skynewspolitics--2020-02-19--New immigration system: Would you qualify?

The government has unveiled details of its new immigration system , which will come into force on 1 January next year .
Home Secretary Priti Patel hailed the new scheme as an `` historic moment '' following Britain 's exit from the EU , which will bring to an end the bloc 's free movement rules in the UK .
She said : `` We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe , boosting the economy and our communities , and unleash this country 's full potential . ''
The government says the new points-based system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK 's economy .
But critics say the proposals could be an `` absolute disaster '' for the social care sector , and there are `` serious concerns '' about the impact on farming .
So , how will the new system work ?
How many points to potential migrants need ?
Potential migrants to the UK will have to score 70 points on the new system in order to qualify for a visa .
How do you earn points ?
Three conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to move to the UK , which total 50 points towards the 70-point threshold .
• A job offer from an approved sponsor , such as an employer cleared by the Home Office .
This will earn 20 points .
• Have a job offer that is at a `` required skill level '' .
This will earn 20 points .
• The ability to speak English to a certain level .
This will earn 10 points .
You 'll likely need to earn more than £25,600 From January 2021 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in the UK will be reduced from £30,000 to £25,600 .
If migrants earn a salary above £25,600 , they will earn the 20 extra points needed to get to the required 70-point level .
If migrants earn less than this - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come to the UK by `` trading '' points earned on specific characteristics against their lower salary level .
You 'll no longer need to be skilled to graduate level As well as lowering the minimum salary threshold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts as `` skilled '' from a graduate-level to an A-level qualified job .
How else do you earn points ?
Those who meet the three required conditions but do n't earn more than £25,600 can still earn the 70 points needed to be granted a visa .
If they earn between £23,040 to £25,599 they will earn 10 extra points .
If their job is in an area where there are shortages of staff , as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee , they will earn 20 extra points .
The MAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , teachers and tech workers on its list of occupations where there are shortages .
The government is also promising a fast-track visa scheme for foreign doctors and nurses to work in the NHS as part of the immigration overhaul .
Applicants coming to work in the NHS will receive preferential treatment with extra points under the points-based system , and no cap on numbers entering through the NHS route .
If prospective migrants hold a PhD in a subject relevant to their job they will earn an extra 10 points .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the PhD is in science , technology , engineering , and mathematics and is relevant to their job .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What if you do n't have a job offer ?
The most highly-skilled workers , who can achieve the required level of points , will be able to enter the UK without a job offer if they are endorsed by a relevant and competent body .
This `` Global Talent '' route will be opened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-EU citizens from January next year and was recently expanded to be more accessible to those with a background in science , technology , engineering , and mathematics .
The government says it will not implement a route for lower-skilled workers to come to the UK under the new immigration system , following the end of EU free movement rules .
They are instead telling UK businesses they will need to `` adapt and adjust '' and instead invest in `` staff retention , productivity , and wider investment in technology and automation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to expanding a pilot scheme for seasonal workers in agriculture to be quadrupled in size to 10,000 places .
This is aimed at addressing the fears of employers such as fruit farmers , who say a clampdown on low-skilled workers could leave them without enough staff to pick their crops each summer .
Students will also be covered by the points-based system .
They will achieve the required points if they have an offer from an approved university or college , can speak English and are able to support themselves during their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're self-employed or a freelancer ?
The government will not be creating a dedicated route for self-employed people , but have pointed to the existing route for `` innovators '' to enter the UK , which will be widened to apply to EU citizens as well as non-EU citizens from next January .
Specialist occupations , ministers of religion and sportspeople are also allowed to come to the UK under a range of existing immigration routes , which will also be widened to apply to EU citizens as well as non-EU citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to be allowed to perform at events and take part in competitions and auditions for up to six months .
What if you 're from Ireland ?
Irish citizens wo n't be subject to the new immigration rules and will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now .

The government has unveiled details of its new immigration system, which will come into force on 1 January next year.
Home Secretary Priti Patel hailed the new scheme as an "historic moment" following Britain's exit from the EU, which will bring to an end the bloc's free movement rules in the UK.
She said: "We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and our communities, and unleash this country's full potential."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Low-skilled to be denied visas
The government says the new points-based system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK's economy.
But critics say the proposals could be an "absolute disaster" for the social care sector, and there are "serious concerns" about the impact on farming.
So, how will the new system work?
How many points to potential migrants need?
Potential migrants to the UK will have to score 70 points on the new system in order to qualify for a visa.
How do you earn points?
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Three conditions must be met by prospective migrants in order to move to the UK, which total 50 points towards the 70-point threshold.
These are:
A job offer from an approved sponsor, such as an employer cleared by the Home Office. This will earn 20 points. Have a job offer that is at a "required skill level". This will earn 20 points. The ability to speak English to a certain level. This will earn 10 points.
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You'll likely need to earn more than £25,600
From January 2021, the minimum salary required for migrants coming to work in the UK will be reduced from £30,000 to £25,600.
If migrants earn a salary above £25,600, they will earn the 20 extra points needed to get to the required 70-point level.
If migrants earn less than this - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come to the UK by "trading" points earned on specific characteristics against their lower salary level.
You'll no longer need to be skilled to graduate level
As well as lowering the minimum salary threshold, the government is also lowering what counts as "skilled" from a graduate-level to an A-level qualified job.
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How else do you earn points?
Those who meet the three required conditions but don't earn more than £25,600 can still earn the 70 points needed to be granted a visa.
If they earn between £23,040 to £25,599 they will earn 10 extra points.
If their job is in an area where there are shortages of staff, as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee, they will earn 20 extra points.
The MAC includes healthcare workers, engineers, scientists, teachers and tech workers on its list of occupations where there are shortages.
The government is also promising a fast-track visa scheme for foreign doctors and nurses to work in the NHS as part of the immigration overhaul.
Applicants coming to work in the NHS will receive preferential treatment with extra points under the points-based system, and no cap on numbers entering through the NHS route.
If prospective migrants hold a PhD in a subject relevant to their job they will earn an extra 10 points.
This is boosted to an extra 20 points if the PhD is in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and is relevant to their job.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What if you don't have a job offer?
The most highly-skilled workers, who can achieve the required level of points, will be able to enter the UK without a job offer if they are endorsed by a relevant and competent body.
This "Global Talent" route will be opened to EU citizens on the same basis as non-EU citizens from January next year and was recently expanded to be more accessible to those with a background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Low-skilled workers will be denied visas
The government says it will not implement a route for lower-skilled workers to come to the UK under the new immigration system, following the end of EU free movement rules.
They are instead telling UK businesses they will need to "adapt and adjust" and instead invest in "staff retention, productivity, and wider investment in technology and automation".
*The EU14 refers to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. The EU8 refers to Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia. The EU2 refers to Bulgaria and Romania.
What about farmers?
However, the government is committed to expanding a pilot scheme for seasonal workers in agriculture to be quadrupled in size to 10,000 places.
This is aimed at addressing the fears of employers such as fruit farmers, who say a clampdown on low-skilled workers could leave them without enough staff to pick their crops each summer.
What about students?
Image: Students will also be covered by the points-based system
Students will also be covered by the points-based system.
They will achieve the required points if they have an offer from an approved university or college, can speak English and are able to support themselves during their studies in the UK.
What if you're self-employed or a freelancer?
The government will not be creating a dedicated route for self-employed people, but have pointed to the existing route for "innovators" to enter the UK, which will be widened to apply to EU citizens as well as non-EU citizens from next January.
Specialist occupations, ministers of religion and sportspeople are also allowed to come to the UK under a range of existing immigration routes, which will also be widened to apply to EU citizens as well as non-EU citizens.
Artists, entertainers and musicians will continue to be allowed to perform at events and take part in competitions and auditions for up to six months.
What if you're from Ireland?
Irish citizens won't be subject to the new immigration rules and will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--Govt offers £500 flood relief to homeowners

Owners of flood-hit homes will be able to apply for a £500 emergency grant under a raft of relief measures announced by the government .
The communities department has also pledged those hit severely by the rising water levels will not have to pay any council tax or business rates for at least three months as a huge clean-up operation continues .
The package was unveiled by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick after major incidents were declared across England and Wales following storms Dennis and Ciara .
It will include incentives for homeowners and businesses to become more resilient to future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £5,000 on offer each .
A cross-Whitehall flood recovery taskforce is also due to meet later this week , Mr Jenrick revealed .
`` Storms Dennis and Ciara have severely impacted a large number of households and businesses - and I recognise how destabilising this can be , '' he said .
`` This extra support , including new funding , will help people in the worst-hit areas to recover and get back on their feet as soon as possible .
`` I 'd like to thank the emergency services and key agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tireless work to help everyone affected in extremely challenging circumstances . ''
So far Prime Minister Boris Johnosn has defied calls from Labour to convene the government 's emergency response committee - known as COBRA - as he did following flooding in November .
Luke Pollard , the shadow environment secretary , said ministers were `` finally lurching slowly into action '' with a move that `` smacks of being a desperate PR exercise '' .
`` You ca n't build flood barriers with government press releases and a decade of cuts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by hurried announcements , '' he said .
`` What the communities that are underwater need is a new , comprehensive and funded plan for recovery to prevent this happening again . ''
On top of the extra financial support , the devolved Welsh government is also pledging up to £10m for an emergency flood relief fund .
It will be used to rebuild bridges and repair damaged roads , as well as supporting people whose houses and businesses have been destroyed .
`` It is heartbreaking to see the absolute destruction wreaked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone I have met is that we are doing all we can to help those most in need , '' said First Minister Mark Drakeford .
Nearly 600 properties were flooded across England as a result of the recent extreme wet weather , according to the Environment Agency ( EA ) .
A woman who was swept away by floodwater near Tenbury in Worcestershire on Sunday was found dead on Monday .
Communities in Neath , Port Talbot , Rhondda Cynon Taff and Monmouthshire are still recovering after a month 's worth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police to declare a major incident and the evacuation of hundreds of people .

Owners of flood-hit homes will be able to apply for a £500 emergency grant under a raft of relief measures announced by the government.
The communities department has also pledged those hit severely by the rising water levels will not have to pay any council tax or business rates for at least three months as a huge clean-up operation continues.
The package was unveiled by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick after major incidents were declared across England and Wales following storms Dennis and Ciara.
Image: A cross-Whitehall flood recovery taskforce is due to meet this week
It will include incentives for homeowners and businesses to become more resilient to future flooding - with grants of up to £5,000 on offer each.
A cross-Whitehall flood recovery taskforce is also due to meet later this week, Mr Jenrick revealed.
"Storms Dennis and Ciara have severely impacted a large number of households and businesses - and I recognise how destabilising this can be," he said.
"This extra support, including new funding, will help people in the worst-hit areas to recover and get back on their feet as soon as possible.
"I'd like to thank the emergency services and key agencies on the ground for their dedication and tireless work to help everyone affected in extremely challenging circumstances."
Image: Labour says the news 'smacks of being a desperate PR exercise'
So far Prime Minister Boris Johnosn has defied calls from Labour to convene the government's emergency response committee - known as COBRA - as he did following flooding in November.
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Luke Pollard, the shadow environment secretary, said ministers were "finally lurching slowly into action" with a move that "smacks of being a desperate PR exercise".
"You can't build flood barriers with government press releases and a decade of cuts to flood defence budgets can't be undone by hurried announcements," he said.
"What the communities that are underwater need is a new, comprehensive and funded plan for recovery to prevent this happening again."
On top of the extra financial support, the devolved Welsh government is also pledging up to £10m for an emergency flood relief fund.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Streets awash with flood water after Storm Dennis
It will be used to rebuild bridges and repair damaged roads, as well as supporting people whose houses and businesses have been destroyed.
"It is heartbreaking to see the absolute destruction wreaked by the storms and my message to everyone I have met is that we are doing all we can to help those most in need," said First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Nearly 600 properties were flooded across England as a result of the recent extreme wet weather, according to the Environment Agency (EA).
A woman who was swept away by floodwater near Tenbury in Worcestershire on Sunday was found dead on Monday.
Communities in Neath, Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Monmouthshire are still recovering after a month's worth of rain fell in 48 hours - causing police to declare a major incident and the evacuation of hundreds of people.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-19--China 'open and ready' for trade talks with UK, top diplomat says

China is ready to restart preparatory work with British officials on a future trade deal after a feasibility study was quietly paused last year during the Brexit deadlock , a top diplomat has said .
Liu Xiaoming , the Chinese ambassador to London , said it may take time before the two sides have detailed discussions as his country focuses on battling the coronavirus and Britain 's newly-elected government settles in .
But he told Sky News the will is there `` to engage each other more positively '' .
`` When it comes to a trade deal , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in an interview at the Chinese embassy in London .
Mr Liu said the two countries had set up a working team to study the feasibility of the trade deal last year , but the British government had been focused on Brexit and its `` top priority '' was to negotiate with the EU .
Asked whether the working team had restarted after its efforts were paused , Mr Liu said : `` We are ready to work with our British colleagues any time . ''
He said British officials had also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks .
Mr Liu was speaking after Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had their first telephone call on Tuesday morning .
The two men discussed China 's fight against the outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , as well as their hopes to strengthen bilateral ties , according to the ambassador .
Mr Johnson had expressed plans to `` fight shoulder to shoulder '' against COVID-19 , and also told Mr Xi that he `` loves China '' and wants to work with Beijing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They had a very good conversation , '' Mr Liu said .
Mr Xi told the prime minister he appreciated a message of support he received from the Queen .
Britain has also provided shipments of medical kit to China and offered further assistance .
Mr Liu was not able to say whether the virus had reached its peak but pointed to what he said were some positive signs that day , calling them `` three firsts '' .
He said it was the first time the number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the first time the number of dead in a single day was under 100 and the number of confirmed cases outside Hubei province - the epicentre of the crisis - was also under 100 for the first time .
`` That shows the quarantine measures are taking a very good effect , '' he said .
He strongly defended his government 's efforts to tackle the disease from allegations that the response was too slow and there were attempts at a cover up .
`` I can say in the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to address this challenge , '' the ambassador said .
`` The government also tried every effort to be transparent , to share all information with the World Health Organisation , also other relevant countries including the UK . ''
He batted off any suggestion Mr Xi had not responded quickly enough .
`` I think the whole world should appreciate what China has done . ''
The ambassador appeared hopeful Britain would change its travel advice to British nationals in mainland China , after they were urged to leave the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China was `` making progress '' and he hoped the British advice would be adjusted as things improve .
The virus would have an impact on China 's economy but only in the short term , the ambassador said .
`` I think in the long term the Chinese economy is still good .
President Xi told Prime Minister Johnson that we are confident that we will reach the target of our economic development for this year , '' he said .
The diplomat said the pair also `` talked about the relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this relationship for the next ten years '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The men discussed a global conference on climate change that the UK will host this year .
Mr Johnson said he believes `` there are a lot of opportunities for China and the UK to work on the global agenda to address the global challenges like climate change '' , according to the ambassador .
He said the conversation `` not only set the tone but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a critical moment . ''
Asked if the Chinese technology company Huawei came up in the exchange , the ambassador said he did not have that information .
Last month , the UK decided to defy US pressure to block Huawei from taking part in the UK 's next generation 5G network over security concerns .
Analysts believe the decision will doubtless have helped nurture the goodwill that seems to be flowing from Beijing to London .
Mr Liu said the phone call should not be linked to any single issue .

China is ready to restart preparatory work with British officials on a future trade deal after a feasibility study was quietly paused last year during the Brexit deadlock, a top diplomat has said.
Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to London, said it may take time before the two sides have detailed discussions as his country focuses on battling the coronavirus and Britain's newly-elected government settles in.
But he told Sky News the will is there "to engage each other more positively".
"When it comes to a trade deal, we are open," the seasoned diplomat said in an interview at the Chinese embassy in London.
Mr Liu said the two countries had set up a working team to study the feasibility of the trade deal last year, but the British government had been focused on Brexit and its "top priority" was to negotiate with the EU.
Asked whether the working team had restarted after its efforts were paused, Mr Liu said: "We are ready to work with our British colleagues any time."
He said British officials had also "expressed a willingness" to restart talks.
Mr Liu was speaking after Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had their first telephone call on Tuesday morning.
Image: Boris Johnson and Xi Jinping have spoken on the phone
The two men discussed China's fight against the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, as well as their hopes to strengthen bilateral ties, according to the ambassador.
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Mr Johnson had expressed plans to "fight shoulder to shoulder" against COVID-19, and also told Mr Xi that he "loves China" and wants to work with Beijing to lift bilateral relations to a new level.
"They had a very good conversation," Mr Liu said.
Mr Xi told the prime minister he appreciated a message of support he received from the Queen.
Britain has also provided shipments of medical kit to China and offered further assistance.
Mr Liu was not able to say whether the virus had reached its peak but pointed to what he said were some positive signs that day, calling them "three firsts".
He said it was the first time the number of confirmed cases in China was less than 2,000. It was the first time the number of dead in a single day was under 100 and the number of confirmed cases outside Hubei province - the epicentre of the crisis - was also under 100 for the first time.
"That shows the quarantine measures are taking a very good effect," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'China making sacrifice for global health security'
He strongly defended his government's efforts to tackle the disease from allegations that the response was too slow and there were attempts at a cover up.
"I can say in the very certain term that the government made every effort to address this challenge," the ambassador said.
"The government also tried every effort to be transparent, to share all information with the World Health Organisation, also other relevant countries including the UK."
He batted off any suggestion Mr Xi had not responded quickly enough.
Image: Ambassador Liu said the government had been transparent about the COVID-19 outbreak
"I think the whole world should appreciate what China has done."
The ambassador appeared hopeful Britain would change its travel advice to British nationals in mainland China, after they were urged to leave the country because of the outbreak.
He said China was "making progress" and he hoped the British advice would be adjusted as things improve.
The virus would have an impact on China's economy but only in the short term, the ambassador said.
"I think in the long term the Chinese economy is still good. President Xi told Prime Minister Johnson that we are confident that we will reach the target of our economic development for this year," he said.
The diplomat said the pair also "talked about the relationship, how the two countries will strengthen this relationship for the next ten years".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The men discussed a global conference on climate change that the UK will host this year.
Mr Johnson said he believes "there are a lot of opportunities for China and the UK to work on the global agenda to address the global challenges like climate change", according to the ambassador.
He said the conversation "not only set the tone but also set the new direction for China-UK relations at a critical moment."
Asked if the Chinese technology company Huawei came up in the exchange, the ambassador said he did not have that information.
Last month, the UK decided to defy US pressure to block Huawei from taking part in the UK's next generation 5G network over security concerns.
Analysts believe the decision will doubtless have helped nurture the goodwill that seems to be flowing from Beijing to London.
Mr Liu said the phone call should not be linked to any single issue.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--UK minister blasts Donald Trump's 'nonsense' and 'protectionist agenda'

A UK business minister has accused Donald Trump of spouting `` nonsense '' and called for the country to stand up against his `` protectionist agenda '' .
Lord Callanan , a former MEP who spent several years in the Brexit department , said the battle for free trade had been won in the 1980s and 1990s - but `` not anymore '' .
He cautioned politicians not to simply support the US president just because of his `` great virtue of upsetting all the right people '' .
The comments come as Downing Street prepares to sit down for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hope of hammering out a deal by the end of the year .
Mr Trump 's `` America First '' policy and moves to slap tariffs on goods including Scotch whisky have riled some across the Atlantic .
His approach was slammed by Lord Callanan , who represents the business department to parliament 's upper house .
`` Another area where I think we can make a lot of progress once we 've left the EU is that of international trade , '' he told a crowd at the Adam Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to be a voice for free trade across the world .
It 's a voice which is badly needed . ''
He continued : `` A time when we thought the battle was won in the 1980s and 1990s is not anymore .
`` I 'm very ambivalent about Trump .
On the one hand , a lot of the stuff he says is total nonsense - I hate his protectionist agenda .
`` But he does have the great virtue of upsetting all the right people .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him just because he upsets [ London mayor ] Sadiq Khan and [ Guardian columnist ] Owen Jones ... tempting though that is . ''
Angus Brendan Macneil , the SNP MP who chairs the Commons ' international trade committee , said it was `` clear '' Mr Trump was protectionist .
`` The trouble for many in the UK Brexiteer faction is they dare n't call him out , '' he told Sky News .
Labour MP Stephen Doughty also said : `` I agree with Lord Callanan - the US president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisive , online and offline - and his protectionist credentials have already been laid bare when it comes for example to the steel industry .
`` Anyone who has any illusions about how Trump 's administration will attempt to conduct trade negotiations with Britain - needs to wise up now . ''
He added : `` Perhaps this is a rare outbreak of plain-speaking from Government ministers ?
`` I have little hope however that Boris Johnson , who wo n't even stand up to his own advisers , will stand up to @ @ @

A UK business minister has accused Donald Trump of spouting "nonsense" and called for the country to stand up against his "protectionist agenda".
Lord Callanan, a former MEP who spent several years in the Brexit department, said the battle for free trade had been won in the 1980s and 1990s - but "not anymore".
He cautioned politicians not to simply support the US president just because of his "great virtue of upsetting all the right people".
The comments come as Downing Street prepares to sit down for trade talks with Brussels and Washington, in the hope of hammering out a deal by the end of the year.
Mr Trump's "America First" policy and moves to slap tariffs on goods including Scotch whisky have riled some across the Atlantic.
His approach was slammed by Lord Callanan, who represents the business department to parliament's upper house.
"Another area where I think we can make a lot of progress once we've left the EU is that of international trade," he told a crowd at the Adam Smith Institute on Tuesday night.
"We will be able to be a voice for free trade across the world. It's a voice which is badly needed."
Image: Lord Callanan did say the US president upsets 'all the right people'. Pic: UK Parliament
He continued: "A time when we thought the battle was won in the 1980s and 1990s is not anymore.
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"You've got people like Trump.
"I'm very ambivalent about Trump. On the one hand, a lot of the stuff he says is total nonsense - I hate his protectionist agenda.
"But he does have the great virtue of upsetting all the right people.
"And we must be careful not to support him just because he upsets [London mayor] Sadiq Khan and [Guardian columnist] Owen Jones... tempting though that is."
Angus Brendan Macneil, the SNP MP who chairs the Commons' international trade committee, said it was "clear" Mr Trump was protectionist.
"The trouble for many in the UK Brexiteer faction is they daren't call him out," he told Sky News.
Labour MP Stephen Doughty also said: "I agree with Lord Callanan - the US president regularly spouts nonsense, often dangerous and divisive, online and offline - and his protectionist credentials have already been laid bare when it comes for example to the steel industry.
"Anyone who has any illusions about how Trump's administration will attempt to conduct trade negotiations with Britain - needs to wise up now."
He added: "Perhaps this is a rare outbreak of plain-speaking from Government ministers?
"I have little hope however that Boris Johnson, who won't even stand up to his own advisers, will stand up to Trump."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-19--Cash system 'at risk of collapse' unless government acts

The UK 's cash system is at risk of collapse unless legislation can be passed to protect it , according to a review panel .
The Access To Cash Review was published a year ago but the panel members behind it say that , while progress has been made , significant problems remain .
The review was set up by ATM network Link to understand consumer needs and what this meant for the need to access cash over the next five to 15 years .
It said that the UK would be almost `` virtually cashless '' by 2035 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being made in cash .
Now it expects that point to come by 2030 .
Meanwhile , 13 % of the country 's free-to-use ATMs have closed over the past year , leaving 25 % of ATMs charging people to withdraw their own money .
The panel said the government must legislate and give regulators the tools they need to protect access to cash , and banks should be made to give customers access to cash .
Natalie Ceeney , independent chairwoman of the Access To Cash Review , said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - without knowing what this really means for consumers or for the UK economy .
`` Many people may want a completely digital future , but we need to make sure that this shift does n't leave millions behind or put our economy at risk .
`` Regulators currently do n't have the tools that they need to ensure that everyone who needs cash can get it .
Now is the time for government to protect cash and allowing us to look ahead to how we can prepare for a digital future which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editor Jenny Ross said : `` Some industry-led initiatives are encouraging , but they can not stem the tide of bank branch and cash machine closures alone , and without legislation many more communities will be cut off from cash or forced to pay hefty fees to access their own money . ''
A spokesman for the Treasury said : `` Technology has transformed banking for millions of people , but we know that many still rely on cash .
`` That 's why we 've invested £2bn to ensure everyday banking services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK .
`` We 're also working closely with industry and regulators to ensure everyone who needs cash can access it . ''

The UK's cash system is at risk of collapse unless legislation can be passed to protect it, according to a review panel.
The Access To Cash Review was published a year ago but the panel members behind it say that, while progress has been made, significant problems remain.
The review was set up by ATM network Link to understand consumer needs and what this meant for the need to access cash over the next five to 15 years.
It said that the UK would be almost "virtually cashless" by 2035, with fewer than one in 10 transactions being made in cash.
Now it expects that point to come by 2030.
Meanwhile, 13% of the country's free-to-use ATMs have closed over the past year, leaving 25% of ATMs charging people to withdraw their own money.
The panel said the government must legislate and give regulators the tools they need to protect access to cash, and banks should be made to give customers access to cash.
Natalie Ceeney, independent chairwoman of the Access To Cash Review, said: "The UK is fast becoming a cashless society - without knowing what this really means for consumers or for the UK economy.
"Many people may want a completely digital future, but we need to make sure that this shift doesn't leave millions behind or put our economy at risk.
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"Regulators currently don't have the tools that they need to ensure that everyone who needs cash can get it. Now is the time for government to protect cash and allowing us to look ahead to how we can prepare for a digital future which includes everyone."
Which? money editor Jenny Ross said: "Some industry-led initiatives are encouraging, but they cannot stem the tide of bank branch and cash machine closures alone, and without legislation many more communities will be cut off from cash or forced to pay hefty fees to access their own money."
A spokesman for the Treasury said: "Technology has transformed banking for millions of people, but we know that many still rely on cash.
"That's why we've invested £2bn to ensure everyday banking services are available at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.
"We're also working closely with industry and regulators to ensure everyone who needs cash can access it."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-20--Tony Blair raises prospect of Labour-Lib Dem alliance

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair has raised the prospect of his party teaming up with the Liberal Democrats if they are to win power again .
The ex-premier delivered a damning verdict of Labour 's current fortunes following their disastrous general election defeat last year .
In a speech in London - ahead of the 120th anniversary of the party - Mr Blair described Labour 's current leadership contest as a `` make-or-break moment '' following their fourth general election defeat in a row .
He claimed any of the three contenders for the leadership - Lisa Nandy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be a `` significant improvement '' on current leader Jeremy Corbyn .
Making the case for `` fundamental reconstruction '' within Labour , Mr Blair said part of this would be to `` correct the defect from our birth '' .
The 66-year-old explained this `` separated the Liberal reforming conditions of [ David ] Lloyd-George , [ William ] Beveridge and [ John Maynard ] Keynes from the Labour ones of [ Keir ] Hardie , [ Clement ] Attlee , [ Ernest ] Bevin and [ Nye ] Bevan '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas around class , industrial organisation , the role of the state and individual liberty , '' he said .
`` How this is done , institutionally , that 's a matter for debate .
`` But intellectually and philosophically it is absolutely essential these two traditions are reunited . ''
Yet , Mr Blair - who is said to have flirted with a coalition with Paddy Ashdown 's Lib Dems in the 1990s - warned today 's Lib Dems would have `` to show the same clarity of purpose '' in aspiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , asked directly if he was proposing a formal alliance between Labour and the Lib Dems , Mr Blair replied : `` I literally do n't know at this stage , it could go in a number of different directions . ''
The three-times election winner admitted at the beginning of his speech that `` it 's not as if my advice is particularly welcome '' among today 's Labour membership .
But he stressed how he and the late Harold Wilson are the only two people born within Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the party .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Blair described Labour 's achievements while in power as `` huge '' , but said the party has `` too often been a failure '' as a `` political competitor '' .
`` Out of the 120 years , Labour has been in power for just over 30 of them .
That is a stark statistic , '' he said .
Mr Blair , a frequent critic of outgoing Labour leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election defeat in December as `` entirely predictable and predicted '' .
He said : `` We went into the election with a leader with a -40 % net approval rating , on political terrain chosen by our opponents , with a manifesto promising the Earth but from a planet other than Earth , and a campaign which substituted a narcissistic belief in our own righteousness for professionalism . ''
Mr Blair urged Labour to use their newest spell out of power to `` think '' about the future of the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't find the right answers - it could `` end up too strong to disappear , but too weak to win '' .

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair has raised the prospect of his party teaming up with the Liberal Democrats if they are to win power again.
The ex-premier delivered a damning verdict of Labour's current fortunes following their disastrous general election defeat last year.
In a speech in London - ahead of the 120th anniversary of the party - Mr Blair described Labour's current leadership contest as a "make-or-break moment" following their fourth general election defeat in a row.
He claimed any of the three contenders for the leadership - Lisa Nandy, Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey - would be a "significant improvement" on current leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir Starmer are currently competing for the Labour leadership
Making the case for "fundamental reconstruction" within Labour, Mr Blair said part of this would be to "correct the defect from our birth".
The 66-year-old explained this "separated the Liberal reforming conditions of [David] Lloyd-George, [William] Beveridge and [John Maynard] Keynes from the Labour ones of [Keir] Hardie, [Clement] Attlee, [Ernest] Bevin and [Nye] Bevan".
"These traditions became separated by ideas around class, industrial organisation, the role of the state and individual liberty," he said.
"How this is done, institutionally, that's a matter for debate.
"But intellectually and philosophically it is absolutely essential these two traditions are reunited."
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Yet, Mr Blair - who is said to have flirted with a coalition with Paddy Ashdown's Lib Dems in the 1990s - warned today's Lib Dems would have "to show the same clarity of purpose" in aspiring to govern as their predecessors he namechecked.
Later, asked directly if he was proposing a formal alliance between Labour and the Lib Dems, Mr Blair replied: "I literally don't know at this stage, it could go in a number of different directions."
The three-times election winner admitted at the beginning of his speech that "it's not as if my advice is particularly welcome" among today's Labour membership.
But he stressed how he and the late Harold Wilson are the only two people born within Labour's 120-year history to have won an election for the party.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Blair described Labour's achievements while in power as "huge", but said the party has "too often been a failure" as a "political competitor".
"Out of the 120 years, Labour has been in power for just over 30 of them. That is a stark statistic," he said.
Mr Blair, a frequent critic of outgoing Labour leader Mr Corbyn, described the party's general election defeat in December as "entirely predictable and predicted".
He said: "We went into the election with a leader with a -40% net approval rating, on political terrain chosen by our opponents, with a manifesto promising the Earth but from a planet other than Earth, and a campaign which substituted a narcissistic belief in our own righteousness for professionalism."
Mr Blair urged Labour to use their newest spell out of power to "think" about the future of the party, but warned - if it doesn't find the right answers - it could "end up too strong to disappear, but too weak to win".
Responding to Mr Blair's comments, Mr Corbyn said: "
He added: "I simply say to all those who want to analyse our party: This country is one of the most unequal in Europe.
"We have more people sleeping rough than there were 10 years ago, we have more people living in serious poverty in this country.
"The idea that we return to some kind of market-led economy analysis as a Labour Party is not the way forward.
"The way forward, surely, is to recognise the need to rebalance our economy and our society."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-20--McDonnell's 'offensive' comparison between Assange and Dreyfus case

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange 's extradition hearing is the `` Dreyfus case of our age '' , according to shadow chancellor John McDonnell .
The Labour frontbencher made the controversial comparison to the French political scandal , which occurred at the turn of the 20th century , as he visited Assange for two hours at London 's Belmarsh prison .
Speaking outside the prison gates , Mr McDonnell told reporters : `` I think this is one of the most important and significant political trials of this generation , in fact longer .
`` I think it 's the Dreyfus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way in which a person is being persecuted for political reasons , for simply exposing the truth for what went on in relation to recent wars . ''
In 1894 , French army captain Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason for allegedly selling military secrets to the Germans and was sent to a penal colony off South America 's Atlantic coast .
His conviction was criticised as being motivated by antisemitism and the case deeply split France .
Dreyfus was eventually exonerated following a long campaign on his behalf featuring intellectuals such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denunciation of the prosecution case entitled `` J'Accuse '' .
Mr McDonnell was immediately criticised for his comparison .
Karen Pollock , chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust , said : `` Dreyfus was a French artillery officer falsely accused of treason because he was Jewish .
`` Go figure how or why John McDonnell could make such an inappropriate comparison with the Assange case .
The United States wants Assange to face 18 charges , including conspiring to commit computer intrusion over the publication of diplomatic cables a decade ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to leak hundreds of thousands of classified documents .
If found guilty he could face up to 175 years in jail .
Assange 's extradition hearing is due to start next week .
The Australian has been held on remand in Belmarsh since last September after serving a 50-week jail sentence for breaching his bail conditions while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy in London .
He entered the building in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations , which he has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDonnell claimed , if Assange was extradited from the UK to the US , it would `` damage the democratic standing of our own country as well as America '' .
`` We have a long tradition in this country of standing up for journalistic freedom , standing up for the protection of whistleblowers and those who expose injustices , '' he added .
The shadow chancellor said he felt `` anxious '' over the `` barbaric '' treatment Assange has experienced in prison .
A group of 117 doctors and psychologists have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describe as `` the psychological torture and medical neglect '' of Assange .
On Wednesday , a court heard US President Donald Trump offered Julian Assange a pardon if he said Russia was not involved in a leak of Democratic Party emails , which were published by Wikileaks .
The White House dismissed the claim as a `` complete fabrication and a total lie '' .

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has declared Julian Assange "innocent" and subject to an attempt by the "establishment" to "victimise" the Wikileaks founder ahead of an extradition hearing.
The Labour frontbencher made the comments as he defended himself from criticism of his comparison between Assange and the historical Dreyfus case.
Mr McDonnell made the controversial comparison to the French political scandal, which occurred at the turn of the 20th century, after visiting Assange for two hours at London's Belmarsh prison on Thursday.
Image: The conviction of Alfred Dreyfus was criticised as being motivated by antisemitism
In 1894, French army captain Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason for allegedly selling military secrets to the Germans and was sent to a penal colony off South America's Atlantic coast.
His conviction was criticised as being motivated by antisemitism and the case deeply split France.
Dreyfus was eventually exonerated following a long campaign on his behalf featuring intellectuals such as novelist Emile Zola, who wrote a denunciation of the prosecution case entitled "J'Accuse".
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, branded Mr McDonnell's comparison "outrageous, ridiculous and so deeply offensive".
"Dreyfus was a French artillery officer falsely accused of treason because he was Jewish," she said.
"Go figure how or why John McDonnell could make such an inappropriate comparison with the Assange case.
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Claudia Mendoza, the Jewish Leadership Council's policy director, also said: "John McDonnell's analogy is crass and offensive.
"Julian Assange's case cannot be compared to the Dreyfus Affair, one of the most important moments in Jewish history."
But Mr McDonnell later defended linking the two cases, posting on Twitter: "It was quite clear what I meant.
"Just like the Dreyfus case, the legal action against Julian Assange Is a major political trial in which the establishment is out to victimise an innocent.
"On that basis, of course it's right to assert than it's a parallel."
Mr McDonnell had earlier told reporters outside the gates of Belmarsh prison: "I think this is one of the most important and significant political trials of this generation, in fact longer.
"I think it's the Dreyfus case of our age.
"The way in which a person is being persecuted for political reasons, for simply exposing the truth for what went on in relation to recent wars."
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The United States wants Assange to face 18 charges, including conspiring to commit computer intrusion over the publication of diplomatic cables a decade ago.
The 48-year-old is accused of working with former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to leak hundreds of thousands of classified documents.
If found guilty he could face up to 175 years in jail.
Pink Floyd founding member Roger Waters has also accused authorities of politicising the Assange case, claiming he is being brought to court "to punish him as a warning to other journalists".
Waters described Assange as "an extremely important journalist who has committed no crime" and said he is "not guilty of hacking anybody or anything".
The musician said the extradition proceedings were "ridiculous" and "completely illegal".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Roger Waters defends Julian Assange
Last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn claimed Assange's extradition to the US should be opposed and "the rights of journalists and whistleblowers upheld".
He told MPs that Assange's work had exposed "war crimes, including the murder of civilians and large-scale corruption".
Assange's extradition hearing is due to start next week.
The Australian has been held on remand in Belmarsh since last September after serving a 50-week jail sentence for breaching his bail conditions while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
He entered the building in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations, which he has always denied and were subsequently dropped.
Mr McDonnell on Thursday claimed, if Assange was extradited from the UK to the US, it would "damage the democratic standing of our own country as well as America".
"We have a long tradition in this country of standing up for journalistic freedom, standing up for the protection of whistleblowers and those who expose injustices," he added.
The shadow chancellor said he felt "anxious" over the "barbaric" treatment Assange has experienced in prison.
A group of 117 doctors and psychologists have called for an end to what they describe as "the psychological torture and medical neglect" of Assange.
On Wednesday, a court heard US President Donald Trump offered Julian Assange a pardon if he said Russia was not involved in a leak of Democratic Party emails, which were published by Wikileaks.
The White House dismissed the claim as a "complete fabrication and a total lie".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-19--PM's flooding no-show 'is to avoid media jamboree', minister says

Boris Johnson is n't visiting flooded areas to avoid a `` jamboree of media '' , a government minister has said .
The prime minister has faced criticism this week for not making a visit to communities devastated by flooding in the wake of Storm Dennis .
Mr Johnson has instead spent much of the week at a grace-and-favour mansion in Kent and has not called a meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee .
This is in contrast to last year 's general election campaign , during which the prime minister visited flood-affected areas and held COBRA meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the East Midlands in November .
Asked why the prime minister had not made a visit to flood-hit areas in recent days , business minister Nadhim Zahawi said Mr Johnson was instead focussed on making sure funding reached affected communities and businesses .
He told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` What 's more important - action or just simply having a media photo opp ?
`` What 's better ?
It 's much better for the prime minister to keep his ministers focused on delivery , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked why the prime minister had made visits to flooded areas during the election campaign , but was not doing now , Mr Zahawi said : `` Quite rightly , rather than have a jamboree of media and a whole entourage going , he wants to help people by getting the funding to them .
He highlighted how flood-hit households can apply for up to £500 and flood-hit businesses can apply for up to £2,500 .
The government has also activated the Bellwin scheme , which allows local authorities dealing with flooding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jeremy Corbyn added to criticism of the prime minister 's absence , claiming Mr Johnson was showing his `` true colours '' by failing to visit affected areas and convene COBRA .
The Labour leader , who is due to travel to South Wales on Thursday , said the government 's response to recent flooding has been `` wholly inadequate '' .
He said : `` In refusing to visit flood-hit communities , nowhere-to-be-seen Boris Johnson is showing his true colours by his absence .
`` Failing to convene COBRA to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : if the prime minister is not campaigning for votes in a general election , he simply does not care about helping communities affected by flooding , especially communities that have repeatedly been flooded in recent years . ''
Mr Corbyn 's remarks were criticised by Environment Secretary George Eustice , who accused the outgoing Leader of the Opposition of `` trying to politicise the floods '' .
Mr Eustice added : `` He should be backing the government 's move to support and work with emergency personnel who are working tirelessly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investing £2.6bn in flood defences , which have already protected 200,000 properties that would otherwise have been caught out by flooding .
`` We know there is more to do - which is why our manifesto committed us to an additional £4bn for flood defences . ''
The political row came as forecasters warned the weather for flood-hit communities is going to get worse before it gets better .
The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rain in Wales , southern Scotland and the North West of England for today .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - indicating a danger to life - remain in force across England .
In 106 areas , residents are being warned that flooding is expected and immediate action is required .
In Wales , there are currently four flood warnings and seven flood alerts .
Parts of the UK could see a month 's worth of rainfall in the next 24 hours .
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson warned : `` A lot of places are very sensitive after recent rainfall and , unfortunately , there is more rain to come .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down weather-wise .
`` We do have more warnings in force after today 's rain but they 're in slightly different areas of the country , southwest Scotland and parts of Yorkshire . ''
The Met Office added that no other storms have been named , despite reports of an incoming `` Storm Ellen '' this weekend .
According to the Environment Agency , England had already received 141 % of its average February rainfall so far this month .
Vic Haddock , whose home in Shropshire was one of hundreds flooded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister to visit communities like his .
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday , he said : `` I 'm a staunch supporter of Boris Johnson ... now I 've supported him , come on Boris , come and support me .
`` I 'll buy you a pint and we 'll have a chat about this and see if you can sort out the differences between the arguments around the council , world heritage , conservation etc , and find out who 's finally responsible , to give us a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government is offering flood victims up to £500 in relief , he laughed and said : `` £500 ?
What 's that going to do ?
There 's £500 of damage in the freezer and fridge alone . ''
Iain Bundred , a former adviser to Gordon Brown who joined him on a trip to Cockermouth when it was flooded over a decade ago , said a prime ministerial visit in such circumstances is not always appropriate .
`` Just the very nature of being on the ground means that you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not always the best thing , '' he told Sky News .

Boris Johnson isn't visiting flooded areas to avoid a "jamboree of media", a government minister has said.
The prime minister has faced criticism this week for not making a visit to communities devastated by flooding in the wake of Storm Dennis.
Mr Johnson has instead spent much of the week at a grace-and-favour mansion in Kent and has not called a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee.
Image: Parts of the UK could see a month's worth of rainfall in the next 24 hours
This is in contrast to last year's general election campaign, during which the prime minister visited flood-affected areas and held COBRA meetings in response to severe flooding in Yorkshire and the East Midlands in November.
Asked why the prime minister had not made a visit to flood-hit areas in recent days, business minister Nadhim Zahawi said Mr Johnson was instead focussed on making sure funding reached affected communities and businesses.
He told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "What's more important - action or just simply having a media photo opp?
"What's better? It's much better for the prime minister to keep his ministers focused on delivery, rather than a media photo opp."
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Asked why the prime minister had made visits to flooded areas during the election campaign, but was not doing now, Mr Zahawi said: "Quite rightly, rather than have a jamboree of media and a whole entourage going, he wants to help people by getting the funding to them.
He highlighted how flood-hit households can apply for up to £500 and flood-hit businesses can apply for up to £2,500.
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The government has also activated the Bellwin scheme, which allows local authorities dealing with flooding to have their costs reimbursed by the government.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:17 Vic Haddock says he would like to talk to the prime minister and would buy him a drink.
Jeremy Corbyn added to criticism of the prime minister's absence, claiming Mr Johnson was showing his "true colours" by failing to visit affected areas and convene COBRA.
The Labour leader, who is due to travel to South Wales on Thursday, said the government's response to recent flooding has been "wholly inadequate".
He said: "In refusing to visit flood-hit communities, nowhere-to-be-seen Boris Johnson is showing his true colours by his absence.
"Failing to convene COBRA to support flood-hit communities sends a very clear message: if the prime minister is not campaigning for votes in a general election, he simply does not care about helping communities affected by flooding, especially communities that have repeatedly been flooded in recent years."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 PM heckled during November flood visit
Mr Corbyn's remarks were criticised by Environment Secretary George Eustice, who accused the outgoing Leader of the Opposition of "trying to politicise the floods".
Mr Eustice added: "He should be backing the government's move to support and work with emergency personnel who are working tirelessly to help everyone affected.
"We are investing £2.6bn in flood defences, which have already protected 200,000 properties that would otherwise have been caught out by flooding.
"We know there is more to do - which is why our manifesto committed us to an additional £4bn for flood defences."
Image: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit flood-hit communities in South Wales later today
The political row came as forecasters warned the weather for flood-hit communities is going to get worse before it gets better.
The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rain in Wales, southern Scotland and the North West of England for today.
As of 4am, six severe flood warnings - indicating a danger to life - remain in force across England. In 106 areas, residents are being warned that flooding is expected and immediate action is required.
In Wales, there are currently four flood warnings and seven flood alerts.
Parts of the UK could see a month's worth of rainfall in the next 24 hours.
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson warned: "A lot of places are very sensitive after recent rainfall and, unfortunately, there is more rain to come. There's no real sign of things settling down weather-wise.
"We do have more warnings in force after today's rain but they're in slightly different areas of the country, southwest Scotland and parts of Yorkshire."
Image: Four Met Office weather warnings are currently in force
The Met Office added that no other storms have been named, despite reports of an incoming "Storm Ellen" this weekend.
According to the Environment Agency, England had already received 141% of its average February rainfall so far this month.
Vic Haddock, whose home in Shropshire was one of hundreds flooded, was among those to urge the prime minister to visit communities like his.
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, he said: "I'm a staunch supporter of Boris Johnson... now I've supported him, come on Boris, come and support me.
"I'll buy you a pint and we'll have a chat about this and see if you can sort out the differences between the arguments around the council, world heritage, conservation etc, and find out who's finally responsible, to give us a bit of aid."
Reacting to the news the government is offering flood victims up to £500 in relief, he laughed and said: "£500? What's that going to do? There's £500 of damage in the freezer and fridge alone."
Iain Bundred, a former adviser to Gordon Brown who joined him on a trip to Cockermouth when it was flooded over a decade ago, said a prime ministerial visit in such circumstances is not always appropriate.
"Just the very nature of being on the ground means that you are going to divert stuff and that's not always the best thing," he told Sky News.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-20--Rap star Dave hits back at Priti Patel interview defending the PM

Dave has continued his attack on `` racist '' Boris Johnson following the rap star 's politically charged Brit Awards performance .
The 21-year-old accused the prime minister of being a `` real racist '' at Tuesday night 's awards ceremony , while he also criticised the media 's treatment of the Duchess of Sussex .
The Londoner has now sought to reinforce his claims as he responded to Home Secretary Priti Patel 's condemnation of the rap star 's comments about Mr Johnson as `` utter nonsense '' and `` highly inappropriate '' .
In a video posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson 's past remarks following Ms Patel 's declaration - made to Kay Burley on Sky News - that the prime minister `` is not a racist at all '' .
These included Mr Johnson 's reference to `` flag-waving piccaninnies '' in a 2002 article for The Daily Telegraph ; and his description of `` Aids-ridden choristers '' in an article in the same year for The Spectator magazine , following a trip to Uganda .
The prime minister has previously responded to criticism of his past writings by apologising for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but vowed to `` continue to speak directly as I can '' .
`` Occasionally some plaster comes off the ceiling as a result of a phrase I may have used , or the way that phrase has been wrenched out of context by those who wish for reasons of their own to caricature , '' Mr Johnson said last year .
Meanwhile , a series of other celebrities have challenged the government 's new immigration system - as outlined by Ms Patel on Wednesday - by suggesting either they or their parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK under the new scheme .
Author Sathnam Sanghera urged others to share their stories on Twitter of how `` you and your family would n't be here , building businesses , charities and the NHS , contributing to British politics , art and sport , if the UK had had this suggested # pointsbasedsystem in the 20th Century '' .
He challenged ex-chancellor Sajid Javid , who quit Mr Johnson 's government last week and whose parents were Pakistani immigrants , to be the first to respond .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Tory MP did not take up the offer but comic actors David Schneider and Rebecca Front , author Neil Gaiman , food critic Jay Rayner , writer Caitlin Moran and former Conservative Party chair Baroness Warsi all shared their own family stories .
The peer described how her grandfather arrived in the UK as a millworker in the 1950s but `` would n't have been allowed '' under the new immigration system .
Baroness Warsi described how his children , grandchildren and great-grandchildren have built `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are employed as doctors , lawyers , accountants , pharmacists , teachers and in the Armed Forces .
Ms Patel has swerved questions over whether her own parents , who moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s , would have been barred entry to the UK under the new immigration system .
A YouGov poll revealed 83 % of Britons back the government 's requirement for migrants to speak English when coming to the country .

Dave has continued his attack on "racist" Boris Johnson following the rap star's politically charged Brit Awards performance.
The 21-year-old accused the prime minister of being a "real racist" at Tuesday night's awards ceremony, while he also criticised the media's treatment of the Duchess of Sussex.
The Londoner has now sought to reinforce his claims as he responded to Home Secretary Priti Patel's condemnation of the rap star's comments about Mr Johnson as "utter nonsense" and "highly inappropriate".
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In a video posted on Twitter, Dave highlighted a series of Mr Johnson's past remarks following Ms Patel's declaration - made to Kay Burley on Sky News - that the prime minister "is not a racist at all".
These included Mr Johnson's reference to "flag-waving piccaninnies" in a 2002 article for The Daily Telegraph; and his description of "Aids-ridden choristers" in an article in the same year for The Spectator magazine, following a trip to Uganda.
Image: Boris Johnson is facing accusations of racism for previous comments
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 New immigration policy 'much fairer'
The prime minister has previously responded to criticism of his past writings by apologising for "the offence I have caused" but vowed to "continue to speak directly as I can".
"Occasionally some plaster comes off the ceiling as a result of a phrase I may have used, or the way that phrase has been wrenched out of context by those who wish for reasons of their own to caricature," Mr Johnson said last year.
Meanwhile, a series of other celebrities have challenged the government's new immigration system - as outlined by Ms Patel on Wednesday - by suggesting either they or their parents wouldn't have been allowed into the UK under the new scheme.
Author Sathnam Sanghera urged others to share their stories on Twitter of how "you and your family wouldn't be here, building businesses, charities and the NHS, contributing to British politics, art and sport, if the UK had had this suggested #pointsbasedsystem in the 20th Century".
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He challenged ex-chancellor Sajid Javid, who quit Mr Johnson's government last week and whose parents were Pakistani immigrants, to be the first to respond.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Tory MP did not take up the offer but comic actors David Schneider and Rebecca Front, author Neil Gaiman, food critic Jay Rayner, writer Caitlin Moran and former Conservative Party chair Baroness Warsi all shared their own family stories.
The peer described how her grandfather arrived in the UK as a millworker in the 1950s but "wouldn't have been allowed" under the new immigration system.
Baroness Warsi described how his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have built "dozens" of multi-million pound businesses and are employed as doctors, lawyers, accountants, pharmacists, teachers and in the Armed Forces.
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Ms Patel has swerved questions over whether her own parents, who moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s, would have been barred entry to the UK under the new immigration system.
A YouGov poll revealed 83% of Britons back the government's requirement for migrants to speak English when coming to the country.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-20--Johnson to axe network of business councils

Dozens of business leaders could be forced to relinquish their roles as advisers to the prime minister as part of a shake-up of Boris Johnson 's engagements with industry bosses .
Sky News has learnt that Downing Street officials are keen to overhaul the network of five business councils set up in November 2018 by Mr Johnson 's predecessor , Theresa May .
Although Mr Johnson held one meeting last October with the council co-chairs - including the technology entrepreneur Brent Hoberman , Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis and Sir Ian Davis , the Rolls Royce Holdings chairman - City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no attempt to reactivate the network since December 's general election .
It remained possible but unlikely , they said , that the existing structure would remain in place .
Business chiefs believe the PM is likely to consider creating a single new committee of business advisers in the coming months , although they predicted that the short-lived structure created by Mrs May was destined to be scrapped .
`` We have n't heard anything since the election , '' one member said on Thursday .
The quintet of business councils were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , retail and life sciences ; financial and professional services ; and industrial , infrastructure and manufacturing .
In total , the five committees had more than 70 members , with each council supposed to meet twice a year with the PM and once with a senior cabinet minister .
Officials are understood to have felt that the system was unwieldy and that many of the issues addressed by the councils were often duplicated by their peers .
The chief executives of companies including GlaxoSmithKline , London Stock Exchange Group and Whitbread were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of BAE Systems , Deloitte UK and Land Securities were also members .
One source suggested that if Number 10 did establish a new advisory committee , Downing Street would seek to appoint an equal number of male and female members .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The prime minister and his business team are refreshing how best to engage with businesses to ensure Britain is the number one country in the world to start , grow and run a business .
`` The prime minister remains committed to closely working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out in due course . ''
A Westminster source said that under the terms of reference agreed when the business councils were launched its members were appointed until 31 December 2019 .
The insider added that many of the councils ' initiatives had been acted upon , including a new rail route between Manchester and Leeds to boost regional growth , and a new immigration visa to enable international students to work in the UK for two-years after graduation .
Legislation to accelerate the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband across the UK was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils , according to the source .
An overhaul of Mr Johnson 's engagement with business leaders nevertheless comes at a sensitive time , with relations between Downing Street and business groups - particularly the CBI - perceived to be under strain .
Dominic Cummings , the PM 's chief aide , has repeatedly criticised the CBI 's stance in the period since the Brexit referendum .
At Mr Johnson 's first post-Brexit speech on trade , John Allan , the CBI president , was in attendance - but Downing Street pointedly insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity as chairman of Tesco .
The PM said recently that people had supported Brexit `` despite everything they were told by the CBI and the BBC '' .
One insider said the state of the relationship between the CBI and Number 10 would be discernible by the presence , or absence , of the business group 's president or director-general on any new liaison group established under Mr Johnson .
When Mr Johnson became Conservative leader , he drafted in the former Sky executive Andrew Griffith as his chief business adviser .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at December 's election , and his responsibilities have partly been assumed by Sir Edward Lister , one of Mr Johnson 's deputy mayors while he was mayor of London .
Among the key priorities for the business community in 2020 are helping to shape the terms of the UK 's future trade relationships with the EU and the rest of the world .
One FTSE-100 boss said that if a new business advisory committee was not set up by the PM , it would risk diluting the voice of business within Number @ @

Dozens of business leaders could be forced to relinquish their roles as advisers to the prime minister as part of a shake-up of Boris Johnson's engagements with industry bosses.
Sky News has learnt that Downing Street officials are keen to overhaul the network of five business councils set up in November 2018 by Mr Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May.
Although Mr Johnson held one meeting last October with the council co-chairs - including the technology entrepreneur Brent Hoberman, Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis and Sir Ian Davis, the Rolls Royce Holdings chairman - City sources said on Thursday that there had been no attempt to reactivate the network since December's general election.
It remained possible but unlikely, they said, that the existing structure would remain in place.
Business chiefs believe the PM is likely to consider creating a single new committee of business advisers in the coming months, although they predicted that the short-lived structure created by Mrs May was destined to be scrapped.
"We haven't heard anything since the election," one member said on Thursday.
The quintet of business councils were established along industry lines, including consumer, retail and life sciences; financial and professional services; and industrial, infrastructure and manufacturing.
In total, the five committees had more than 70 members, with each council supposed to meet twice a year with the PM and once with a senior cabinet minister.
Image: Dominic Cummings, special adviser to PM Johnson, is known to be angry over the reaction of business groups to the Brexit vote
Officials are understood to have felt that the system was unwieldy and that many of the issues addressed by the councils were often duplicated by their peers.
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The chief executives of companies including GlaxoSmithKline, London Stock Exchange Group and Whitbread were among those involved, while the chairmen of BAE Systems, Deloitte UK and Land Securities were also members.
One source suggested that if Number 10 did establish a new advisory committee, Downing Street would seek to appoint an equal number of male and female members.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister and his business team are refreshing how best to engage with businesses to ensure Britain is the number one country in the world to start, grow and run a business.
"The prime minister remains committed to closely working with industry and future plans will be set out in due course."
A Westminster source said that under the terms of reference agreed when the business councils were launched its members were appointed until 31 December 2019.
The insider added that many of the councils' initiatives had been acted upon, including a new rail route between Manchester and Leeds to boost regional growth, and a new immigration visa to enable international students to work in the UK for two-years after graduation.
Legislation to accelerate the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband across the UK was also among the initiatives proposed by the councils, according to the source.
An overhaul of Mr Johnson's engagement with business leaders nevertheless comes at a sensitive time, with relations between Downing Street and business groups - particularly the CBI - perceived to be under strain.
Dominic Cummings, the PM's chief aide, has repeatedly criticised the CBI's stance in the period since the Brexit referendum.
At Mr Johnson's first post-Brexit speech on trade, John Allan, the CBI president, was in attendance - but Downing Street pointedly insisted that he had been invited in his capacity as chairman of Tesco.
The PM said recently that people had supported Brexit "despite everything they were told by the CBI and the BBC".
One insider said the state of the relationship between the CBI and Number 10 would be discernible by the presence, or absence, of the business group's president or director-general on any new liaison group established under Mr Johnson.
When Mr Johnson became Conservative leader, he drafted in the former Sky executive Andrew Griffith as his chief business adviser.
Mr Griffith won a safe Tory seat at December's election, and his responsibilities have partly been assumed by Sir Edward Lister, one of Mr Johnson's deputy mayors while he was mayor of London.
Among the key priorities for the business community in 2020 are helping to shape the terms of the UK's future trade relationships with the EU and the rest of the world.
One FTSE-100 boss said that if a new business advisory committee was not set up by the PM, it would risk diluting the voice of business within Number 10.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-19--Patel attacked after claiming 'inactive' Britons will fill job vacancies

Home Secretary Priti Patel has come under fire after suggesting eight million `` economically inactive '' Britons can fill vacancies following a post-Brexit clampdown on immigration .
The government set out its new post-Brexit immigration system on Wednesday , which will deny visas to `` low-skilled '' workers and require others to achieve a certain number of points based on their salary and qualifications .
Ms Patel hailed a `` very significant moment in the UK 's immigration policy '' , with the new system due to come into force when EU free movement rules end in January 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU workers currently in the UK would not meet the requirements if applying under the new system .
Critics have claimed the government 's push to drive down net migration numbers under the new system could lead to shortages in some sectors .
Andrea Wareham , director of human resources at cafe chain Pret a Manger , has previously revealed 65 % of its workforce come from EU countries .
She also claimed only one in 50 people who apply for vacancies are British .
But , challenged about those warnings , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breakfast show : `` It is about time businesses started to invest in people in this country .
`` We have over eight million people - that is 20 % of the workforce - aged between 16 and 64 that are economically inactive right now . ''
The home secretary said it was an `` assumption '' that Britons do not want certain jobs .
She added : `` It is down to businesses to work with the government and join us in investing in people , levelling up across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire country . ''
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal there were 8.48m economically inactive people in the UK aged 16-64 at the end of last year .
However , when those classed as economically inactive are asked whether they do or do n't want a job , only 1.87m say they do .
Around 2.6m of those who are economically inactive are students , 2.08m are long-term sick , 1.89m are looking after homes or family members , and 1.12m are already retired .
Labour 's shadow health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` clearly clueless '' for suggesting economically inactive Britons could fill job vacancies , as he criticised the government 's immigration plans .
`` Not only are these proposals hugely damaging for our economy - making a complete mockery of Tory claims to 'level up ' our economy - they 're potentially devastating for our health and care sector , '' he told the BBC .
`` Although there may well be exemptions for certain categories of NHS staff , it seems there 'll be no exemptions whatsoever for social care staff .
@

Home Secretary Priti Patel has come under fire after suggesting eight million "economically inactive" Britons can fill vacancies following a post-Brexit clampdown on immigration.
The government set out its new post-Brexit immigration system on Wednesday, which will deny visas to "low-skilled" workers and require others to achieve a certain number of points based on their salary and qualifications.
Ms Patel hailed a "very significant moment in the UK's immigration policy", with the new system due to come into force when EU free movement rules end in January 2021.
The Home Office estimates 70% of EU workers currently in the UK would not meet the requirements if applying under the new system.
Critics have claimed the government's push to drive down net migration numbers under the new system could lead to shortages in some sectors.
Andrea Wareham, director of human resources at cafe chain Pret a Manger, has previously revealed 65% of its workforce come from EU countries.
She also claimed only one in 50 people who apply for vacancies are British.
But, challenged about those warnings, Ms Patel told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "It is about time businesses started to invest in people in this country.
"We have over eight million people - that is 20% of the workforce - aged between 16 and 64 that are economically inactive right now."
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Image: Migrants will have to score a certain number of points to be allowed entry to the UK
The home secretary said it was an "assumption" that Britons do not want certain jobs.
She added: "It is down to businesses to work with the government and join us in investing in people, levelling up across the UK so we can have wage growth across the entire country."
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal there were 8.48m economically inactive people in the UK aged 16-64 at the end of last year.
However, when those classed as economically inactive are asked whether they do or don't want a job, only 1.87m say they do.
Around 2.6m of those who are economically inactive are students, 2.08m are long-term sick, 1.89m are looking after homes or family members, and 1.12m are already retired.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth claimed Ms Patel was "clearly clueless" for suggesting economically inactive Britons could fill job vacancies, as he criticised the government's immigration plans.
"Not only are these proposals hugely damaging for our economy - making a complete mockery of Tory claims to 'level up' our economy - they're potentially devastating for our health and care sector," he told the BBC.
"Although there may well be exemptions for certain categories of NHS staff, it seems there'll be no exemptions whatsoever for social care staff."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-19--Would you qualify for UK entry under the new immigration system?

The government has unveiled details of its new immigration system , which will come into force on 1 January next year .
Home Secretary Priti Patel hailed the new scheme as an `` historic moment '' following Britain 's exit from the EU , which will bring to an end the bloc 's free movement rules in the UK .
She said : `` We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe , boosting the economy and our communities , and unleash this country 's full potential . ''
The government says the new points-based system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK 's economy .
But critics say the proposals could be an `` absolute disaster '' for the social care sector , and there are `` serious concerns '' about the impact on farming .
So , how will the new system work ?
How many points to potential migrants need ?
Potential migrants to the UK will have to score 70 points on the new system in order to qualify for a visa .
How do you earn points ?
Three conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to move to the UK , which total 50 points towards the 70-point threshold .
• A job offer from an approved sponsor , such as an employer cleared by the Home Office .
This will earn 20 points .
• Have a job offer that is at a `` required skill level '' .
This will earn 20 points .
• The ability to speak English to a certain level .
This will earn 10 points .
You 'll likely need to earn more than £25,600 From January 2021 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in the UK will be reduced from £30,000 to £25,600 .
If migrants earn a salary above £25,600 , they will earn the 20 extra points needed to get to the required 70-point level .
If migrants earn less than this - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come to the UK by `` trading '' points earned on specific characteristics against their lower salary level .
You 'll no longer need to be skilled to graduate level As well as lowering the minimum salary threshold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts as `` skilled '' from a graduate-level to an A-level qualified job .
How else do you earn points ?
Those who meet the three required conditions but do n't earn more than £25,600 can still earn the 70 points needed to be granted a visa .
If they earn between £23,040 to £25,599 they will earn 10 extra points .
If their job is in an area where there are shortages of staff , as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee , they will earn 20 extra points .
The MAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , teachers and tech workers on its list of occupations where there are shortages .
The government is also promising a fast-track visa scheme for foreign doctors and nurses to work in the NHS as part of the immigration overhaul .
Applicants coming to work in the NHS will receive preferential treatment with extra points under the points-based system , and no cap on numbers entering through the NHS route .
If prospective migrants hold a PhD in a subject relevant to their job they will earn an extra 10 points .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the PhD is in science , technology , engineering , and mathematics and is relevant to their job .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What if you do n't have a job offer ?
The most highly-skilled workers , who can achieve the required level of points , will be able to enter the UK without a job offer if they are endorsed by a relevant and competent body .
This `` Global Talent '' route will be opened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-EU citizens from January next year and was recently expanded to be more accessible to those with a background in science , technology , engineering , and mathematics .
The government says it will not implement a route for lower-skilled workers to come to the UK under the new immigration system , following the end of EU free movement rules .
They are instead telling UK businesses they will need to `` adapt and adjust '' and instead invest in `` staff retention , productivity , and wider investment in technology and automation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Republic of Ireland , Italy , Luxembourg , the Netherlands , Portugal , Spain and Sweden .
The EU8 refers to Czech Republic , Estonia , Hungary , Latvia , Lithuania , Poland , Slovakia , Slovenia .
The EU2 refers to Bulgaria and Romania .
However , the government is committed to expanding a pilot scheme for seasonal workers in agriculture to be quadrupled in size to 10,000 places .
This is aimed at addressing the fears of employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clampdown on low-skilled workers could leave them without enough staff to pick their crops each summer .
Students will also be covered by the points-based system .
They will achieve the required points if they have an offer from an approved university or college , can speak English and are able to support themselves during their studies in the UK .
What if you 're self-employed or a freelancer ?
The government will not be creating a dedicated route for self-employed people , but have pointed to the existing route for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will be widened to apply to EU citizens as well as non-EU citizens from next January .
Specialist occupations , ministers of religion and sportspeople are also allowed to come to the UK under a range of existing immigration routes , which will also be widened to apply to EU citizens as well as non-EU citizens .
Artists , entertainers and musicians will continue to be allowed to perform at events and take part in competitions and auditions for up to six months .
What if you 're from Ireland ?
Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new immigration rules and will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now .