skynewspolitics--2020-11-22--Gyms and non-essential retail to reopen in lead-up to Christmas

Boris Johnson is hoping to lace his latest COVID crackdown with more good cheer , with ministers working on plans to allow families to meet up in a festive bubble .
He is unveiling a new blueprint to fight the pandemic that he hopes will not only save lives during the winter but also prevent a Commons revolt by rebel Tory MPs .
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world The prime minister is publishing a COVID Winter Plan , which will include tough new restrictions in England in December but a break of up to five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , due to replace England 's national lockdown when it ends on 2 December , Mr Johnson will announce : • Non-essential retail will be allowed to open , in a boost for Christmas shoppers - and the high street • Gyms will be allowed to open too , so the nation does n't pile on the pounds in the run-up to Christmas • The 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants , which critics claim did more harm than good , will be scrapped • And a mass testing programme is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the Army , like the recent pilot programme in Liverpool In a Commons statement , Mr Johnson is not expected to confirm how many households will be able to bubble together at Christmas , or how long the break in restrictions will last .
That is planned for the following day .
But ministers are working on plans for three households and a five-day break , from Christmas Eve to 28 December , subject to agreement from the Scottish , Welsh and Northern Ireland governments .
The mass coronavirus testing programme will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , in Tier 3 , using the Liverpool model , which the government claims has been a success .
Announcing the testing programme , the prime minister is expected to tell MPs : `` The selflessness of people in following the rules is making a difference .
`` The virus is not spreading nearly as quickly as it would if we were not washing our hands , maintaining social distance , wearing masks and so on .
`` And in England , where nationwide measures came into effect at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases is flattening off .
`` But we are not out of the woods yet .
The virus is still present in communities across the country , and remains both far more infectious and far more deadly than seasonal flu .
`` But with expansion in testing and vaccines edging closer to deployment , the regional tiered system will help get the virus back under control and keep it there . ''
Plans for a Christmas break from restrictions were announced after weekend talks with the first ministers of Scotland , Wales and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drakeford and Arlene Foster .
The government is proposing `` some limited additional household bubbling for a small number of days '' .
But the public is being urged to remain cautious and avoid travelling wherever possible .
But just hours after the announcement of the festive break was announced by the Cabinet Office , the Scottish government claimed : `` No agreement has been reached and discussions are continuing . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Sturgeon has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common position across the UK '' on an easing of COVID-19 restrictions around Christmas , with it `` likely [ that ] some households may be able to form slightly larger bubbles with each other for a short period over Christmas '' .
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the four nations are discussing `` the potential for a limited period of time to have some relaxation '' of the rules .
This was echoed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who told Sky News a final decision `` has n't been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` We 'll confirm it when we have that agreement across the four nations . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` We 've agreed in principle that there should be a set of rules that applies across the board that is balanced , that allows a little bit more freedom , but is still safe . ''
The dispute may be over the dates of the break .
Last week Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said for some families in Scotland Hogmanay would be more important than Christmas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News : `` We understand that people will want to come together , but this still remains a very serious , horrific and deadly virus , so please be cautious . ''
And he added that the PM needs to `` be honest with the British people '' about the tough new restrictions .
`` If areas are continuing in these localised lockdowns , we hope there is a proper package of support for the small businesses impacted , '' Mr Ashworth said .
In the Commons , Mr Johnson will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of Conservative MPs of his plans to re-impose the three-tier restrictions in England which were in force from 14 October until 5 November .
Although the PM will reaffirm his pledge to end England 's national lockdown , many Tory MPs are furious at the government 's plans to make the restrictions tougher and place more areas in Tiers 2 and 3 .
The Covid Recovery Group of Conservative MPs , led by ex-ministers Mark Harper and Steve Baker , has written to the prime minister threatening to vote against the three-tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commons .
Mr Baker told Kay Burley : `` We 're determined to do our duty and help the government to come up with the right solutions . ''
He added : `` Each measure needs to be shown to actually reduce the transmission of COVID and some of the measures ca n't be shown to do that , not in a material way .
Things like closing non-essential retail that 's COVID safe .
`` We also want to see a cost benefit analysis for each measure , so that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more lives than they harm . ''

Boris Johnson is hoping to lace his latest COVID crackdown with more good cheer, with ministers working on plans to allow families to meet up in a festive bubble.
He is unveiling a new blueprint to fight the pandemic that he hopes will not only save lives during the winter but also prevent a Commons revolt by rebel Tory MPs.
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 Lockdown set to be eased over Christmas
The prime minister is publishing a COVID Winter Plan, which will include tough new restrictions in England in December but a break of up to five days for Christmas.
But despite the restrictions, due to replace England's national lockdown when it ends on 2 December, Mr Johnson will announce:
Non-essential retail will be allowed to open, in a boost for Christmas shoppers - and the high street
Gyms will be allowed to open too, so the nation doesn't pile on the pounds in the run-up to Christmas
The 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants, which critics claim did more harm than good, will be scrapped
And a mass testing programme is to be launched in Tier 3 areas, using the Army, like the recent pilot programme in Liverpool
In a Commons statement, Mr Johnson is not expected to confirm how many households will be able to bubble together at Christmas, or how long the break in restrictions will last. That is planned for the following day.
But ministers are working on plans for three households and a five-day break, from Christmas Eve to 28 December, subject to agreement from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments.
The mass coronavirus testing programme will be launched in areas facing the toughest restrictions, in Tier 3, using the Liverpool model, which the government claims has been a success.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 'There will be a price to pay for Xmas'
Announcing the testing programme, the prime minister is expected to tell MPs: "The selflessness of people in following the rules is making a difference.
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"The virus is not spreading nearly as quickly as it would if we were not washing our hands, maintaining social distance, wearing masks and so on.
"And in England, where nationwide measures came into effect at the start of this month, the increase in new cases is flattening off.
"But we are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still present in communities across the country, and remains both far more infectious and far more deadly than seasonal flu.
"But with expansion in testing and vaccines edging closer to deployment, the regional tiered system will help get the virus back under control and keep it there."
Plans for a Christmas break from restrictions were announced after weekend talks with the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - Nicola Sturgeon, Mark Drakeford and Arlene Foster.
The government is proposing "some limited additional household bubbling for a small number of days". But the public is being urged to remain cautious and avoid travelling wherever possible.
But just hours after the announcement of the festive break was announced by the Cabinet Office, the Scottish government claimed: "No agreement has been reached and discussions are continuing."
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Ms Sturgeon has said "we're making progress towards a common position across the UK" on an easing of COVID-19 restrictions around Christmas, with it "likely [that] some households may be able to form slightly larger bubbles with each other for a short period over Christmas".
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the four nations are discussing "the potential for a limited period of time to have some relaxation" of the rules.
This was echoed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who told Sky News a final decision "hasn't been made".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Businesses fear return of tier system
Speaking to Kay Burley, he said: "We'll confirm it when we have that agreement across the four nations."
Mr Hancock added: "We've agreed in principle that there should be a set of rules that applies across the board that is balanced, that allows a little bit more freedom, but is still safe."
The dispute may be over the dates of the break. Last week Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said for some families in Scotland Hogmanay would be more important than Christmas.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News: "We understand that people will want to come together, but this still remains a very serious, horrific and deadly virus, so please be cautious."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Calls for the govt to release 'cost benefit analysis'
And he added that the PM needs to "be honest with the British people" about the tough new restrictions.
"If areas are continuing in these localised lockdowns, we hope there is a proper package of support for the small businesses impacted," Mr Ashworth said.
In the Commons, Mr Johnson will also face fierce criticism from a growing number of Conservative MPs of his plans to re-impose the three-tier restrictions in England which were in force from 14 October until 5 November.
Although the PM will reaffirm his pledge to end England's national lockdown, many Tory MPs are furious at the government's plans to make the restrictions tougher and place more areas in Tiers 2 and 3.
The Covid Recovery Group of Conservative MPs, led by ex-ministers Mark Harper and Steve Baker, has written to the prime minister threatening to vote against the three-tier system when it is voted on in the Commons.
Mr Baker told Kay Burley: "We're determined to do our duty and help the government to come up with the right solutions."
He added: "Each measure needs to be shown to actually reduce the transmission of COVID and some of the measures can't be shown to do that, not in a material way. Things like closing non-essential retail that's COVID safe.
"We also want to see a cost benefit analysis for each measure, so that we can see that the measures will save more lives than they harm."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--'It's probably the best value you can get': Hancock defends health department's £50k takeaways

'It's probably the best value you can get': Hancock defends health department's £50k takeaways spend

The health secretary has defended his department spending almost £50,000 of taxpayers ' money on takeaways from an east London restaurant in the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic .
According to an investigation by the Daily Mail and the TaxPayers ' Alliance , the Department of Health spent £47,528.68 on takeaways from Bong Bong 's Manila Kanteen in March and April .
The report said that nine orders totalling £43,348.96 were placed at the restaurant , which promises `` Filipino inspired dining '' , in April .
A total of £4,179.72 was spent in March , the report says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock told Sky News : `` I can absolutely justify feeding people who are working 18 hours a day to keep you and everybody else in this country safe . ''
Speaking to Kay Burley , he said his team in the department have been `` unbelievable '' and he was `` proud '' of the work they have done , adding : `` When people are working 18 hours a day , often seven days a week , in the middle of a pandemic , of course I 'm going to feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best value for money food that you can get in terms of allowing people to work so hard to tackle this virus . ''
Pressed again on the spending in light of the government 's initial reluctance to fund free school meals over the holidays , Mr Hancock replied : `` The education secretary made an announcement about that and we have been able to support people , we are going to be able to support people , throughout the Christmas holiday .
`` When you have a team working hard , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson phoned Manchester United star Marcus Rashford - who has been campaigning on the issue - earlier this month to tell him that £170m was being set aside to help feed disadvantaged children over the Christmas holidays .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A Department of Health spokesman said : `` The department led the government 's response to the pandemic and during lockdown we had key workers in the office from early in the morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases were necessary to ensure staff working shifts were able to access hot food when other catering options were unavailable during lockdown , until alternative arrangements could be made .
`` All departmental spend is in line with approved government processes . ''
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Kay Burley that he was not aware of the story , but it `` does sound like an awful lot of money for one particular takeaway '' .
`` I understand if civil servants are working incredibly long hours at the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health crisis , I 'll understand that they probably should be allowed to get takeaway meals , '' he said .
`` But I would have thought that the department would want to have some rules in place about what is a reasonable amount that can be spent . ''
In an Instagram post on Sunday , Bong Bong 's Manila Kanteen revealed that it was closing its restaurant in Hackney .
`` Do n't panic though ... it 's not all doom and gloom and we do have some exciting things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to update you all on very soon , '' it said .

The health secretary has defended his department spending almost £50,000 of taxpayers' money on takeaways from an east London restaurant in the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to an investigation by the Daily Mail and the TaxPayers' Alliance, the Department of Health spent £47,528.68 on takeaways from Bong Bong's Manila Kanteen in March and April.
The report said that nine orders totalling £43,348.96 were placed at the restaurant, which promises "Filipino inspired dining", in April.
A total of £4,179.72 was spent in March, the report says.
Asked about the expenditure, Matt Hancock told Sky News: "I can absolutely justify feeding people who are working 18 hours a day to keep you and everybody else in this country safe."
Speaking to Kay Burley, he said his team in the department have been "unbelievable" and he was "proud" of the work they have done, adding: "When people are working 18 hours a day, often seven days a week, in the middle of a pandemic, of course I'm going to feed them.
"It's probably the best value for money food that you can get in terms of allowing people to work so hard to tackle this virus."
Pressed again on the spending in light of the government's initial reluctance to fund free school meals over the holidays, Mr Hancock replied: "The education secretary made an announcement about that and we have been able to support people, we are going to be able to support people, throughout the Christmas holiday.
"When you have a team working hard, you need to support them, absolutely."
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson phoned Manchester United star Marcus Rashford - who has been campaigning on the issue - earlier this month to tell him that £170m was being set aside to help feed disadvantaged children over the Christmas holidays.
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A Department of Health spokesman said: "The department led the government's response to the pandemic and during lockdown we had key workers in the office from early in the morning until late at night.
"These purchases were necessary to ensure staff working shifts were able to access hot food when other catering options were unavailable during lockdown, until alternative arrangements could be made.
"All departmental spend is in line with approved government processes."
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Kay Burley that he was not aware of the story, but it "does sound like an awful lot of money for one particular takeaway".
"I understand if civil servants are working incredibly long hours at the Department of Health in the middle of a public health crisis, I'll understand that they probably should be allowed to get takeaway meals," he said.
"But I would have thought that the department would want to have some rules in place about what is a reasonable amount that can be spent."
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Bong Bong's Manila Kanteen revealed that it was closing its restaurant in Hackney.
"Don't panic though...it's not all doom and gloom and we do have some exciting things in the pipeline, which we hope to update you all on very soon," it said.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--PM: 'Vast majority' of vulnerable people could get COVID vaccine by Easter

Boris Johnson has suggested the `` vast majority '' of people most vulnerable to coronavirus could be vaccinated against the disease by Easter .
The prime minister , speaking at a Downing Street news conference , said this `` would make a very substantial change '' to how the UK is able to manage COVID-19 .
With Oxford University 's vaccine shown to be up to 90 % effective , Mr Johnson said the roll-out of the jab `` at a good lick '' - perhaps in combination with two other vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna - should see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who need the most protection by Easter '' .
`` That would make a very substantial change to where we are at the moment , '' he added .
`` I do n't want to give any more hostages to fortune than that , but that 's the best information we have . ''
Mr Johnson said there would be `` no compulsory vaccination '' , but branded the `` propaganda '' of anti-vaccination campaigners as `` wrong '' and urged everyone to get a vaccine `` as soon as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK is `` not out of the woods yet '' and warned the coming months `` will be hard , they will be cold , they include January and February when the NHS is under its greatest pressure '' .
The prime minister vowed to `` continue to bear down hard '' on COVID and said now was `` not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties '' .
`` 'T is the season to be jolly , but 't is also the season to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prime minister , following talks with the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , is expected to set out how families might be able to gather over the festive period later this week .
Earlier on Monday , Mr Johnson had told the House of Commons how a new `` tougher '' three-tiered system of restrictions - to be put in place until the end of March - would replace England 's current national lockdown from 2 December .
At the news conference , the prime minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with testing and the roll-out of vaccines - would `` squeeze the virus in the weeks and months ahead '' .
`` I really am now assured things really will look and feel very different indeed after Easter , '' he added .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , also offered hope of more normality in people 's lives after the winter months .
`` Science and also the seasons , when we get through to spring , will help to de-risk this infection steadily , step-by-step , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we 'll be able to pull back from these really oppressive things we have to do socially and economically to keep it under control at the moment .
`` The virus will not disappear , but it will become less and less risky for society . ''
Prof Whitty added coronavirus `` may still cause problems , particularly in the winter months '' but suggested there would no longer be a need for the strictest measures from next spring .
Professor Andrew Pollard , director of the Oxford Vaccine Group , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the data that his group 's vaccine could help reduce the amount of asymptomatic infection .
`` That may mean that there could be fewer people in the population who are spreaders , '' he said .
`` And that starts to stop the virus in its tracks , if we can get there . ''
Prof Pollard admitted there was a `` possibility '' the virus could mutate , with surveillance in place around the world to monitor such a development .
He said it could be `` relatively quick '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but added it would be up to regulators to decide whether updated jabs would have to go through a full trial process once more .

Boris Johnson has suggested the "vast majority" of people most vulnerable to coronavirus could be vaccinated against the disease by Easter.
The prime minister, speaking at a Downing Street news conference, said this "would make a very substantial change" to how the UK is able to manage COVID-19.
With Oxford University's vaccine shown to be up to 90% effective, Mr Johnson said the roll-out of the jab "at a good lick" - perhaps in combination with two other vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna - should see the UK inoculate "the vast majority of people who need the most protection by Easter".
Image: Boris Johnson hailed the news of the Oxford vaccine's up to 90% efficacy
"That would make a very substantial change to where we are at the moment," he added.
"I don't want to give any more hostages to fortune than that, but that's the best information we have."
Mr Johnson said there would be "no compulsory vaccination", but branded the "propaganda" of anti-vaccination campaigners as "wrong" and urged everyone to get a vaccine "as soon as it is available".
He also said the UK is "not out of the woods yet" and warned the coming months "will be hard, they will be cold, they include January and February when the NHS is under its greatest pressure".
The prime minister vowed to "continue to bear down hard" on COVID and said now was "not the moment to let the virus rip for the sake of Christmas parties".
"'Tis the season to be jolly, but 'tis also the season to be jolly careful," Mr Johnson added.
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The prime minister, following talks with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is expected to set out how families might be able to gather over the festive period later this week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 'Tis the season to be jolly careful,' PM says
Earlier on Monday, Mr Johnson had told the House of Commons how a new "tougher" three-tiered system of restrictions - to be put in place until the end of March - would replace England's current national lockdown from 2 December.
At the news conference, the prime minister said the new tiering system - in combination with testing and the roll-out of vaccines - would "squeeze the virus in the weeks and months ahead".
"I really am now assured things really will look and feel very different indeed after Easter," he added.
Iframe embed – I’ve added to subbing board on Teams – please include in COVID stories
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England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, also offered hope of more normality in people's lives after the winter months.
"Science and also the seasons, when we get through to spring, will help to de-risk this infection steadily, step-by-step," he told the news conference.
"And we'll be able to pull back from these really oppressive things we have to do socially and economically to keep it under control at the moment.
"The virus will not disappear, but it will become less and less risky for society."
Prof Whitty added coronavirus "may still cause problems, particularly in the winter months" but suggested there would no longer be a need for the strictest measures from next spring.
Professor Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said there was a "hint" in the data that his group's vaccine could help reduce the amount of asymptomatic infection.
"That may mean that there could be fewer people in the population who are spreaders," he said.
"And that starts to stop the virus in its tracks, if we can get there."
Prof Pollard admitted there was a "possibility" the virus could mutate, with surveillance in place around the world to monitor such a development.
He said it could be "relatively quick" to adapt vaccines to combat a mutation, but added it would be up to regulators to decide whether updated jabs would have to go through a full trial process once more.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--Lockdown ends next week - but stricter tiered system will be in place in England until spring

England 's second national lockdown will be lifted on 2 December when a revised three-tiered system of restrictions will allow shops , gyms and hairdressers to reopen across the country .
The prime minister 's `` stay at home '' instruction to the country will end a week on Wednesday , following a month of tougher national instructions .
Under his 56-page COVID Winter Plan , which Mr Johnson revealed to the House of Commons on Monday , the national shutdown will be replaced by a new `` tougher '' version of the tiered system of restrictions that preceded it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2 December will mean : • Non-essential shops , hairdressers , gyms and leisure facilities can reopen across the whole of England • Collective worship , weddings and all outdoor sports can resume , subject to social distancing , across the whole of England • The `` rule of six '' will return - meaning people will no longer be limited to seeing only one other person outdoors - across the whole of England • The previous 10pm curfew for pubs , bars and restaurants will be extended to 11pm , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister warned that the next few weeks will still prove to be a `` hard winter '' and `` Christmas can not be normal '' , but he said the country had `` turned a corner and the escape route is in sight '' .
`` We must hold out against the virus until testing and vaccines come to our rescue and reduce the need for restrictions , '' he added .
In Tier 1 areas , people will be urged to work from home wherever possible .
In Tier 2 areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are serving substantial meals along with alcoholic drinks .
In Tier 3 areas all pubs , bars and restaurants must close except for delivery , takeaway and drive-through .
Hotels and indoor entertainment venues must also close in these areas .
The prime minister said he expected to announce on Thursday which areas of England will be in which tier - a decision that will be based on local infection rates and pressures on hospitals .
`` I 'm sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` But by using these tougher tiers and by using rapid turnaround tests on an ever greater scale to drive R below one and keep it there , it should be possible for areas to move down the tiering scale to lower levels of restrictions . ''
The government will review tiering allocations for each part of the country every two weeks , with the new tiered system to last until the end of March .
Meanwhile , for the first time since the country 's first lockdown in March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadiums in areas with the lowest cases of coronavirus .
In Tier 1 , 50 % capacity or 4,000 spectators - whichever is lower - will be allowed in outdoor venues , with a maximum 1,000 indoors .
In Tier 2 , 50 % capacity or 2,000 spectators - whichever is lower , will be allowed in outdoor venues , with a maximum 1,000 indoors .
People in England will also now be able to travel both within the country and abroad for holidays once again from 2 December , although they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiered restrictions .
The prime minister told MPs that his winter plan `` is designed to carry us safely to spring '' , while he said the `` scientific cavalry is in sight '' as he praised advances in testing , treatment and vaccines .
`` By the spring these advances should reduce the need for the restrictions we have endured in 2020 and make the whole concept of a COVID lockdown redundant , '' Mr Johnson said .
The prime minister is also this week expected to set out how families across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Christmas .
However , he told MPs : `` I ca n't say that Christmas will be normal this year , but in a period of adversity , time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none .
`` We all want some kind of Christmas , we need it , we certainly feel we deserve it .
`` But what we do n't want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again , forcing us all back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister also warned people to `` make a careful judgement about the risk of visiting elderly relatives '' over the upcoming festive period .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the return to a three-tiered system of restrictions as `` risky '' as he told the prime minister that the previous system `` did n't work '' .
`` Tier 1 areas drifted to Tier 2 , almost all Tier 2 areas ended up in Tier 3 and those in Tier 3 could n't see a way out and we ended up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That was the sad reality of the tiered system before and nobody wants a repeat of that . ''
Mr Johnson 's address to MPs was later interrupted by technical problems as his video-link from Downing Street , where he continues to self-isolate , failed .
Sir Lindsay Hoyle , the House of Commons speaker , asked : `` Have you pressed the button prime minister ? ''
He then suspended proceedings for three minutes , before Health Secretary Matt Hancock took questions on the prime minister 's behalf .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then able to return to answer MPs ' questions remotely .

England's second national lockdown will be lifted on 2 December when a revised three-tiered system of restrictions will allow shops, gyms and hairdressers to reopen across the country.
The prime minister's "stay at home" instruction to the country will end a week on Wednesday, following a month of tougher national instructions.
Under his 56-page COVID Winter Plan, which Mr Johnson revealed to the House of Commons on Monday, the national shutdown will be replaced by a new "tougher" version of the tiered system of restrictions that preceded it.
Image: The prime minister warned that 'Christmas cannot be normal' this year
The lifting of the national lockdown from 2 December will mean:
• Non-essential shops, hairdressers, gyms and leisure facilities can reopen across the whole of England
• Collective worship, weddings and all outdoor sports can resume, subject to social distancing, across the whole of England
• The "rule of six" will return - meaning people will no longer be limited to seeing only one other person outdoors - across the whole of England
• The previous 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants will be extended to 11pm, with last orders at 10pm.
The prime minister warned that the next few weeks will still prove to be a "hard winter" and "Christmas cannot be normal", but he said the country had "turned a corner and the escape route is in sight".
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"We must hold out against the virus until testing and vaccines come to our rescue and reduce the need for restrictions," he added.
In Tier 1 areas, people will be urged to work from home wherever possible.
In Tier 2 areas, pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals along with alcoholic drinks.
In Tier 3 areas all pubs, bars and restaurants must close except for delivery, takeaway and drive-through. Hotels and indoor entertainment venues must also close in these areas.
The prime minister said he expected to announce on Thursday which areas of England will be in which tier - a decision that will be based on local infection rates and pressures on hospitals.
"I'm sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into higher levels than before," he added.
"But by using these tougher tiers and by using rapid turnaround tests on an ever greater scale to drive R below one and keep it there, it should be possible for areas to move down the tiering scale to lower levels of restrictions."
The government will review tiering allocations for each part of the country every two weeks, with the new tiered system to last until the end of March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 'Have you pressed button by mistake?'
Meanwhile, for the first time since the country's first lockdown in March, fans will be allowed back into sports stadiums in areas with the lowest cases of coronavirus.
In Tier 1, 50% capacity or 4,000 spectators - whichever is lower - will be allowed in outdoor venues, with a maximum 1,000 indoors.
In Tier 2, 50% capacity or 2,000 spectators - whichever is lower, will be allowed in outdoor venues, with a maximum 1,000 indoors.
People in England will also now be able to travel both within the country and abroad for holidays once again from 2 December, although they will remain subject to quarantine rules and local tiered restrictions.
The prime minister told MPs that his winter plan "is designed to carry us safely to spring", while he said the "scientific cavalry is in sight" as he praised advances in testing, treatment and vaccines.
"By the spring these advances should reduce the need for the restrictions we have endured in 2020 and make the whole concept of a COVID lockdown redundant," Mr Johnson said.
Image: Crowds of up to 4,000 will be allowed back into sports stadiums
The prime minister is also this week expected to set out how families across the UK might be able to gather at Christmas.
However, he told MPs: "I can't say that Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity, time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none.
"We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it, we certainly feel we deserve it.
"But what we don't want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January."
The prime minister also warned people to "make a careful judgement about the risk of visiting elderly relatives" over the upcoming festive period.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer branded the return to a three-tiered system of restrictions as "risky" as he told the prime minister that the previous system "didn't work".
"Tier 1 areas drifted to Tier 2, almost all Tier 2 areas ended up in Tier 3 and those in Tier 3 couldn't see a way out and we ended up in national lockdown," he said.
"That was the sad reality of the tiered system before and nobody wants a repeat of that."
Mr Johnson's address to MPs was later interrupted by technical problems as his video-link from Downing Street, where he continues to self-isolate, failed.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the House of Commons speaker, asked: "Have you pressed the button prime minister?"
He then suspended proceedings for three minutes, before Health Secretary Matt Hancock took questions on the prime minister's behalf.
After a further suspension, Mr Johnson was then able to return to answer MPs' questions remotely.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--The prime minister had no choice but to end the lockdown, but his own MPs hate the new restrictions

The prime minister knew that he could n't run the English national lockdown beyond 2 December .
He might have a majority of 80 , but had he tried to extend this four-week lockdown his restive party would have not just deserted him but denounced him too , leaving his already troubled premiership in even deeper peril .
Instead then , the prime minister announced on Monday a COVID Winter Plan with a new tiered system .
Concessions were offered to those in his party and his cabinet anxious about the economic and social fall-out of measures : shops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across all tiers while the 10pm curfew will be extended to 11pm - measures to help the high street in the run-up to Christmas .
But if the prime minister gave with one hand , he took with the other .
The pay-off for exiting an English lockdown and having some loosening of restrictions for a few days around Christmas is that the tiers we 'll be living under are tougher and lasting for longer .
The hard road ahead stretches past Christmas , the New Year and first three months of 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are hard for the public to accept and are being resisted by MPs .
At least 70 of Boris Johnson 's own backbenchers are deeply unhappy with the package of measures and demanding that the government publish cost-benefit analysis for each restriction the government proposes to introduce .
As one rebel told me on Monday evening : `` MPs are going to be wrestling with this until we get to a vote .
The problem the PM 's got is that the public have worked out that if you 're under 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Young people are losing a year of their lives and facing dreadful economic prospects ... it 's extremely hard to see how he 'll get me over the line . ''
And that controversy could well grow , not just in Parliament but around the country later when on Thursday the government outlines which parts of the country are in which tiers .
The prime minister himself admitted on Monday that the tiers were tougher and more of the country would be in the higher bands .
This will be a battleground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are put where taken at cabinet level by the Health Secretary with advice from the Chief Medical Officer , taking into account the number of cases in the over 60s , local pressure on the NHS and the local R number..
There will be no negotiation with local authorities .
MPs and local leaders and businesses will be looking on in dread at the prospect of going back in Tier 3 , which looks rather like lockdown now , with bars , restaurants , museums , galleries and other indoor entertainment all closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited to parks and public spaces .
Labour have yet to publicly commit to supporting the measures .
They , like many of Mr Johnson 's own MPs are waiting to see more detail of the tier system and what economic support measures will be put in place .
It will be quite something if the prime minister 's four-month COVID Winter Plan gets passed on the back of Labour votes rather than Conservative ones - a reflection of the deep divisions in his party over the handling of the second wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all this some hope for spring with the prospect of three new vaccines on the horizon .
But between then and now is a hard winter for our economy as well as our quality of life .
And while the public health outlook will turn the corner when the seasons change , the economy will pay the price .
No wonder the prime minister will have a hard job politically to get these measures across the line .

The prime minister knew that he couldn't run the English national lockdown beyond 2 December.
He might have a majority of 80, but had he tried to extend this four-week lockdown his restive party would have not just deserted him but denounced him too, leaving his already troubled premiership in even deeper peril.
Instead then, the prime minister announced on Monday a COVID Winter Plan with a new tiered system.
Concessions were offered to those in his party and his cabinet anxious about the economic and social fall-out of measures: shops, gyms and hair and beauty salons open across all tiers while the 10pm curfew will be extended to 11pm - measures to help the high street in the run-up to Christmas.
But if the prime minister gave with one hand, he took with the other. The pay-off for exiting an English lockdown and having some loosening of restrictions for a few days around Christmas is that the tiers we'll be living under are tougher and lasting for longer.
The hard road ahead stretches past Christmas, the New Year and first three months of 2021 to Easter on 4 April.
These measures are hard for the public to accept and are being resisted by MPs. At least 70 of Boris Johnson's own backbenchers are deeply unhappy with the package of measures and demanding that the government publish cost-benefit analysis for each restriction the government proposes to introduce.
As one rebel told me on Monday evening: "MPs are going to be wrestling with this until we get to a vote. The problem the PM's got is that the public have worked out that if you're under 60 this disease is not especially dangerous.
"Young people are losing a year of their lives and facing dreadful economic prospects...it's extremely hard to see how he'll get me over the line."
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And that controversy could well grow, not just in parliament but around the country later when on Thursday the government outlines which parts of the country are in which tiers.
The prime minister himself admitted on Monday that the tiers were tougher and more of the country would be in the higher bands.
This will be a battleground, with the decision on which areas are put where taken at cabinet level by the Health Secretary with advice from the Chief Medical Officer, taking into account the number of cases in the over 60s, local pressure on the NHS and the local R number.. There will be no negotiation with local authorities.
MPs and local leaders and businesses will be looking on in dread at the prospect of going back in Tier 3, which looks rather like lockdown now, with bars, restaurants, museums, galleries and other indoor entertainment all closed. And any mixing outside your household limited to parks and public spaces.
Labour have yet to publicly commit to supporting the measures. They, like many of Mr Johnson's own MPs are waiting to see more detail of the tier system and what economic support measures will be put in place.
It will be quite something if the prime minister's four-month COVID Winter Plan gets passed on the back of Labour votes rather than Conservative ones - a reflection of the deep divisions in his party over the handling of the second wave of this pandemic.
There is at least in all this some hope for spring with the prospect of three new vaccines on the horizon.
But between then and now is a hard winter for our economy as well as our quality of life.
And while the public health outlook will turn the corner when the seasons change, the economy will pay the price. No wonder the prime minister will have a hard job politically to get these measures across the line.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--EU thanks Biden for 'clear support' amid Brexit dispute with UK

The EU has thanked US president-elect Joe Biden for his `` clear support '' amid the bloc 's dispute with Britain over Boris Johnson 's controversial Brexit legislation .
Brussels launched legal action last month against the prime minister 's Internal Market Bill , which the UK government has admitted could see it breach international law .
The legislation seeks to allow ministers to override parts of Britain 's divorce deal with regards to Northern Ireland , which was agreed last year .
In a phone call on Monday , European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Mr Biden on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's US election .
Mr Michel also `` thanked the president-elect for his clear support regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement the EU concluded with the UK last year '' , an EU statement said .
`` This agreement preserves peace and stability in Ireland and fully respects the Good Friday Agreement , '' it added .
During the row over the Internal Market Bill between the EU and UK , Mr Biden has previously warned about Northern Ireland 's Good Friday Agreement becoming a `` casualty '' of Brexit .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` must be contingent upon respect for '' the Good Friday Agreement and `` the return of a hard border '' on the island of Ireland .
Mr Biden 's office said he `` reaffirmed '' his support for the Good Friday Agreement in a phone call with Mr Johnson earlier this month , following his election victory .
The prime minister and his fellow ministers have repeatedly insisted the Internal Market Bill is `` critical '' to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement .
The House of Lords was due to continue its consideration of the legislation on Monday , with peers having already voted overwhelmingly to remove the section of the bill that would allow ministers to break international law .
But the government has vowed to reinstate any parts of the bill that are removed by the Lords , when the legislation returns to the House of Commons .

The EU has thanked US president-elect Joe Biden for his "clear support" amid the bloc's dispute with Britain over Boris Johnson's controversial Brexit legislation.
Brussels launched legal action last month against the prime minister's Internal Market Bill, which the UK government has admitted could see it breach international law.
The legislation seeks to allow ministers to override parts of Britain's divorce deal with regards to Northern Ireland, which was agreed last year.
Image: The PM's Internal Market Bill could see the UK breach international law
In a phone call on Monday, European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Mr Biden on his victory over Donald Trump in this month's US election.
Mr Michel also "thanked the president-elect for his clear support regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement the EU concluded with the UK last year", an EU statement said.
"This agreement preserves peace and stability in Ireland and fully respects the Good Friday Agreement," it added.
During the row over the Internal Market Bill between the EU and UK, Mr Biden has previously warned about Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement becoming a "casualty" of Brexit.
He has also said a US-UK trade deal "must be contingent upon respect for" the Good Friday Agreement and "the return of a hard border" on the island of Ireland.
Mr Biden's office said he "reaffirmed" his support for the Good Friday Agreement in a phone call with Mr Johnson earlier this month, following his election victory.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:13 Coveney: No-deal if UK breaks law
The prime minister and his fellow ministers have repeatedly insisted the Internal Market Bill is "critical" to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, and to protect the Good Friday Agreement.
The House of Lords was due to continue its consideration of the legislation on Monday, with peers having already voted overwhelmingly to remove the section of the bill that would allow ministers to break international law.
But the government has vowed to reinstate any parts of the bill that are removed by the Lords, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--Labour chief whip tells Corbyn to apologise 'unequivocally' for antisemitism remarks

Jeremy Corbyn has been told by Labour 's chief whip to apologise `` unequivocally , unambiguously and without reservation '' for his reaction to a damning antisemitism report .
The ex-Labour leader , who was last month suspended from the party and still can not officially sit in the House of Commons as a Labour MP , has also been asked to delete or edit a controversial Facebook post .
And he has been urged to assure the party he will `` co-operate fully '' with the recommendations of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases under Mr Corbyn 's leadership .
Labour 's chief whip Nick Brown , who administers party discipline among MPs , made the demands in a strongly-worded letter to Mr Corbyn .
It comes days after the Islington North MP was informed by the current Labour leader , Sir Keir Starmer , that he will not have the party 's whip restored .
This was despite Mr Corbyn 's suspension as a party member having been lifted by a disciplinary panel .
Mr Corbyn was initially suspended from Labour last month following his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publication of the EHRC report .
In a Facebook post , which remains on Mr Corbyn 's page , the ex-Labour leader claimed the `` scale of the problem '' of antisemitism in Labour was `` dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party , as well as by much of the media '' .
He also said he did not accept all of the EHRC 's findings .
Mr Brown , in his letter urging Mr Corbyn to edit or delete the Facebook post , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , in particular Jewish members of the Labour Party and the wider Jewish community '' .
The chief whip also highlighted reports that the Labour disputes panel , which lifted Mr Corbyn 's suspension , had asked him to remove or edit the Facebook post .
Mr Brown asked Mr Corbyn to consider a fulsome apology for the comments , to confirm he `` will be complying immediately '' with the request of the panel , and to `` give me an assurance that you will cooperate fully with the Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out in the EHRC report '' .
The chief whip said these requests would `` inform the investigation '' into a possible breach of Labour 's code of conduct , following the `` precautionary suspension '' of the Labour whip from Mr Corbyn .
Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown recently told Sky News that Mr Corbyn needed to make a `` full apology '' in order to be readmitted as a Labour MP .
Last week , the day before his suspension as a party member was lifted , Mr Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of the publication of the EHRC report .
He said that `` concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated ' nor 'overstated ' '' and said he would `` fully support Keir Starmer 's decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full '' .
However , Mr Corbyn 's clarifying statement did not offer an apology for , or retraction of , his previous comments .

Jeremy Corbyn has been told by Labour's chief whip to apologise "unequivocally, unambiguously and without reservation" for his reaction to a damning antisemitism report.
The ex-Labour leader, who was last month suspended from the party and still cannot officially sit in the House of Commons as a Labour MP, has also been asked to delete or edit a controversial Facebook post.
And he has been urged to assure the party he will "co-operate fully" with the recommendations of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report, which condemned Labour's handling of antisemitism cases under Mr Corbyn's leadership.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 29 October - Corbyn responds to Labour suspension
Labour's chief whip Nick Brown, who administers party discipline among MPs, made the demands in a strongly-worded letter to Mr Corbyn.
It comes days after the Islington North MP was informed by the current Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, that he will not have the party's whip restored.
This was despite Mr Corbyn's suspension as a party member having been lifted by a disciplinary panel.
Mr Corbyn was initially suspended from Labour last month following his comments on Facebook on the day of publication of the EHRC report.
In a Facebook post, which remains on Mr Corbyn's page, the ex-Labour leader claimed the "scale of the problem" of antisemitism in Labour was "dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media".
He also said he did not accept all of the EHRC's findings.
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Mr Brown, in his letter urging Mr Corbyn to edit or delete the Facebook post, said the remarks had "caused significant distress to many, in particular Jewish members of the Labour Party and the wider Jewish community".
The chief whip also highlighted reports that the Labour disputes panel, which lifted Mr Corbyn's suspension, had asked him to remove or edit the Facebook post.
Mr Brown asked Mr Corbyn to consider a fulsome apology for the comments, to confirm he "will be complying immediately" with the request of the panel, and to "give me an assurance that you will cooperate fully with the Labour Party as it seeks to implement the recommendations set out in the EHRC report".
The chief whip said these requests would "inform the investigation" into a possible breach of Labour's code of conduct, following the "precautionary suspension" of the Labour whip from Mr Corbyn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Corbyn 'has got to make a full apology'
Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown recently told Sky News that Mr Corbyn needed to make a "full apology" in order to be readmitted as a Labour MP.
Last week, the day before his suspension as a party member was lifted, Mr Corbyn sought to clarify his remarks from the day of the publication of the EHRC report.
He said that "concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated' nor 'overstated'" and said he would "fully support Keir Starmer's decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full".
However, Mr Corbyn's clarifying statement did not offer an apology for, or retraction of, his previous comments.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--PM says MPs should not get annual pay rise amid COVID-19 pandemic

Boris Johnson does not think MPs should get a pay rise , Downing Street has said .
`` MPs ' salaries are obviously decided by an independent body but given the circumstances , the PM does n't believe MPs should be receiving a pay rise , '' the prime minister 's spokesman told reporters .
The intervention comes as Britons continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid reports that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is poised to freeze the pay of millions of public sector workers .
Mr Johnson has previously announced a freeze in ministerial salaries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they get as an MP .
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( IPSA ) , which sets MPs ' salaries , last month recommended an increase worth £3,300 from next April .
If enacted , this will take an MP 's annual pay packet to more than £85,000 .
In a report released last month , IPSA proposed continuing to link parliamentarians ' pay to wage growth in the public sector and using October 's three-month average public sector wage growth as the benchmark .
Its final decision will be announced next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the body has a statutory duty to review MPs ' pay in the first year of each parliament .
`` Given the huge economic uncertainties arising from the coronavirus pandemic , we do not think it is right to depart from this approach now , '' he said .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his opposition to the pay rise , telling LBC Radio last month : `` We should n't have it . ''
IPSA was set up in the wake of the 2009 MPs ' expenses scandal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deciding their own remuneration .

Boris Johnson does not think MPs should get a pay rise, Downing Street has said.
"MPs' salaries are obviously decided by an independent body but given the circumstances, the PM doesn't believe MPs should be receiving a pay rise," the prime minister's spokesman told reporters.
The intervention comes as Britons continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid reports that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is poised to freeze the pay of millions of public sector workers.
Mr Johnson has previously announced a freeze in ministerial salaries, a sum paid on top of what they get as an MP.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which sets MPs' salaries, last month recommended an increase worth £3,300 from next April.
If enacted, this will take an MP's annual pay packet to more than £85,000.
In a report released last month, IPSA proposed continuing to link parliamentarians' pay to wage growth in the public sector and using October's three-month average public sector wage growth as the benchmark.
Its final decision will be announced next month.
IPSA's interim chairman Richard Lloyd said the body has a statutory duty to review MPs' pay in the first year of each parliament.
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"Given the huge economic uncertainties arising from the coronavirus pandemic, we do not think it is right to depart from this approach now," he said.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his opposition to the pay rise, telling LBC Radio last month: "We shouldn't have it."
IPSA was set up in the wake of the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal to ensure that MPs were not involved in deciding their own remuneration.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--Priti Patel 'sorry' for the way she 'expressed frustrations' towards staff

The home secretary was out on a dawn raid this morning with Kent Police , keen to refocus on her job after nearly losing it .
Speaking exclusively to Sky News , Priti Patel expanded on her apology over the way she `` expressed frustrations '' towards staff while in office .
It comes as Boris Johnson has written to his ministers saying there is `` no place for bullying '' in government .
It emerged last week that a report published by the prime minister 's adviser on ministerial standards , Sir Alex Allan , had found the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaviour that amounted to bullying .
Mr Johnson overruled , saying the code had n't been broken and she could keep her job .
On Friday Ms Patel said she was sorry that her behaviour upset people .
But , if she had n't broken the code what exactly was she apologising for ?
This morning while out with Kent Police I asked her if she agreed with Sir Alex 's findings .
She replied : `` I have given an unreserved apology about that and it 's important to recognise in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the arbiter of that code and he makes the judgements accordingly .
`` I 've given an unreserved apology to anybody who has been upset by anything that has taken place . ''
Asked what personal behaviour she was apologising for , Ms Patel said : `` If people felt upset by expressions of frustration specifically that has been highlighted by Alex Allan , I 've been very clear about that , I 've given an unreserved apology . ''
Pressed on whether she meant the way in which she had expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Absolutely… for the way in which frustrations have been expressed . ''
Today the PM wrote to his team saying : `` There is a particular duty on ministers and permanent secretaries to create jointly across government a culture which is professional , respectful , focused and ambitious for change and in which there is no place for bullying . ''
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds responded saying : `` He ( the prime minister ) has effectively turned a blind eye , when an independent report came across his desk saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ministerial code .
`` Now the home secretary shows no remorse and seems to be effectively blaming the victims of bullying for what happened .
Her position is completely untenable .
`` Trust and confidence in government is vital .
But that trust is an even greater imperative at a time when we 've handed over unprecedented powers to our government to deal with a public health crisis .
`` But in addition it sends the most terrible signal to victims of bullying , whether in the civil service or indeed any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The home secretary hopes her efforts in policing will deflect criticism elsewhere .
She pledged today to `` zap and tackle county lines across the country '' .
Some £25m has been invested in tackling county lines drug dealing .
In a national police drive last month there were 1,000 arrests across the UK , with 1,500 vulnerable people including children being protected .
But there are suggestions Boris Johnson is frustrated with the Home Office 's failure to stem migration across the channel , which could still lead to Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this Ms Patel said : `` You are absolutely right we have seen unprecedented numbers of migrants crossing the Channel , taking that dangerous route in small boats , putting their lives at risk .
`` But we 've seen trafficking of individuals across the Channel through organised gangs and I 'm very public about this and I wo n't hide away from this issue .
`` We are going after the top people involved in criminality and people-trafficking and we 've been doing that successfully . ''
All the same - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be shuffled out of her role come the New Year .

The home secretary was out on a dawn raid this morning with Kent Police, keen to refocus on her job after nearly losing it.
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Priti Patel expanded on her apology over the way she "expressed frustrations" towards staff while in office.
It comes as Boris Johnson has written to his ministers saying there is "no place for bullying" in government.
It emerged last week that a report published by the prime minister's adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Alex Allan, had found the home secretary had breached the ministerial code with behaviour that amounted to bullying.
Mr Johnson overruled, saying the code hadn't been broken and she could keep her job.
On Friday Ms Patel said she was sorry that her behaviour upset people.
Image: A suspect is taken away by police
Image: Priti Patel on a county lines raid with Kent Police
But, if she hadn't broken the code what exactly was she apologising for?
This morning while out with Kent Police I asked her if she agreed with Sir Alex's findings.
She replied: "I have given an unreserved apology about that and it's important to recognise in terms of the code that the prime minister is the arbiter of that code and he makes the judgements accordingly.
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"I've given an unreserved apology to anybody who has been upset by anything that has taken place."
Asked what personal behaviour she was apologising for, Ms Patel said: "If people felt upset by expressions of frustration specifically that has been highlighted by Alex Allan, I've been very clear about that, I've given an unreserved apology."
Pressed on whether she meant the way in which she had expressed frustrations, the home secretary replied: "Absolutely… for the way in which frustrations have been expressed."
Image: Boris Johnson overruled the report and said Ms Patel should remain in her job
Today the PM wrote to his team saying: "There is a particular duty on ministers and permanent secretaries to create jointly across government a culture which is professional, respectful, focused and ambitious for change and in which there is no place for bullying."
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds responded saying: "He (the prime minister) has effectively turned a blind eye, when an independent report came across his desk saying clearly that the home secretary had breached the ministerial code.
Image: Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds says the home secretary 'shows no remorse'
"Now the home secretary shows no remorse and seems to be effectively blaming the victims of bullying for what happened. Her position is completely untenable.
"Trust and confidence in government is vital. But that trust is an even greater imperative at a time when we've handed over unprecedented powers to our government to deal with a public health crisis.
"But in addition it sends the most terrible signal to victims of bullying, whether in the civil service or indeed any other workplace or school around the country."
The home secretary hopes her efforts in policing will deflect criticism elsewhere. She pledged today to "zap and tackle county lines across the country".
Some £25m has been invested in tackling county lines drug dealing. In a national police drive last month there were 1,000 arrests across the UK, with 1,500 vulnerable people including children being protected.
Image: Ms Patel watches on as police search a property
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 'I am sorry that my behaviour has upset people'
But there are suggestions Boris Johnson is frustrated with the Home Office's failure to stem migration across the channel, which could still lead to Ms Patel losing her job.
Responding to this Ms Patel said: "You are absolutely right we have seen unprecedented numbers of migrants crossing the Channel, taking that dangerous route in small boats, putting their lives at risk.
"But we've seen trafficking of individuals across the Channel through organised gangs and I'm very public about this and I won't hide away from this issue.
"We are going after the top people involved in criminality and people-trafficking and we've been doing that successfully."
All the same - the woman Mr Johnson spared in November could still be shuffled out of her role come the New Year.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--Hancock defends health department's £50k spend on Bong Bong's Manila Kanteen takeaways


skynewspolitics--2020-11-24--Household mixing and five-day window: Meeting to look at plans for easing COVID rules at Christmas

Michael Gove will chair a COBRA meeting with devolved administrations later as discussions continue about Christmas rules , according to government sources .
Ministers are trying to agree a UK-wide approach to relaxing COVID-19 restrictions over the festive period with the leaders of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world The talks involving the Cabinet Office minister and the devolved governments are expected to get under way around 4pm .
Ministers are working on plans for three households and a five-day break , from Christmas Eve to 28 December , subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
`` We have been clear of our desire to try and agree a four-nations approach which will allow families to meet up over the Christmas period , '' Boris Johnson 's spokesman said .
`` We continue to work with the devolved nations to agree a plan to allow families to meet up over Christmas .
`` That work is ongoing and there will be a meeting later of Cobra to discuss it . ''
Facing questions from MPs on the health and social care and science and technology select @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not look the same as normal .
Asked if the focus on Christmas could be seen as `` unfair '' to people who would have loved to have celebrated Eid and Diwali , the health secretary said : `` I 'm very sensitive to this point , and we did think about it and we engaged and we have discussed it .
`` The conclusion that we 've come to , which I agree with very strongly , is that Christmas as a national holiday is the biggest national holiday that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance for Christians , but it is an important national holiday for everybody in this country .
`` So while of course we considered the impact on those of other faiths , Christmas is a special time for everyone in this country . ''
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Monday that `` we 're making progress towards a common position across the UK '' on an easing of restrictions around Christmas , with it `` likely [ that ] some households may be able to form slightly larger bubbles with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething , meanwhile , said the four nations were discussing `` the potential for a limited period of time to have some relaxation '' of the rules .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker If an agreement is reached , the prime minister is expected to set out how families might be able to gather over Christmas later this week .
Speaking via videolink at a Downing Street news conference on Monday , Mr Johnson said Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous years , declaring : `` Tis the season to be jolly , but also the season to be jolly careful . ''
He added : `` We want to make sure we have a solution for Christmas that everybody can share , understand and respect throughout the whole of the UK . ''
Addressing MPs in the Commons earlier that day , the PM said families would have to make a `` careful judgment '' about visiting elderly relatives .
He said COVID-19 is `` obviously not going to grant a Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` blow it with a big blowout Christmas '' , the country will pay for it with tougher restrictions heading into 2021 .
The PM was speaking as he confirmed the second lockdown will end on 2 December in England and a strengthened tier system will come into force .

Nicola Sturgeon has expressed hope that a UK-wide approach to relaxing COVID-19 restrictions at Christmas will be agreed at a COBRA meeting later.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove will chair the meeting with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from 4pm.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Scotland: 'Grounds for cautious optimism'
Speaking ahead of the talks, the first minister told the Scottish Parliament: "I will take part in a COBRA meeting today where it is hoped that we will agree a common framework, albeit that some details, for example on the precise definition of household, might differ to reflect the different circumstances in each nation."
She added: "Any easing of restrictions will be temporary, it will be limited and it will be accompanied by advice on the precautions that we should all take to minimise risk."
And Ms Sturgeon warned: "I know everyone has a desire to see loved ones over the festive period.
"However, there is also a very real and a very legitimate anxiety that doing so could put those we love at risk, set back our progress as a country, and result in unnecessary deaths and suffering."
First Minister Mark Drakeford told the Welsh Parliament that he was "very hopeful" of progress at the meeting.
"Whatever additional freedom we're able to offer over the Christmas period will have to be used responsibly by people," he said.
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"The fact that a relaxation is possible is not an instruction to go and spend the whole of that period doing risky things."
He said it was "inevitable" that a relaxation of the rules would "drive a rise" in infections.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 PM: Normality is coming, but not until spring
Ministers are reported to be working on plans for three households and a five-day break, from Christmas Eve to 28 December, subject to agreement among the four nations of the UK.
"We have been clear of our desire to try and agree a four-nations approach which will allow families to meet up over the Christmas period," Boris Johnson's spokesman said.
"We continue to work with the devolved nations to agree a plan to allow families to meet up over Christmas.
"That work is ongoing and there will be a meeting later of COBRA to discuss it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 'This virus won't grant Xmas truce'
Facing questions from MPs on the health and social care and science and technology select committees, Matt Hancock said Christmas would not look the same as normal.
Asked if the focus on Christmas could be seen as "unfair" to people who would have loved to have celebrated Eid and Diwali, the health secretary said: "I'm very sensitive to this point, and we did think about it and we engaged and we have discussed it.
"The conclusion that we've come to, which I agree with very strongly, is that Christmas as a national holiday is the biggest national holiday that we have.
"Of course it has particular importance for Christians, but it is an important national holiday for everybody in this country.
"So while of course we considered the impact on those of other faiths, Christmas is a special time for everyone in this country."
If an agreement is reached, the prime minister is expected to set out how families might be able to gather over Christmas later this week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 'Don't tear pants out of it': Van-Tam's Xmas warning
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Speaking via videolink at a Downing Street news conference on Monday, Mr Johnson said Christmas will be "different" than in previous years, declaring: "Tis the season to be jolly, but also the season to be jolly careful."
He added: "We want to make sure we have a solution for Christmas that everybody can share, understand and respect throughout the whole of the UK."
Addressing MPs in the Commons earlier that day, the PM said families would have to make a "careful judgment" about visiting elderly relatives.
He said COVID-19 is "obviously not going to grant a Christmas truce" and warned that if people "blow it with a big blowout Christmas", the country will pay for it with tougher restrictions heading into 2021.
The PM was speaking as he confirmed the second lockdown will end on 2 December in England and a strengthened tier system will come into force.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-24--Original Tier 3 restrictions not tough enough, Hancock admits

Tough COVID-19 restrictions imposed before England 's second lockdown were not strong enough , the health secretary has told MPs .
Matt Hancock said the beefed-up coronavirus tiers unveiled by Boris Johnson are `` better-calibrated '' than what was in place before the shutdown .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world He told a joint session of the health and social care and science and technology committees that the original Tier 3 measures in place in September and October were not `` strong enough to get the R below one , and therefore cases falling '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tougher third tier so we can have confidence that we can bring cases down under the tiered system , '' the health secretary said .
Speaking about the hoped-for rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine in the months to come , Mr Hancock told MPs : `` After Easter , we think we will be getting back to normal . ''
He said there would be a shift to an emphasis on `` personal responsibility '' rather than social distancing restrictions once a vaccine has reached the most vulnerable .
Mr Hancock told MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immunisation ( JCVI ) had recommended that once all those aged 50 and over had been vaccinated social distancing rules that `` damage '' society were likely to be removed .
The health secretary also said he does not expect there to be another national lockdown .
`` I very much hope not to by having a tiered system which is calibrated to be able to bring the virus under control , where that 's necessary , '' the health secretary said .
Mr Hancock spoke of his hope of a cultural shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to work even if they are sick .
He said the UK should continue to use the `` global-scale diagnostics capability '' which it has built during the pandemic .
`` I want to have a change in the British way of doing things where 'if in doubt , get a test ' does n't just refer to coronavirus but refers to any illness that you might have , '' Mr Hancock said .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's acceptable to soldier on and go into work if you have flu symptoms or a runny nose , thus making your colleagues ill ?
`` I think that 's something that is going to have to change .
`` If you have in future flu-like symptoms , you should get a test for it and find out what 's wrong with you , and if you need to stay at home to protect others , then you should stay at home .
`` We are peculiarly unusual and outliers in soldiering on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it kind of being the culture that 'as long as you can get out of bed you still should get into work ' .

The toughest COVID-19 restrictions imposed before England's second lockdown were not strong enough, the health secretary has told MPs.
Matt Hancock said the beefed-up coronavirus tiers unveiled by Boris Johnson are "better-calibrated" than what was in place before the shutdown.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 PM: Normality is coming, but not until spring
He told a joint session of the health and social care and science and technology committees that the original Tier 3 measures in place in September and October were not "strong enough to get the R (the average number of people an infected person goes on to infect) below one, and therefore cases falling".
"Therefore, we need a slightly tougher third tier so we can have confidence that we can bring cases down under the tiered system," the health secretary said.
Speaking about the hoped-for rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine in the months to come, Mr Hancock told MPs: "After Easter, we think we will be getting back to normal."
He said there would be a shift to an emphasis on "personal responsibility" rather than social distancing restrictions once a vaccine has reached the most vulnerable.
Mr Hancock told MPs that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) had recommended that once all those aged 50 and over had been vaccinated, social distancing rules that "damage" society were likely to be removed.
The health secretary also said he does not expect there to be another national lockdown.
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"I very much hope not to by having a tiered system which is calibrated to be able to bring the virus under control, where that's necessary," the health secretary said.
Mr Hancock spoke of his hope of a cultural shift from Britons "soldiering on" and going to work even if they are sick.
He said the UK should continue to use the "global-scale diagnostics capability" which it has built during the pandemic.
"I want to have a change in the British way of doing things where 'if in doubt, get a test' doesn't just refer to coronavirus but refers to any illness that you might have," Mr Hancock said.
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"Why in Britain do we think it's acceptable to soldier on and go into work if you have flu symptoms or a runny nose, thus making your colleagues ill?
"I think that's something that is going to have to change.
"If you have in future flu-like symptoms, you should get a test for it and find out what's wrong with you, and if you need to stay at home to protect others, then you should stay at home.
"We are peculiarly unusual and outliers in soldiering on and still going to work, and it kind of being the culture that 'as long as you can get out of bed you still should get into work'.
"That should change."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-24--Greater Manchester mayor hits back after minister says delayed tier talks helped virus surge

A minister has launched a thinly-veiled attack on the mayor of Greater Manchester as he explained why the government will not be entering into talks with individual regions about coronavirus restrictions .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that such discussions - held before the government opted to introduce a second COVID-19 lockdown earlier this month - had delayed areas going into tiered restrictions .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world '' I 'm afraid that in itself was one of the reasons that led to perhaps not getting on top of it [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Kay Burley .
The remarks will be seen as an implicit criticism of Greater Manchester 's Labour mayor Andy Burnham .
He was involved in a fierce row with ministers last month over the area going into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions .
Asked if he was referring to Mr Burnham , the transport secretary responded : `` I 'm not blaming anybody , but it 's clear that in Liverpool , where Tier 3 came in quite quickly , we 've seen the cases come right down .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have seen elsewhere , where tiers did n't come in as quickly , for various different reasons , that actually it was n't as successful .
`` That is a fact , I 'm afraid .
We do n't want to be in that position again . ''
When it was put to him that Mr Burnham would argue that he was standing up for the interests of his residents , Mr Shapps told Burley : `` The most important thing if you 're standing up for your region is to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mr Shapps ' comments were `` not true '' , adding : `` If you go back to those negotiations with the government , we were left waiting over a whole weekend - myself and the 10 leaders of Greater Manchester - while the government walked away .
`` They need to get their facts right .
`` We would n't have been in that position had the government listened to SAGE ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ) back in September and brought forward the national circuit breaker much earlier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government thinks it 's helpful to do this .
`` I also do n't know why they think imposing tiers on the whole country is an appropriate response just because they had a row with me .
`` It does n't sound like very grown-up government to me . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also referenced the row during a committee session with MPs , telling them : `` The reason we are doing it differently is whilst in most cases when we negotiated with most areas in the previous tiered arrangement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to better outcomes - a case in point is Liverpool , where the case rate has fallen by over two-thirds in the last three weeks .
`` Unfortunately that was n't the case in all local areas . ''
Asked if he was referring specifically to Greater Manchester , Mr Hancock replied : `` That would be one example but not the only one .
`` Sadly , in the case of Greater Manchester , cases carried on going up whilst we were trying to put in place the measures that were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new data , which will be released `` in the next day or so '' , will help decide which areas go into which tiers .
`` It will be on the basis of the number of cases , for example the number of cases in the over-60s , where it 's much more likely that it [ the virus ] could be more fatal , and things like the speed at which coronavirus is rising or falling in a particular area and a couple of other measures along those lines , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We 'll look at all the data for the country and then we 'll be able to allocate the tiers out to the country as a whole . ''
Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that England 's national shutdown will end on 2 December , to be replaced with the previous tiered system .
However , the prime minister said the restrictions will be strengthened in a number of ways .
The new rules across the three tiers @ @ @ @

A minister has launched a thinly-veiled attack on the mayor of Greater Manchester as he explained why the government will not be entering into talks with individual regions about coronavirus restrictions.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that such discussions - held before the government opted to introduce a second COVID-19 lockdown earlier this month - had delayed areas going into tiered restrictions.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 PM: Normality is coming, but not until spring
"I'm afraid that in itself was one of the reasons that led to perhaps not getting on top of it [the virus] as quickly as possible," he told Kay Burley.
The remarks will be seen as an implicit criticism of Greater Manchester's Labour mayor Andy Burnham.
He was involved in a fierce row with ministers last month over the area going into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.
Asked if he was referring to Mr Burnham, the transport secretary responded: "I'm not blaming anybody, but it's clear that in Liverpool, where Tier 3 came in quite quickly, we've seen the cases come right down. It's been a real success story.
"We have seen elsewhere, where tiers didn't come in as quickly, for various different reasons, that actually it wasn't as successful.
"That is a fact, I'm afraid. We don't want to be in that position again."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:49 Burnham: Govt didn't listen to SAGE advice
When it was put to him that Mr Burnham would argue that he was standing up for the interests of his residents, Mr Shapps told Burley: "The most important thing if you're standing up for your region is to save people's lives."
Mr Burnham said Mr Shapps' comments were "not true", adding: "If you go back to those negotiations with the government, we were left waiting over a whole weekend - myself and the 10 leaders of Greater Manchester - while the government walked away.
"They need to get their facts right.
"We wouldn't have been in that position had the government listened to SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) back in September and brought forward the national circuit breaker much earlier.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 October: Greater Manchester put into Tier 3 lockdown
"I don't know how the government thinks it's helpful to do this.
"I also don't know why they think imposing tiers on the whole country is an appropriate response just because they had a row with me.
"It doesn't sound like very grown-up government to me."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also referenced the row during a committee session with MPs, telling them: "The reason we are doing it differently is whilst in most cases when we negotiated with most areas in the previous tiered arrangement, we had a high quality discussion which led to better outcomes - a case in point is Liverpool, where the case rate has fallen by over two-thirds in the last three weeks.
"Unfortunately that wasn't the case in all local areas."
Asked if he was referring specifically to Greater Manchester, Mr Hancock replied: "That would be one example but not the only one.
"Sadly, in the case of Greater Manchester, cases carried on going up whilst we were trying to put in place the measures that were necessary."
The transport secretary said new data, which will be released "in the next day or so", will help decide which areas go into which tiers.
"It will be on the basis of the number of cases, for example the number of cases in the over-60s, where it's much more likely that it [the virus] could be more fatal, and things like the speed at which coronavirus is rising or falling in a particular area and a couple of other measures along those lines," Mr Shapps said.
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"We'll look at all the data for the country and then we'll be able to allocate the tiers out to the country as a whole."
Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that England's national shutdown will end on 2 December, to be replaced with the previous tiered system.
However, the prime minister said the restrictions will be strengthened in a number of ways. The new rules across the three tiers are outlined here.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-23--PM had no choice to end lockdown, but faces battle getting new rules over the line

The prime minister knew that he could n't run the English national lockdown beyond 2 December .
He might have a majority of 80 , but had he tried to extend this four-week lockdown his restive party would have not just deserted him but denounced him too , leaving his already troubled premiership in even deeper peril .
Instead then , the prime minister announced on Monday a COVID Winter Plan with a new tiered system .
Concessions were offered to those in his party and his cabinet anxious about the economic and social fall-out of measures : shops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across all tiers while the 10pm curfew will be extended to 11pm - measures to help the high street in the run-up to Christmas .
But if the prime minister gave with one hand , he took with the other .
The pay-off for exiting an English lockdown and having some loosening of restrictions for a few days around Christmas is that the tiers we 'll be living under are tougher and lasting for longer .
The hard road ahead stretches past Christmas , the New Year and first three months of 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are hard for the public to accept and are being resisted by MPs .
At least 70 of Boris Johnson 's own backbenchers are deeply unhappy with the package of measures and demanding that the government publish cost-benefit analysis for each restriction the government proposes to introduce .
As one rebel told me on Monday evening : `` MPs are going to be wrestling with this until we get to a vote .
The problem the PM 's got is that the public have worked out that if you 're under 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Young people are losing a year of their lives and facing dreadful economic prospects ... it 's extremely hard to see how he 'll get me over the line . ''
And that controversy could well grow , not just in parliament but around the country later when on Thursday the government outlines which parts of the country are in which tiers .
The prime minister himself admitted on Monday that the tiers were tougher and more of the country would be in the higher bands .
This will be a battleground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are put where taken at cabinet level by the Health Secretary with advice from the Chief Medical Officer , taking into account the number of cases in the over 60s , local pressure on the NHS and the local R number..
There will be no negotiation with local authorities .
MPs and local leaders and businesses will be looking on in dread at the prospect of going back in Tier 3 , which looks rather like lockdown now , with bars , restaurants , museums , galleries and other indoor entertainment all closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited to parks and public spaces .
Labour have yet to publicly commit to supporting the measures .
They , like many of Mr Johnson 's own MPs are waiting to see more detail of the tier system and what economic support measures will be put in place .
It will be quite something if the prime minister 's four-month COVID Winter Plan gets passed on the back of Labour votes rather than Conservative ones - a reflection of the deep divisions in his party over the handling of the second wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all this some hope for spring with the prospect of three new vaccines on the horizon .
But between then and now is a hard winter for our economy as well as our quality of life .
And while the public health outlook will turn the corner when the seasons change , the economy will pay the price .
No wonder the prime minister will have a hard job politically to get these measures across the line .