skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Former top civil servant launches legal action against home secretary

A former top civil servant who quit his post amid bullying allegations against Priti Patel has formally launched legal action against the home secretary .
Sir Philip Rutnam , who was permanent secretary at the Home Office at the time of his resignation , is claiming `` constructive dismissal '' .
When he announced his resignation in February , Sir Philip claimed he had been the target of a `` vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign '' which he accused the home secretary of orchestrating .
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel `` shouting and swearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands '' .
Subsequent claims about Ms Patel from her time in other government departments later emerged .
But supporters of the home secretary rallied round and said she was the victim of a smear campaign , while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he backed her .
Ms Patel rejects all claims of bullying that have been made against her .
Civil servants ' union the FDA confirmed that Sir Philip 's claim was submitted to an employment tribunal on Monday morning .
Its general secretary Dave Penman said : `` On 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as permanent secretary of the Home Office , indicating that he intended to pursue a claim of constructive dismissal .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Following his resignation , the FDA instructed Gavin Mansfield QC , head of Littleton Chambers and employment law specialist , as counsel to advise Sir Philip , supported by Clive Howard , senior principal lawyer , employment and partnership at Slater and Gordon .
`` This morning , Sir Philip , with the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , submitted a claim to the employment tribunal for unfair ( constructive ) dismissal and whistleblowing against the Home Secretary .
`` Sir Philip will not be making any further comment at this time . ''
The news comes as the Cabinet Office is expected to finish an inquiry into the allegations against Ms Patel .

A former top civil servant who quit his post amid bullying allegations against Priti Patel has formally launched legal action against the home secretary.
Sir Philip Rutnam, who was permanent secretary at the Home Office at the time of his resignation, is claiming "constructive dismissal".
When he announced his resignation in February, Sir Philip claimed he had been the target of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign" which he accused the home secretary of orchestrating.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Sir Philip Rutnam: 'I don't believe Priti Patel'
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel "shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".
Subsequent claims about Ms Patel from her time in other government departments later emerged.
But supporters of the home secretary rallied round and said she was the victim of a smear campaign, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he backed her.
Ms Patel rejects all claims of bullying that have been made against her.
Civil servants' union the FDA confirmed that Sir Philip's claim was submitted to an employment tribunal on Monday morning.
Its general secretary Dave Penman said: "On 29 February 2020, Sir Philip Rutnam resigned as permanent secretary of the Home Office, indicating that he intended to pursue a claim of constructive dismissal.
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"Following his resignation, the FDA instructed Gavin Mansfield QC, head of Littleton Chambers and employment law specialist, as counsel to advise Sir Philip, supported by Clive Howard, senior principal lawyer, employment and partnership at Slater and Gordon.
"This morning, Sir Philip, with the support of his legal team and the FDA, submitted a claim to the employment tribunal for unfair (constructive) dismissal and whistleblowing against the Home Secretary.
"Sir Philip will not be making any further comment at this time."
The news comes as the Cabinet Office is expected to finish an inquiry into the allegations against Ms Patel.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-21--Coronavirus deaths 41% higher than government's hospital-only figures

Coronavirus-related deaths were 41 % higher in England and Wales than the government 's hospital-only figures up to 10 April .
The new statistics , revealed in an Office for National Statistics report , take into account deaths in care homes and the community .
Overall , 13,121 deaths involving COVID-19 have occurred in England and Wales up to 10 April , and registered up to 18 April , which is 41 % higher than the 9,288 people who died in UK hospitals during the same period reported by the Department of Health .
The ONS said these `` provisional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rapidly changing situation '' .
The subsequent figures in this story were registered up until 10 April .
The figures have been labelled `` sad and shocking '' , with Labour saying they were `` only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care '' .
Ministers have promised to ramp up testing for social care workers and residents , pledging tests for all those who need them , as well as improving access to vital protective equipment .
And following demands for the government to speed up the reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will from next week publish weekly totals of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes , with the figures based on deaths reported by care home operators to the Care Quality Commission .
The latest ONS weekly total shows that there were 1,662 deaths involving the coronavirus in England and Wales registered up to 10 April that happened outside of hospital .
Of the deaths outside hospitals 1,043 happened in care homes , an almost five-fold increase from the week before ( 217 ) .
A further 466 occurred in private homes , 87 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishments and 45 elsewhere .
These latest weekly figures show that the proportion of deaths outside of hospitals now stands at 16 % , with 83.9 % ( 8,673 ) occurring in hospitals .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to the ONS , the numbers are based on where the coronavirus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate , including in combination with other health conditions .
Labour 's shadow social care minister , Liz Kendall , said the figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is having on elderly and disabled people in care homes .
`` Yet these awful figures are only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care , because they are already 11 days out of date , '' she said .
`` The government must now publish daily figures of COVID-19 deaths outside hospital , including in care homes , so we know the true scale of the problem .
`` This is essential to tackling the spread of the virus , ensuing social care has the resources it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to care workers on the front line . ''
Councillor Ian Hudspeth , chairman of the Local Government Association 's Community Wellbeing Board , described the latest statistics as `` sad and shocking '' .
He said they `` highlight just what a severe challenge we face in care homes and other community settings '' .
In total , there were 18,516 deaths provisionally registered in the week ending April 10 - 7,996 deaths more than the five-year average and the highest weekly total since 2000 .
Of these 6,123 mentioned `` novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third of all deaths .
In the week up to 3 April , this figure stood at 3,475 deaths ( 21.2 % of all deaths ) .
The ONS said a steep rise in coronavirus-related care home deaths had seen the overall number of deaths in that setting double in four weeks .
From when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered and the week ending 10 April , the number of deaths in care homes has doubled from 2,471 to 4,927 .
Overall , care home deaths comprised more than a quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in the week ending 10 April .

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in care homes more than quadrupled from 217 to 1,043 in the space of a week, new figures show.
In total, there were 18,516 deaths provisionally registered in England and Wales in the week ending April 10 - 7,996 deaths more than the five-year average and the highest weekly total since 2000.
Of these 6,123 mentioned "novel coronavirus (COVID-19)" - around a third of all deaths, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.
The week's figures show the proportion of deaths outside hospitals rose to 16%, with 83.9% (8,673 deaths) occurring in hospitals.
The figures have been labelled "sad and shocking", with Labour saying they were "only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care".
Ministers have promised to ramp up testing for social care workers and residents, pledging tests for all those who need them, as well as improving access to vital protective equipment.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And following demands for the government to speed up the reporting of care home deaths, the ONS will from next week publish weekly totals of deaths involving COVID-19 in care homes, with the figures based on deaths reported by care home operators to the Care Quality Commission.
According to the ONS, the numbers are based on where the coronavirus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, including in combination with other health conditions.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 More than 140,000 firms apply for wages help
It comes as daily figures for coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals were released on Tuesday, showing the biggest rise in England in just under two weeks.
England - 778 deaths, total 15,607
Scotland - 70 deaths, total 985
Wales - 25 deaths, total 609
Northern Ireland - to be confirmed
Labour's shadow social care minister, Liz Kendall, said the ONS figures demonstrated the "terrible toll" that the virus is having on elderly and disabled people in care homes.
"Yet these awful figures are only scratching the surface of the emerging crisis in social care, because they are already 11 days out of date," she said.
"The government must now publish daily figures of COVID-19 deaths outside hospital, including in care homes, so we know the true scale of the problem.
"This is essential to tackling the spread of the virus, ensuing social care has the resources it needs and getting vital PPE and testing to care workers on the front line."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Care worker: 'We lose someone every shift'
Councillor Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, described the latest statistics as "sad and shocking".
He said they "highlight just what a severe challenge we face in care homes and other community settings".
Reacting to the latest ONS figures, a panel of scientists convened by the Science Media Centre said the peak in COVID-19 deaths in England and Wales happened on 8 April and the death rate has been consistent for the last 13 days.
Prof Carl Heneghan, director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford, said: "From an epidemiological perspective we can say that the numbers are consistent with the peak happening on 8 April.
"We've now tracked for 13 days that has been consistent - it hasn't jumped up.
"All of the other data surrounding this, the triangulation of the data is showing us that is the case."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 Help offered to care homes 'isn't enough'
The ONS said a steep rise in coronavirus-related care home deaths had seen the overall number of deaths in that setting double in four weeks.
From when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered and the week ending 10 April, the number of deaths in care homes rose from 2,471 to 4,927.
Outside hospitals and care homes, 466 deaths occurred in private homes, 87 in hospices, 21 in other communal establishments and 45 elsewhere.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-21--'We will not run out' of PPE, vows government minister

A government minister has vowed the NHS will not run out of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) in the face of calls for an inquiry into a `` grotesque lack of preparation '' for the coronavirus crisis .
Simon Clarke , the minister for regional growth and local government , told Sky News the country was `` not going to run out '' of PPE for healthcare workers despite continued concerns about shortages in hospitals and care homes .
A Royal Air Force transport plane is currently waiting in Turkey to bring 84 tonnes of PPE to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 140,000 gowns had recently arrived from Burma .
He said ministers were `` doing everything '' to source new supplies of PPE `` from wherever we can obtain it '' .
`` The short answer is we will not run out , '' Mr Clarke added .
`` We 've already deployed almost one billion pieces of PPE across the UK since this crisis began .
`` That 's a formidable amount - it testifies , obviously , to the resources we had in hand but also to our ability to produce more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy to source , and countries all across the world are finding this is a time when it 's in huge demand .
`` But we 're not going to run out , we 're making sure that it gets to the front line .
`` We recognise that the margins can get tight , but we are confident that we can keep supplying everybody with what they need . ''
However , trade union leaders kept up their pressure on the government and promised to support any worker who refuses to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE .
Frances O'Grady , general secretary of the Trade Unions Congress , warned front-line staff are `` being forced to put their health and their lives on the line '' every day , as she pointed to reports that at least 100 health and social care workers have died with coronavirus .
She called for the government to `` get a grip '' in the immediate term and deliver `` fewer empty promises and less PR and more action '' .
But she also told Sky News an independent public inquiry should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year `` to get to the root of the answer as to why there was this grotesque lack of preparation on protective equipment and how we make sure that never happens again '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Nurses have already been told by their union they can , as a last resort , refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they are not given adequate PPE .
And Ms O'Grady pledged to support anyone taking such action .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those workers and if they say they ca n't or wo n't work without adequate protection , then of course we will watch their backs and stand by them , '' she said .
Labour 's Rachel Reeves , the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , told Sky News that NHS staff are being put in `` an invidious position where they have to choose between their vocation in caring for the sick and the ill and the vulnerable , and protecting their own health '' .

A government minister has vowed the NHS will not run out of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the face of calls for an inquiry into a "grotesque lack of preparation" for the coronavirus crisis.
Simon Clarke, the minister for regional growth and local government, told Sky News the country was "not going to run out" of PPE for healthcare workers despite continued concerns about shortages in hospitals and care homes.
A Royal Air Force transport plane is currently waiting in Turkey to bring 84 tonnes of PPE to the UK, while Mr Clarke also highlighted how 140,000 gowns had recently arrived from Burma.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Minister admits PPE supply is 'hard'
He said ministers were "doing everything" to source new supplies of PPE "from wherever we can obtain it".
"The short answer is we will not run out," Mr Clarke added.
"We've already deployed almost one billion pieces of PPE across the UK since this crisis began.
"That's a formidable amount - it testifies, obviously, to the resources we had in hand but also to our ability to produce more.
"Nobody is saying this is easy to source, and countries all across the world are finding this is a time when it's in huge demand.
"But we're not going to run out, we're making sure that it gets to the front line.
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"We recognise that the margins can get tight, but we are confident that we can keep supplying everybody with what they need."
However, trade union leaders kept up their pressure on the government and promised to support any worker who refuses to continue their duties due to a lack of PPE.
Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the Trade Unions Congress, warned front-line staff are "being forced to put their health and their lives on the line" every day, as she pointed to reports that at least 100 health and social care workers have died with coronavirus.
She called for the government to "get a grip" in the immediate term and deliver "fewer empty promises and less PR and more action".
But she also told Sky News an independent public inquiry should be set up before the end of the year "to get to the root of the answer as to why there was this grotesque lack of preparation on protective equipment and how we make sure that never happens again".
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Nurses have already been told by their union they can, as a last resort, refuse to treat coronavirus patients if they are not given adequate PPE.
And Ms O'Grady pledged to support anyone taking such action.
"As unions we're here to support those workers and if they say they can't or won't work without adequate protection, then of course we will watch their backs and stand by them," she said.
Labour's Rachel Reeves, the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told Sky News that NHS staff are being put in "an invidious position where they have to choose between their vocation in caring for the sick and the ill and the vulnerable, and protecting their own health".


skynewspolitics--2020-04-21--UK only formally asked Turkey for PPE shipment help on Sunday - after telling Britons it was on its

UK only formally asked Turkey for PPE shipment help on Sunday - after telling Britons it was on its way

Britain only made a formal request to Turkey over a consignment of personal protective equipment on Sunday - the day after a cabinet minister announced the `` very significant additional shipment '' was already heading to the UK , Turkish sources have told Sky News .
Robert Jenrick , the housing secretary , said at the daily Downing Street press briefing on Saturday that 84 tonnes of the gear , including 400,000 urgently needed clinical gowns , would arrive in the UK from Turkey the following day .
It failed to materialise , but no explanation for the delay was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News that no formal request was made to the Turkish authorities - who were not supplying the shipment , but whose help was sought to get it to the UK - until Sunday .
Gavin Williamson , the education secretary , said at the government 's daily briefing on Sunday that he `` hoped '' the delivery would arrive the next day .
That did not happen , either .
A Royal Air Force transport plane is sitting on the tarmac in Turkey awaiting the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday afternoon .
The hope had been it would pick up the first instalment of gear and return home by early on Tuesday morning .
But it appears the flight was simply to `` pre-position '' the A400M aircraft in Turkey to be able to ship the first instalment of 84 tonnes of cargo as soon as it is ready .
The delay has caused embarrassment for the government , which is already under significant pressure because of a shortage of gowns and other protective gear worn by frontline staff as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A government source said on Monday night that a commercial supplier in Turkey had been lined up to deliver the material over the weekend but something went wrong so officials were forced to ask the Turkish government for help .
A second UK source said the speed of manufacturing and paperwork may be causing the delays .
Another factor could be the need to check goods meet safety and quality standards .
On the Turkish side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the UK related to the PPE consignment was not made until Sunday and the Turkish authorities immediately assisted .
The sources also revealed that the manufacturer of the goods bound for the UK only submitted a request to the Turkish ministry of health on Monday for permission to export the gear .
Since last month , such permission is needed for PPE exports .
`` The Turkish state is not responsible for any delay .
We are ready to help in any way we can , '' one source said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never a problem from the Turkish authorities .
On the contrary , all permissions have been issued very swiftly . ''
The source added : `` It 's ridiculous to think that a country last week was helping the UK by donation and this week it is preventing ( the export of PPE ) . ''
Ankara gifted 250,000 pieces of personal protective equipment - 14 tonnes - to Britain over the Easter weekend .
With a round trip of about 12 hours , the RAF aircraft that has flown to Turkey could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday morning if it is able to load up straight away .
But that appears unlikely .
Instead it could face a wait on the tarmac .
A second military plane is scheduled to fly to Turkey early on Tuesday to help bring back the PPE and a third could travel later in the morning , according to the defence source .
Those timings could slip or the number of flights be reduced depending upon how much can be fitted onto the aircraft .
The chief executive of the NHS Confederation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays on the shipment from Turkey `` makes a difficult situation worse '' .
Niall Dickson said : `` It would have been better had the government not made the announcement in the first place . ''

Britain only made a formal request to Turkey over a consignment of personal protective equipment on Sunday - the day after a cabinet minister announced the "very significant additional shipment" was already heading to the UK, Turkish sources have told Sky News.
Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, said at the daily Downing Street press briefing on Saturday that 84 tonnes of the gear, including 400,000 urgently needed clinical gowns, would arrive in the UK from Turkey the following day.
It failed to materialise, but no explanation for the delay was given.
In fact two sources have told Sky News that no formal request was made to the Turkish authorities - who were not supplying the shipment, but whose help was sought to get it to the UK - until Sunday.
Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, said at the government's daily briefing on Sunday that he "hoped" the delivery would arrive the next day.
That did not happen, either.
A Royal Air Force transport plane is sitting on the tarmac in Turkey awaiting the personal protective equipment (PPE) after departing from an airbase in Oxfordshire on Monday afternoon.
The hope had been it would pick up the first instalment of gear and return home by early on Tuesday morning.
But it appears the flight was simply to "pre-position" the A400M aircraft in Turkey to be able to ship the first instalment of 84 tonnes of cargo as soon as it is ready.
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The delay has caused embarrassment for the government, which is already under significant pressure because of a shortage of gowns and other protective gear worn by frontline staff as they treat patients with coronavirus.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A government source said on Monday night that a commercial supplier in Turkey had been lined up to deliver the material over the weekend but something went wrong so officials were forced to ask the Turkish government for help.
A second UK source said the speed of manufacturing and paperwork may be causing the delays. Another factor could be the need to check goods meet safety and quality standards.
Image: On Saturday Robert Jenrick said the Turkish PPE would arrive on Sunday
On the Turkish side, two sources said a formal request from the UK related to the PPE consignment was not made until Sunday and the Turkish authorities immediately assisted.
The sources also revealed that the manufacturer of the goods bound for the UK only submitted a request to the Turkish ministry of health on Monday for permission to export the gear.
Since last month, such permission is needed for PPE exports.
"The Turkish state is not responsible for any delay. We are ready to help in any way we can," one source said.
The second source said: "There was never a problem from the Turkish authorities. On the contrary, all permissions have been issued very swiftly."
The source added: "It's ridiculous to think that a country last week was helping the UK by donation and this week it is preventing (the export of PPE)."
Ankara gifted 250,000 pieces of personal protective equipment - 14 tonnes - to Britain over the Easter weekend.
With a round trip of about 12 hours, the RAF aircraft that has flown to Turkey could arrive back in the UK by early on Tuesday morning if it is able to load up straight away.
But that appears unlikely. Instead it could face a wait on the tarmac.
A second military plane is scheduled to fly to Turkey early on Tuesday to help bring back the PPE and a third could travel later in the morning, according to the defence source.
Those timings could slip or the number of flights be reduced depending upon how much can be fitted onto the aircraft.
The chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across healthcare, said delays on the shipment from Turkey "makes a difficult situation worse".
Niall Dickson said: "It would have been better had the government not made the announcement in the first place."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-21--U-turn on claim UK 'chose' not to join EU medical kit scheme

A top civil servant has U-turned after claiming ministers chose not to join an EU scheme to bulk buy medical equipment at the start of the coronavirus crisis .
Sir Simon McDonald , the Foreign Office ’ s permanent under secretary , said he made the claim `` inadvertently and wrongly '' .
His original version of events had put major pressure on Downing Street , which has been accused of failing to `` ramp up '' stocks of ventilators and give NHS staff enough Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) .
Number 10 said last month as the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the scheme co-ordinated by Brussels because it is `` no longer a member of the EU '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s spokesman was asked on 26 March if the country asked to join the scheme , which it is still entitled to despite Brexit .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said Whitehall is `` doing our own work '' to procure ventilators - a key machine for treating those with respiratory illnesses caused in severe cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email mix-up , a spokesperson saying that `` owing to an initial communication problem , the UK did not receive an invitation in time to join in four joint procurements in response to the coronavirus pandemic '' .
But Sir Simon seemed to reveal a different version of events when he told parliament ’ s Foreign Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday : `` It was a political decision . ''
Speaking via videolink , he told senior MPs : `` The mission ... in Brussels briefed ministers about what was available , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is known . ''
Just over an hour later , Health Secretary Matt Hancock directly denied the claim , saying at the daily Downing Street briefing : `` As far as I 'm aware there was no political decision not to participate in that scheme . ''
He then said that the UK had already joined the EU 's procurement scheme - something not previously announced by the government - and that no PPE has been delivered through it yet .
Sir Simon was then forced to issue a climbdown , clarifying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong '' and `` due to a misunderstanding '' , adding his original version of events was `` incorrect '' .
Chris Bryant , the Labour backbencher who extracted Sir Simon 's original view , told Sky News `` it 's all nonsense - he 's been leant on '' .
`` The whole thing stinks of people trying to cover their tracks . ''
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tweeted : `` First we were told an email was missed , then we were told the decision not to take part was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told that the Government did sign up to the scheme .
`` This is not a trivial matter .
Ministers needs to explain what has happened . ''
MP Stewart McDonald , the SNP 's defence spokesperson , said the `` clarification is just not credible '' and `` raises more questions than it answers '' .

A top civil servant has U-turned after claiming ministers chose not to join an EU scheme to bulk buy medical equipment at the start of the coronavirus crisis.
Sir Simon McDonald, the Foreign Office’s permanent under secretary, said he made the claim "inadvertently and wrongly".
His original version of events had put major pressure on Downing Street, which has been accused of failing to "ramp up" stocks of ventilators and give NHS staff enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Image: Sir Simon McDonald said his original claim was 'incorrect'
Number 10 said last month as the pandemic unfolded the UK wasn't taking part in the scheme co-ordinated by Brussels because it is "no longer a member of the EU".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman was asked on 26 March if the country asked to join the scheme, which it is still entitled to despite Brexit.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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He said Whitehall is "doing our own work" to procure ventilators - a key machine for treating those with respiratory illnesses caused in severe cases of COVID-19.
The government then blamed an email mix-up, a spokesperson saying that "owing to an initial communication problem, the UK did not receive an invitation in time to join in four joint procurements in response to the coronavirus pandemic".
Image: Mr Johnson's spokesman said the UK wasn't joining because of Brexit
But Sir Simon seemed to reveal a different version of events when he told parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday: "It was a political decision."
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Speaking via videolink, he told senior MPs: "The mission... in Brussels briefed ministers about what was available, what was on offer and the decision is known."
Just over an hour later, Health Secretary Matt Hancock directly denied the claim, saying at the daily Downing Street briefing: "As far as I'm aware there was no political decision not to participate in that scheme."
He then said that the UK had already joined the EU's procurement scheme - something not previously announced by the government - and that no PPE has been delivered through it yet.
Sir Simon was then forced to issue a climbdown, clarifying that he made the comments "inadvertently and wrong" and "due to a misunderstanding", adding his original version of events was "incorrect".
Chris Bryant, the Labour backbencher who extracted Sir Simon's original view, told Sky News "it's all nonsense - he's been leant on".
"The whole thing stinks of people trying to cover their tracks."
Image: Mr Hancock said no PPE has been delivered through the scheme yet
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tweeted: "First we were told an email was missed, then we were told the decision not to take part was a political decision. Now we are told that the Government did sign up to the scheme.
"This is not a trivial matter. Ministers needs to explain what has happened."
MP Stewart McDonald, the SNP's defence spokesperson, said the "clarification is just not credible" and "raises more questions than it answers".


skynewspolitics--2020-04-21--PM calls Trump and will speak to Queen in gradual return to work

Boris Johnson has phoned Donald Trump and will speak to the Queen later this week as he gradually returns to work , Downing Street has said .
He thanked the his US president for `` his good wishes while he was unwell '' recovering from COVID-19 , according to an official account of the call released by Number 10 .
The pair also agreed `` on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus '' and hopes for signing a trade deal `` as soon as possible '' .
Mr Johnson is expected to hold an audience with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the week .
It will be Mr Johnson 's first audience with Her Majesty in three weeks , as he continues his recovery from coronavirus .
After spending seven nights at St Thomas ' Hospital in London with COVID-19 earlier this month , the prime minister has been recuperating at Chequers , his official country residence , in Buckinghamshire .
At a briefing for Westminster reporters on Tuesday , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said the prime minister would be `` continuing his recovery at Chequers and is n't formally doing government work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson had already been in contact with other world leaders , as well as his ministers and officials .
`` He has been receiving updates from Number 10 on the coronavirus response and has spoken with the First Secretary of State [ Dominic Raab ] and senior members of his team , '' the spokesman said .
`` Yesterday he sent a message of condolence to [ Canadian Prime Minister ] Justin Trudeau after the very sad loss of life in the shooting in Canada .
`` Later today , at around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with President Trump . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prior to their planned conversation later this week , Mr Johnson last held an audience with the Queen on 1 April via telephone .
Her Majesty usually meets with her prime minister face-to-face on a weekly basis , although the coronavirus pandemic forced Mr Johnson and the Queen to hold their previous two conversations , on 1 April and 25 March , on the telephone .
The prime minister was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , during his stay , the Queen sent a message to Mr Johnson 's fiancee , Carrie Symonds , and his family .
As Mr Johnson 's most senior cabinet minister , Mr Raab has been deputising for the prime minister during his illness and recovery .
Mr Raab , who is also foreign secretary , will stand in for Mr Johnson at Prime Minister 's Questions ( PMQs ) on Wednesday and chair a cabinet meeting on Thursday morning .
Wednesday 's session of PMQs is set to be the first in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely , with large TV screens having been installed in the House of Commons for MPs to appear via video conferencing software Zoom .
However both Sir Keir Starmer - in his first PMQs as Labour leader - and Mr Raab will be present in the Commons chamber .

Boris Johnson has phoned Donald Trump and will speak to the Queen later this week as he gradually returns to work, Downing Street has said.
He thanked the his US president for "his good wishes while he was unwell" recovering from COVID-19, according to an official account of the call released by Number 10.
The pair also agreed "on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus" and hopes for signing a trade deal "as soon as possible".
Mr Johnson is expected to hold an audience with the Queen - also by telephone - later in the week.
It will be Mr Johnson's first audience with Her Majesty in three weeks, as he continues his recovery from coronavirus.
Image: The Queen has held her last two audiences with the PM via telephone
After spending seven nights at St Thomas' Hospital in London with COVID-19 earlier this month, the prime minister has been recuperating at Chequers, his official country residence, in Buckinghamshire.
At a briefing for Westminster reporters on Tuesday, Mr Johnson's spokesman said the prime minister would be "continuing his recovery at Chequers and isn't formally doing government work".
However, the spokesman said Mr Johnson had already been in contact with other world leaders, as well as his ministers and officials.
"He has been receiving updates from Number 10 on the coronavirus response and has spoken with the First Secretary of State [Dominic Raab] and senior members of his team," the spokesman said.
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"Yesterday he sent a message of condolence to [Canadian Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau after the very sad loss of life in the shooting in Canada.
"Later today, at around about 2pm, he will be speaking with President Trump."
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Prior to their planned conversation later this week, Mr Johnson last held an audience with the Queen on 1 April via telephone.
Her Majesty usually meets with her prime minister face-to-face on a weekly basis, although the coronavirus pandemic forced Mr Johnson and the Queen to hold their previous two conversations, on 1 April and 25 March, on the telephone.
Image: Large TV screens have been fitted in the House of Commons .Pic: UK Parliament/ Jessica Taylor
The prime minister was first admitted to hospital on 5 April and, during his stay, the Queen sent a message to Mr Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, and his family.
As Mr Johnson's most senior cabinet minister, Mr Raab has been deputising for the prime minister during his illness and recovery.
Mr Raab, who is also foreign secretary, will stand in for Mr Johnson at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday and chair a cabinet meeting on Thursday morning.
Image: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for the PM
Wednesday's session of PMQs is set to be the first in history in which MPs can ask questions remotely, with large TV screens having been installed in the House of Commons for MPs to appear via video conferencing software Zoom.
However both Sir Keir Starmer - in his first PMQs as Labour leader - and Mr Raab will be present in the Commons chamber.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--As PMQs goes virtual, here's a look back at some other notable sessions

Today 's session of Prime Minister 's Questions makes history by being the first to include questions by MPs appearing via video link .
As part of social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic , large TV screens have been installed in the House of Commons to allow MPs to join debates via video conferencing app Zoom .
Meanwhile , a maximum of only 50 MPs will be permitted entry to the House of Commons itself - and they will all be seated at least two metres apart .
Among those present in the chamber will be Foreign Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson as the prime minister continues his recovery from COVID-19 , as well as Sir Keir Starmer , who will be appearing in his first PMQs as Labour leader .
So , how does today 's Prime Minister 's Questions compare to other notable sessions ?
18 July 1961 - The first ever PMQs Prime minister Harold Macmillan answered questions for 15 minutes between 3.15pm and 3.30pm as an experiment .
This was the first formal , fixed session of PMQs , with former leaders having previously answered questions in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The experiment was made permanent on 24 October 1961 .
20 January 1972 - PMQs suspended for 11 minutes as Edward Heath feels the heat With unemployment having risen above one million , prime minister Edward Heath faced prolonged barracking from Labour MPs on the opposition benches .
The Speaker , Selwyn Lloyd , was forced to suspend the session for 11 minutes .
Regular radio broadcasts from the House of Commons , including PMQs , only began in April 1978 , despite microphones being installed in the new chamber since it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the introduction of radio broadcasts , George Thomas - the Speaker at the time - recalled : `` Members who had been silent since I had been elected Speaker suddenly came to life .
`` It was as though the dead had been restored to life and had found a new aggressiveness . ''
On 28 November 1989 , TV cameras were allowed to film PMQs for the first time - although there were strict rules about which shots broadcasters were able to show .
Prime minister Margaret Thatcher made no mention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons as she fielded questions .
She was the only female MP to speak during the session , with all questions asked by men .
PMQs was suspended on 12 May 1994 following the unexpected death of Labour leader John Smith , aged 55 , from a heart attack earlier that day .
MPs instead gathered in the Commons to pay tributes to Mr Smith .
On 19 May , 2004 , prime minister Tony Blair was hit between the shoulders by purple flour-filled condoms during PMQs .
The session was immediately suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been thrown from the visitors ' gallery by a member of the campaign group Fathers 4 Justice .
Prime minister Gordon Brown cancelled PMQs on 25 February 2009 following the death of opposition leader David Cameron 's son Ivan .
Mr Brown , whose first daughter , Jennifer , died shortly after her birth , described the death of a child as `` an unbearable sorrow that no parent should have to endure '' .
In place of PMQs , leading MPs and the Speaker delivered short statements of condolence .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over by John Bercow as Speaker also became the longest on record .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both paid tribute to the departing Speaker in a session that lasted one hour and 11 minutes .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker PMQs is scheduled to only last 30 minutes , but Mr Bercow made a habit of allowing marathon sessions during his time in the chair .
Mr Johnson that Mr Bercow had `` done more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this particular session '' .
Mr Bercow 's successor , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , has vowed to keep PMQs to its scheduled 30 minutes .

Today's session of Prime Minister's Questions makes history by being the first to include questions by MPs appearing via video link.
As part of social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, large TV screens have been installed in the House of Commons to allow MPs to join debates via video conferencing app Zoom.
Meanwhile, a maximum of only 50 MPs will be permitted entry to the House of Commons itself - and they will all be seated at least two metres apart.
Image: Large TV screens have been installed in the House of Commons. Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
Among those present in the chamber will be Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who will deputise for Boris Johnson as the prime minister continues his recovery from COVID-19, as well as Sir Keir Starmer, who will be appearing in his first PMQs as Labour leader.
So, how does today's Prime Minister's Questions compare to other notable sessions?
18 July 1961 - The first ever PMQs
Prime minister Harold Macmillan answered questions for 15 minutes between 3.15pm and 3.30pm as an experiment.
This was the first formal, fixed session of PMQs, with former leaders having previously answered questions in the House of Commons on a more informal basis.
The experiment was made permanent on 24 October 1961.
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20 January 1972 - PMQs suspended for 11 minutes as Edward Heath feels the heat
With unemployment having risen above one million, prime minister Edward Heath faced prolonged barracking from Labour MPs on the opposition benches.
The Speaker, Selwyn Lloyd, was forced to suspend the session for 11 minutes.
April 1978 - The first radio broadcast
Regular radio broadcasts from the House of Commons, including PMQs, only began in April 1978, despite microphones being installed in the new chamber since it was reopened in 1950.
Commenting on the introduction of radio broadcasts, George Thomas - the Speaker at the time - recalled: "Members who had been silent since I had been elected Speaker suddenly came to life.
"It was as though the dead had been restored to life and had found a new aggressiveness."
1989 - The first televised PMQs
On 28 November 1989, TV cameras were allowed to film PMQs for the first time - although there were strict rules about which shots broadcasters were able to show.
Prime minister Margaret Thatcher made no mention of the presence of TV cameras in the Commons as she fielded questions.
She was the only female MP to speak during the session, with all questions asked by men.
1994 - PMQs suspended due to sudden death of Labour leader
PMQs was suspended on 12 May 1994 following the unexpected death of Labour leader John Smith, aged 55, from a heart attack earlier that day.
MPs instead gathered in the Commons to pay tributes to Mr Smith.
Image: Labour leader John Smith died unexpectedly in 1994
19 May 2004 - Tony Blair hit by purple flour
On 19 May, 2004, prime minister Tony Blair was hit between the shoulders by purple flour-filled condoms during PMQs.
The session was immediately suspended, while it later emerged the missiles had been thrown from the visitors' gallery by a member of the campaign group Fathers 4 Justice.
Image: Tony Blair was hit by missiles thrown from the visitors' gallery
25 February 2009 - PMQs suspended following death of David Cameron's son
Prime minister Gordon Brown cancelled PMQs on 25 February 2009 following the death of opposition leader David Cameron's son Ivan.
Mr Brown, whose first daughter, Jennifer, died shortly after her birth, described the death of a child as "an unbearable sorrow that no parent should have to endure".
In place of PMQs, leading MPs and the Speaker delivered short statements of condolence.
30 October 2019 - the longest ever PMQs
The last session of PMQs to be presided over by John Bercow as Speaker also became the longest on record.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both paid tribute to the departing Speaker in a session that lasted one hour and 11 minutes.
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PMQs is scheduled to only last 30 minutes, but Mr Bercow made a habit of allowing marathon sessions during his time in the chair.
Mr Johnson that Mr Bercow had "done more than anyone since Stephen Hawking to stretch time in this particular session".
Mr Bercow's successor, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has vowed to keep PMQs to its scheduled 30 minutes.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--NHS staff offered new COVID-19 tests after initial checks found to be flawed

NHS staff already tested for coronavirus have been informed their test results might have been inaccurate , a health minister has admitted .
Helen Whately , the social care minister , told Sky News that those healthcare workers are now being offered another COVID-19 test after their initial test was deemed to have been `` not up to scratch '' .
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that a leaked document revealed tests on thousands of NHS staff were found to be flawed .
The memo from Public Health England ( PHE ) , dated 11 April , warned of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test results are less reliable than first thought , the newspaper said .
It also said PHE testing centres have now been told to stop using existing tests by Thursday and to instead use tests supplied by commercial firms .
Asked about the report , Ms Whately told Sky News : `` My understanding from the clinical advisers is some of the early tests were evaluated and the evaluation was actually they were n't effective enough .
`` This is a normal process when you are using a test for an illness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness and we 're learning all the time .
`` Those who were tested with the test that we think is not up to scratch have been written to , to let them know and they will be offered another test . ''
Are you a healthcare worker being re-tested for COVID-19 ?
Get in touch with Sky News : : Email - news @ sky.com : : 'Your Report ' on Sky News apps But Ms Whately downplayed the possibility of the flawed tests meaning that healthcare workers had been sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
She added : `` In general we know that the guidance has been to people that , if you have symptoms , to make sure that you are isolating .
`` We have to make sure we look at the reliability of tests .
`` And this has been , also , the whole debate around the testing of people who do n't have symptoms , for instance .
`` One reason why the testing is focused on people who do have symptoms is because we know the testing is most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is really , really important - not just to test but to make sure we are testing people effectively .
`` You need to make sure that it 's giving you an accurate result on which decisions can then be made . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was `` terrific '' that capacity for coronavirus testing across the UK was increasing , as the government aims to deliver 100,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Official figures showed less than half of the current available COVID-19 testing capacity has been used .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Monday , 19,316 tests were conducted against capacity for 39,250 .
Ms Whately admitted it was `` difficult '' for some to get to existing testing centres , as they are `` not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car '' .
But she added the government was increasing the number of drive-through testing centres from the current 27 sites to 50 , while mobile testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also an aim to begin delivering home testing kits .
`` These are the steps we are taking to make sure that we can actually use the testing capacity we have in the country , '' Ms Whately said .
Professor Sharon Peacock , director of the national infection service at PHE , told the Daily Telegraph : `` No diagnostic test is 100 % sensitive .
`` Following a rigorous evaluation , we learned the PCR test produced different results to alternative tests in less than 2 % of samples , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure the continued reliability of the test .
`` The test is regularly and thoroughly reviewed to make sure it remains reliable and effective .
`` It is standard practice to move to commercial test kits once available , and this work is already under way . ''

Ministers have been too slow to respond to the coronavirus crisis as they failed to take up dozens of offers to help produce medical equipment, Labour has said.
Sir Keir Starmer vowed to offer "constructive opposition" in his first Prime Minister’s Questions as Labour's new leader, as he faced Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab who deputised for Boris Johnson.
He accused the government of being behind the curve on lockdown, testing and driving up supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) some nurses and doctors complain they are being forced to work without.
Image: There were around 20,000 unused tests, according to the latest daily figure
Mr Raab said all decisions had been driven by the chief science advisers and taken at the right times.
The pair clashed in a near-empty House of Commons, with MPs tuning in via videolink to make sure social distancing remains practised despite parliament’s return from the Easter recess.
Image: NHS and social care staff complain some stocks of PPE are desperately needed
Sir Keir said 36 UK firms had contacted him to complain they had offered to help manufacture PPE but heard nothing back from the government.
And he questioned why the number of coronavirus tests available a day stands at 40,000 but less than 20,000 are being used.
"There is a pattern emerging here. We were slow into lockdown, slow on testing, slow on protective equipment and now slow to take up these offers from British firms,” he said on Wednesday.
Mr Raab said 8,000 British businesses have responded to a call for PPE assistance and they have all received a response, with 3,000 followed up where it was "sensible".
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He added it was an "incredibly difficult and competitive international environment" to source PPE from overseas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 UK 'at the peak' of coronavirus outbreak - Hancock
And he added more tests “will be crucial not just in terms of controlling the virus but allowing the country to move to the next phase".
It comes after Helen Whately, the social care minister, told Sky News that some healthcare workers are now being offered another COVID-19 test after their initial test was deemed to have been "not up to scratch".
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that a leaked document revealed tests on thousands of NHS staff were found to be flawed.
The memo from Public Health England (PHE), dated 11 April, warned of "degraded" performance, meaning the test results are less reliable than first thought, the newspaper said.
It also said PHE testing centres have now been told to stop using existing tests by Thursday and to instead use tests supplied by commercial firms.
Image: There were around 20,000 unused tests, according to the latest daily figure
Asked about the report, Ms Whately told Sky News: "My understanding from the clinical advisers is some of the early tests were evaluated and the evaluation was actually they weren't effective enough.
"This is a normal process when you are using a test for an illness, which as we know is a new illness and we're learning all the time.
"Those who were tested with the test that we think is not up to scratch have been written to, to let them know and they will be offered another test."
Are you a healthcare worker being re-tested for COVID-19? Get in touch with Sky News
:: Email - news@sky.com
:: 'Your Report' on Sky News apps
Image: The UK is now in its fifth week of lockdown
But Ms Whately downplayed the possibility of the flawed tests meaning that healthcare workers had been sent to work in hospitals and care homes with coronavirus.
She added: "In general we know that the guidance has been to people that, if you have symptoms, to make sure that you are isolating.
"We have to make sure we look at the reliability of tests.
"And this has been, also, the whole debate around the testing of people who don't have symptoms, for instance.
"One reason why the testing is focused on people who do have symptoms is because we know the testing is most accurate when you have symptoms.
"This is really, really important - not just to test but to make sure we are testing people effectively.
"You need to make sure that it's giving you an accurate result on which decisions can then be made."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 UK 'at the peak' of coronavirus outbreak - Hancock
On Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was "terrific" that capacity for coronavirus testing across the UK was increasing, as the government aims to deliver 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month.
Official figures showed less than half of the current available COVID-19 testing capacity has been used.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Monday, 19,316 tests were conducted against capacity for 39,250.
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Ms Whately admitted it was "difficult" for some to get to existing testing centres, as they are "not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car".
But she added the government was increasing the number of drive-through testing centres from the current 27 sites to 50, while mobile testing centres are being piloted and there is also an aim to begin delivering home testing kits.
"These are the steps we are taking to make sure that we can actually use the testing capacity we have in the country," Ms Whately said.
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the national infection service at PHE, told the Daily Telegraph: "No diagnostic test is 100% sensitive.
"Following a rigorous evaluation, we learned the PCR test produced different results to alternative tests in less than 2% of samples, and we issued immediate actions to laboratory staff to ensure the continued reliability of the test.
"The test is regularly and thoroughly reviewed to make sure it remains reliable and effective.
"It is standard practice to move to commercial test kits once available, and this work is already under way."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-21--Extend Brexit transition period, ex-deputy PM says

Theresa May ’ s ex-deputy has become one of the first Tory voices to openly call for the Brexit transition period to be extended .
David Lidington , who was the former prime minister ’ s de facto number two , said the coronavirus crisis meant trying to push back the 31 December deadline was “ inevitable ” .
The former MP , who stepped down at last year ’ s general election , suggested officials could not cope with trying to negotiate a trade deal while dealing with the pandemic .
“ There is not enough bandwidth to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Commission and the major capitals.
” Downing Street is adamant no extension will be asked for , which has to be agreed by both sides by the end of June .
The UK and Brussels have recommenced negotiations virtually given the unfolding public health crisis and both publicly insist some form of trade deal can be done by the end of the year .
If none is , then the UK will stop following EU trade rules and fall on to base-level World Trade Organisation terms with it and any other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolled-over .
Mark Francois , chair of the pro-Brexiteer lobby known as the “ European Research Group ” , told Sky News Mr Lidington ’ s suggestion would be “ extremely costly to the British taxpayer ” .
“ I am confident we will have a free trade agreement by year end , so no extension is necessary , '' he added .
Tory MP Ben Bradley also said : “ As in the past , extending the deadline will not be the solution .
We need to be firm and deliver what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ I don ’ t think this is the right time for Sir David to be making comments like this .
I think it ’ s the worst possible idea that at this stage we delay the end of the transition period .
“ He is out ot step with most Conservatives on this .
”

Theresa May’s ex-deputy has become one of the first Tory voices to openly call for the Brexit transition period to be extended.
David Lidington, who was the former prime minister’s de facto number two, said the coronavirus crisis meant trying to push back the 31 December deadline was “inevitable”.
Image: David Lidington stepped down as an MP last year
The former MP, who stepped down at last year’s general election, suggested officials could not cope with trying to negotiate a trade deal while dealing with the pandemic.
Image: The UK is in a Brexit transition period with the EU until the end of 2020
“COVID-19 makes renewal inevitable,” he told Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad.
“There is not enough bandwidth to pay attention to Brexit in Whitehall, the European Commission and the major capitals.”
Image: He served as Theresa May's de facto deputy
Downing Street is adamant no extension will be asked for, which has to be agreed by both sides by the end of June.
The UK and Brussels have recommenced negotiations virtually given the unfolding public health crisis and both publicly insist some form of trade deal can be done by the end of the year.
If none is, then the UK will stop following EU trade rules and fall on to base-level World Trade Organisation terms with it and any other countries Brussels has trade deals with not already rolled-over.
Image: Boris Johnson's government still says a trade deal can be done in time
Mark Francois, chair of the pro-Brexiteer lobby known as the “European Research Group”, told Sky News Mr Lidington’s suggestion would be “extremely costly to the British taxpayer”.
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“I am confident we will have a free trade agreement by year end, so no extension is necessary," he added.
Tory MP Ben Bradley also said: “As in the past, extending the deadline will not be the solution. We need to be firm and deliver what we promised.”
While backbencher Andrew Rosindell added: “I don’t think this is the right time for Sir David to be making comments like this. I think it’s the worst possible idea that at this stage we delay the end of the transition period.
“He is out ot step with most Conservatives on this.”
Another Brexiteer MP offered pithily: “Not now, David. We’re a bit busy.”


skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--UK hits 'peak' of COVID-19 crisis as hospital deaths top 18,000

The UK is `` at the peak '' of the coronavirus outbreak , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs - on the same day the number of UK hospital deaths rose above 18,000 .
Delivering an update on the government 's COVID-19 response in the House of Commons on Wednesday , Mr Hancock thanked the British public for their `` steadfast commitment '' in following lockdown rules .
`` It is making a difference , we are at the peak , '' he said .
But the health secretary added that social distancing measures would not be relaxed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for exiting the lockdown are reached .
The Department of Health and Social Care later announced that , as of 5pm on Tuesday , 18,100 people had died in UK hospitals with coronavirus - a rise of 763 deaths reported in the last 24 hours .
Another 665 people had died in English hospitals after testing positive with COVID-19 , bringing the total to 16,272 .
In Scotland , another 77 hospital patients had died with coronavirus in the last 24 hours , bringing the total to 1,062 .
And , in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 , bringing the total to 624 .
Health authorities in the four UK nations record their own daily figures , which may not tally with the government 's overall UK total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day .
As of 9am on Wednesday , 411,192 people had been tested for coronavirus in the UK , of which 133,495 have tested positive .
In the Commons , Mr Hancock also revealed to MPs that 15 social care staff have died with coronavirus , although he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have been tested for COVID-19 .
In addition , he told MPs there are currently 10,000 spare beds across the NHS , with 3,000 spare beds in critical care wards .
`` We want to open the NHS to non-coronavirus symptoms and to patients with non-coronavirus conditions safely and carefully as soon as it is safe to do so , '' Mr Hancock said .
He added : `` If you think that you might have a lump that might be a cancer , then you should come forward now and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS . ''
Mr Hancock , who has set a target of reaching 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of this month , said he was `` delighted '' that expansion of testing capacity is `` ahead of plans '' .
But he admitted demand for tests has `` thus far been lower than expected '' .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday , 18,206 tests were carried out despite the government having said they now have capacity for double that number .
The health secretary said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be eligible for tests and would make tests easier to access .
Mr Hancock explained how contact-tracing would now play a key role as the UK overcomes the peak of the coronavirus outbreak , with a new NHS app `` in development '' .
`` As we reach - have reached the peak - and as we bring the number of new cases down , so we will introduce contact tracing at large scale , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy Hunt - who is now chair of the Commons health committee - asked whether it would be possible to track and trace every new COVID-19 case in the community in the next two weeks , when ministers are again due to review the lockdown .
Mr Hancock replied : `` We are ramping up our testing capacity and our capacity for contact-tracing in a matter of weeks , and we 'll have it ready to make sure that we can use that as and when the incidence of transmission comes down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the specific decision that we 're required by law to take in just over two weeks ' time .
`` The effectiveness of test , track and trace to keep the reproductive rate of this virus down is determined by the incidence in the community and our goal is to get to a point where we can test , track and trace everybody who needs it . ''
Mr Hancock said the government would follow the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) on whether Britons should wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect of every UK household being given masks , as countries like Japan have done .
He said : `` I ca n't promise that we will give everybody free masks , I mean that would be an extraordinary undertaking , and we do have to make sure that we have supplies available especially for health and social care staff . ''

The UK is "at the peak" of the coronavirus outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs - on the same day the number of UK hospital deaths rose above 18,000.
Delivering an update on the government's COVID-19 response in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Hancock thanked the British public for their "steadfast commitment" in following lockdown rules.
"It is making a difference, we are at the peak," he said.
But the health secretary added that social distancing measures would not be relaxed or changed until the government's five tests for exiting the lockdown are reached.
Image: A message on the windows of a ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow
The Department of Health and Social Care later announced that, as of 5pm on Tuesday, 18,100 people had died in UK hospitals with coronavirus - a rise of 763 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.
Another 665 people had died in English hospitals after testing positive with COVID-19, bringing the total to 16,272.
In Scotland, another 77 hospital patients had died with coronavirus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 1,062.
And, in Wales, another 15 people died in hospitals with COVID-19, bringing the total to 624.
Health authorities in the four UK nations record their own daily figures, which may not tally with the government's overall UK total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day.
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As of 9am on Wednesday, 411,192 people had been tested for coronavirus in the UK, of which 133,495 have tested positive.
In the Commons, Mr Hancock also revealed to MPs that 15 social care staff have died with coronavirus, although he did not give a figure of how many care workers have been tested for COVID-19.
In addition, he told MPs there are currently 10,000 spare beds across the NHS, with 3,000 spare beds in critical care wards.
"We want to open the NHS to non-coronavirus symptoms and to patients with non-coronavirus conditions safely and carefully as soon as it is safe to do so," Mr Hancock said.
He added: "If you think that you might have a lump that might be a cancer, then you should come forward now and you will be safely and properly treated in the NHS."
Mr Hancock, who has set a target of reaching 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of this month, said he was "delighted" that expansion of testing capacity is "ahead of plans".
But he admitted demand for tests has "thus far been lower than expected".
In the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday, 18,206 tests were carried out despite the government having said they now have capacity for double that number.
The health secretary said the government would be allowing more people to be eligible for tests and would make tests easier to access.
Mr Hancock explained how contact-tracing would now play a key role as the UK overcomes the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, with a new NHS app "in development".
"As we reach - have reached the peak - and as we bring the number of new cases down, so we will introduce contact tracing at large scale," he said.
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Conservative former health secretary Jeremy Hunt - who is now chair of the Commons health committee - asked whether it would be possible to track and trace every new COVID-19 case in the community in the next two weeks, when ministers are again due to review the lockdown.
Mr Hancock replied: "We are ramping up our testing capacity and our capacity for contact-tracing in a matter of weeks, and we'll have it ready to make sure that we can use that as and when the incidence of transmission comes down.
"It isn't as tied to the specific decision that we're required by law to take in just over two weeks' time.
"The effectiveness of test, track and trace to keep the reproductive rate of this virus down is determined by the incidence in the community and our goal is to get to a point where we can test, track and trace everybody who needs it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Lockdown Road: Bringing neighbours together
Mr Hancock said the government would follow the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on whether Britons should wear masks in public.
But he downplayed the prospect of every UK household being given masks, as countries like Japan have done.
He said: "I can't promise that we will give everybody free masks, I mean that would be an extraordinary undertaking, and we do have to make sure that we have supplies available especially for health and social care staff."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Govt 'too slow' on testing, lockdown and medical gear

Ministers have been too slow to respond to the coronavirus crisis as they failed to take up dozens of offers to help produce medical equipment , Labour has said .
Sir Keir Starmer vowed to offer `` constructive opposition '' in his first Prime Minister ’ s Questions as Labour 's new leader , as he faced Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab who deputised for Boris Johnson .
He accused the government of being behind the curve on lockdown , testing and driving up supplies of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) some nurses and doctors complain they are being forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all decisions had been driven by the chief science advisers and taken at the right times .
The pair clashed in a near-empty House of Commons , with MPs tuning in via videolink to make sure social distancing remains practised despite parliament ’ s return from the Easter recess .
Sir Keir said 36 UK firms had contacted him to complain they had offered to help manufacture PPE but heard nothing back from the government .
And he questioned why the number of coronavirus tests available a day stands at 40,000 but less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a pattern emerging here .
We were slow into lockdown , slow on testing , slow on protective equipment and now slow to take up these offers from British firms , ” he said on Wednesday .
Mr Raab said 8,000 British businesses have responded to a call for PPE assistance and they have all received a response , with 3,000 followed up where it was `` sensible '' .
He added it was an `` incredibly difficult and competitive international environment '' to source PPE from overseas .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just in terms of controlling the virus but allowing the country to move to the next phase '' .
It comes after Helen Whately , the social care minister , told Sky News that some healthcare workers are now being offered another COVID-19 test after their initial test was deemed to have been `` not up to scratch '' .
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that a leaked document revealed tests on thousands of NHS staff were found to be flawed .
The memo from Public Health England ( PHE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` degraded '' performance , meaning the test results are less reliable than first thought , the newspaper said .
It also said PHE testing centres have now been told to stop using existing tests by Thursday and to instead use tests supplied by commercial firms .
Asked about the report , Ms Whately told Sky News : `` My understanding from the clinical advisers is some of the early tests were evaluated and the evaluation was actually they were n't effective enough .
`` This is a normal process when you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which as we know is a new illness and we 're learning all the time .
`` Those who were tested with the test that we think is not up to scratch have been written to , to let them know and they will be offered another test . ''
Are you a healthcare worker being re-tested for COVID-19 ?
Get in touch with Sky News : : Email - news @ sky.com : : 'Your Report ' on Sky News apps But Ms Whately downplayed the possibility of the flawed tests meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in hospitals and care homes with coronavirus .
She added : `` In general we know that the guidance has been to people that , if you have symptoms , to make sure that you are isolating .
`` We have to make sure we look at the reliability of tests .
`` And this has been , also , the whole debate around the testing of people who do n't have symptoms , for instance .
`` One reason why the testing is focused on people who do have symptoms is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate when you have symptoms .
`` This is really , really important - not just to test but to make sure we are testing people effectively .
`` You need to make sure that it 's giving you an accurate result on which decisions can then be made . ''
On Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was `` terrific '' that capacity for coronavirus testing across the UK was increasing , as the government aims to deliver 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month .
Official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current available COVID-19 testing capacity has been used .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Monday , 19,316 tests were conducted against capacity for 39,250. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Whately admitted it was `` difficult '' for some to get to existing testing centres , as they are `` not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car '' .
But she added the government was increasing the number of drive-through testing centres from the current 27 sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being piloted and there is also an aim to begin delivering home testing kits .
`` These are the steps we are taking to make sure that we can actually use the testing capacity we have in the country , '' Ms Whately said .
Professor Sharon Peacock , director of the national infection service at PHE , told the Daily Telegraph : `` No diagnostic test is 100 % sensitive .
`` Following a rigorous evaluation , we learned the PCR test produced different results to alternative tests in less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued immediate actions to laboratory staff to ensure the continued reliability of the test .
`` The test is regularly and thoroughly reviewed to make sure it remains reliable and effective .
`` It is standard practice to move to commercial test kits once available , and this work is already under way . ''