skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--Tories got £37m in donations over election - more than all other parties together

The Conservatives received more than £37m in large donations in the last three months of 2019 - more than all other political parties combined .
Between October and the end of December last year , a period dominated by the general election , a total of 14 British political parties reported accepting a record £69m in donations .
The Tories , who secured an 80-seat majority at the election , topped the list by accepting £37,666,568 , according to Electoral Commission figures published on Thursday .
This dwarfed the sum received by the Liberal Democrats , who accepted £13,372,664 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at more than £1m per seat that the party won at December 's election , in which they secured 11 MPs .
Labour received the third most in reported donations , with Jeremy Corbyn 's party accepting £9,833,863 .
In total in 2019 , political parties in Great Britain reported accepting more than £113m in donations - the largest value ever reported in one year .
This is almost £40m more than in 2017 , the year of ex-prime minister Theresa May 's snap general election when the previous largest value of donations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large sums donated to the party in the last quarter of 2019 , the Conservatives on Thursday sent out an email to supporters urging them to make donations .
Sent by Darren Mott , the party 's director of campaigning , the email noted Labour accepted £8.7m from trade unions in the last three months of 2019 .
`` So now we need to redouble our efforts to raise £500,000 by the time Labour 's new leader is in place , or we wo n't have the resources to match them , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Jon Trickett , Labour 's shadow Cabinet Office minister , called for a shake-up of political finance rules following the publication of the Electoral Commission figures .
`` For years the UK economy has failed to work for the majority of people in this country , instead benefiting an increasingly small few in the City of London , '' he said .
`` These latest donations confirm that the Conservative Party is the party of this few , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ govern in the interests of the many .
`` The time is long overdue for an overhaul of our political finance rules , which fail to protect our democracy from undue influence . ''
Political parties in Great Britain are required to report donations accepted above £7,500 , as well as smaller donations from a single donor which add together to exceed that reporting threshold .
Louise Edwards , director of regulation at the Electoral Commission , said : `` In the final three months of 2019 , political parties reported accepting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since our records began .
`` The value of the donations accepted by parties in the last quarter exceeded the previous high , from 2017 , by almost £28m .
`` While there is no limit to the value of donations political parties can accept , spending rules are in place during elections to keep the campaign fair .
`` Publishing this data allows voters to see clearly how parties in Great Britain are being funded , enhancing public confidence and trust in our democratic processes . ''

The Conservatives received more than £37m in large donations in the last three months of 2019 - more than all other political parties combined.
Between October and the end of December last year, a period dominated by the general election, a total of 14 British political parties reported accepting a record £69m in donations.
The Tories, who secured an 80-seat majority at the election, topped the list by accepting £37,666,568, according to Electoral Commission figures published on Thursday.
This dwarfed the sum received by the Liberal Democrats, who accepted £13,372,664 in the three-month period.
This works out at more than £1m per seat that the party won at December's election, in which they secured 11 MPs.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party received less than £10m
Labour received the third most in reported donations, with Jeremy Corbyn's party accepting £9,833,863.
In total in 2019, political parties in Great Britain reported accepting more than £113m in donations - the largest value ever reported in one year.
This is almost £40m more than in 2017, the year of ex-prime minister Theresa May's snap general election when the previous largest value of donations was reported.
However, despite the large sums donated to the party in the last quarter of 2019, the Conservatives on Thursday sent out an email to supporters urging them to make donations.
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Sent by Darren Mott, the party's director of campaigning, the email noted Labour accepted £8.7m from trade unions in the last three months of 2019.
"So now we need to redouble our efforts to raise £500,000 by the time Labour's new leader is in place, or we won't have the resources to match them," Mr Mott said.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Jon Trickett, Labour's shadow Cabinet Office minister, called for a shake-up of political finance rules following the publication of the Electoral Commission figures.
"For years the UK economy has failed to work for the majority of people in this country, instead benefiting an increasingly small few in the City of London," he said.
"These latest donations confirm that the Conservative Party is the party of this few, and that they cannot be trusted to govern in the interests of the many.
"The time is long overdue for an overhaul of our political finance rules, which fail to protect our democracy from undue influence."
Political parties in Great Britain are required to report donations accepted above £7,500, as well as smaller donations from a single donor which add together to exceed that reporting threshold.
Donations to Northern Ireland political parties are recorded separately.
Louise Edwards, director of regulation at the Electoral Commission, said: "In the final three months of 2019, political parties reported accepting the highest value of donations in one quarter since our records began.
"The value of the donations accepted by parties in the last quarter exceeded the previous high, from 2017, by almost £28m.
"While there is no limit to the value of donations political parties can accept, spending rules are in place during elections to keep the campaign fair.
"Publishing this data allows voters to see clearly how parties in Great Britain are being funded, enhancing public confidence and trust in our democratic processes."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--Heathrow third runway plan in disarray after court block

Heathrow Airport 's plans to build a third runway have hit severe turbulence after the government confirmed it would not appeal a court decision to block the project on environmental grounds .
The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of green campaigners as part of a wider bid to stop the build by opponents including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Hillingdon Council .
It found the government had n't considered its commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement when it backed the scheme in 2018 .
Boris Johnson was a vocal critic of the project before he became PM , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will not appeal the court 's decision .
`` We also take seriously our commitment to the environment .
This govt wo n't appeal today 's judgement given our manifesto makes clear any # Heathrow expansion will be industry led . ''
Heathrow , however , said it would take the case to the Supreme Court and its chief executive John Holland-Kaye told Sky News bluntly : `` No Heathrow expansion , no global Britain . ''
But the Court of Appeal judgment was celebrated by victorious campaigners , including Friends of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opponents of the runway had argued that former transport Chris Grayling ignored factors such as air quality , noise pollution and traffic congestion when he gave the expansion the go ahead .
Sky News ' business correspondent Paul Kelso said Mr Johnson `` may be breathing a sigh of relief '' , as he vowed on several occasions during his time as London mayor to lie down in front of bulldozers to stop work at the site .
He added that the decision could have implications beyond Heathrow , as by citing climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing carbon emissions and `` turned it into concrete case law '' .
He said the decision had made reducing climate emissions `` a priority for any major infrastructure project '' in future .
Will Rundle , head of legal at environmental campaign group Friends Of The Earth , was pleased with that prospect , saying climate change should now be `` at the heart of all planning decisions '' .
He added : `` It 's time for developers and public authorities to be held to account when it comes to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But despite the ruling , the judge Lord Justice Lindblom said an expansion has not been ruled out .
He said : `` Our decision should be properly understood .
We have not decided , and could not decide , that there will be no third runway at Heathrow .
`` We have not found that a national policy statement ( NPS ) supporting this project is necessarily incompatible with the UK 's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change under the Paris Agreement , or with any other policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may undertake .
`` The consequence of our decision is that the government will now have the opportunity to reconsider the NPS in accordance with the clear statutory requirements that parliament has imposed . ''
The judge added that the court 's decision was `` not concerned with the merits '' of a Heathrow expansion , or of doing nothing to increase the UK 's aviation capacity .
`` Those matters are the government 's responsibility and the government 's alone , '' he said .
The much-delayed Heathrow expansion plans date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government White Paper first recommended a third runway was built .
But the project has been mired by political indecision and local opposition ever since , with alternatives having been sought and cast aside during that time .
Businesses had argued it is crucial to the economy as the airport is already operating at full capacity , leaving the UK at risk of being left behind .
Heathrow bosses had hoped to start work on the runway as soon as next year , and most recent estimates had put completion of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has indicated it will not appeal the ruling , Heathrow has said it will do so .
`` We will appeal to the Supreme Court on this one issue and are confident we will be successful , '' said a statement .
`` In the meantime , we are ready to work with the government to fix the issue that the court has raised .
`` Heathrow has taken a lead in getting the UK aviation sector to commit to a plan to get to net zero emissions by 2050 , in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several of Mr Johnson 's general election campaign slogans , Heathrow said a third runway was `` essential to achieving the PM 's vision of Global Britain ' , adding : `` Let 's get Heathrow done . ''
The repercussions of this judgment will be felt well beyond the suburbs and villages surrounding Heathrow .
The Appeal Court justices have not just lifted the immediate threat of demolition from homes in the path of the third runway .
By finding against the government on environmental grounds they have raised the bar for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and prioritised consideration of the impact of carbon emissions .
Environmental groups argued that the government 's decision to approve the third runway was unlawful because it failed to take account of the Paris climate accord , under which the UK pledged to work to keep global temperature increases below 2C .
The original judgment was emphatic however that the Paris commitments had not been incorporated into UK law and therefore had no effect .
Overturning that position is a stunning triumph for environmental groups and a landmark moment for campaigners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cut carbon emissions , including the government 's target of hitting net-zero by 2050 , have been theoretical , more easily said than done .
This judgement turns the rhetoric into concrete , practical case law .
The judgment does not rule out further expansion of UK airports , but it does offer an opportunity for the government to change tack , perhaps returning to plans for Gatwick .
Boris Johnson was always publicly opposed to Heathrow 's expansion , but any sense of triumph in the PM 's circle may prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wherever they are , will now be much harder to get off the ground .

Heathrow Airport's plans to build a third runway have hit severe turbulence after the government confirmed it would not appeal a court decision to block the project on environmental grounds.
The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of green campaigners as part of a wider bid to stop the build by opponents including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Hillingdon Council.
It found the government hadn't considered its commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement when it backed the scheme in 2018.
Boris Johnson was a vocal critic of the project before he became PM, and transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed the government will not appeal the court's decision.
Image: Heathrow wanted to complete its plans by 2029
"Airport expansion is core to boosting global connectivity," Mr Shapps tweeted.
"We also take seriously our commitment to the environment. This govt won't appeal today's judgement given our manifesto makes clear any #Heathrow expansion will be industry led."
Image: Boris Johnson opposed the third runway while London mayor
Heathrow, however, said it would take the case to the Supreme Court and its chief executive John Holland-Kaye told Sky News bluntly: "No Heathrow expansion, no global Britain."
Business groups also expressed disappointment.
But the Court of Appeal judgment was celebrated by victorious campaigners, including Friends of the Earth, outside the court.
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Opponents of the runway had argued that former transport Chris Grayling ignored factors such as air quality, noise pollution and traffic congestion when he gave the expansion the go ahead.
Sky News' business correspondent Paul Kelso said Mr Johnson "may be breathing a sigh of relief", as he vowed on several occasions during his time as London mayor to lie down in front of bulldozers to stop work at the site.
Image: Boris Johnson attends an anti-third runway campaign event before becoming PM
He added that the decision could have implications beyond Heathrow, as by citing climate change it had taken the rhetoric of reducing carbon emissions and "turned it into concrete case law".
He said the decision had made reducing climate emissions "a priority for any major infrastructure project" in future.
Will Rundle, head of legal at environmental campaign group Friends Of The Earth, was pleased with that prospect, saying climate change should now be "at the heart of all planning decisions".
He added: "It's time for developers and public authorities to be held to account when it comes to the climate impact of their damaging developments."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Climate activists block roads to Heathrow
But despite the ruling, the judge Lord Justice Lindblom said an expansion has not been ruled out.
He said: "Our decision should be properly understood. We have not decided, and could not decide, that there will be no third runway at Heathrow.
"We have not found that a national policy statement (NPS) supporting this project is necessarily incompatible with the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change under the Paris Agreement, or with any other policy the government may adopt or international obligation it may undertake.
"The consequence of our decision is that the government will now have the opportunity to reconsider the NPS in accordance with the clear statutory requirements that parliament has imposed."
The judge added that the court's decision was "not concerned with the merits" of a Heathrow expansion, or of doing nothing to increase the UK's aviation capacity.
"Those matters are the government's responsibility and the government's alone," he said.
Image: A third runway at Heathrow was first mooted in 2003
The much-delayed Heathrow expansion plans date back to 2003, when a Labour government White Paper first recommended a third runway was built.
But the project has been mired by political indecision and local opposition ever since, with alternatives having been sought and cast aside during that time.
Businesses had argued it is crucial to the economy as the airport is already operating at full capacity, leaving the UK at risk of being left behind.
Heathrow bosses had hoped to start work on the runway as soon as next year, and most recent estimates had put completion of the new runway at 2029.
Image: Chris Grayling was criticised for not factoring air quality and traffic congestion in the plans
While the government has indicated it will not appeal the ruling, Heathrow has said it will do so.
"We will appeal to the Supreme Court on this one issue and are confident we will be successful," said a statement.
"In the meantime, we are ready to work with the government to fix the issue that the court has raised.
"Heathrow has taken a lead in getting the UK aviation sector to commit to a plan to get to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Accord."
Echoing several of Mr Johnson's general election campaign slogans, Heathrow said a third runway was "essential to achieving the PM's vision of Global Britain', adding: "Let's get Heathrow done."
Image: Heathrow Airport has witnessed several protests by environmental campaigners
Heathrow ruling allows PM to change tack
by Paul Kelso, business correspondent
The repercussions of this judgment will be felt well beyond the suburbs and villages surrounding Heathrow.
The Appeal Court justices have not just lifted the immediate threat of demolition from homes in the path of the third runway.
By finding against the government on environmental grounds they have raised the bar for all infrastructure projects, public and private, and prioritised consideration of the impact of carbon emissions.
Image: Campaigners celebrate outside court
Environmental groups argued that the government's decision to approve the third runway was unlawful because it failed to take account of the Paris climate accord, under which the UK pledged to work to keep global temperature increases below 2C.
The original judgment was emphatic however that the Paris commitments had not been incorporated into UK law and therefore had no effect.
Overturning that position is a stunning triumph for environmental groups and a landmark moment for campaigners, regulators and developers.
Until now pledges to cut carbon emissions, including the government's target of hitting net-zero by 2050, have been theoretical, more easily said than done. This judgement turns the rhetoric into concrete, practical case law.
Image: Climate campaigners were delighted with the news
The judgment does not rule out further expansion of UK airports, but it does offer an opportunity for the government to change tack, perhaps returning to plans for Gatwick.
Boris Johnson was always publicly opposed to Heathrow's expansion, but any sense of triumph in the PM's circle may prove pyrrhic. Any expansion of airports, wherever they are, will now be much harder to get off the ground.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-26--PM's pick for rough sleeping role under fire over homelessness remarks

A Conservative MP who claimed `` many people choose to be on the street '' will be given specific responsibility for tackling rough sleeping .
Gravesham MP Adam Holloway is to be appointed as a parliamentary aide to Robert Jenrick , the Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary , as part of a package of government measures to end rough sleeping .
Labour branded his appointment to the rough sleeping role `` a shameful disrespect to those living and dying on our streets '' .
During a parliamentary debate in 2018 , the former British Army captain recalled how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nights outside in London to see first-hand what it was like to sleep rough in the capital .
He said : `` If someone is fit and of sound mind , there are all sorts of services , although not quite 24 hours a day , that make it possible to sleep out .
`` To be honest , sleeping rough in central London is a lot more comfortable than going on exercise when I was in the Army .
`` For those who are mentally ill , drug addicted , old or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different thing .
`` We have to accept that some people are able to sleep rough in our cities because there are the resources to do so . ''
He added : `` We will get nowhere in solving the problem and getting to the people who are most needy if we just continue to talk about the homeless and feel sorry for everybody . ''
In the same debate , Mr Holloway claimed that begging is `` part of the problem '' and told MPs : `` An able-bodied person can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the streets of London . ''
Mr Holloway also said there was a `` correlation between immigration and the rising number of street homeless '' .
In 1991 , while working as a journalist after leaving the Army , Mr Holloway spent three months on the streets of London as part of a documentary series .
Labour 's shadow housing secretary John Healey MP said : `` It 's a shameful disrespect to those living and dying on our streets for Boris Johnson to appoint someone to government who thinks rough sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives are in denial about the scale of street homelessness , with new figures showing that the government 's own statistics are seriously misleading the public about the number of people sleeping rough .
`` After ten years of failure , the Conservatives should adopt Labour 's plan to end rough sleeping for good . ''
Boris Johnson is committing an extra £236m to help get rough sleepers off the street and is also appointing an independent adviser to lead an urgent review into the causes of rough sleeping .
The government action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releasing the latest figures on rough sleeping in England on Thursday morning .
Homelessness charities welcomed the government action , but also called for the cash to `` translate into real homes '' .
The prime minister is set to visit a homelessness charity on Thursday to highlight the new government measures .
`` It is simply unacceptable that we still have so many people sleeping on the streets , and I am absolutely determined to end rough sleeping once and for all , '' Mr Johnson said ahead of the visit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rough sleeping urgently , and I will not stop until the thousands of people in this situation are helped off the streets and their lives have been rebuilt . ''
The £236m new funding being announced by the government will go towards offering `` move on '' accommodation - known as a stepping-stone between hostels and independent living - for up to 6,000 rough sleepers and those at immediate risk of rough sleeping .
It will be based on the `` Housing First '' model employed by countries such as Finland , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen a decline in homelessness in recent years .
Dame Louise Casey , who has previously headed a series of reviews into issues such as child sexual exploitation and integration , will provide the government with advice on additional action required to end rough sleeping by the end of the parliament in 2024 .
Jon Sparkes , chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis , said : `` As the most brutal and devastating form of homelessness , it 's right that the prime minister is focusing on ending rough sleeping and dedicating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need this money to translate into real homes rather than paying to keep people homeless in hostels and night shelters . ''
Polly Neate , chief executive of charity Shelter , said : `` Most people are tipped into homelessness simply because there are not enough affordable , safe , and secure homes in this country .
`` The bottom line is people ca n't afford to live anywhere - a problem made infinitely worse by a dire lack of social homes and cuts to housing benefit .
`` Emergency measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and housing first pilots can only go so far , if you do n't have the stable homes to back them up . ''

A Conservative MP who claimed "many people choose to be on the street" will be given specific responsibility for tackling rough sleeping.
Gravesham MP Adam Holloway is to be appointed as a parliamentary aide to Robert Jenrick, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, as part of a package of government measures to end rough sleeping.
Labour branded his appointment to the rough sleeping role "a shameful disrespect to those living and dying on our streets".
During a parliamentary debate in 2018, the former British Army captain recalled how he had recently spent a number of nights outside in London to see first-hand what it was like to sleep rough in the capital.
He said: "If someone is fit and of sound mind, there are all sorts of services, although not quite 24 hours a day, that make it possible to sleep out.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:11 £10k was raised for Tom but he is still homeless
"To be honest, sleeping rough in central London is a lot more comfortable than going on exercise when I was in the Army.
"For those who are mentally ill, drug addicted, old or personality disordered, it is a very different thing.
"We have to accept that some people are able to sleep rough in our cities because there are the resources to do so."
He added: "We will get nowhere in solving the problem and getting to the people who are most needy if we just continue to talk about the homeless and feel sorry for everybody."
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In the same debate, Mr Holloway claimed that begging is "part of the problem" and told MPs: "An able-bodied person can make quite a lot of money from begging on the streets of London."
Mr Holloway also said there was a "correlation between immigration and the rising number of street homeless".
In 1991, while working as a journalist after leaving the Army, Mr Holloway spent three months on the streets of London as part of a documentary series.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 I can't do this much longer: UK's homelessness crisis
Labour's shadow housing secretary John Healey MP said: "It's a shameful disrespect to those living and dying on our streets for Boris Johnson to appoint someone to government who thinks rough sleeping is a lifestyle choice.
"The Conservatives are in denial about the scale of street homelessness, with new figures showing that the government's own statistics are seriously misleading the public about the number of people sleeping rough.
"After ten years of failure, the Conservatives should adopt Labour's plan to end rough sleeping for good."
Boris Johnson is committing an extra £236m to help get rough sleepers off the street and is also appointing an independent adviser to lead an urgent review into the causes of rough sleeping.
The government action comes ahead of Mr Jenrick's department releasing the latest figures on rough sleeping in England on Thursday morning.
Homelessness charities welcomed the government action, but also called for the cash to "translate into real homes".
The prime minister is set to visit a homelessness charity on Thursday to highlight the new government measures.
Image: The PM is 'determined to end rough sleeping once and for all'
"It is simply unacceptable that we still have so many people sleeping on the streets, and I am absolutely determined to end rough sleeping once and for all," Mr Johnson said ahead of the visit.
"We must tackle the scourge of rough sleeping urgently, and I will not stop until the thousands of people in this situation are helped off the streets and their lives have been rebuilt."
The £236m new funding being announced by the government will go towards offering "move on" accommodation - known as a stepping-stone between hostels and independent living - for up to 6,000 rough sleepers and those at immediate risk of rough sleeping.
It will be based on the "Housing First" model employed by countries such as Finland, which is the only EU member state to have seen a decline in homelessness in recent years.
Dame Louise Casey, who has previously headed a series of reviews into issues such as child sexual exploitation and integration, will provide the government with advice on additional action required to end rough sleeping by the end of the parliament in 2024.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, said: "As the most brutal and devastating form of homelessness, it's right that the prime minister is focusing on ending rough sleeping and dedicating funding to this.
"But ultimately, we need this money to translate into real homes rather than paying to keep people homeless in hostels and night shelters."
Polly Neate, chief executive of charity Shelter, said: "Most people are tipped into homelessness simply because there are not enough affordable, safe, and secure homes in this country.
"The bottom line is people can't afford to live anywhere - a problem made infinitely worse by a dire lack of social homes and cuts to housing benefit.
"Emergency measures to get people off the streets quickly and housing first pilots can only go so far, if you don't have the stable homes to back them up."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-28--PM: Best advice to stop coronavirus is to wash your hands with soap

Boris Johnson has said people are `` right to be concerned '' about the spread of the coronavirus in the UK , but says the `` best advice '' to prevent a wider outbreak is to wash your hands with hot water and soap .
The prime minister has been criticised for failing to hold a meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee over the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Britain , but insisted it was Downing Street 's `` top priority '' .
Mr Johnson will finally hold a COBRA meeting on Monday and said the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to respond '' to the coronavirus , which has now infected 20 people in the UK .
In the meantime , he said the `` best advice we can give '' is for people to ensure good personal hygiene .
Speaking from Number 10 , the PM said : `` The most valuable thing we can all do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to wash our hands for 20 seconds or more with hot water and soap .
`` People are right to be concerned and right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Johnson was speaking after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Wales - plus two more in England .
A third was later confirmed in England .
The chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said the patient in Wales had returned to the country from northern Italy , which has become the centre of the outbreak in Europe with 888 confirmed cases and 21 deaths .
Two of the new patients in England contracted the virus in Iran , which has reported 388 cases and 34 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist NHS infection centres at the Royal Free Hospital in London .
A third patient contracted COVID-19 in the UK .
The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 18 - and there has also been one case in Northern Ireland .
Mr Johnson has also expressed his sympathy for the family of the first British person to die from the coronavirus .
The victim , a man , had been receiving treatment in hospital in Japan after testing positive for the illness during his quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Japanese health ministry and the UK 's Foreign Office , but he has not been named .
Six people from the ship have now died , with the British man the first foreign passenger to lose their life .
He was one of at least four Britons who had to remain in Japan after dozens more , who had tested negative , were evacuated to the UK last week following a fortnight in isolation on the coronavirus-stricken cruise liner , which first docked in Yokohama on 3 February .
Of the 3,711 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been confirmed as having COVID-19 .
Regarding criticism that the British man was not repatriated , Mr Johnson said : `` We were following the best medical advice and we very much regret the loss of life .
`` The best thing to do is not to move people around too much in the current situation - and not to repatriate unless you can be absolutely sure there 's not going to be a spread to this country . ''
The Japanese government has been criticised for the way it handled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors saying it acted like an incubator .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • There have been 83,867 confirmed cases worldwide , with 2,867 deaths • Mexico , Iceland and Nigeria among nations to confirm first case/cases on Friday • Schools in the UK could be closed for more than two months if the outbreak intensifies • Two Britons among eight people being monitored on a cruise ship turned away by the Dominican Republic • Some British tourists are being allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of COVID-19 - but Jet2 says it will not fly them home until testing confirms they are not infected • EasyJet and the owner of British Airways are to cancel European flights as a result of the coronavirus crisis • World markets have tumbled , with the Dow Jones suffering its biggest one-day drop in its history • A spokesman for Iran 's Health Ministry says 34 people have been killed by COVID-19 in the country and 388 people have been infected • The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed • The sharp downwards trend of new COVID-19 cases has continued in China , where there were 327 new cases and 44 deaths on Thursday • The Japanese island of Hokkaido is declaring a state of emergency after a rapid increase in cases .
The governor has urged residents to stay at home this weekend

Boris Johnson has said people are "right to be concerned" about the spread of the coronavirus in the UK, but says the "best advice" to prevent a wider outbreak is to wash your hands with hot water and soap.
The prime minister has been criticised for failing to hold a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee over the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Britain, but insisted it was Downing Street's "top priority".
Mr Johnson will finally hold a COBRA meeting on Monday and said the government would "issue further advice about how we are going to respond" to the coronavirus, which has now infected 20 people in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How UK might deal with coronavirus
In the meantime, he said the "best advice we can give" is for people to ensure good personal hygiene.
Speaking from Number 10, the PM said: "The most valuable thing we can all do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to wash our hands for 20 seconds or more with hot water and soap.
"People are right to be concerned and right to want to take every possible precaution."
Image: Passengers wear face masks at Heathrow's Terminal 5
Mr Johnson was speaking after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Wales - plus two more in England. A third was later confirmed in England.
The chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said the patient in Wales had returned to the country from northern Italy, which has become the centre of the outbreak in Europe with 888 confirmed cases and 21 deaths.
Two of the new patients in England contracted the virus in Iran, which has reported 388 cases and 34 deaths, and they have been transferred to specialist NHS infection centres at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
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A third patient contracted COVID-19 in the UK.
The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 18 - and there has also been one case in Northern Ireland.
Image: Italy has suffered Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak so far
Mr Johnson has also expressed his sympathy for the family of the first British person to die from the coronavirus.
The victim, a man, had been receiving treatment in hospital in Japan after testing positive for the illness during his quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
His death was confirmed by the Japanese health ministry and the UK's Foreign Office, but he has not been named.
Six people from the ship have now died, with the British man the first foreign passenger to lose their life.
He was one of at least four Britons who had to remain in Japan after dozens more, who had tested negative, were evacuated to the UK last week following a fortnight in isolation on the coronavirus-stricken cruise liner, which first docked in Yokohama on 3 February.
Of the 3,711 passengers and crew on board, 705 people have been confirmed as having COVID-19.
Image: People in protective suits walk from the Diamond Princess
Regarding criticism that the British man was not repatriated, Mr Johnson said: "We were following the best medical advice and we very much regret the loss of life.
"The best thing to do is not to move people around too much in the current situation - and not to repatriate unless you can be absolutely sure there's not going to be a spread to this country."
The Japanese government has been criticised for the way it handled the ship's isolation, with some doctors saying it acted like an incubator.
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In other coronavirus developments:


skynewspolitics--2020-02-28--French minister attacks PM's trade deal 'artificial deadline'

Boris Johnson 's pledge to walk away from EU trade talks if there is no deal by the end of the year has been criticised by a senior French minister .
The prime minister has insisted Britain is willing to revert to base-level World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) rules if an agreement is not in place for 31 December 2020 .
That would see big taxes slapped on products exported by businesses to EU countries .
But trying to pile pressure on the prime minister ahead of negotiations officially kick-starting next week , the French minister for Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeframe an `` artificial deadline '' .
Ms de Montchalin said `` we do not accept time pressure '' and warned Downing Street not to `` underestimate the unity '' of the EU27 leaders .
She also took on Mr Johnson 's demands for either a Canada-style deal or agreement to trade with Brussels on WTO terms similar to those of Australia 's .
Britain is not Canada and certainly not Australia , she said , claiming a trade deal with the latter `` does n't exist '' and was `` for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off UK red lines which reject following EU rules on standards known as a `` level playing field '' .
`` We do not accept cherry picking , '' Ms de Montchalin told an audience at the Chatham House think-tank on Friday .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And she added : `` We decide how we want to trade with third countries . ''
David Frost , the PM 's chief Europe adviser , said last week signing up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brexit .
He confirmed Mr Johnson wanted one of two types of trade arrangement to kick in from next January , but was prepared to walk away with none .
The first is a Canada-style trade deal which eliminates most import taxes and quotas on the amount of a product that can be shipped without extra charges but does little for trade in services .
The second is an arrangement to trade with the EU similar to how Australia does - mostly on WTO terms with a few barriers reduced - while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
Mr Johnson confirmed on Thursday he is prepared to walk away from the talks if not enough progress has been made by June .
That is the deadline for when any extension to the `` transition period '' due to end on 31 December 2020 falls , although the PM has already ruled out requesting one .
Analysis : Do n't take the trash talking too literally - the real battle has n't begun By Rob Powell , political correspondent In the week the UK and EU both published their positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks , pre-negotiation chest beating has hit King Kong-like levels .
Both parties have adopted consciously inflexible positions that have in-built ironies and holes that will be seized on by those sat on the other side of the table .
On fishing , eyebrows may be raised at EU demands for access to waters given the UK has now left the bloc .
French Europe minister Amelie de Montchalin was also clear today that demands for common `` level playing field '' commitments were about protecting EU economies from a close competitor like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red lines .
That 's why - despite signing up to the commitments last year - Boris Johnson sees some room for manoeuvre .
But whatever the prime minister says , if there is to be a deal both sides will make concessions .
So do n't take the current cross-channel trash talking too literally .
The real battle has n't even yet begun .

Boris Johnson's pledge to walk away from EU trade talks if there is no deal by the end of the year has been criticised by a senior French minister.
The prime minister has insisted Britain is willing to revert to base-level World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules if an agreement is not in place for 31 December 2020.
That would see big taxes slapped on products exported by businesses to EU countries.
Image: Amelie de Montchalin said Brussels would not accept 'cherry picking'
But trying to pile pressure on the prime minister ahead of negotiations officially kick-starting next week, the French minister for Europe, Amelie de Montchalin, called the 10-month timeframe an "artificial deadline".
Ms de Montchalin said "we do not accept time pressure" and warned Downing Street not to "underestimate the unity" of the EU27 leaders.
She also took on Mr Johnson's demands for either a Canada-style deal or agreement to trade with Brussels on WTO terms similar to those of Australia's.
Britain is not Canada and certainly not Australia, she said, claiming a trade deal with the latter "doesn't exist" and was "for the birds".
She tried to cut off UK red lines which reject following EU rules on standards known as a "level playing field".
"We do not accept cherry picking," Ms de Montchalin told an audience at the Chatham House think-tank on Friday.
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:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And she added: "We decide how we want to trade with third countries."
David Frost, the PM's chief Europe adviser, said last week signing up to alignment on standards would defeat the point of Brexit.
He confirmed Mr Johnson wanted one of two types of trade arrangement to kick in from next January, but was prepared to walk away with none.
The first is a Canada-style trade deal which eliminates most import taxes and quotas on the amount of a product that can be shipped without extra charges but does little for trade in services.
The second is an arrangement to trade with the EU similar to how Australia does - mostly on WTO terms with a few barriers reduced - while it tries to agree a proper trade deal.
Mr Johnson confirmed on Thursday he is prepared to walk away from the talks if not enough progress has been made by June.
That is the deadline for when any extension to the "transition period" due to end on 31 December 2020 falls, although the PM has already ruled out requesting one.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson: 'No race to the bottom' after Brexit
Analysis: Don't take the trash talking too literally - the real battle hasn't begun
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
In the week the UK and EU both published their positions for the next stage of the Brexit talks, pre-negotiation chest beating has hit King Kong-like levels.
Both parties have adopted consciously inflexible positions that have in-built ironies and holes that will be seized on by those sat on the other side of the table.
On fishing, eyebrows may be raised at EU demands for access to waters given the UK has now left the bloc.
French Europe minister Amelie de Montchalin was also clear today that demands for common "level playing field" commitments were about protecting EU economies from a close competitor like the UK, rather than any ideological red lines.
That's why - despite signing up to the commitments last year - Boris Johnson sees some room for manoeuvre.
But whatever the prime minister says, if there is to be a deal both sides will make concessions.
So don't take the current cross-channel trash talking too literally.
The real battle hasn't even yet begun.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-01--Coronavirus plan: City lockdowns, ban on big gatherings and cancelled ops possible

Large gatherings could be banned , cities put on lockdown and operations cancelled if coronavirus continues to spread in the UK , it has been warned .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News he could not rule out banning big events where thousands of people would gather , if the situation gets worse .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK is now 35 , including one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland - after a sudden jump .
He later said that despite a `` huge economic and social downside '' closing down cities could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary '' .
Cautioning against panic , Mr Hancock told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show : `` At this stage people should go about their ordinary business . ''
However , emergency planning is under way in case the number of virus cases in the UK rises significantly or if the virus is found to be spreading here , rather than just being brought in from abroad .
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Mr Hancock saying hospitals will face a `` very , very significant challenge '' should the number of cases rapidly accelerate .
He stressed the government has a `` clear strategy '' for containing the virus , as well as plans to delay and mitigate a widespread outbreak , and said the government is maintaining a `` balancing act '' between implementing measures in the face of the virus , while trying to limit the disruption it causes .
Global stock markets - including the FTSE 100 - have this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial crisis on fears of a rapid spread .
Cemeteries and crematoriums are also reported to be drawing up plans to deal with a rise in bodies , with families possibly being allowed to hold funerals in their homes , schools , pubs or hotels if churches and chapels become overwhelmed .
`` I want to minimise the risk to the public but we also want to minimise the social and economic disruption that will inevitably be caused - and we 've already seen it this week - by a virus like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule out the UK taking similar action to France , where all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people have been banned .
Speaking to the BBC later , Mr Hancock also said isolating entire cities - as China did with Wuhan where the coronavirus outbreak began - was not `` off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary '' .
Mr Hancock said the `` best thing people can do '' at the moment is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soap for at least 20 seconds , especially at airports .
He recommended Britons sing `` Happy Birthday '' while they wash their hands , to make sure they are doing so for long enough .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , chairman of the British Medical Association , agreed that seeking to contain the virus at this stage was `` the right procedure '' due to the low numbers of patients in the UK .
But he warned of the impact on the NHS should the number of coronavirus cases increase significantly .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this country then we would need to move beyond the containment phase and actually mitigating and managing that crisis , '' he told Sky News .
`` That could involve , for example , having to reduce or cancel planned care in hospitals for non-emergency operations so you prioritise the availability of care for critical ill patients . ''
Dr Nagpaul described the NHS as being `` already under severe pressure and strain '' prior to the coronavirus outbreak .
`` We 've been saying for a long time ... that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of bed and staff compared to many other European countries , '' he said .
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell called for `` more direct '' political leadership from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the government over the coronavirus outbreak , as he warned of the pressures on the NHS where some departments are already running at 80 % capacity .
`` We 've lost 17,000 hospital beds in the NHS as a result of austerity cuts , that 's a worry , '' he said .
`` We are suffering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure the clinicians , the NHS staff will rise to the challenge - they always do .
`` But we 're putting them under a lot of pressure because we 've taken such capacity out of the NHS because of the cuts . ''
The UK has ploughed £40m into finding a vaccine for coronavirus , but Mr Hancock admitted this could yet be `` many months off '' .
Scientists are `` more optimistic '' about the development of treatments for COVID-19 , the disease that develops from coronavirus , that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you 've got it '' , he added .
The health secretary revealed there were plans to scale up the number of `` high acute critical care beds '' to 5,000 `` if necessary '' .

Large gatherings could be banned, cities put on lockdown and operations cancelled if coronavirus continues to spread in the UK, it has been warned.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News he could not rule out banning big events where thousands of people would gather, if the situation gets worse.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK is now 36, including one each in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland - after a sudden jump on Sunday.
He later said that despite a "huge economic and social downside" closing down cities could not be taken "off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary".
Cautioning against panic, Mr Hancock told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show: "At this stage people should go about their ordinary business."
However, emergency planning is under way in case the number of virus cases in the UK rises significantly or if the virus is found to be spreading here, rather than just being brought in from abroad.
Boris Johnson, who will chair his first COBRA meeting tomorrow, has said the virus is likely to "spread a bit more" in the UK.
Speaking at a visit to a health centre in north London, he said the government will be "setting out the various measure, as the disease progresses, if it progresses in the way we think it may".
Mr Hancock said hospitals will face a "very, very significant challenge" should the number of cases rapidly accelerate.
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He stressed the government has a "clear strategy" for containing the virus, as well as plans to delay and mitigate a widespread outbreak, and said the government is maintaining a "balancing act" between implementing measures in the face of the virus, while trying to limit the disruption it causes.
Global stock markets - including the FTSE 100 - have this week suffered their worst falls since the 2008 financial crisis on fears of a rapid spread.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:29 Doctor explains how to help stop COVID-19 spreading
Cemeteries and crematoriums are also reported to be drawing up plans to deal with a rise in bodies, with families possibly being allowed to hold funerals in their homes, schools, pubs or hotels if churches and chapels become overwhelmed.
"I want to minimise the risk to the public but we also want to minimise the social and economic disruption that will inevitably be caused - and we've already seen it this week - by a virus like this."
The health secretary didn't rule out the UK taking similar action to France, where all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people have been banned.
Speaking to the BBC later, Mr Hancock also said isolating entire cities - as China did with Wuhan where the coronavirus outbreak began - was not "off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary".
Mr Hancock said the "best thing people can do" at the moment is to wash their hands with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially at airports.
He recommended Britons sing "Happy Birthday" while they wash their hands, to make sure they are doing so for long enough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 57:16 In full: Sophy Ridge On Sunday
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association, agreed that seeking to contain the virus at this stage was "the right procedure" due to the low numbers of patients in the UK.
But he warned of the impact on the NHS should the number of coronavirus cases increase significantly.
"If we were to have an epidemic in this country then we would need to move beyond the containment phase and actually mitigating and managing that crisis," he told Sky News.
"That could involve, for example, having to reduce or cancel planned care in hospitals for non-emergency operations so you prioritise the availability of care for critical ill patients."
Dr Nagpaul described the NHS as being "already under severe pressure and strain" prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
"We've been saying for a long time... that we haven't an NHS that has sufficient numbers of bed and staff compared to many other European countries," he said.
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell called for "more direct" political leadership from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the government over the coronavirus outbreak, as he warned of the pressures on the NHS where some departments are already running at 80% capacity.
"We've lost 17,000 hospital beds in the NHS as a result of austerity cuts, that's a worry," he said.
"We are suffering from 10 years of austerity but I'm sure the clinicians, the NHS staff will rise to the challenge - they always do.
"But we're putting them under a lot of pressure because we've taken such capacity out of the NHS because of the cuts."
The UK has ploughed £40m into finding a vaccine for coronavirus, but Mr Hancock admitted this could yet be "many months off".
Scientists are "more optimistic" about the development of treatments for COVID-19, the disease that develops from coronavirus, that "make the virus less of a problem if you've got it", he added.
The health secretary revealed there were plans to scale up the number of "high acute critical care beds" to 5,000 "if necessary".


skynewspolitics--2020-03-01--'Very courteous' Priti Patel defended over bullying claims

Home Secretary Priti Patel is `` very determined '' but also `` very courteous '' , according to a senior Cabinet minister who has sprung to her defence over bullying accusations .
Sir Philip Rutnam quit as the Home Office 's most senior civil servant on Saturday as he vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal .
The official 's explosive resignation from his £175,000 per year role has increased pressure on Ms Patel , following weeks of reports of ructions in her department .
In his resignation statement , Sir Philip revealed he had heard claims of Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
`` Priti is a very determined person but she 's also very courteous , '' he told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show .
He added : `` I do n't know the details of this case and , clearly , there 's going to be a court case - I 'm not going to go into the details .
`` We all know that Priti is determined and that 's right , that 's good in a secretary of state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She 's also very courteous in her dealings and I very much hope we can get on and deliver the government 's agenda - the 20,000 police that she 's recruiting and making sure that we crack down on crime .
`` That 's actually what people really care about . ''
But Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the same programme he `` ca n't see '' how Ms Patel can remain in her post .
He suggested Ms Patel be suspended as home secretary while an independent investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` I was a civil servant before I became a politician… I worked with all parties and when you get a civil servant going public like this , it 's unprecedented , '' he said .
`` I ca n't remember a case like this , so there must be something pretty bad that 's gone on . ''
Mr McDonnell claimed Sir Philip 's resignation also reflected badly on Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's grip on his government .
He said : `` Within a couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now it looks as though he 's going to lose his home secretary as well .
`` I think that says something about Boris Johnson 's own abilities and management of his own government . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Describing the allegations against Ms Patel as `` pretty grim '' , Mr McDonnell added : `` I do n't mind a shake-up , I do n't mind ruffling a few feathers but you do n't go into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegation is here - swearing and shouting and abusing people and bullying people .
`` You do n't go into that , so there 's something seriously wrong here .
`` One of the ways the prime minister could go forward is to have an independent investigation .
`` But during that period , you 'd have to suspend the home secretary whilst that went on . ''
A Downing Street source said Mr Johnson has confidence in all his cabinet ministers , including Ms Patel .

Boris Johnson says he "absolutely" has confidence in Home Secretary Priti Patel, who has been accused of bullying.
It follows the resignation of the Home Office's most senior civil servant, Sir Philip Rutnam, who said he had heard claims of Ms Patel "shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".
As he quit on Saturday, Sir Philip vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 57:16 In full: Sophy Ridge On Sunday
The official's explosive departure from his £175,000 per year role has increased pressure on Ms Patel, following weeks of reports of ructions in her department.
But during a visit to Public Health England, the prime minister described Ms Patel as a "fantastic" minister.
"It is never an easy job, as anyone who has been home secretary will testify," he said.
"It is one of the toughest jobs in government.
"There is a big, big task ahead of us now. We are delivering, at last, a new immigration system for this country, a points-based immigration system."
Mr Johnson also said he was "full of admiration" for the civil service, and that politicians could not "accomplish things without the fantastic, absolutely brilliant alpha minds" in Whitehall.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:04 McDonnell on Priti Patel: She's on her way out
Earlier, Health Secretary Matt Hancock also sprang to Ms Patel's defence.
"Priti is a very determined person but she's also very courteous," he told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show.
He added: "I don't know the details of this case and, clearly, there's going to be a court case - I'm not going to go into the details.
"We all know that Priti is determined and that's right, that's good in a secretary of state. That's what you want to see.
"She's also very courteous in her dealings and I very much hope we can get on and deliver the government's agenda - the 20,000 police that she's recruiting and making sure that we crack down on crime.
"That's actually what people really care about."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'I don't believe Priti Patel'
But Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the same programme he "can't see" how Ms Patel can remain in her post.
He suggested Ms Patel be suspended as home secretary while an independent investigation takes place.
"It's bizarre," he said. "I was a civil servant before I became a politician… I worked with all parties and when you get a civil servant going public like this, it's unprecedented.
"I can't remember a case like this, so there must be something pretty bad that's gone on."
Mr McDonnell claimed Sir Philip's resignation also reflected badly on Mr Johnson's grip on his government.
He said: "Within a couple of months he's lost his chancellor, and now it looks as though he's going to lose his home secretary as well.
"I think that says something about Boris Johnson's own abilities and management of his own government."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Describing the allegations against Ms Patel as "pretty grim", Mr McDonnell added: "I don't mind a shake-up, I don't mind ruffling a few feathers but you don't go into abuse.
"That's what the allegation is here - swearing and shouting and abusing people and bullying people.
"You don't go into that, so there's something seriously wrong here.
"One of the ways the prime minister could go forward is to have an independent investigation.
"But during that period, you'd have to suspend the home secretary whilst that went on."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-01--Farmers angry after senior government adviser says UK could import all food

The UK has a `` moral imperative '' to produce its own food , the chief of the farmers ' union has said after it emerged a senior government adviser argued Britain could import all produce .
Minette Batters , the president of the National Union of Farmers , hit back at suggestions the UK could copy nations such as Singapore and import all its food .
In emails obtained by The Mail On Sunday , Dr Tim Leunig - an economic adviser to Chancellor Rishi Sunak - wrote that the food sector `` is n't critically important '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly is n't '' .
According to the newspaper , Dr Leuing - in emails sent last week to the National Food Strategy , a major review of the UK 's food system - highlighted figures that suggest the sector adds just 0.5 % in extra value to the UK economy .
Ms Batters dismissed the comparison with Singapore , telling Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show : `` Singapore has five million people , and does n't have any farmed landscape so it actually has to import all its food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain is a farmed landscape , we have a fantastic maritime climate in which to produce our food , and we have 60 million-plus people here to feed so there 's a sort of moral imperative , if you like , for us to be able to produce food in this country . ''
The government also distanced itself from Dr Leunig 's remarks , which are understood to have been made in personal emails and with the adviser not speaking in his Treasury role .
`` We have made clear the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a spokesperson said .
Dr Leunig is said to be close to Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief adviser .
He has previously proposed controversial ideas , such as a 2008 think tank paper in which he argued the government should direct money into London and the South rather than `` failed '' Northern towns and cities .
Former Conservative leader David Cameron branded the idea as `` insane '' at the time .
Ms Batters also admitted she was `` concerned '' UK farmers could be harmed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ministers will on Monday publish their negotiating objectives for a free-trade deal with the US .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Batters argued British consumers , farmers and environmentalists all hold a `` shared belief '' that the UK should insist on maintaining current food standards within the terms of any agreement , including for imports of US food .
She said : `` This is a moral compass test for some in government .
`` We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I will continue to make the case that it is the right thing to do .
`` This surely is the chance to lead , be on the world stage driving standards and integrity forwards - not going back to the dark ages , undermining our farmers and ultimately putting them out of business .
`` I do n't think anybody in government wants to see that happen . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously said the government will `` not accept any diminution in food hygiene or animal welfare standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal .

The UK has a "moral imperative" to produce its own food, the chief of the farmers' union has said after it emerged a senior government adviser argued Britain could import all produce.
Minette Batters, the president of the National Union of Farmers, hit back at suggestions the UK could copy nations such as Singapore and import all its food.
In emails obtained by The Mail On Sunday, Dr Tim Leunig - an economic adviser to Chancellor Rishi Sunak - wrote that the food sector "isn't critically important" to the UK and farming and fishing "certainly isn't".
Image: A government adviser suggested the UK could import all its food
According to the newspaper, Dr Leunig - in emails sent last week to the National Food Strategy, a major review of the UK's food system - highlighted figures that suggest the sector adds just 0.5% in extra value to the UK economy.
Ms Batters dismissed the comparison with Singapore, telling Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show: "Singapore has five million people, and doesn't have any farmed landscape so it actually has to import all its food.
"Here, 75% of Britain is a farmed landscape, we have a fantastic maritime climate in which to produce our food, and we have 60 million-plus people here to feed so there's a sort of moral imperative, if you like, for us to be able to produce food in this country."
The government also distanced itself from Dr Leunig's remarks, which are understood to have been made in personal emails and with the adviser not speaking in his Treasury role.
"We have made clear the comments are not in line with government policy," a spokesperson said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 57:16 In full: Sophy Ridge On Sunday
Dr Leunig is said to be close to Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser.
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He has previously proposed controversial ideas, such as a 2008 think tank paper in which he argued the government should direct money into London and the South rather than "failed" Northern towns and cities.
Former Conservative leader David Cameron branded the idea as "insane" at the time.
Ms Batters also admitted she was "concerned" UK farmers could be harmed by post-Brexit trade deals signed by the government.
Ministers will on Monday publish their negotiating objectives for a free-trade deal with the US.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Batters argued British consumers, farmers and environmentalists all hold a "shared belief" that the UK should insist on maintaining current food standards within the terms of any agreement, including for imports of US food.
She said: "This is a moral compass test for some in government.
"We know not everyone in government values that. But I will continue to make the case that it is the right thing to do.
"This surely is the chance to lead, be on the world stage driving standards and integrity forwards - not going back to the dark ages, undermining our farmers and ultimately putting them out of business.
"I don't think anybody in government wants to see that happen."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously said the government will "not accept any diminution in food hygiene or animal welfare standards" under the terms of a US trade deal.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-28--Boris Johnson and girlfriend expecting first baby together - and reveal engagement

Boris Johnson 's partner Carrie Symonds is pregnant and the couple have got engaged , they have announced .
`` The prime minister and Miss Symonds are very pleased to announce their engagement and that they are expecting a baby in the early summer , '' a spokesperson for the couple said .
On her Instagram account , Ms Symonds said : `` I would n't normally post this kind of thing on here , but I wanted my friends to find out from me .
`` Many of you already know , but for my friends that still do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of last year , and we 've got a baby hatching early summer .
Feel incredibly blessed . ''
In a tweet , former chancellor Sajid Javid , who resigned after a dispute with Mr Johnson , congratulated the couple , saying it is `` wonderful news '' .
Former Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson wrote on Twitter : `` Congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds . ''
But not all politicians were so fulsome .
Labour MP Florence Eshalomi queried the timing of the announcement , appearing to reference Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office some hours earlier .
She tweeted : `` Very convenient for this news to be announced today . ''
The couple have been living together in 10 Downing Street since July and have adopted a dog , Dilyn .
Mr Johnson will become the first prime minister to marry while in office for more than 250 years .
The 55-year-old already has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler ; the pair married 25 years ago but are now separated .
The pair have reached a financial settlement .
Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Theodore .
Mr Johnson also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre .
There has been speculation that Mr Johnson has fathered another extra-marital child .
Asked how many children he had during the general election in November , he told LBC : `` I love my children very much but they are not standing at this election .
I 'm therefore not going to comment on them . ''
When pushed during his radio interview on whether he was expecting another , Mr Johnson refused to `` get into discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted he meant `` no disrespect '' when he described single mothers as `` irresponsible '' in a magazine column published almost 25 years ago .
Little is known about the prime minister 's relationship with Ms Symonds , a 31-year-old ex-head of communications for the Tories who now works for an ocean conservation charity and is the first non-married partner of a PM to live in Number 10 .
They were thrust into the limelight during the summer Conservative Party leadership election when police were called to their old house in south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Metropolitan Police said the caller `` was concerned for the welfare of a female neighbour '' but officers attended and confirmed both were `` safe and well '' .
Mr Johnson met his first wife , Allegra Mostyn-Owen , while they were students at Oxford University and they married in 1987 .
The marriage was annulled in 1993 and he wed Ms Wheeler later that year .
In 2004 , Mr Johnson was sacked as shadow arts minister by then Conservative Party leader Michael Howard following a reported affair with journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a sitting prime minister belonged to David and Samantha Cameron , who welcomed Florence Rose Endellion into their family in August 2010 .

Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds is pregnant and the couple have got engaged, they have announced.
"The prime minister and Miss Symonds are very pleased to announce their engagement and that they are expecting a baby in the early summer," a spokesperson for the couple said.
On her Instagram account, Ms Symonds said: "I wouldn't normally post this kind of thing on here, but I wanted my friends to find out from me.
"Many of you already know, but for my friends that still don't, we got engaged at the end of last year, and we've got a baby hatching early summer. Feel incredibly blessed."
Image: A post by Carrie Symonds on Instagram reveals they got engaged at the end of last year
Image: The PM's partner is a former head of communications for the Tories
In a tweet, former chancellor Sajid Javid, who resigned after a dispute with Mr Johnson, congratulated the couple, saying it is "wonderful news".
Former Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds."
But not all politicians were so fulsome.
Labour MP Florence Eshalomi queried the timing of the announcement, appearing to reference Sir Philip Rutnam's resignation from the Home Office some hours earlier.
She tweeted: "Very convenient for this news to be announced today."
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Image: The pair posed together outside Number 10 after the PM's election win
The couple have been living together in 10 Downing Street since July and have adopted a dog, Dilyn.
Mr Johnson will become the first prime minister to marry while in office for more than 250 years.
The 55-year-old already has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler; the pair married 25 years ago but are now separated.
The pair have reached a financial settlement.
Their children are Lara, Milo, Cassie and Theodore.
Mr Johnson also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre.
There has been speculation that Mr Johnson has fathered another extra-marital child.
Asked how many children he had during the general election in November, he told LBC: "I love my children very much but they are not standing at this election. I'm therefore not going to comment on them."
Image: Boris Johnson with ex-wife Marina Wheeler
Image: The new 'Downing Street dog' Dilyn moved into Number 10 last year
When pushed during his radio interview on whether he was expecting another, Mr Johnson refused to "get into discussions" on the matter.
He also insisted he meant "no disrespect" when he described single mothers as "irresponsible" in a magazine column published almost 25 years ago.
Little is known about the prime minister's relationship with Ms Symonds, a 31-year-old ex-head of communications for the Tories who now works for an ocean conservation charity and is the first non-married partner of a PM to live in Number 10.
They were thrust into the limelight during the summer Conservative Party leadership election when police were called to their old house in south London in the middle of the night.
A newspaper reported neighbours heard a loud altercation involving screaming, shouting and banging.
The Metropolitan Police said the caller "was concerned for the welfare of a female neighbour" but officers attended and confirmed both were "safe and well".
Image: The Tory leader posed for a picture with a baby during the election campaign
Image: The baby will be the couple's first together
Image: David and Samantha Cameron had their baby Florence in August 2010
Mr Johnson met his first wife, Allegra Mostyn-Owen, while they were students at Oxford University and they married in 1987.
The marriage was annulled in 1993 and he wed Ms Wheeler later that year.
In 2004, Mr Johnson was sacked as shadow arts minister by then Conservative Party leader Michael Howard following a reported affair with journalist Petronella Wyatt.
The last child born to a sitting prime minister belonged to David and Samantha Cameron, who welcomed Florence Rose Endellion into their family in August 2010.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-29--Thatcher named outfits after Gorbachev and Wogan

Margaret Thatcher named many of her outfits after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and the late broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan , newly-released documents show .
US president and close ally Ronald Reagan was also a top choice when it came to identifying her clothes .
Britain 's first female prime minister began to keep a diary of what she wore during her second term in Downing Street .
Entries for 1990 say she wore her `` Pink Chanel Gorbachev '' to Coronation Street and her `` Wogan Burgundy '' to the Bank of England .
Sir Terry , who interviewed Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outfits named after him including a `` Wogan Long '' and a `` Wogan Short '' .
Most outfits were named after Mr Gorbachev , followed by Mr Reagan .
Chris Collins of the Margaret Thatcher Archive Trust said : `` It 's interesting that so many were named for their association with Gorbachev .
`` She really was showing off on her Soviet trips - glamour was part of her approach to ending the Cold War .
`` Reagan was second in the naming stakes , while ( US President George HW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helmut ) Kohl and ( French President Francois ) Mitterrand predictably got nothing at all . ''
In one 1990 diary entry , Mrs Thatcher is recorded as wearing her `` Black Dull Suit '' to meet Mr Bush .
When the prime minister formally tendered her resignation to the Queen on 28 November 1990 , her clothing diary states she wore her `` Burgundy New York W Velvet Collar '' .
Mr Collins believed Mrs Thatcher started to keep her clothing diary in 1988 , saying she `` cranks up her whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1987 '' .
In the wake of her historic tour of the Soviet Union , he said : `` She 's suddenly , I think , aware of the power of clothes .
`` She was interested before and very keen on things like British Fashion Week .
`` She begins then to see that this is actual serious politics and she 's got more clothes and she 's monitoring what she 's doing with them .
`` It comes together . ''
He described it as the `` new regime '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , Margaret King , who was also a director of the British fashion house Aquascutum .
`` Possibly Margaret King said to her ... 'You should keep a proper note of what you wore and then we can juggle it around and shift this and that ' , '' he said .
He continued : `` It 's interesting that she chooses to name things after ( Terry Wogan ) but , for example , she chose to name a dress when she met President Mitterand at Waddesdon Park in May in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Only certain men got the accolade of having a dress named after them . ''
Mr Collins said clothes were a `` great joy '' for the prime minister and even after leaving office carefully looked after them .
He said : `` It was a very big room and it was full of clothing lines and all of the clothes had their own zipped-up bags with the names on .
`` There were maybe 200 .
`` Huge numbers of these clothes , vast numbers , and she knew every one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovingly looked after and they were a great joy to her .
I mean , she loved clothes , they were a real pleasure in her day . ''

Margaret Thatcher named many of her outfits after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and the late broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, newly-released documents show.
US president and close ally Ronald Reagan was also a top choice when it came to identifying her clothes.
Britain's first female prime minister began to keep a diary of what she wore during her second term in Downing Street.
Entries for 1990 say she wore her "Pink Chanel Gorbachev" to Coronation Street and her "Wogan Burgundy" to the Bank of England.
Image: Mrs Thatcher wore her 'Pink Chanel Gorbachev' to Coronation Street
Sir Terry, who interviewed Mrs Thatcher in January 1990, had several outfits named after him including a "Wogan Long" and a "Wogan Short".
Most outfits were named after Mr Gorbachev, followed by Mr Reagan.
Chris Collins of the Margaret Thatcher Archive Trust said: "It's interesting that so many were named for their association with Gorbachev.
"She really was showing off on her Soviet trips - glamour was part of her approach to ending the Cold War.
"Reagan was second in the naming stakes, while (US President George HW) Bush, (Chancellor of Germany Helmut) Kohl and (French President Francois) Mitterrand predictably got nothing at all."
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Image: Sir Terry, who interviewed Mrs Thatcher in 1990, had several outfits named after him
In one 1990 diary entry, Mrs Thatcher is recorded as wearing her "Black Dull Suit" to meet Mr Bush.
When the prime minister formally tendered her resignation to the Queen on 28 November 1990, her clothing diary states she wore her "Burgundy New York W Velvet Collar".
Image: Mrs Thatcher wore her 'Burgundy New York W Velvet Collar' to resign
Mr Collins believed Mrs Thatcher started to keep her clothing diary in 1988, saying she "cranks up her whole clothing operation after the visit to Moscow in 1987".
In the wake of her historic tour of the Soviet Union, he said: "She's suddenly, I think, aware of the power of clothes.
"She was interested before and very keen on things like British Fashion Week.
"She begins then to see that this is actual serious politics and she's got more clothes and she's monitoring what she's doing with them.
"It comes together."
Image: US ally Ronald Reagan was second in the naming stakes
He described it as the "new regime" of Mrs Thatcher's "dress adviser", Margaret King, who was also a director of the British fashion house Aquascutum.
"Possibly Margaret King said to her ... 'You should keep a proper note of what you wore and then we can juggle it around and shift this and that'," he said.
He continued: "It's interesting that she chooses to name things after (Terry Wogan) but, for example, she chose to name a dress when she met President Mitterand at Waddesdon Park in May in 1990 but she named it Waddesdon.
"Only certain men got the accolade of having a dress named after them."
Image: Mrs Thatcher chose not to coin a dress after Francois Mitterand
Mr Collins said clothes were a "great joy" for the prime minister and even after leaving office carefully looked after them.
He said: "It was a very big room and it was full of clothing lines and all of the clothes had their own zipped-up bags with the names on.
"There were maybe 200.
"Huge numbers of these clothes, vast numbers, and she knew every one, no question.
"They were lovingly looked after and they were a great joy to her. I mean, she loved clothes, they were a real pleasure in her day."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-01--UK warned it faces 'big choice' as it prepares for US trade talks

Boris Johnson has been warned he faces a `` big choice '' between following EU or US standards - as the government reveals what it wants from talks with Donald Trump .
Ministers will on Monday set out what they want - and do n't want - in a US-UK trade deal , with talks between the two sides expected to begin this month .
Monday will also see the first round of trade talks between the UK and the EU 's negotiating teams in Brussels , following Britain 's exit from the bloc in January and entry into an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Henig , the UK director of the European Centre for International Political Economy , warned the government would face a difficult decision as it conducts parallel trade negotiations with the US and EU .
He told Sky News : `` Both the EU and US would like us to adopt their food safety rules - we ca n't adopt both of them as the EU does n't allow certain US food in .
`` We 're going to have to make a choice there between either those two , or perhaps we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
`` That 's a big choice .
We also have to choose in various regulatory areas whether we go with an EU approach or a US approach .
`` The more we go with one against the other , the more trade barriers are in place . ''
Mr Henig added that a US trade deal - forecast to lead to a 0.1 % gain for the UK economy - would come `` nowhere close '' to making up for potential losses from a weaker EU trading relationship than the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published on Monday says the conclusion of a deal with America will see the UK economy enjoy a £3.4bn boost due to a £15.3bn increase in trade between the two countries .
The prime minister said : `` We have the best negotiators in the business and of course , we 're going to drive a hard bargain to boost British industry .
`` Trading Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats , we will deliver lower prices and more choice for our shoppers .
`` Most importantly , this transatlantic trade deal will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great nations . ''
Critics of a proposed trade deal between the UK and America have cited fears the NHS could be opened up to US health care providers and drug companies , while British farmers could be harmed by imports of cheaper US food produced to lower standards .
However , the government has said its negotiating objectives will set out that any future agreement must protect the NHS and uphold the UK 's standards on food safety and animal welfare .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Manufacturers of ceramics , cars and food and drink will be among the biggest winners from securing tariff-free access to the US market , according to the government .
Architects and lawyers are also expected to benefit , while it is claimed Scotland , the North East and the Midlands will benefit the most from a free-trade agreement .
Trade talks will alternate between the UK and US , with the negotiations being overseen by Crawford Falconer , the Department for International Trade 's chief negotiator .
Following the publication of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will `` shortly '' set out negotiating objectives for agreements with Australia , Japan and New Zealand .
The government aims for 80 % of total UK external trade to be covered by free trade agreements by 2022. Business groups welcomed the opening of trade talks with the US .
But Barry Gardiner MP , shadow secretary of state for international trade , said : `` This is a government that has sought , at every opportunity , to resist efforts to lock in our high standards and to ensure robust protections for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are meaningless - they have said they wo n't undercut our food standards while briefing that chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef are perfectly acceptable .
`` That is why there must be a full and proper scrutiny process for this and all trade agreements . ''
The Brexit transition period , which will end on 31 December this year , maintains the status quo of EU membership for the UK .

The UK is willing to walk away from trade talks with both the US and EU if the government does not agree with what is being offered, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has told Sky News.
Today, ministers are setting out what they want - and don't want - in a US-UK trade deal, with talks between the two sides to begin this month.
A 184-page document published by the Department for International Trade said a trade deal with the US could boost UK GDP in the long run by between 0.7% to 0.16% (£1.6bn to £3.4bn).
Government analysis also states a US-UK agreement will boost trade between the countries by £15.3bn and increase UK workers' wages by £1.8bn.
The document confirmed the NHS will "not be on the table" during trade talks with America, while the government won't be compromising on environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards.
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Monday will also see the first round of trade talks between the UK and the EU's negotiating teams in Brussels, following Britain's exit from the bloc in January and entry into an 11-month Brexit transition period.
The government has been warned it faces a "big choice" between following EU or US rules as it conducts the parallel trade negotiations.
But Ms Truss raised the prospect of the UK abandoning talks with either or both the EU and US should the terms of a trade deal be too stringent.
She told Sky News: "We want a deal with the EU on Canada-style terms, if we have to trade with the EU on Australia-style terms, we will.
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"Likewise with the US we want to get a deal as soon as possible, but we're certainly not going to sell out the NHS to get that deal.
"That's a very clear red line. We're not going to allow drugs to cost more on the NHS and we're not going to sell out our food safety and animal welfare standards.
"We will walk away in both cases if it is not a deal that suits the UK because one of the key reasons people voted to leave the EU was to have control over their own rules and regulations.
"We won't be told what are rules and regulations are by the EU and we won't be told by the US what they are either."
Image: The PM says the UK will trade 'Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats'
Australia does not have an existing free trade deal with the EU and references to an "Australia-style" deal with Brussels have been described within the bloc as "code" for the UK leaving the Brexit transition period without a deal.
Ms Truss revealed trade talks with the US will begin at the end of this month.
"We have already had a lot of preliminary talks with the US, so we know roughly where the areas of agreement are," she added.
Negotiations will alternate between the UK and US, with the talks being overseen by Crawford Falconer, the Department for International Trade's chief negotiator.
Government analysis also being published on Monday says the conclusion of a deal with America will see the UK economy enjoy a £3.4bn boost due to a £15.3bn increase in trade between the two countries.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We have the best negotiators in the business and of course, we're going to drive a hard bargain to boost British industry.
"Trading Scottish smoked salmon for Stetson hats, we will deliver lower prices and more choice for our shoppers.
"Most importantly, this transatlantic trade deal will reflect the unique closeness of our two great nations."
Manufacturers of ceramics, cars and food and drink will be among the biggest winners from securing tariff-free access to the US market, according to the government.
Architects and lawyers are also expected to benefit, while it is claimed Scotland, the North East and the Midlands will benefit the most from a free-trade agreement.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Trade expert David Henig, the UK director of the European Centre for International Political Economy, warned the government would face a difficult decision as it conducts parallel trade negotiations with the US and EU.
He told Sky News: "Both the EU and US would like us to adopt their food safety rules - we can't adopt both of them as the EU doesn't allow certain US food in.
"We're going to have to make a choice there between either those two, or perhaps we'll adopt our own and go with that.
"That's a big choice. We also have to choose in various regulatory areas whether we go with an EU approach or a US approach.
"The more we go with one against the other, the more trade barriers are in place."
Mr Henig added that a US trade deal would come "nowhere close" to making up for potential losses from a weaker EU trading relationship than the UK currently holds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson: 'No race to the bottom' after Brexit
Following the publication of the US trade deal negotiating objectives, ministers will "shortly" set out negotiating objectives for agreements with Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
The government aims for 80% of total UK external trade to be covered by free trade agreements by 2022.
Business groups welcomed the opening of trade talks with the US.
But Barry Gardiner MP, shadow secretary of state for international trade, reiterated Labour's fears a US trade deal could harm the NHS and lead to a weakening of UK food standards.
He said: "This is a government that has sought, at every opportunity, to resist efforts to lock in our high standards and to ensure robust protections for our NHS.
"Their false promises are meaningless - they have said they won't undercut our food standards while briefing that chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef are perfectly acceptable.
"That is why there must be a full and proper scrutiny process for this and all trade agreements."
The Brexit transition period, which will end on 31 December this year, maintains the status quo of EU membership for the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-01--Johnson backs 'fantastic' Patel after bullying claims

Boris Johnson says he `` absolutely '' has confidence in Home Secretary Priti Patel , who has been accused of bullying .
It follows the resignation of the Home Office 's most senior civil servant , Sir Philip Rutnam , who said he had heard claims of Ms Patel `` shouting and swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
As he quit on Saturday , Sir Philip vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal .
The official 's explosive departure from his £175,000 per year role has increased pressure on Ms Patel , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department .
But during a visit to Public Health England , the prime minister described Ms Patel as a `` fantastic '' minister .
`` It is never an easy job , as anyone who has been home secretary will testify , '' he said .
`` It is one of the toughest jobs in government .
`` There is a big , big task ahead of us now .
We are delivering , at last , a new immigration system for this country , a points-based immigration system . ''
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admiration '' for the civil service , and that politicians could not `` accomplish things without the fantastic , absolutely brilliant alpha minds '' in Whitehall .
`` Priti is a very determined person but she 's also very courteous , '' he told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show .
He added : `` I do n't know the details of this case and , clearly , there 's going to be a court case - I 'm not going to go into the details .
`` We all know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , that 's good in a secretary of state .
That 's what you want to see .
`` She 's also very courteous in her dealings and I very much hope we can get on and deliver the government 's agenda - the 20,000 police that she 's recruiting and making sure that we crack down on crime .
`` That 's actually what people really care about . ''
But Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the same programme he `` ca n't see '' how Ms Patel can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Patel be suspended as home secretary while an independent investigation takes place .
`` It 's bizarre , '' he said .
`` I was a civil servant before I became a politician… I worked with all parties and when you get a civil servant going public like this , it 's unprecedented .
`` I ca n't remember a case like this , so there must be something pretty bad that 's gone on . ''
Mr McDonnell claimed Sir Philip 's resignation also reflected badly on Mr Johnson 's grip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Within a couple of months he 's lost his chancellor , and now it looks as though he 's going to lose his home secretary as well .
`` I think that says something about Boris Johnson 's own abilities and management of his own government . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Describing the allegations against Ms Patel as `` pretty grim '' , Mr McDonnell added : `` I do n't mind a shake-up , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't go into abuse .
`` That 's what the allegation is here - swearing and shouting and abusing people and bullying people .
`` You do n't go into that , so there 's something seriously wrong here .
`` One of the ways the prime minister could go forward is to have an independent investigation .
`` But during that period , you 'd have to suspend the home secretary whilst that went on . ''