenfell Tower fire
It comes amid warnings thousands of people are still at risk from the cladding that accelerated the fire.
In his message, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do "everything in my power" to prevent such a tragedy happening again.
His party estimates 56,000 people are living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell.
Sir Keir said: "In the midst of their suffering, the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice, safe homes and change. Because no one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced.
"But three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes. Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability. Three years on their campaign continues."
Image: Firefighters mark the one-year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2018
The fire began as a small kitchen fire just before 1am on the fourth floor of the 23-storey tower block in North Kensington, west London.
Within minutes, flames had raced up the exterior of the building and then spread to all four sides with such speed that by 3am, most of the upper floors were well alight.
It was the most deadly domestic blaze since World War Two, but the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned "the loss of life could be worse still" if a similar tragedy occurred.
In what he called "a chilling warning to the prime minister", FBU general secretary Matt Wrack described a "postcode lottery" concerning how many firefighters would be sent to their building in the event of a blaze.
He said: "Lives in London and the South East are worth no more than the rest of the country, yet different regions have drastically different standards."
Image: In 2018, Downing Street in London was illuminated in green to mark a year since the fire
Mr Wrack added the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell was deeply traumatic, but said there was "a good chance that the next Grenfell will be outside London, in an area where fewer resources are mobilised to a fire, and the loss of life could be worse still".
The public inquiry into the disaster, whose first report criticised firefighters' actions on the night, was paused in March because of the pandemic and is due to restart on 6 July.