skynewspolitics--2020-06-03--Millions in Hong Kong could come to live in the UK if China imposes new law

Boris Johnson has pledged to allow nearly three million Hong Kong citizens the right to live and work indefinitely in the UK , with a route to full citizenship , if China imposes a controversial new national security law on the city .
The prime minister described the potential move as `` one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history '' .
It is a significant escalation in the UK 's objections to Beijing 's plans .
Previously , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had only said the offer would be available to the 350,000 current holders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong and their dependants .
However , Mr Johnson has said he would extend the same offer to a further 2.5 million people in Hong Kong who do not hold a BNO passport but are eligible for one .
Last month , China announced plans to directly impose a new national security law in Hong Kong .
The detail of the legislation is currently being drafted but , under the current proposals , many fear the law could be used to diminish Hong Kong 's traditional freedoms of the press , of speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The law also would allow mainland Chinese security services to operate in Hong Kong .
Protesters have taken to the streets in Hong Kong to demonstrate , despite coronavirus social distancing restrictions still being in place .
On Wednesday , Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the central government would not back down on the proposed legislation .
She spoke during a trip to Beijing to discuss the new law .
Writing in the South China Morning Post and The Times , Mr Johnson said the law on Hong Kong would `` curtail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with Hong Kong . ''
China has previously said it reserved the right to take `` countermeasures '' against the UK .
Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian last month said : `` All such BNO passport holders are Chinese nationals and if the UK insists on changing this practice it will not only violate its own stance but also international law . ''
On Wednesday , China 's foreign ministry said it had lodged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab 's comments , who on Tuesday told Beijing to `` step back from the brink '' over Hong Kong .
The foreign ministry added the UK has no jurisdiction or supervision over Hong Kong and that any threat to the city 's stability and prosperity was from foreign forces .
A BNO passport is a travel document that does not confer citizenship rights but allows holders to travel to the UK for up to six months , without the automatic right to live or work there .
They were issued to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handover from the UK to China in 1997 .
Anyone born before 1997 in Hong Kong is eligible for one .
Under Mr Johnson 's plan BNO passport holders would be allowed to stay and work in the UK for 12 months , which could be renewed each year - opening up a path to citizenship .
The intervention is likely to worsen relations between the UK and China , which are deteriorating on a number of fronts , including the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of Chinese tech company Huawei in Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News the UK is set to rethink its policy on China as views within government harden .
Public opinion in the UK has also shifted with a recent YouGov poll finding that , given the current situation in Hong Kong , 42 % of British adults would support giving BNO passport holders from Hong Kong greater rights to come and live in Britain , with 24 % opposed .
Mr Johnson has urged China to rethink its approach .
He added : `` I still hope that China will remember that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and leadership .
`` As China plays a greater role on the international stage - commensurate with its economic prowess - then its authority will rest not simply on its global weight but on its reputation for fair dealing and magnanimity .
`` Britain does not seek to prevent China 's rise ; on the contrary we will work side-by-side on all the issues where our interests converge , from trade to climate change .
We want a modern and mature relationship , based on mutual respect and recognising China 's place in @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has pledged to allow nearly three million Hong Kong citizens the right to live and work indefinitely in the UK, with a route to full citizenship, if China imposes a controversial new national security law on the city.
The prime minister described the potential move as "one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history".
It is a significant escalation in the UK's objections to Beijing's plans.
Previously, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had only said the offer would be available to the 350,000 current holders of a British National Overseas passport in Hong Kong and their dependants.
However, Mr Johnson has said he would extend the same offer to a further 2.5 million people in Hong Kong who do not hold a BNO passport but are eligible for one.
Last month, China announced plans to directly impose a new national security law in Hong Kong.
The detail of the legislation is currently being drafted but, under the current proposals, many fear the law could be used to diminish Hong Kong's traditional freedoms of the press, of speech and of protest, among others.
The law also would allow mainland Chinese security services to operate in Hong Kong.
Protesters have taken to the streets in Hong Kong to demonstrate, despite coronavirus social distancing restrictions still being in place.
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On Wednesday, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the central government would not back down on the proposed legislation.
She spoke during a trip to Beijing to discuss the new law.
Writing in the South China Morning Post and The Times, Mr Johnson said the law on Hong Kong would "curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy".
"Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with Hong Kong."
China has previously said it reserved the right to take "countermeasures" against the UK.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian last month said: "All such BNO passport holders are Chinese nationals and if the UK insists on changing this practice it will not only violate its own stance but also international law."
On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry said it had lodged stern representations with the UK over Mr Raab's comments, who on Tuesday told Beijing to "step back from the brink" over Hong Kong.
The foreign ministry added the UK has no jurisdiction or supervision over Hong Kong and that any threat to the city's stability and prosperity was from foreign forces.
A BNO passport is a travel document that does not confer citizenship rights but allows holders to travel to the UK for up to six months, without the automatic right to live or work there.
They were issued to people in Hong Kong before the territory's handover from the UK to China in 1997. Anyone born before 1997 in Hong Kong is eligible for one.
Under Mr Johnson's plan BNO passport holders would be allowed to stay and work in the UK for 12 months, which could be renewed each year - opening up a path to citizenship.
The intervention is likely to worsen relations between the UK and China, which are deteriorating on a number of fronts, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of Chinese tech company Huawei in Britain's 5G network.
Whitehall sources have told Sky News the UK is set to rethink its policy on China as views within government harden.
Image: Protesters have continued to take place despite coronavirus social distancing restrictions
Image: China has approved a draft of the new legislation
Public opinion in the UK has also shifted with a recent YouGov poll finding that, given the current situation in Hong Kong, 42% of British adults would support giving BNO passport holders from Hong Kong greater rights to come and live in Britain, with 24% opposed.
Mr Johnson has urged China to rethink its approach.
He added: "I still hope that China will remember that responsibilities go hand in glove with strength and leadership.
"As China plays a greater role on the international stage - commensurate with its economic prowess - then its authority will rest not simply on its global weight but on its reputation for fair dealing and magnanimity.
"Britain does not seek to prevent China's rise; on the contrary we will work side-by-side on all the issues where our interests converge, from trade to climate change. We want a modern and mature relationship, based on mutual respect and recognising China's place in the world."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-03--People urged not to gather with others indoors as weather worsens

Boris Johnson has urged people not to start gathering indoors as the weather worsens , warning it could undermine the progress made in the fight against the coronavirus .
Speaking at the latest COVID-19 news conference in Downing Street , the prime minister told Britons : `` Some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings you 've been enjoying outdoors indoors out of the rain .
I really urge you : do n't do that . ''
A total of 39,728 people have now died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase of 359 from the day before .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said the country had to `` tread very carefully '' as it started to come out of the coronavirus lockdown .
He said there could still be as many as 8,000 new cases of the virus a day in the UK , while the rate of transmission of COVID-19 remained close to 1 .
`` We have relatively large numbers still not coming down fast , '' Sir Patrick said .
`` That gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to tread very cautiously , '' he said .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said that although the COVID-19 alert level remained unchanged at 4 , the lockdown could start to be eased .
He said this was because the government 's five tests were being met and the two measures were separate and not interlinked .
Mr Johnson said the government had eased the restrictions on gathering outside - with up to six people from different households allowed to meet provided they practise social distancing - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The evidence shows the risks of transmission are much lower outdoors , '' the PM explained .
`` And the risks of passing on the virus are significantly higher indoors which is why gatherings inside other people 's homes are still prohibited .
`` Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress that we 've made together .
`` I have no doubt that wo n't happen . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the measures it will be introducing to try and keep the virus under control is a quarantine on international travellers arriving in the UK .
But the move has proven controversial , with warnings that it will cause huge damage to the aviation and travel industries .
The PM defended the plans , but in a move to placate opposition he said the government will `` explore the possibility '' of `` travel corridors '' with countries that have low rates of COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson would not be drawn on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad on holiday this year .
`` I 'm not going to give advice on individuals ' travel arrangements , but you know what the Foreign Office guidance is ... everybody at the moment should avoid non-essential travel , '' he said , adding : `` We have got to knock this virus on the head . ''
Asked about the economic impact of the pandemic , Mr Johnson admitted that `` tragically there will be many , many job losses '' .
`` That is just inevitable , '' the PM said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` activist '' approach to reviving the economy .
For instance , Mr Johnson said he believed it was `` vital '' to make sure that young people who were likely to be the hardest hit were guaranteed apprenticeships .
The PM also said he wanted to reduce the two-metre social distancing rule , despite Professor Whitty warning it would continue for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We want to take some more steps to unlock our society and try to get back to as normal as possible , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest briefing .
`` Eventually I would like to do such things as reducing the two-metre rule , for instance .
`` But all those changes , all that future progress depends entirely on our ability to keep reducing the incidents and driving down that disease . ''

Boris Johnson has urged people not to start gathering indoors as the weather worsens, warning it could undermine the progress made in the fight against the coronavirus.
Speaking at the latest COVID-19 news conference in Downing Street, the prime minister told Britons: "Some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings you've been enjoying outdoors indoors out of the rain. I really urge you: don't do that."
A total of 39,728 people have now died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for the coronavirus in the UK, an increase of 359 from the day before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:01 A look at the government's COVID testing plan
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said the country had to "tread very carefully" as it started to come out of the coronavirus lockdown.
He said there could still be as many as 8,000 new cases of the virus a day in the UK, while the rate of transmission of COVID-19 remained close to 1.
"We have relatively large numbers still not coming down fast," Sir Patrick said.
"That gives relatively little room for manoeuvre. We have to tread very cautiously," he said.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said that although the COVID-19 alert level remained unchanged at 4, the lockdown could start to be eased.
He said this was because the government's five tests were being met and the two measures were separate and not interlinked.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 The search for a coronavirus cure
Mr Johnson said the government had eased the restrictions on gathering outside - with up to six people from different households allowed to meet provided they practise social distancing - "for a very specific reason".
"The evidence shows the risks of transmission are much lower outdoors," the PM explained.
"And the risks of passing on the virus are significantly higher indoors which is why gatherings inside other people's homes are still prohibited.
"Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress that we've made together.
"I have no doubt that won't happen."
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As the government takes England out of lockdown, one of the measures it will be introducing to try and keep the virus under control is a quarantine on international travellers arriving in the UK.
This will include returning Britons.
But the move has proven controversial, with warnings that it will cause huge damage to the aviation and travel industries.
The PM defended the plans, but in a move to placate opposition he said the government will "explore the possibility" of "travel corridors" with countries that have low rates of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Home Secretary Priti Patel said that the UK is now
Mr Johnson would not be drawn on whether Britons would be able to go abroad on holiday this year.
"I'm not going to give advice on individuals' travel arrangements, but you know what the Foreign Office guidance is... everybody at the moment should avoid non-essential travel," he said, adding: "We have got to knock this virus on the head."
Asked about the economic impact of the pandemic, Mr Johnson admitted that "tragically there will be many, many job losses".
"That is just inevitable," the PM said, adding that ministers would take an "activist" approach to reviving the economy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:57 Lancet study backs distancing and face masks
For instance, Mr Johnson said he believed it was "vital" to make sure that young people who were likely to be the hardest hit were guaranteed apprenticeships.
The PM also said he wanted to reduce the two-metre social distancing rule, despite Professor Whitty warning it would continue for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We want to take some more steps to unlock our society and try to get back to as normal as possible," Mr Johnson said as he wrapped up the latest briefing.
"Eventually I would like to do such things as reducing the two-metre rule, for instance.
"But all those changes, all that future progress depends entirely on our ability to keep reducing the incidents and driving down that disease."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-03--Alok Sharma tested for COVID-19 after being visibly unwell in Commons

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has been tested for coronavirus after becoming visibly unwell in the House of Commons chamber .
He was travelling home to self-isolate after he struggled during a speech at the despatch box during the second reading of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill .
It comes a day after MPs approved the government 's plan to end virtual voting in the Commons .
A spokeswoman for Mr Sharma said : `` In line with guidance he has been tested for coronavirus and is returning home to self-isolate . ''
During the debate , he was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times and his opposite number in Labour 's shadow cabinet , Ed Miliband , passed him a glass of water at one point .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A House of Commons spokesperson said : `` The House 's priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated .
`` We have closely followed guidance from PHE on action to take following a suspected case of COVID on site , including additional cleaning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have already put in place to reduce the risk of transmission in parliament . ''
Labour shadow minister Toby Perkins had raised concerns over Mr Sharma 's appearance in the Commons earlier in the day .
`` This is not okay .
If he has symptoms that could be COVID-19 , it 's not up to him to soldier on , he is jeopardising the health of everyone who he comes across and everyone else who touches that despatch box and every door handle he touches etc , '' Mr Perkins tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test and knows it 's not that , but if so he should confirm that to people watching , otherwise the message again goes out that what the government says and means about what to do if you have symptoms are two different things . ''
Digital voting in the Commons was ended on Tuesday when MPs approved a government motion introduced by Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg despite widespread objections .

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has been tested for coronavirus after becoming visibly unwell in the House of Commons chamber.
He was travelling home to self-isolate after he struggled during a speech at the despatch box during the second reading of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill.
It comes a day after MPs approved the government's plan to end virtual voting in the Commons.
A spokeswoman for Mr Sharma said: "In line with guidance he has been tested for coronavirus and is returning home to self-isolate."
During the debate, he was seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times and his opposite number in Labour's shadow cabinet, Ed Miliband, passed him a glass of water at one point.
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A House of Commons spokesperson said: "The House's priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated.
"We have closely followed guidance from PHE on action to take following a suspected case of COVID on site, including additional cleaning.
"Our risk assessment outlines the measures we have already put in place to reduce the risk of transmission in parliament."
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Labour shadow minister Toby Perkins had raised concerns over Mr Sharma's appearance in the Commons earlier in the day.
"This is not okay. If he has symptoms that could be COVID-19, it's not up to him to soldier on, he is jeopardising the health of everyone who he comes across and everyone else who touches that despatch box and every door handle he touches etc," Mr Perkins tweeted.
"Maybe he's had a test and knows it's not that, but if so he should confirm that to people watching, otherwise the message again goes out that what the government says and means about what to do if you have symptoms are two different things."
Digital voting in the Commons was ended on Tuesday when MPs approved a government motion introduced by Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg despite widespread objections.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-03--Controversial border plans are 'essential' to save lives, Patel says

Ordering people arriving in the UK to quarantine for 14 days is `` essential '' to save lives , Home Secretary Priti Patel has said as she set out details of the government 's controversial border plan .
From Monday , all those travelling to the UK - apart from a short list of exemptions including road hauliers - will have to self-isolate for two weeks .
They will also be required to complete an online locator form to supply contact details , travel details and the address of where they will self-isolate .
UK border officials will perform `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed the forms , and those who fail to do so could be fined £100 .
Those who breach the 14-day self-isolation requirements could also be punished with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England , or potential prosecution and an unlimited fine .
The government has pushed ahead with the imposition of quarantine measures at the UK border despite criticism of the plans from senior Conservative MPs , who fear the impact on the already struggling aviation and tourism sectors .
Critics have also questioned why quarantine measures are being introduced now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Defending the policy in the House of Commons on Wednesday , Ms Patel said the UK was `` now more vulnerable '' to new coronavirus infections being brought in from abroad as international travel picks up from its record low .
The home secretary added : `` These measures are backed by the science , supported by the public , and essential to save lives .
`` We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry , but that 's why we have an unprecedented package of support , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both employees and businesses .
`` But we will all suffer if we get this wrong .
That 's why it 's crucial that we introduce these measures now . ''
Ms Patel confirmed the first review of the quarantine measures would take place in the week beginning 28 June , with the government considering `` international travel corridors '' to allow future quarantine-free travel from destinations deemed safe .
She said : `` Across government and with the sector we continue to explore all options for future safe travel .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed with the other countries concerned .
`` We need to ensure that those countries are deemed to be safe .
`` We are not alone in our fight against this disease , or in the measures we have taken to stop it . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds called for the cabinet minister 's assurance that scientific advice showed a `` genuine public health benefit now that , according to the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months '' .
Ms Patel said the quarantine measures were being introduced at the `` right time '' as domestic transmission of COVID-19 reduces .
Former Conservative cabinet minister Theresa Villiers urged the home secretary to suspend the implementation of `` blanket '' quarantine measures for a few more weeks .
This would be in order to `` get those safe air corridors in place so we can save jobs in aviation and let families go on their summer breaks in the sun '' , she added .
Her fellow Conservative MP and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I simply can not get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy .
`` If such a barrier was required , why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak and if it is a contingency measure against a so-called second wave , why apply it to countries with a lower infection rate than we already have ?
`` Surely the answer lies in the government 's test and trace system rather than unnecessary economic isolation . ''

Ordering people arriving in the UK to quarantine for 14 days is "essential" to save lives, Home Secretary Priti Patel has said as she set out details of the government's controversial border plan.
From Monday, all those travelling to the UK - apart from a short list of exemptions including road hauliers - will have to self-isolate for two weeks.
They will also be required to complete an online locator form to supply contact details, travel details and the address of where they will self-isolate.
Image: A passenger wearing a face mask as a precaution against the coronavirus arrives at Heathrow airport
UK border officials will perform "spot checks" to ensure travellers have completed the forms, and those who fail to do so could be fined £100.
Those who breach the 14-day self-isolation requirements could also be punished with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England, or potential prosecution and an unlimited fine.
The government has pushed ahead with the imposition of quarantine measures at the UK border despite criticism of the plans from senior Conservative MPs, who fear the impact on the already struggling aviation and tourism sectors.
Critics have also questioned why quarantine measures are being introduced now and not at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Defending the policy in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Ms Patel said the UK was "now more vulnerable" to new coronavirus infections being brought in from abroad as international travel picks up from its record low.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Wizz Air chief: Quarantine 'quite a costly exercise' for UK economy
The home secretary added: "These measures are backed by the science, supported by the public, and essential to save lives.
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"We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry, but that's why we have an unprecedented package of support, the most comprehensive in the world, for both employees and businesses.
"But we will all suffer if we get this wrong. That's why it's crucial that we introduce these measures now."
Ms Patel confirmed the first review of the quarantine measures would take place in the week beginning 28 June, with the government considering "international travel corridors" to allow future quarantine-free travel from destinations deemed safe.
She said: "Across government and with the sector we continue to explore all options for future safe travel.
"Any international approaches will be bilateral and agreed with the other countries concerned.
"We need to ensure that those countries are deemed to be safe.
"We are not alone in our fight against this disease, or in the measures we have taken to stop it."
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Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds called for the cabinet minister's assurance that scientific advice showed a "genuine public health benefit now that, according to the government, it did not have in past months".
Ms Patel said the quarantine measures were being introduced at the "right time" as domestic transmission of COVID-19 reduces.
Former Conservative cabinet minister Theresa Villiers urged the home secretary to suspend the implementation of "blanket" quarantine measures for a few more weeks.
This would be in order to "get those safe air corridors in place so we can save jobs in aviation and let families go on their summer breaks in the sun", she added.
Her fellow Conservative MP and former cabinet minister Liam Fox said: "I simply cannot get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy.
"If such a barrier was required, why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak and if it is a contingency measure against a so-called second wave, why apply it to countries with a lower infection rate than we already have?
"Surely the answer lies in the government's test and trace system rather than unnecessary economic isolation."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-03--PM: Coronavirus tests will be 'turned around' in 24 hours by end of month

Boris Johnson has promised that all coronavirus tests will be `` turned around '' within 24 hours by the end of the month , as he defended the government 's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The prime minister made the pledge in response to a question from his former Conservative leadership rival Jeremy Hunt .
`` We already do 90 % of tests turned around within 24 hours , '' Mr Johnson told MPs .
`` Of the tests conducted at the 199 testing centres , as well as the mobile centres , they 're all done within 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Mr Hunt ) now to get all tests turned around within 24 hours by the end of June except for difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that . ''
The pledge came during the weekly clash between Mr Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs .
This week 's instalment saw the PM defend the government 's handling of the coronavirus outbreak and featured a number of pointed attacks exchanged by the pair .
Sir Keir claimed Mr Johnson 's use of statistics was damaging public trust in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit out at the Labour leader 's `` endless attacks on public trust and confidence '' .
Sir Keir responded by saying Mr Johnson was `` confusing scrutiny for attacks '' , adding : `` I have supported the government openly and I 've taken criticism for it , but boy he makes it difficult to support this government over the last two weeks . ''
The Labour leader claimed the PM had refused an offer to work together on building a consensus on the reopening of England 's schools , something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a return to the kind of attacks seen in previous sessions of PMQs before the coronavirus pandemic , the PM said of Sir Keir : `` Our policy is test , trace and isolate , his policy is agree , U-turn and then criticise . ''
Beginning his questioning of his opposite number , Sir Keir referenced a newspaper report which said Mr Johnson has decided to `` take direct control '' of the virus response .
He asked : `` So an obvious question for the prime minister , who 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
The PM said in response that he took `` full responsibility for everything this government has been doing '' and that he was `` very proud of our record '' .
He rejected criticism from the Labour leader that the test , track and trace system was not yet fully operational .
Mr Johnson said the system had been established from a `` standing start '' , with `` 40,000 people engaged in this '' .
`` Every person who tests positive in this country is contacted , '' the PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added that `` thousands of people are now following the law and self-isolating to stop the spread of the disease '' .
Addressing a Public Health England review which found that people from a BAME background are up to twice as likely to die with the virus than those from a white British background , Mr Johnson said he took the issue `` very seriously '' .
`` There obviously are inequalities in the way the virus impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country , '' he said .
The PM added that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch will be looking at `` what next practical steps we need to do to protect all our country from coronavirus '' .
The return of MPs to the Commons on Tuesday was also a source of contention between Mr Johnson and Sir Keir .
The Labour leader said the scenes of MPs queueing up throughout the parliamentary estate to give their verdict on a return to physical voting was `` shameful '' , with many not able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed the PM to end the `` completely unnecessary and unacceptable '' process and instead allow remote voting to resume .
Mr Johnson said MPs should consider `` what is really going on throughout the country '' , with Britons `` getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be '' .
The PM continued : `` I do not think it 's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that elderly MPs or those who are shielding would be allowed to vote by proxy , a change in stance from Tuesday .
Tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic : Our New World - a special live programme about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
Thursday 's programme will include an exclusive interview with Prince Charles .

Boris Johnson has promised that all coronavirus tests will be "turned around" within 24 hours by the end of the month, as he defended the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prime minister made the pledge in response to a question from his former Conservative leadership rival Jeremy Hunt.
"We already do 90% of tests turned around within 24 hours," Mr Johnson told MPs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 The search for a coronavirus cure
"Of the tests conducted at the 199 testing centres, as well as the mobile centres, they're all done within 24 hours and I can undertake to him (Mr Hunt) now to get all tests turned around within 24 hours by the end of June except for difficulties with postal tests or insuperable problems like that."
The pledge came during the weekly clash between Mr Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs.
This week's instalment saw the PM defend the government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak and featured a number of pointed attacks exchanged by the pair.
Sir Keir claimed Mr Johnson's use of statistics was damaging public trust in his government, prompting the PM to hit out at the Labour leader's "endless attacks on public trust and confidence".
Sir Keir responded by saying Mr Johnson was "confusing scrutiny for attacks", adding: "I have supported the government openly and I've taken criticism for it, but boy he makes it difficult to support this government over the last two weeks."
The Labour leader claimed the PM had refused an offer to work together on building a consensus on the reopening of England's schools, something that was disputed by Mr Johnson.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Moment nurse reunites with daughters
And in a return to the kind of attacks seen in previous sessions of PMQs before the coronavirus pandemic, the PM said of Sir Keir: "Our policy is test, trace and isolate, his policy is agree, U-turn and then criticise."
Beginning his questioning of his opposite number, Sir Keir referenced a newspaper report which said Mr Johnson has decided to "take direct control" of the virus response.
He asked: "So an obvious question for the prime minister, who's been in direct control up until now?"
The PM said in response that he took "full responsibility for everything this government has been doing" and that he was "very proud of our record".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:01 A look at the government's COVID testing plan
He rejected criticism from the Labour leader that the test, track and trace system was not yet fully operational.
Mr Johnson said the system had been established from a "standing start", with "40,000 people engaged in this".
"Every person who tests positive in this country is contacted," the PM told the Commons.
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He added that "thousands of people are now following the law and self-isolating to stop the spread of the disease".
Addressing a Public Health England review which found that people from a BAME background are up to twice as likely to die with the virus than those from a white British background, Mr Johnson said he took the issue "very seriously".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 'Black lives matter' - health secretary on PHE report
"There obviously are inequalities in the way the virus impacts on different people, different communities in our country," he said.
The PM added that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch will be looking at "what next practical steps we need to do to protect all our country from coronavirus".
The return of MPs to the Commons on Tuesday was also a source of contention between Mr Johnson and Sir Keir.
The Labour leader said the scenes of MPs queueing up throughout the parliamentary estate to give their verdict on a return to physical voting was "shameful", with many not able to do so for health reasons.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 MPs form socially-distanced queue to vote
He pushed the PM to end the "completely unnecessary and unacceptable" process and instead allow remote voting to resume.
Mr Johnson said MPs should consider "what is really going on throughout the country", with Britons "getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be".
The PM continued: "I do not think it's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country."
He did say that elderly MPs or those who are shielding would be allowed to vote by proxy, a change in stance from Tuesday.
Tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a special live programme about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
Thursday's programme will include an exclusive interview with Prince Charles.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--Top scientists cast doubt on government's quarantine plans

Some of the UK 's top scientists have cast doubt over the government 's quarantine proposals , as Priti Patel is facing calls to publish the science behind the plans .
Under the current plans , set to be rolled out on Monday , any international arrivals to the UK - apart from a short list of exemptions - will have to quarantine for two weeks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Those who fail to follow the rules could be given a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or face potential prosecution .
Speaking at the daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser Sir Patrick Vallance confirmed Sage scientists had not been asked to provide advice on the specific proposals .
He said quarantines work best for restricting travel from countries with high rates of infection when cases in Britain were low .
The UK is currently seeing higher infection rates than most other European countries .
Sir Patrick also said judgements on when to impose the measures were up to politicians , adding : `` They make the policy and they make the timing decisions . ''
Professor Robert Dingwall , a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blanket quarantine .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` We are not seeing new clusters that are taking off from people who have been travelling abroad .
`` I think we would really need to get the level in this country significantly further down before quarantine started to become a useful measure .
`` That I think , even then , we would have to see something that is targeted on countries with a significantly higher level of community transmission than ourselves - and there are n't too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid . ''
Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis told Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast that the government is trying to `` get the balance right '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said the fines are a `` real deterrent '' , but we `` do n't want to be in a situation where we live in effectively a police state '' .
`` Although this will be enforced , we are asking people to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines , which they have been doing over the previous weeks , '' he said .
But other Tories , led by former prime minister Theresa May , have questioned the quarantine measures - which they say would hit already struggling aviation and tourism industries .
In an urgent question on the aviation industry , sought by Huw Merriman , Mrs May said : `` International air travel is necessary for trade .
`` Without it there is no global Britain .
So instead of bringing in measures to close Britain off from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the government not taking a lead in developing an international aviation health screening standard , to save jobs and ensure that Britain is open for business ? ''
Former international trade secretary Liam Fox also expressed concerns , saying : `` I 'm afraid I simply can not get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy .
`` If such a barrier was required , why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak ? ''
Defending her plans , Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections from abroad .
`` These measures are backed by the science , supported by the public , and essential to save lives , '' she said .
`` We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry , but that 's why we have an unprecedented package of support , the most comprehensive in the world , for both employees and businesses . ''
The prime minister also backed the plans , but has said he would `` explore the possibility '' of air bridges with countries that have low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would only be `` when the evidence shows that it is safe to do so '' .

Some of the UK's top scientists have cast doubt over the government's quarantine proposals, as Priti Patel is facing calls to publish the science behind the plans.
Under the current plans, set to be rolled out on Monday, any international arrivals to the UK - apart from a short list of exemptions - will have to quarantine for two weeks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Those who fail to follow the rules could be given a £1,000 fixed penalty notice in England or face potential prosecution.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 UK 'vulnerable' to infections from abroad
Speaking at the daily news briefing on Wednesday, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance confirmed scientists from the government's SAGE panel (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) had not been asked to provide advice on the specific proposals.
He said quarantines work best for restricting travel from countries with high rates of infection when cases in Britain were low.
The UK is currently seeing higher infection rates than most other European countries.
Sir Patrick also said judgements on when to impose the measures were up to politicians, adding: "They make the policy and they make the timing decisions."
Professor Robert Dingwall, a member of SAGE, also questioned the effectiveness of a blanket quarantine.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We are not seeing new clusters that are taking off from people who have been travelling abroad.
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Image: Sir Patrick Vallance said timings were up to politicians
"I think we would really need to get the level in this country significantly further down before quarantine started to become a useful measure.
"That I think, even then, we would have to see something that is targeted on countries with a significantly higher level of community transmission than ourselves - and there aren't too many of those around, I'm afraid."
Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis told Sky's Kay Burley @ Breakfast that the government is trying to "get the balance right".
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He said the fines are a "real deterrent", but we "don't want to be in a situation where we live in effectively a police state".
"Although this will be enforced, we are asking people to use their own self responsibility to follow the guidelines, which they have been doing over the previous weeks," he said.
But other Tories, led by former prime minister Theresa May, have questioned the quarantine measures - which they say would hit already struggling aviation and tourism industries.
In an urgent question on the aviation industry, sought by Huw Merriman, Mrs May said: "International air travel is necessary for trade.
"Without it there is no global Britain. So instead of bringing in measures to close Britain off from the rest of the world, why is the government not taking a lead in developing an international aviation health screening standard, to save jobs and ensure that Britain is open for business?"
Former international trade secretary Liam Fox also expressed concerns, saying: "I'm afraid I simply cannot get my head around the public health mental gymnastics of this policy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:16 After the Pandemic: Life and Society
"If such a barrier was required, why was it not introduced earlier in the outbreak?"
Defending her plans, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the UK was "now more vulnerable" to new coronavirus infections from abroad.
"These measures are backed by the science, supported by the public, and essential to save lives," she said.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel has defended her plans
"We know they will present difficulties for the tourism industry, but that's why we have an unprecedented package of support, the most comprehensive in the world, for both employees and businesses."
The prime minister also backed the plans, but has said he would "explore the possibility" of air bridges with countries that have low rates of COVID-19.
But he said this would only be "when the evidence shows that it is safe to do so".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--Govt facing legal action unless it admits to acting 'unlawfully' over care homes

The daughter of an 88-year-old man who died in a care home is demanding the health secretary retract his claim that `` a protective ring '' was thrown around care homes or she will take him to court .
Dr Cathy Gardner , whose father Michael Gibson died on 3 April , wants an acknowledgement the treatment of care homes up to and during the pandemic was unlawful .
In particular she wants an admission that guidelines allowing coronavirus patients to be discharged from hospitals into care homes untested was unlawful .
Lawyers representing Dr Gardner have sent a pre-action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days to respond .
They say if there is not an adequate response they will begin proceedings for judicial review at the High Court .
Dr Gardner said : `` The loss of my father was always going to be really difficult but these circumstances have made it even more heartbreaking .
`` To think a lady being brought back into the care home with the virus might have contributed to his death is so shocking . ''
Dr Gardner is now crowdfunding to support her case .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky News has obtained a copy of the letter sent by lawyers representing Dr Gardner .
In it lawyers write : `` Our client believes that the policies and measures adopted by the health secretary , NHS England and Public Health England have manifestly failed to protect the health , wellbeing and right to life of those residing and working in care homes .
`` Their failings have led to large numbers of unnecessary deaths and serious illnesses .
In addition , the failings of government have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , misleading and - in some cases - plainly false statements suggesting that everything necessary has been done to protect care homes during the pandemic . ''
Dr Gardner said : `` They must answer for the policies they put out and most importantly for what they failed to do at a time when they knew that people were at risk ; they knew that some people were more vulnerable than others ; they took a positive step to discharge people from hospital into a place packed full of vulnerable people and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbelievable . ''
`` I 'm being driven to do this by a real sense of anger about what happened with my father .
He was in a care home .
It should have been a place of safety . ''
Dr Gardner 's lawyer Paul Conrathe of Sinclairslaw said : `` We want the three parties , the secretary of state , NHS England and Public Health England , to come back and say we accept we have acted unlawfully and accept they 've exposed the most vulnerable and disabled to disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has done for many , and issue a public statement to that affect and accept a court order ruling they 've acted unlawfully . ''
The Department for Health told us they had received Dr Gardner 's letter regarding legal action but could not comment further .
We spoke to an independent barrister James Robottom who told us the claim was potentially significant and a `` headache '' for the government .
He said : `` They 'll have to deal with it because they 'll have to put a letter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaches in the letter of response then the matter will proceed to court .
`` I 've got absolutely no doubt that permission will be granted by the High Court to proceed to judicial review .
`` It 's a serious claim and it 's a claim that the defendants , the secretary of state , NHS Commission Board and NHS England are going to have to take seriously . ''
Analysis : There are questions marks over the level of infection control provided in care homes A call from NHS England 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds to cope with the pandemic raised suspicions that thousands of patients were discharged prematurely to care homes , potentially taking COVID-19 with them .
Simon Stevens made his request to trusts on 17 March and new data published by NHS England has revealed that in the following month more than 25,000 people were discharged from England 's hospitals to the care sector .
Within this period , figures from the Office for National Statistics show almost 3,000 care home residents died with COVID-19 .
The actual number of people discharged into care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year - a reduction of around a third .
The figures from NHS England also clearly show that , from 28 March to 16 April , the average number of people discharged to care homes fell by 40 % .
This does not suggest a concerted policy to free-up beds by releasing people into social care .
However , what this data does not tell us is whether any patients were discharged whilst still having a diagnosis of coronavirus .
Indeed , we do not know if those sent home had been tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was only on 15 April that the government expanded testing to include care home staff and residents .
By then , there were already outbreaks in around 4,500 ( a third ) of England 's 17,000 care homes .
In the following five weeks , a further 9,226 people in care in England died with COVID-19 .
The government has said it put a protective arm around the social care sector .
But there are questions to answer about the level of infection control provided and how that exposed this already vulnerable public @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The daughter of an 88-year-old man who died in a care home is demanding the health secretary retract his claim that "a protective ring" was thrown around care homes or she will take him to court.
Dr Cathy Gardner, whose father Michael Gibson died on 3 April, wants an acknowledgement the treatment of care homes up to and during the pandemic was unlawful.
In particular she wants an admission that guidelines allowing coronavirus patients to be discharged from hospitals into care homes untested was unlawful.
Lawyers representing Dr Gardner have sent a pre-action letter to Matt Hancock giving him 14 days to respond.
They say if there is not an adequate response they will begin proceedings for judicial review at the High Court.
Dr Gardner said: "The loss of my father was always going to be really difficult but these circumstances have made it even more heartbreaking.
"To think a lady being brought back into the care home with the virus might have contributed to his death is so shocking."
Dr Gardner is now crowdfunding to support her case.
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Sky News has obtained a copy of the letter sent by lawyers representing Dr Gardner.
In it lawyers write: "Our client believes that the policies and measures adopted by the health secretary, NHS England and Public Health England have manifestly failed to protect the health, wellbeing and right to life of those residing and working in care homes.
"Their failings have led to large numbers of unnecessary deaths and serious illnesses. In addition, the failings of government have been aggravated by the making of wholly disingenuous, misleading and - in some cases - plainly false statements suggesting that everything necessary has been done to protect care homes during the pandemic."
Dr Gardner said: "They must answer for the policies they put out and most importantly for what they failed to do at a time when they knew that people were at risk; they knew that some people were more vulnerable than others; they took a positive step to discharge people from hospital into a place packed full of vulnerable people and that decision is so shocking it's almost unbelievable."
"I'm being driven to do this by a real sense of anger about what happened with my father. He was in a care home. It should have been a place of safety."
Dr Gardner's lawyer Paul Conrathe of Sinclairslaw said: "We want the three parties, the secretary of state, NHS England and Public Health England, to come back and say we accept we have acted unlawfully and accept they've exposed the most vulnerable and disabled to disease and illness that could end their lives and has done for many, and issue a public statement to that affect and accept a court order ruling they've acted unlawfully."
Image: Matt Hancock has 14 days to respond to Dr Gardner's letter
The Department for Health told us they had received Dr Gardner's letter regarding legal action but could not comment further.
We spoke to an independent barrister James Robottom who told us the claim was potentially significant and a "headache" for the government.
He said: "They'll have to deal with it because they'll have to put a letter of response in and unless they concede the breaches in the letter of response then the matter will proceed to court.
"I've got absolutely no doubt that permission will be granted by the High Court to proceed to judicial review.
"It's a serious claim and it's a claim that the defendants, the secretary of state, NHS Commission Board and NHS England are going to have to take seriously."
Analysis: There are questions marks over the level of infection control provided in care homes
By Isla Glaister, data journalist
A call from NHS England's chief executive to free up 15,000 hospital beds to cope with the pandemic raised suspicions that thousands of patients were discharged prematurely to care homes, potentially taking COVID-19 with them.
Simon Stevens made his request to trusts on 17 March and new data published by NHS England has revealed that in the following month more than 25,000 people were discharged from England's hospitals to the care sector.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'We did decide to focus on the NHS'
Within this period, figures from the Office for National Statistics show almost 3,000 care home residents died with COVID-19.
The actual number of people discharged into care is down on the same period last year - a reduction of around a third.
The figures from NHS England also clearly show that, from 28 March to 16 April, the average number of people discharged to care homes fell by 40%.
This does not suggest a concerted policy to free-up beds by releasing people into social care.
However, what this data does not tell us is whether any patients were discharged whilst still having a diagnosis of coronavirus.
Indeed, we do not know if those sent home had been tested for the virus at all.
It was only on 15 April that the government expanded testing to include care home staff and residents.
By then, there were already outbreaks in around 4,500 (a third) of England's 17,000 care homes.
In the following five weeks, a further 9,226 people in care in England died with COVID-19.
The government has said it put a protective arm around the social care sector.
But there are questions to answer about the level of infection control provided and how that exposed this already vulnerable public health environment even more to COVID-19.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--Face coverings on public transport to be compulsory - with fines if people don't comply

Wearing a face covering on public transport in England will be compulsory from 15 June , the transport secretary has announced .
Speaking at the latest coronavirus news conference in Downing Street , Grant Shapps said people can be refused travel if they do not comply and could be fined .
People with disabilities and breathing difficulties will be exempt , as will young children .
He said `` we need to ensure every precaution is taken '' on buses , trains , aircraft and ferries as the COVID-19 lockdown is relaxed further and passenger numbers increase .
A face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cloth or a mask .
People should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before one is put on or taken off , while coverings should also be washed regularly .
At the moment , passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not prevented from boarding transport without one .
Mr Shapps said changes would be made to the conditions of travel for trains and buses , which `` will mean that you can be refused travel if you do n't comply and you could be fined '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be enforced by the British Transport Police if necessary , but I expect the vast majority of people wo n't need to be forced into this , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government says face coverings are `` marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure '' .
Evidence suggests they do not protect the wearer , but may protect other people if he or she is infected with COVID-19 .
According to official advice , surgical masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them for protection while at work .
London mayor Sadiq Khan , who has been lobbying ministers to make face coverings mandatory , said the government has `` finally seen sense '' .
He added that there is `` a large body of evidence '' that they can help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it was `` another example of the government being slow to act '' , adding : `` Two months ago , Labour immediately backed the Mayor of London 's call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compulsory .
Yet only now Tory ministers are acting . ''
Transport unions have also been calling on Downing Street to enforce the wearing of face coverings , following the deaths of dozens of workers during the pandemic .
Mick Cash , general secretary of the Rail , Maritime and Transport union , said the move was `` long overdue '' .
Appearing alongside Mr Shapps at the COVID-19 briefing , Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy said he expects most passengers to comply with the new rule .
`` I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to police this , '' he said .
`` I am expecting sensible passengers to do their duty and look after themselves and others . ''
The transport secretary suggested that passengers on trains starting their journey outside England may have to put on coverings when crossing the border .
But he said it would be up to Scotland and Wales to put out their own guidance .
Mr Shapps said : `` Usually what happens , I can say having been through this process in quite a lot of different ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this coronavirus , is you end up finding after some discussion typically the nations decide to move together at roughly the same time .
`` So I do n't think it will turn out to be terribly confusing . ''
Sir Peter added : `` I would expect people who board a train in England to be wearing a mask when they go in the station and on the train and I would expect the passengers to be wearing it when they got off wherever they were .
`` And that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective of both of them and other people and courteous too . ''
Nicola Sturgeon , Scotland 's first minister , said in response to the announcement that her government is `` considering making it mandatory '' to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops .

Wearing a face covering on public transport in England will be compulsory from 15 June, the transport secretary has announced.
Speaking at the latest coronavirus news conference in Downing Street, Grant Shapps said people can be refused travel if they do not comply and could be fined.
People with disabilities and breathing difficulties will be exempt, as will young children.
Image: At the moment, passengers on public transport are advised to wear a face covering
He said "we need to ensure every precaution is taken" on buses, trains, aircraft and ferries as the COVID-19 lockdown is relaxed further and passenger numbers increase.
A face covering can be a scarf, piece of cloth or a mask.
People should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before one is put on or taken off, while coverings should also be washed regularly.
At the moment, passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not prevented from boarding transport without one.
Mr Shapps said changes would be made to the conditions of travel for trains and buses, which "will mean that you can be refused travel if you don't comply and you could be fined".
"Alongside transport operators, this will be enforced by the British Transport Police if necessary, but I expect the vast majority of people won't need to be forced into this," he added.
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The government says face coverings are "marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure".
Evidence suggests they do not protect the wearer, but may protect other people if he or she is infected with COVID-19.
According to official advice, surgical masks should be reserved for people who need them for protection while at work.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been lobbying ministers to make face coverings mandatory, said the government has "finally seen sense".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:57 Lancet study backs distancing and face masks
He added that there is "a large body of evidence" that they can help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it was "another example of the government being slow to act", adding: "Two months ago, Labour immediately backed the Mayor of London's call for face coverings on public transport to be compulsory. Yet only now Tory ministers are acting."
Transport unions have also been calling on Downing Street to enforce the wearing of face coverings, following the deaths of dozens of workers during the pandemic.
Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, said the move was "long overdue".
Appearing alongside Mr Shapps at the COVID-19 briefing, Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy said he expects most passengers to comply with the new rule.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 The growing industry of DIY face masks
"I am not expecting a huge upsurge in railway staff having to police this," he said.
"I am expecting sensible passengers to do their duty and look after themselves and others."
The transport secretary suggested that passengers on trains starting their journey outside England may have to put on coverings when crossing the border.
But he said it would be up to Scotland and Wales to put out their own guidance.
Mr Shapps said: "Usually what happens, I can say having been through this process in quite a lot of different ways over quite a long period of time with this coronavirus, is you end up finding after some discussion typically the nations decide to move together at roughly the same time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 PM urges public not to gather indoors
"So I don't think it will turn out to be terribly confusing."
Sir Peter added: "I would expect people who board a train in England to be wearing a mask when they go in the station and on the train and I would expect the passengers to be wearing it when they got off wherever they were.
"And that would be just sensible and it would be protective of both of them and other people and courteous too."
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first minister, said in response to the announcement that her government is "considering making it mandatory" to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--Unwell Business Secretary Alok Sharma tests negative for coronavirus

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has tested negative for coronavirus after appearing visibly unwell in parliament .
The minister had been seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times while addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday .
Ed Miliband , his opposite number in Labour 's shadow cabinet , passed him a glass of water at one point .
But the business secretary 's spokeswoman said a test revealed he did not have COVID-19 .
`` Mr Sharma would like to thank the parliamentary authorities and Speaker and also for the kind words from parliamentary colleagues and others who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 24 hours , '' she said .
She did not immediately respond when asked if the Cabinet member would need to continue to self-isolate , amid fears that tests may not come back positive in the early stages of infection .
It had earlier emerged that Mr Sharma held a 45-minute socially-distanced meeting with Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday .
The PM had to self-isolate and later spent time in intensive care after contracting coronavirus earlier this year .
A Downing Street spokesperson said yesterday that the government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting in the Commons .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg also defended the move , saying : `` It is important that while we are here , we follow the social distancing rules .
`` Looking across this chamber , and across the palace , there are marks across the palace saying the distance people should keep . ''

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has tested negative for coronavirus after appearing visibly unwell in parliament.
The minister had been seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times while addressing the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Ed Miliband, his opposite number in Labour's shadow cabinet, passed him a glass of water at one point.
Image: Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak attended a meeting with Alok Sharma on Tuesday
But the business secretary's spokeswoman said a test revealed he did not have COVID-19.
"Mr Sharma would like to thank the parliamentary authorities and Speaker and also for the kind words from parliamentary colleagues and others who have expressed their well wishes over the last 24 hours," she said.
She did not immediately respond when asked if the Cabinet member would need to continue to self-isolate, amid fears that tests may not come back positive in the early stages of infection.
It had earlier emerged that Mr Sharma held a 45-minute socially-distanced meeting with Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Tuesday.
The PM had to self-isolate and later spent time in intensive care after contracting coronavirus earlier this year.
A Downing Street spokesperson said yesterday that the government was not reconsidering its move to end virtual voting in the Commons.
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And Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg also defended the move, saying: "It is important that while we are here, we follow the social distancing rules.
"Looking across this chamber, and across the palace, there are marks across the palace saying the distance people should keep."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--PM urges countries to unite in quest to beat 'common enemy' of COVID-19

A global alliance on vaccines has raised £7bn - as Boris Johnson urged all nations to unite in the quest to defeat coronavirus .
The Prime Minister described the challenge of coronavirus as `` the greatest shared endeavour of our lifetimes - the triumph of humanity over disease now and for the generations that follow '' .
Speaking at the Global Vaccine Summit , he urged unity among all nations , describing the need for a NATO-style alliance to defend humanity from the common enemy of COVID-19 .
`` So today we make the choice to unite , to forge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us also renew our collective resolve to find that vaccine that can in the end - who knows how soon it will come , let 's hope it comes as soon as possible - that in the end can defeat coronavirus , '' Mr Johnson said , speaking to a virtual audience across more than 50 nations .
Large pharmaceutical companies and other organisations also took part .
The money pledged will fund existing immunisation programmes to protect 300 million children in the world 's poorest countries against preventable diseases like polio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
It will also be used to help improve healthcare systems in those nations .
When and if COVID-19 vaccines are discovered , Gavi , the vaccine alliance , will play a key role in distributing the drug to developing countries .
A further $ 567m ( £445m ) was raised for a new financing instrument to help make sure such states are able to access and afford COVID-19 vaccines .
Bill Gates , whose foundation helped set up Gavi 20 years ago , said it was vital that the world renewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to all life-saving vaccines .
`` We are meeting at a unique time in history , '' he said , speaking - like almost everyone involved - remotely over a computer camera .
`` Never have more people been more aware of the importance of vaccines . ''
The Global Vaccine Summit takes place every five years to raise money for programmes to help tackle preventable diseases in the poorest countries .
Britain agreed to host this year 's event long before the COVID-19 pandemic .
It should have been a three-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health ministers travelling to the UK to make their interventions and pledges in person .
The COVID-19 crisis threw those plans in the air , with organisers instead arranging a four-hour virtual summit .
Recorded messages from the likes of President Donald Trump , Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and India 's Prime Minister Narendra Modi were played along with live video interventions from leaders including from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad Al Sabah .
There was the odd hiccup , with delegates at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of music between each speech appeared designed to keep everyone who was watching remotely alert .
Of the $ 8.8bn ( £7bn ) raised , the UK was the largest single donor , pledging £330m per year over the five-year period .
A total of 32 countries and 12 foundations , corporations and organisations donated money .
`` Take a bow everybody .
Thank you very , very much , '' Mr Johnson told the summit , speaking over a rather crackly connection .
Mr Johnson likened the need to work together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European nations , the United States and Canada combine to form the NATO military alliance .
He seemed aware it was a slightly awkward comparison , with states like Russia part of the vaccine alliance .
NATO was established to defend against the former Soviet Union and is now actively pushing back against Russian activities .
Relations between the UK and Russia are particularly frosty .
The UK had invited President Vladimir Putin to participate in the summit , but he declined .
The Russian health minister instead sent a video message .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I apologise to all those who are n't necessarily members of NATO , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` I hope you will nonetheless see my point .
We now need the same spirit of collaboration and collective defence against the common enemy of the disease . ''

A global alliance on vaccines has raised £7bn - as Boris Johnson urged all nations to unite in the quest to defeat coronavirus.
The Prime Minister described the challenge of coronavirus as "the greatest shared endeavour of our lifetimes - the triumph of humanity over disease now and for the generations that follow".
Image: The PM is seen speaking to a fellow guest at the Global Vaccine Summit
Speaking at the Global Vaccine Summit, he urged unity among all nations, describing the need for a NATO-style alliance to defend humanity from the common enemy of COVID-19.
"So today we make the choice to unite, to forge a path of global cooperation and let us also renew our collective resolve to find that vaccine that can in the end - who knows how soon it will come, let's hope it comes as soon as possible - that in the end can defeat coronavirus," Mr Johnson said, speaking to a virtual audience across more than 50 nations.
Large pharmaceutical companies and other organisations also took part.
The money pledged will fund existing immunisation programmes to protect 300 million children in the world's poorest countries against preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria and measles for the next five years.
It will also be used to help improve healthcare systems in those nations.
When and if COVID-19 vaccines are discovered, Gavi, the vaccine alliance, will play a key role in distributing the drug to developing countries.
A further $567m (£445m) was raised for a new financing instrument to help make sure such states are able to access and afford COVID-19 vaccines.
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Bill Gates, whose foundation helped set up Gavi 20 years ago, said it was vital that the world renewed its commitment to ensuring every child had access to all life-saving vaccines.
"We are meeting at a unique time in history," he said, speaking - like almost everyone involved - remotely over a computer camera.
"Never have more people been more aware of the importance of vaccines."
The Global Vaccine Summit takes place every five years to raise money for programmes to help tackle preventable diseases in the poorest countries.
Britain agreed to host this year's event long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
It should have been a three-day spectacle with world leaders, foreign ministers and health ministers travelling to the UK to make their interventions and pledges in person.
Image: A worker holds a syringe at Beijing-based biotech company Sinovac, where work is taking place to create a coronavirus vaccine
The COVID-19 crisis threw those plans in the air, with organisers instead arranging a four-hour virtual summit.
Recorded messages from the likes of President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi were played along with live video interventions from leaders including from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad Al Sabah.
There was the odd hiccup, with delegates at times speaking over each other, while bursts of music between each speech appeared designed to keep everyone who was watching remotely alert.
Of the $8.8bn (£7bn) raised, the UK was the largest single donor, pledging £330m per year over the five-year period.
A total of 32 countries and 12 foundations, corporations and organisations donated money.
"Take a bow everybody. Thank you very, very much," Mr Johnson told the summit, speaking over a rather crackly connection.
Mr Johnson likened the need to work together to fight COVID-19 with the circumstances that saw European nations, the United States and Canada combine to form the NATO military alliance.
He seemed aware it was a slightly awkward comparison, with states like Russia part of the vaccine alliance. NATO was established to defend against the former Soviet Union and is now actively pushing back against Russian activities.
Relations between the UK and Russia are particularly frosty. The UK had invited President Vladimir Putin to participate in the summit, but he declined. The Russian health minister instead sent a video message.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I apologise to all those who aren't necessarily members of NATO," Mr Johnson said.
"I hope you will nonetheless see my point. We now need the same spirit of collaboration and collective defence against the common enemy of the disease."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--Rees-Mogg faces calls to resign as he fields questions from angry MPs

Jacob Rees-Mogg faced calls to resign as he fielded questions from MPs angry at the government bringing them back to Westminster during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Commons leader was challenged by opposition MPs about the `` shambolic '' long queues which some have dubbed the `` coronavirus conga '' .
Alistair Carmichael , a Liberal Democrat former minister , compared the scene to `` exercise hour in a category C prison for white collar criminals '' .
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted Mr Carmichael 's application for an emergency debate on Monday on how the chamber will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Rees-Mogg will face more opposition anger .
The government 's decision to end the virtual proceedings , which saw MPs contribute remotely via Zoom and vote online , has proven unpopular .
With MPs in some cases now having to travel hundreds of miles between Westminster and their constituencies , fears have been raised about potentially spreading COVID-19 further .
These worries were heightened on Wednesday when Business Secretary Alok Sharma left a Commons debate to undergo a test for coronavirus .
He was found to be negative for COVID-19 .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring politicians back to London .
Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday , he said MPs should consider `` what is really going on throughout the country '' , with Britons `` getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be '' .
The PM continued : `` I do not think it 's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country . ''
Mr Johnson has said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be allowed to vote by proxy , a change in stance from earlier in the week .
But the concession has not quelled the anger among some MPs .
Angela Eagle , a Labour former minister , told the Commons on Thursday : `` The current leader of the House is rapidly building a strong claim to the title of the worst holder of the job in living memory .
`` He is supposed to be the voice of the government and the Commons in government as well as a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that task .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' He illegally shut down parliament , then unilaterally abolished the perfectly fair system of electronic voting and hybrid proceedings developed to ensure at least some scrutiny of the government during the pandemic . ''
Referring to the queues as the `` coronavirus conga '' , Ms Eagle warned this had put the health of MPs and parliamentary staff at risk , adding Mr Rees-Mogg 's `` arrogance '' was to blame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundred metres on Tuesday , winding through the parliamentary estate .
The first vote ran for 46 minutes , more than three times longer than the usual 15 minutes .
Social distancing measures mean MPs have to join a queue , keep two metres apart , walk through the Commons chamber and announce their vote .
Ms Eagle added : `` Can he show some bravery and make time next week for us to debate his disastrous record and perhaps even call for his resignation ? ''
The Commons leader said in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so overcooked , exaggerated , we poor members , we could n't queue for a little time to do our public duty , how hard was it .
`` It was very amusing reading in The Times how some members were quite incapable of walking in the right direction , but I think that 's more their problem than mine . ''
Asked how adjustments would be made to help disabled MPs , Mr Rees-Mogg said : `` MPs with health concerns will need to make their own decisions about what is appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have put down motions to allow virtual participation for those who can not come to parliament for medical or health reasons and to give them the option of proxy voting .
`` I 'm always open and always have been open to listening to any suggestions that MPs have to make , '' Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs .
Shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz told the chamber : `` That image of our parliament is going to live with this parliament forever .
Time-wasting , shambolic , breaking the rules , putting people 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied : `` How can we look teachers in our constituencies in the eye when we 're asking them to go back to work and we 're saying we 're not willing to ? ''
The SNP 's Patrick Grady complained that too many MPs were being `` actively excluded '' by the government 's refusal to allow members to take part remotely .

Jacob Rees-Mogg faced calls to resign as he fielded questions from MPs angry at the government bringing them back to Westminster during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Commons leader was challenged by opposition MPs about the "shambolic" long queues which some have dubbed the "coronavirus conga".
Alistair Carmichael, a Liberal Democrat former minister, compared the scene to "exercise hour in a category C prison for white collar criminals".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 MPs form socially-distanced queue to vote
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted Mr Carmichael's application for an emergency debate on Monday on how the chamber will operate during the COVID-19 outbreak, meaning Mr Rees-Mogg will face more opposition anger.
The government's decision to end the virtual proceedings, which saw MPs contribute remotely via Zoom and vote online, has proven unpopular.
With MPs in some cases now having to travel hundreds of miles between Westminster and their constituencies, fears have been raised about potentially spreading COVID-19 further.
These worries were heightened on Wednesday when Business Secretary Alok Sharma left a Commons debate to undergo a test for coronavirus. He was found to be negative for COVID-19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended the move to bring politicians back to London.
Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday, he said MPs should consider "what is really going on throughout the country", with Britons "getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Shielding MP unhappy with voting rules
The PM continued: "I do not think it's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country."
Mr Johnson has said that elderly MPs or those who are shielding will be allowed to vote by proxy, a change in stance from earlier in the week.
But the concession has not quelled the anger among some MPs.
Angela Eagle, a Labour former minister, told the Commons on Thursday: "The current leader of the House is rapidly building a strong claim to the title of the worst holder of the job in living memory.
"He is supposed to be the voice of the government and the Commons in government as well as a member of the government and he's failing dismally at that task.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"He illegally shut down parliament, then unilaterally abolished the perfectly fair system of electronic voting and hybrid proceedings developed to ensure at least some scrutiny of the government during the pandemic."
Referring to the queues as the "coronavirus conga", Ms Eagle warned this had put the health of MPs and parliamentary staff at risk, adding Mr Rees-Mogg's "arrogance" was to blame.
Queues to vote stretched for several hundred metres on Tuesday, winding through the parliamentary estate.
The first vote ran for 46 minutes, more than three times longer than the usual 15 minutes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Tour a deserted House of Commons
Social distancing measures mean MPs have to join a queue, keep two metres apart, walk through the Commons chamber and announce their vote.
Ms Eagle added: "Can he show some bravery and make time next week for us to debate his disastrous record and perhaps even call for his resignation?"
The Commons leader said in response: "What she has said is so overcooked, exaggerated, we poor members, we couldn't queue for a little time to do our public duty, how hard was it.
"It was very amusing reading in The Times how some members were quite incapable of walking in the right direction, but I think that's more their problem than mine."
Asked how adjustments would be made to help disabled MPs, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "MPs with health concerns will need to make their own decisions about what is appropriate for them."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Social distancing during virtual parliament debate
He said ministers have put down motions to allow virtual participation for those who cannot come to parliament for medical or health reasons and to give them the option of proxy voting.
"I'm always open and always have been open to listening to any suggestions that MPs have to make," Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs.
Shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz told the chamber: "That image of our parliament is going to live with this parliament forever. Time-wasting, shambolic, breaking the rules, putting people's lives at risk."
Mr Rees-Mogg replied: "How can we look teachers in our constituencies in the eye when we're asking them to go back to work and we're saying we're not willing to?"
The SNP's Patrick Grady complained that too many MPs were being "actively excluded" by the government's refusal to allow members to take part remotely.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-04--Labour MP criticised for breaking social distancing rules at George Floyd protest

A Labour MP has been criticised by a member of his own party for his `` dangerous '' decision to ignore social distancing guidelines at a Black Lives Matter protest .
Barry Gardiner , the MP for Brent North , tweeted on Wednesday that he decided to `` take a knee with thousands of brave young people '' outside the Houses of Parliament .
He admitted in the tweet that he was ignoring social distancing advice which he had been adhering to since March .
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy told Sky News on Thursday that he should `` acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Ms Nandy said : `` I do n't think it was right .
I think it was quite dangerous to break the social distancing measures ... and I think it was wrong for a member of parliament to be out there overtly saying they were not going to observe social distancing measures . ''
She continued : `` I hope he has reflected on that and decided to correct that , because we ca n't give the impression that social distancing at this stage does n't matter .
`` He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I think the best thing to do would be for him to acknowledge he got that wrong and correct it . ''
The Conservative MP for Great Yarmouth said : `` I would say to Barry Gardiner what I would to anybody else .
`` We have all got to use our good common sense and follow the guidelines ... it 's not just in the interests of others , it 's in the interest of us as individuals . ''
Mr Gardiner defended his actions in a statement on the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The number of people protesting made it impossible to observe the social distancing rules which I have strictly observed since March .
`` I know how much people have suffered to keep each other safe and I apologise to them for the hurt my failure to observe the rules has caused .
`` On Tuesday evening I received a negative test result .
I am therefore confident that I did not infect anyone with whom I came into contact . ''
`` I know I had an obligation to set an example .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic and I do not want my action to undermine people 's willingness to maintain social distancing . ''
He added : `` The anger generated by my breach of the social distancing rules must not be allowed to detract from the vital message that Black Lives Matter and that we all have an obligation to fight racism .
The killing of George Floyd must be a catalyst for action . ''

A Labour MP has been criticised by a member of his own party for his "dangerous" decision to ignore social distancing guidelines at a Black Lives Matter protest.
Barry Gardiner, the MP for Brent North, tweeted on Wednesday that he decided to "take a knee with thousands of brave young people" outside the Houses of Parliament.
He admitted in the tweet that he was ignoring social distancing advice which he had been adhering to since March.
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy told Sky News on Thursday that he should "acknowledge" his mistake and "correct" it.
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Ms Nandy said: "I don't think it was right. I think it was quite dangerous to break the social distancing measures... and I think it was wrong for a member of parliament to be out there overtly saying they were not going to observe social distancing measures."
She continued: "I hope he has reflected on that and decided to correct that, because we can't give the impression that social distancing at this stage doesn't matter.
"He's not on the front bench anymore, so I think the best thing to do would be for him to acknowledge he got that wrong and correct it."
Image: Lisa Nandy has said Mr Gardiner's decision was 'dangerous'
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis also criticised Mr Gardiner on Thursday morning.
The Conservative MP for Great Yarmouth said: "I would say to Barry Gardiner what I would to anybody else.
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"We have all got to use our good common sense and follow the guidelines... it's not just in the interests of others, it's in the interest of us as individuals."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 Thousands on London streets to protest racism
Mr Gardiner defended his actions in a statement on the Labour Party website.
He wrote: "The number of people protesting made it impossible to observe the social distancing rules which I have strictly observed since March.
"I know how much people have suffered to keep each other safe and I apologise to them for the hurt my failure to observe the rules has caused.
"On Tuesday evening I received a negative test result. I am therefore confident that I did not infect anyone with whom I came into contact."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'White people essential to ending racism'
"I know I had an obligation to set an example. The rules are important in overcoming this epidemic and I do not want my action to undermine people's willingness to maintain social distancing."
He added: "The anger generated by my breach of the social distancing rules must not be allowed to detract from the vital message that Black Lives Matter and that we all have an obligation to fight racism. The killing of George Floyd must be a catalyst for action."