skynewspolitics--2020-10-11--Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday

Ahead of new lockdown measures being announced tomorrow , it seems that the government is tightening the strings of the public purse to handle the economic impact .
Here are five things we learnt from this week 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
No more money , says Jenrick Coronavirus is still the top of the agenda , but it seems the money taps are beginning to run dry at last .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed that local government will be given a greater role in COVID-19 testing and tracing as `` local councils and local communities are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they know their communities '' .
Jenrick 's description of the plans as seeing the government `` helping '' councils to `` complement the national tracing infrastructure '' may go down a little less well with public health officials who 've called for the move for months .
New restrictions are also expected on Monday as the government prepares to launch what 's been described as a three-tier system - with the highest tier seeing pubs and restaurants close and mixing of households forbidden .
But `` we ca n't do everything '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't be more financial support for businesses closed by local lockdowns beyond that announced this week .
`` We are in a deep recession ; the national debt is rising , '' the housing secretary said .
`` I think most reasonable people would see the Chancellor has put in place an unprecedented package of support . ''
'Nothing to see here' Mr Jenrick also insisted `` there is nothing to see here '' after Labour called for an investigation into the allocation of money from the Towns Fund .
The town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is rated as the 207th most deprived place in the country but was given £25m from the fund for 'left behind ' areas .
Several reports in The Times and Sunday Times have said Mr Jenrick helped secure the funding .
The housing secretary has denied being involved , telling Sophy Ridge : `` let 's be extremely clear , ministers do n't make decisions about their own constituencies , that 's a long-standing position , it was made by other ministers in the department . ''
Labour are calling for a Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to answer questions in the House , something he attacked as `` party political point-scoring '' .
He added that `` this is just a distraction tactic by the Labour Party .
We 've answered all the questions and I 'm happy to answer any more that might arise but there really is nothing to see here . ''
Nicola Sturgeon revealed messages between herself and former first minister Alex Salmond - live on air .
Mr Salmond was acquitted of 13 counts of sexual assault , attempted rape and indecent assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was angry with his former protégée because `` I did n't cover it up , I did n't collude with him to make these allegations go away '' .
An inquiry into the Scottish government 's handling of complaints against Mr Salmond has complained it can not proceed as insufficient evidence has been handed over .
Today 's Scottish Daily Mail reported that Mr Salmond 's team accused the first minister of holding back WhatsApp messages , something Mrs Sturgeon responded to by reading out contacts between the two .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November , '' she said , `` saying 'Hi , when are you free to speak this morning ? '
`` He replied '10am ' and that 's when I asked him what is this Sky thing ? ''
she said , referring to allegations regarding Mr Salmond 's behaviour .
`` I got back to him later that day to say 'Any developments ? '
and the next day I said , 'Are you free for a word ? '
So , I 'm setting up a conversation that I have told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardly a big revelation .
`` Later that week , incidentally , I messaged him to say 'No wonder you did n't want to tell me ' .
That 's just after I found out that he had agreed to host a regular show on Russia Today and it reflects my incredulity at that decision .
`` I think the response to me then makes an oblique reference to the Sky News query so that 's maybe what he 's talking about , it 's not a big revelation . ''
Asked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had suggested the messages had not been passed over , the first minister suggested it benefited Mr Salmond `` for the focus of this debate to be on people to believe that there was a big conspiracy against him as opposed to the focus being on his conduct . ''
The moment was significant not only because of what it told us about the case , but also about the relationship between two of the biggest figures in Scottish politics .
Mrs Sturgeon said `` being confronted with the reality that my predecessor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friend , closer to me than probably anybody outside my family , was facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct '' was one of the most difficult political challenges she 'd ever faced and that she had `` tried to do the right thing '' .
She made clear she was determined not to be further dragged into the row , saying `` this is age-old here , that a man is accused of misconduct against women and often it 's a woman who ends up answering for them '' .
But with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and figures such as SNP chief executive ( and Mrs Sturgeon 's husband ) under fire for messages about the case , it 's not clear she 'll be able to avoid it entirely .
Despite growing discontent and a lot of restive backbenchers , it seems the government will escape defeat on the new coronavirus restrictions next week .
Labour 's Jonathan Reynolds confirmed Labour agreed with the 10pm curfew despite their discontent , saying : `` We back restrictions in hospitality as long as they 've got the economic support that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is increasingly par for the course with Labour 's strategy , it was not unequivocal backing - and Mr Reynolds said the current economic support was `` not enough '' .
Since more funding was promptly ruled out by Mr Jenrick , Labour once again keep their freedom for manoeuvre .
The shadow work and pensions secretary also predicted the rule would be `` rendered obsolete '' by new restrictions tomorrow and attacked the government , saying it had `` lost control of the messaging , they have lost control of Test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus unfortunately and that means we are going to have to have further measures . ''

Ahead of new lockdown measures being announced tomorrow, it seems that the government is tightening the strings of the public purse to handle the economic impact.
Here are five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
No more money, says Jenrick
Coronavirus is still the top of the agenda, but it seems the money taps are beginning to run dry at last.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed that local government will be given a greater role in COVID-19 testing and tracing as "local councils and local communities are very good at contact tracing, understandably because they know their communities".
Jenrick's description of the plans as seeing the government "helping" councils to "complement the national tracing infrastructure" may go down a little less well with public health officials who've called for the move for months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:29 Jenrick: Councils to get more say in track and trace
New restrictions are also expected on Monday as the government prepares to launch what's been described as a three-tier system - with the highest tier seeing pubs and restaurants close and mixing of households forbidden.
But "we can't do everything", Mr Jenrick said, confirming there wouldn't be more financial support for businesses closed by local lockdowns beyond that announced this week.
"We are in a deep recession; the national debt is rising," the housing secretary said. "I think most reasonable people would see the Chancellor has put in place an unprecedented package of support."
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'Nothing to see here'
Mr Jenrick also insisted "there is nothing to see here" after Labour called for an investigation into the allocation of money from the Towns Fund.
The town of Newark in Mr Jenrick's constituency is rated as the 207th most deprived place in the country but was given £25m from the fund for 'left behind' areas.
Several reports in The Times and Sunday Times have said Mr Jenrick helped secure the funding.
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The housing secretary has denied being involved, telling Sophy Ridge: "let's be extremely clear, ministers don't make decisions about their own constituencies, that's a long-standing position, it was made by other ministers in the department."
Labour are calling for a Cabinet Office investigation into Mr Jenrick and for him to answer questions in the House, something he attacked as "party political point-scoring".
He added that "this is just a distraction tactic by the Labour Party. We've answered all the questions and I'm happy to answer any more that might arise but there really is nothing to see here."
Salmond revelations
Nicola Sturgeon revealed messages between herself and former first minister Alex Salmond - live on air.
Mr Salmond was acquitted of 13 counts of sexual assault, attempted rape and indecent assault in March, but Ms Sturgeon suggested he was angry with his former protégée because "I didn't cover it up, I didn't collude with him to make these allegations go away".
An inquiry into the Scottish government's handling of complaints against Mr Salmond has complained it cannot proceed as insufficient evidence has been handed over.
Today's Scottish Daily Mail reported that Mr Salmond's team accused the first minister of holding back WhatsApp messages, something Mrs Sturgeon responded to by reading out contacts between the two.
"I sent him a message on the 5th November," she said, "saying 'Hi, when are you free to speak this morning?'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Sturgeon reads out messages to Salmond
"He replied '10am' and that's when I asked him what is this Sky thing?" she said, referring to allegations regarding Mr Salmond's behaviour.
"I got back to him later that day to say 'Any developments?' and the next day I said, 'Are you free for a word?' So, I'm setting up a conversation that I have told the Parliamentary inquiry about. It's hardly a big revelation.
"Later that week, incidentally, I messaged him to say 'No wonder you didn't want to tell me'. That's just after I found out that he had agreed to host a regular show on Russia Today and it reflects my incredulity at that decision.
"I think the response to me then makes an oblique reference to the Sky News query so that's maybe what he's talking about, it's not a big revelation."
Asked by Sophy Ridge why Mr Salmond's team had suggested the messages had not been passed over, the first minister suggested it benefited Mr Salmond "for the focus of this debate to be on people to believe that there was a big conspiracy against him as opposed to the focus being on his conduct."
Salmond and Sturgeon
Image: Alex Salmond was acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this year
The moment was significant not only because of what it told us about the case, but also about the relationship between two of the biggest figures in Scottish politics.
Mrs Sturgeon said "being confronted with the reality that my predecessor, my mentor, somebody I considered a friend, closer to me than probably anybody outside my family, was facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct" was one of the most difficult political challenges she'd ever faced and that she had "tried to do the right thing".
She made clear she was determined not to be further dragged into the row, saying "this is age-old here, that a man is accused of misconduct against women and often it's a woman who ends up answering for them".
But with MSPs protesting what they say is obstruction and figures such as SNP chief executive (and Mrs Sturgeon's husband) under fire for messages about the case, it's not clear she'll be able to avoid it entirely.
Labour back 10pm curfew
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Despite growing discontent and a lot of restive backbenchers, it seems the government will escape defeat on the new coronavirus restrictions next week.
Labour's Jonathan Reynolds confirmed Labour agreed with the 10pm curfew despite their discontent, saying: "We back restrictions in hospitality as long as they've got the economic support that should go with that."
As is increasingly par for the course with Labour's strategy, it was not unequivocal backing - and Mr Reynolds said the current economic support was "not enough".
Since more funding was promptly ruled out by Mr Jenrick, Labour once again keep their freedom for manoeuvre.
The shadow work and pensions secretary also predicted the rule would be "rendered obsolete" by new restrictions tomorrow and attacked the government, saying it had "lost control of the messaging, they have lost control of Test and Trace, they have lost control of the virus unfortunately and that means we are going to have to have further measures."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--COVID under control by Christmas? Minister sets out target for three-tier lockdown system

The aim of the government 's new three-tier coronavirus lockdown system is to get the virus under control by the new year - and hopefully before Christmas - a minister has told Sky News .
Speaking to Kay Burley , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` The purpose of doing this is to ensure that we get the virus under control so that by the time we get through to after Christmas we are in that position where it 's under control .
`` Indeed I hope it will be sooner than that . ''
Live updates on coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the government had to act to control `` rapidly rising cases '' of COVID-19 in parts of the country .
`` The point of moving to this tiered system is so that in those most highly affected areas , we 've got measures in place to control the virus , '' he said .
`` If those measures are successful , we hope to be able to take areas out of those higher levels of restrictions . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out details of England 's new system in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this afternoon , having chaired a meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee .
He will then address the nation at a Downing Street news conference this evening , alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford attended the COBRA meeting and `` expressed deep disappointment at the inadequate proposals for travel restrictions in high infection areas in England , and said these would be met with great dismay in many parts of Wales where infection rates are lower '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Holyrood will `` develop our own tiering framework and take that to parliament '' , but she wants to `` align as closely as possible with the other UK nations '' .
Areas in England will be labelled as `` medium '' , `` high '' or `` very high '' risk under the new system .
In the worst affected areas , pubs , gyms and casinos are expected to be required to shut and all but essential travel banned , but restaurants and pubs offering `` substantive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior government source has said there will be a `` degree of discretion '' for local leaders within the tiers , with talks continuing to decide which parts of the country will face which restrictions .
The chancellor has announced that workers at businesses forced to shut due to stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government , but many local leaders have called for more support .
Merseyside is expected to be among the areas put under Tier 3 restrictions , but there has yet to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the area .
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson told Sky News that the government had decided on closures without consulting local leaders .
`` This nonsense about we 've talked with local government leaders and they 've agreed with us a process , is just blatantly a lie , '' he told Kay Burley .
`` They 've made their mind up , they 've told us what they 're going to do . ''
Mr Anderson added later on Twitter that leaders in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close .
His criticism was echoed by St Helens Council leader David Baines , who said the level of restrictions and the detail of businesses which would be forced to close were `` not up for negotiation '' with ministers .
Members of Britain 's hospitality sector have started legal proceedings to challenge the `` catastrophic '' restrictions .
Sacha Lord , the night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester , said local leaders had not been presented with `` any tangible scientific evidence to merit a full closure '' of hospitality in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have `` robust evidence for doing this '' , adding : `` The evidence shows that there is a higher risk of transmissions in hospitality settings .
There is academic evidence from the United States . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's Lucy Powell , MP for Manchester Central , disputed this , saying : `` Government and scientists still have n't produced this evidence .
`` The big problem for them is local leaders have all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their areas ) and they know hospitality settings make up a very small proportion of infection transmission . ''
Labour 's shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon told Sky News that communication on the new restrictions has been `` awful '' and the `` unfairness '' of the measures has been `` acutely felt '' .
He called for more local control over coronavirus testing and restrictions , arguing this would put the country in a `` better position to control the virus '' .

The aim of the government's new three-tier coronavirus lockdown system is to get the virus under control by the new year - and hopefully before Christmas - a minister has told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "The purpose of doing this is to ensure that we get the virus under control so that by the time we get through to after Christmas we are in that position where it's under control.
"Indeed I hope it will be sooner than that."
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Public 'tired' of lockdown measures
Mr Dowden said the government had to act to control "rapidly rising cases" of COVID-19 in parts of the country.
"The point of moving to this tiered system is so that in those most highly affected areas, we've got measures in place to control the virus," he said.
"If those measures are successful, we hope to be able to take areas out of those higher levels of restrictions."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out details of England's new system in a statement to MPs at around 3.30pm this afternoon, having chaired a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee.
He will then address the nation at a Downing Street news conference this evening, alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer.
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Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford attended the COBRA meeting and "expressed deep disappointment at the inadequate proposals for travel restrictions in high infection areas in England, and said these would be met with great dismay in many parts of Wales where infection rates are lower", according to a spokesperson.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Holyrood will "develop our own tiering framework and take that to parliament", but she wants to "align as closely as possible with the other UK nations".
Areas in England will be labelled as "medium", "high" or "very high" risk under the new system.
In the worst affected areas, pubs, gyms and casinos are expected to be required to shut and all but essential travel banned, but restaurants and pubs offering "substantive meals" would stay open.
A senior government source has said there will be a "degree of discretion" for local leaders within the tiers, with talks continuing to decide which parts of the country will face which restrictions.
Oldham West MP Jim McMahon has said that Greater Manchester will be placed in Tier 2, which he said will mean restrictions on different households meeting indoors but not outdoors.
Pubs in the area serving food will be able to remain open, the Labour MP added.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told Sky News that new restrictions should be followed by an "economic support package" to help the areas affected.
"If that isn't there, the areas under restrictions will be levelled down," he said.
Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill, who represents Birmingham Edgbaston, said Birmingham would also be placed in Tier 2.
Merseyside is expected to be among the areas put under Tier 3 restrictions, but there has yet to be an agreement on a financial support package for the area.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson told Sky News that the government had decided on closures without consulting local leaders.
"This nonsense about we've talked with local government leaders and they've agreed with us a process, is just blatantly a lie," he told Kay Burley.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Burnham: Government measures will 'widen North-South divide'
"They've made their mind up, they've told us what they're going to do."
Mr Anderson added later on Twitter that leaders in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority had been told that restaurants will not have to close.
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy said the communication from the government has been an "absolute shambles", writing on Twitter: "Apparently there was a government briefing for GM MPs but I can't provide details because I wasn't invited. I suspect this is because they don't know where Wigan is."
A number of MPs who took part in the briefing complained that they only knew it was happening 20 minutes beforehand.
St Helens Council leader David Baines said the level of restrictions and the detail of businesses which would be forced to close were "not up for negotiation" with ministers.
The chancellor has announced that workers at businesses forced to shut due to stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government, but many local leaders have called for more support.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Members of Britain's hospitality sector have started legal proceedings to challenge the "catastrophic" restrictions.
Sacha Lord, the night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, said local leaders had not been presented with "any tangible scientific evidence to merit a full closure" of hospitality in the area.
The culture secretary said ministers have "robust evidence for doing this", adding: "The evidence shows that there is a higher risk of transmissions in hospitality settings. There is academic evidence from the United States."
Labour's Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, disputed this, saying: "Government and scientists still haven't produced this evidence.
"The big problem for them is local leaders have all the same data (in fact better data for their areas) and they know hospitality settings make up a very small proportion of infection transmission."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--The North feels left out of the loop as England gets carved up by Westminster

Coronavirus : The North feels left out of the loop as England gets carved up by Westminster Coronavirus : The North feels left out of the loop as England gets carved up by Westminster At points , journalists in Westminster seemed to have more information than regional leaders The new tiered local lockdown system the prime minister will announce today is aimed at trying to slow the spread of coronavirus while also keeping as many parts of the economy open where it can .
But trying to carve England into different zones , driven by charts tracking case numbers per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Westminster , is stoking huge tensions between central government and regional leaders .
Regional mayors have very vocally complained over recent days that they have been cut out of the decision-making process determining how millions of people - the Liverpudlians , Mancunians , Lancastrians - will have to live in the coming weeks .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world Wigan MP Lisa Nandy said over the weekend that people in the North feel like the government is `` actively working against us '' .
`` I have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the 1980s , '' the shadow foreign secretary said .
Certainly last week , information was flowing from central government to local public health officials without political engagement , leaving some regional mayors having to scramble around for details .
At points , journalists in Westminster seemed to have more information than regional leaders , which stoked obvious tension and vocal criticism from metro mayors such as Manchester 's Andy Burnham , Liverpool 's Steve Rotherham and Sheffield 's Dan Jarvis .
In central government there is frustration , too .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel some mayors are using this crisis for partisan advantage - or letting information get out prematurely .
`` Andy Burnham is seen as spending time complaining , '' said one senior government figure .
`` Steve Rotherham is seen as recognising the problem and trying fixing it .
Andy Street [ West Midlands Mayor ] is using his airtime to press public health . ''
The government has over the weekend sought to consult with local leaders .
The prime minister called Mr Rotherham and other mayors have been in dialogue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aide .
Liverpool City Region is , according to a cabinet source , `` very concerning '' and is expected to be put into the strictest tier today as local leaders work out the details of a financial support package with the government .
As of Sunday night , regional teams were still putting in proposals to No 10 with meetings scheduled this morning as the government tries to carve up the country into different tiers .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` still TBC '' as to whether the prime minister 's statement to the House of Commons will include details on which areas are in which tier .
But within government the expectations are that most areas will be in tier one with national measures - the rule of six and social distancing - and places such as Manchester and Lancashire put into tier two .
For millions of people living in the north of England , their lives are about to change again as we enter the next phase of COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm going to be in the north of England , travelling between cities and talking to local leaders , officials and members of the public .
I want to bring you the perspective not from Westminster , but rather from the people who are living the decisions made in SW1 .
Follow our journey on Sky News all week .

Regional mayors have complained of being cut out of the process determining how millions will have to live in the coming weeks.
Coronavirus: The North feels left out of the loop as England gets carved up by Westminster
At points, journalists in Westminster seemed to have more information than regional leaders
The new tiered local lockdown system the prime minister will announce today is aimed at trying to slow the spread of coronavirus while also keeping as many parts of the economy open where it can.
But trying to carve England into different zones, driven by charts tracking case numbers per population and hospital capacity from behind desks in Westminster, is stoking huge tensions between central government and regional leaders.
Regional mayors have very vocally complained over recent days that they have been cut out of the decision-making process determining how millions of people - the Liverpudlians, Mancunians, Lancastrians - will have to live in the coming weeks.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Local lockdowns could be lifted by Christmas
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy said over the weekend that people in the North feel like the government is "actively working against us".
"I haven't felt anger like this towards the government since the 1980s," the shadow foreign secretary said.
Certainly last week, information was flowing from central government to local public health officials without political engagement, leaving some regional mayors having to scramble around for details.
At points, journalists in Westminster seemed to have more information than regional leaders, which stoked obvious tension and vocal criticism from metro mayors such as Manchester's Andy Burnham, Liverpool's Steve Rotherham and Sheffield's Dan Jarvis.
In central government there is frustration, too. There is private frustration from some ministers who feel some mayors are using this crisis for partisan advantage - or letting information get out prematurely.
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"Andy Burnham is seen as spending time complaining," said one senior government figure.
"Steve Rotherham is seen as recognising the problem and trying fixing it. Andy Street [West Midlands Mayor] is using his airtime to press public health."
The government has over the weekend sought to consult with local leaders.
The prime minister called Mr Rotherham and other mayors have been in dialogue with Eddie Lister, Mr Johnson's senior aide.
Liverpool City Region is, according to a cabinet source, "very concerning" and is expected to be put into the strictest tier today as local leaders work out the details of a financial support package with the government.
As of Sunday night, regional teams were still putting in proposals to No 10 with meetings scheduled this morning as the government tries to carve up the country into different tiers.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As of last night it was "still TBC" as to whether the prime minister's statement to the House of Commons will include details on which areas are in which tier.
But within government the expectations are that most areas will be in tier one with national measures - the rule of six and social distancing - and places such as Manchester and Lancashire put into tier two.
For millions of people living in the north of England, their lives are about to change again as we enter the next phase of COVID restrictions.
That's why this week I'm going to be in the north of England, travelling between cities and talking to local leaders, officials and members of the public.
I want to bring you the perspective not from Westminster, but rather from the people who are living the decisions made in SW1. Follow our journey on Sky News all week.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--Delay for 'most' GCSE and A-level exams in England next summer

GCSE and A-level exams in England will go ahead next summer , but `` most '' of them will be delayed by three weeks , the education secretary has announced .
Gavin Williamson said the move would `` give students more time to prepare and a chance to catch up on education lost due to COVID-19 '' .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world '' We know that exams are the fairest way of measuring a student 's abilities and accomplishments , including the most disadvantaged , '' he said .
`` We want to give our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate what they know and can do . ''
The main set of exams will start on 7 June and run until 2 July , apart from the English and Maths GCSEs , which will be held before the May half-term .
Some AS-levels and A-levels with small numbers of students will also take place before half-term .
Results days for A-levels and GCSEs will fall on 24 and 27 August respectively .
On the prospect of exams being disrupted by coronavirus , Mr Williamson said schools and colleges `` have shown exams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local restriction '' during the current set of autumn exams .
`` Exams next year will be supported by contingencies for all scenarios , '' he added .
`` Today I have written to Ofqual to ask the regulator to support government in developing these arrangements , engaging closely with the school and further education leaders , teachers , exam boards , unions and the higher education sector .
`` The results of this planning and ongoing discussions with the sector will be published later in the autumn . ''
Reacting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NAHT said it was `` just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the planning that now needs to be done '' .
General secretary Paul Whiteman said : `` This step does not address the disparity between different student 's different levels of disruption to learning ; much more needs to be done to ensure that the qualification system takes account of this so that students can have confidence that the grades they are awarded in 2021 are fair . ''
The education secretary came under pressure to resign this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the pandemic .
It was eventually scrapped in favour of teacher-assessed grades , after nearly 40 % of A-Level marks were downgraded .
Mr Williamson said he was `` incredibly sorry for the distress '' the row caused to students and that when `` it became clear there were anomalies '' , the government changed course .
The head of Ofqual told MPs that it was a `` fundamental mistake '' to believe the algorithm would `` ever be acceptable to the public '' .
Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the body advised the government against cancelling this summer 's exams because of coronavirus .

GCSE and A-level exams in England will go ahead next summer, but "most" of them will be delayed by three weeks, the education secretary has announced.
Gavin Williamson said the move would "give students more time to prepare and a chance to catch up on education lost due to COVID-19".
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 September: Students want clarity on 2021 exams
"We know that exams are the fairest way of measuring a student's abilities and accomplishments, including the most disadvantaged," he said.
"We want to give our young people the opportunity next summer to demonstrate what they know and can do."
The main set of exams will start on 7 June and run until 2 July, apart from the English and Maths GCSEs, which will be held before the May half-term.
Some AS-levels and A-levels with small numbers of students will also take place before half-term.
Results days for A-levels and GCSEs will fall on 24 and 27 August respectively.
On the prospect of exams being disrupted by coronavirus, Mr Williamson said schools and colleges "have shown exams can be held, even in areas of local restriction" during the current set of autumn exams.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Williamson 'deeply sorry' over exam results chaos
"Exams next year will be supported by contingencies for all scenarios," he added.
"Today I have written to Ofqual to ask the regulator to support government in developing these arrangements, engaging closely with the school and further education leaders, teachers, exam boards, unions and the higher education sector.
"The results of this planning and ongoing discussions with the sector will be published later in the autumn."
Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green said the government "could have done this weeks ago to give schools more time to prepare.
"A delay is necessary but not enough to make exams fair for all," she said.
"The government must ensure that every pupil gets the support they need to catch up, and that they look at other possibilities to make exams fairer."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Exam algorithm was 'fundamental mistake'
School leaders' union NAHT said delaying the start of the exams was "just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the planning that now needs to be done".
General secretary Paul Whiteman said: "This step does not address the disparity between different student's different levels of disruption to learning; much more needs to be done to ensure that the qualification system takes account of this so that students can have confidence that the grades they are awarded in 2021 are fair."
The NASUWT union said the delay "will not provide meaningful additional time for students whose preparation for examinations has already been disrupted over a number of months".
It added in a statement: "Moving the timetable is unlikely to create much additional teaching time per subject, will place significant pressure on the awarding system and the additional time pressures in turning around exam papers risks a reduction in the number of people willing to work as exam markers."
The education secretary came under pressure to resign this summer over a controversial algorithm used to grade pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the pandemic.
It was eventually scrapped in favour of teacher-assessed grades, after nearly 40% of A-Level marks were downgraded.
Mr Williamson said he was "incredibly sorry for the distress" the row caused to students and that when "it became clear there were anomalies", the government changed course.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--Nightingale hospitals placed on standby as senior medic warns more virus deaths 'baked in'

More coronavirus deaths are already `` baked in '' , the public has been warned , as three NHS Nightingale hospitals were put on standby to reopen .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , England 's deputy chief medical officer , revealed there has been a `` marked pickup '' of COVID-19 cases since early September .
He said given more people have caught the disease , that will inevitably lead to `` baked in additional deaths '' .
More patients are also now in hospital - the latest figure was 3,451 - than on the day the first national lockdown was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 3,097 .
Presenting a new `` heat map '' , Prof Van-Tam said cases in northwest England have been rising first among those aged 16-29 , but are now beginning to `` creep '' over to more vulnerable age groups .
That pattern is `` likely to be followed '' in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber , he cautioned at a Downing Street news briefing on Monday .
Meanwhile , NHS Nightingale hospitals - set up during the first peak to stop the health service being overwhelmed - are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in Manchester , Sunderland and Harrogate .
This is because around 40 % of all cases are concentrated in the North West , according to Prof Jane Eddleston , who also spoke at the news conference .
Northern England has particularly high case numbers because there they `` never dropped as far as they did in the South '' , added Prof Van-Tam .
But he said it was a `` concern '' that bigger increases in the weekly case rate had spread south `` in a matter of a few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every area is seeing cases rise .
`` The COVID situation is building nationally , particularly in the North West and the North East , '' Prof Van-Tam said .
`` There is a massive collective responsibility on every citizen now to play their part in defeating this virus and getting it back under control . ''
It comes ahead of Boris Johnson preparing to carve England into three tiers depending on how prevalent the coronavirus is in a given area , with some set for further restrictions .
At the top level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced closure of pubs and bars .
The prime minister will lay out his plans in a statement to parliament at 3,30pm , and then hold a news conference at around 7pm .
Over the weekend , the total number of coronavirus cases recorded in the UK passed 600,000 - rising by 12,872 to 603,716 .
65 more people also died within four weeks of catching the virus , taking the total to 42,825 since the pandemic began .

More coronavirus deaths are already "baked in", the public has been warned, as three NHS Nightingale hospitals were put on standby to reopen.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, revealed there has been a "marked pickup" of COVID-19 cases since early September.
He said given more people have caught the disease, that will inevitably lead to "baked in additional deaths".
Image: More people are in hospital now than on the day the first lockdown began
More patients are also now in hospital - the latest figure was 3,451 - than on the day the first national lockdown was imposed on 23 March, when it was 3,097.
Presenting a new "heat map", Prof Van-Tam said cases in northwest England have been rising first among those aged 16-29, but are now beginning to "creep" over to more vulnerable age groups.
Image: Prof Van-Tam showed a heat map of coronavirus cases by age
That pattern is "likely to be followed" in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber, he cautioned at a Downing Street news briefing on Monday.
Meanwhile, NHS Nightingale hospitals - set up during the first peak to stop the health service being overwhelmed - are being told to prepare to start accepting patients in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Nightingale hospitals put on standby
This is because around 40% of all cases are concentrated in the North West, according to Prof Jane Eddleston, who also spoke at the news conference.
Northern England has particularly high case numbers because there they "never dropped as far as they did in the South", added Prof Van-Tam.
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But he said it was a "concern" that bigger increases in the weekly case rate had spread south "in a matter of a few days" and that "pretty much" every area is seeing cases rise.
Image: Case rate increases are also growing in the south
"The COVID situation is building nationally, particularly in the North West and the North East," Prof Van-Tam said.
"There is a massive collective responsibility on every citizen now to play their part in defeating this virus and getting it back under control."
It comes ahead of Boris Johnson preparing to carve England into three tiers depending on how prevalent the coronavirus is in a given area, with some set for further restrictions.
At the top level, these are expected to include the forced closure of pubs and bars.
The prime minister will lay out his plans in a statement to parliament at 3,30pm, and then hold a news conference at around 7pm.
Image: MPs in Manchester say hospitality firms won't be forced to shut
Several Manchester MPs said they have already received a briefing from the health secretary telling them the city is going into tier two - meaning indoor household mixing will be banned but the Rule of Six still applies outside and hospitality firms will not be forced to shut.
Downing Street is trying to negotiate with local leaders after fury that details of the postcode lockdown were being slipped out through leaks and briefing to newspapers.
Image: More than 600,000 people have now tested positive since the pandemic began
Over the weekend, the total number of coronavirus cases recorded in the UK passed 600,000 - rising by 12,872 to 603,716.
65 more people also died within four weeks of catching the virus, taking the total to 42,825 since the pandemic began.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--PM aims to show open borders with new investment office

Boris Johnson will this week seek to portray Britain as a welcoming destination for foreign investors by unveiling plans for a Downing Street operation aimed at securing backing for multibillion-pound infrastructure projects .
Sky News has learnt that officials at Number 10 are coordinating the launch of a unit called the Office for Investment , which insiders say will be tasked with identifying and coordinating major initiatives including the delivery of new gigafactories .
It is understood to have been orchestrated by Lord Grimstone , the minister for investment , who was recruited into government by the prime minister earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former chairman of the asset manager Standard Life Aberdeen , was the architect of Margaret Thatcher 's privatisation spree during the 1980s .
Dominic Cummings and Sir Edward Lister , Mr Johnson 's two closest advisers , are also understood to have been closely involved in the plan .
By basing the new investment office in Downing Street , the PM hopes to send a signal to foreign investors that their interest in ploughing money into the British economy will be `` closely chaperoned '' , according to one insider .
A new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Lord Grimstone , who will chair the Office for Investment , they added .
Its creation is expected to be announced alongside the publication of the National Security and Investment Bill , which will hand the government new powers to scrutinise overseas acquisitions of British companies and assets .
Some members of Mr Johnson 's administration have expressed concern that the bill may act as a deterrent to foreign investors , just as the UK-EU transition period reaches its conclusion .
One official said the new investment office would provide `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
A No 10 spokesperson said : `` This government recognises that foreign investment will play a key role in our economic recovery from COVID-19 and is a major part of our plan to boost productivity by backing businesses to create good jobs and develop skills .
`` The UK is already one of the most attractive countries for overseas investors and we 'll work hard to ensure that remains the case . ''

Boris Johnson will this week seek to portray Britain as a welcoming destination for foreign investors by unveiling plans for a Downing Street operation aimed at securing backing for multibillion-pound infrastructure projects.
Sky News has learnt that officials at Number 10 are coordinating the launch of a unit called the Office for Investment, which insiders say will be tasked with identifying and coordinating major initiatives including the delivery of new gigafactories.
It is understood to have been orchestrated by Lord Grimstone, the minister for investment, who was recruited into government by the prime minister earlier this year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 PM slammed for lack of green investment
Lord Grimstone, a former chairman of the asset manager Standard Life Aberdeen, was the architect of Margaret Thatcher's privatisation spree during the 1980s.
Dominic Cummings and Sir Edward Lister, Mr Johnson's two closest advisers, are also understood to have been closely involved in the plan.
By basing the new investment office in Downing Street, the PM hopes to send a signal to foreign investors that their interest in ploughing money into the British economy will be "closely chaperoned", according to one insider.
A new team is to be recruited to work alongside Lord Grimstone, who will chair the Office for Investment, they added.
Its creation is expected to be announced alongside the publication of the National Security and Investment Bill, which will hand the government new powers to scrutinise overseas acquisitions of British companies and assets.
Image: Lord Grimstone will chair the Office for Investment
Some members of Mr Johnson's administration have expressed concern that the bill may act as a deterrent to foreign investors, just as the UK-EU transition period reaches its conclusion.
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One official said the new investment office would provide "a clear demonstration of the UK's openness".
A No 10 spokesperson said: "This government recognises that foreign investment will play a key role in our economic recovery from COVID-19 and is a major part of our plan to boost productivity by backing businesses to create good jobs and develop skills.
"The UK is already one of the most attractive countries for overseas investors and we'll work hard to ensure that remains the case."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--Scientists recommended 'circuit breaker' lockdown to ministers three weeks ago

A `` circuit breaker '' lockdown was recommended to the government by scientists three weeks ago , newly published documents have revealed .
Minutes from a 21 September meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , published on the government website on Monday night , showed that a short period of lockdown was at the top of a list of measures to be considered for `` immediate introduction '' .
SAGE , which has provided scientific and technical advice to ministers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic , warned that `` not acting now '' would result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences '' amid a rising number of coronavirus cases .
The group warned that `` a package of interventions will need to be adopted to prevent this exponential rise in cases '' and `` single interventions are unlikely to be able to reduce incidence '' .
At the top of a shortlist of `` non-pharmaceutical interventions that should be considered for immediate introduction '' was a `` circuit-breaker '' .
The SAGE minutes described this as a `` short period of lockdown to return incidence to low levels '' .
Other measures SAGE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home for all those that can , banning people mixing with other households , the closure of all bars , restaurants , cafes , indoor gyms and hairdressers , and for all university and college teaching to be online unless essential .
The minutes also stated that the NHS Test and Trace system was `` having a marginal impact on transmission at the moment '' .
`` Unless the system grows at the same rate as the epidemic , and support is given to people to enable them to adhere to self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Test , Trace and Isolate will further decline in the future , '' the document added .
• A circuit-breaker ( short period of lockdown ) to return incidence to low levels • Closure of personal services such as hair and beauty salons • Higher education classes to be online only • No mixing of households indoors and outdoors , including in private gardens The SAGE meeting on 21 September came after Health Secretary Matt Hancock had described a `` circuit-breaker '' lockdown as the `` last line of defence '' against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a 10pm curfew for pubs , bars and restaurants in England , while he also told people to work from home again if they can .
On Monday , Mr Johnson confirmed he was `` simplifying '' local lockdown restrictions with a new three-tier system .
However , he stressed he did not believe another national lockdown would be the `` right course '' .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth accused the government of having ignored experts and criticised the publication of the SAGE minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Downing Street news conference .
`` The revelations in this paper are alarming , '' he said .
`` The fact that the prime minister chose to publish it an hour after his press conference is yet more evidence that he is treating the British people with contempt .
`` Labour warned earlier that the restrictions announced by the prime minister may not be sufficient .
`` The government now needs to urgently explain why it ignored its own scientists and what it will be doing to get control of the virus @ @

A "circuit breaker" lockdown was recommended to the government by scientists three weeks ago, newly published documents have revealed.
Minutes from a 21 September meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), published on the government website on Monday night, showed that a short period of lockdown was at the top of a list of measures to be considered for "immediate introduction".
SAGE, which has provided scientific and technical advice to ministers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, warned that "not acting now" would result in a "very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences" amid a rising number of coronavirus cases.
The group warned that "a package of interventions will need to be adopted to prevent this exponential rise in cases" and "single interventions are unlikely to be able to reduce incidence".
At the top of a shortlist of "non-pharmaceutical interventions that should be considered for immediate introduction" was a "circuit-breaker".
The SAGE minutes described this as a "short period of lockdown to return incidence to low levels".
Other measures SAGE recommended for consideration included advice to work from home for all those that can, banning people mixing with other households, the closure of all bars, restaurants, cafes, indoor gyms and hairdressers, and for all university and college teaching to be online unless essential.
The minutes also stated that the NHS Test and Trace system was "having a marginal impact on transmission at the moment".
"Unless the system grows at the same rate as the epidemic, and support is given to people to enable them to adhere to self-isolation, it is likely that the impact of Test, Trace and Isolate will further decline in the future," the document added.
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SAGE recommendations NOT included in three-tier system
A circuit-breaker (short period of lockdown) to return incidence to low levels
Closure of restaurants
Closure of personal services such as hair and beauty salons
Higher education classes to be online only
SAGE recommendations implemented in some areas
No mixing of households indoors and outdoors, including in private gardens
Pubs and bars to close
Gyms and indoor exercise activities to close
The SAGE meeting on 21 September came after Health Secretary Matt Hancock had described a "circuit-breaker" lockdown as the "last line of defence" against rising COVID-19 infections.
On 22 September, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants in England, while he also told people to work from home again if they can.
On Monday, Mr Johnson confirmed he was "simplifying" local lockdown restrictions with a new three-tier system.
However, he stressed he did not believe another national lockdown would be the "right course".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Figures 'flashing like alerts on a jet'
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth accused the government of having ignored experts and criticised the publication of the SAGE minutes after Mr Johnson had faced questions at a Downing Street news conference.
"The revelations in this paper are alarming," he said.
"The fact that the prime minister chose to publish it an hour after his press conference is yet more evidence that he is treating the British people with contempt.
"Labour warned earlier that the restrictions announced by the prime minister may not be sufficient.
"The government now needs to urgently explain why it ignored its own scientists and what it will be doing to get control of the virus."
Analysis: Documents expose gaping gaps in relationship between government and scientists
By Rowland Manthorpe, technology correspondent
Once again, the government is being criticised for not "following the science".
This was always an unrealistic expectation - albeit one the government set for itself - so it is hardly surprising it has not been met.
Nevertheless, the SAGE minutes expose gaping gaps in the relationship between the government and its expert advisors.
SAGE urged ministers to act quickly with tough measures across the entire country. The next day, the prime minister did follow one piece of its advice, calling on people to work from home.
Aside from that, the only national measure introduced in the three weeks after 21 September was a 10pm curfew for hospitality, a measure the SAGE minutes describe as "likely to have a marginal impact."
Does this mean the economic argument won out over the case for public health? Perhaps. But the divide between these goals is often overstated; after all, if the outbreak dies down, then pubs can reopen.
To understand what really happened, we need to know more about how advice is presented.
Why isn't SAGE asked to look at other factors, such as the impact of restrictions on healthcare?
Why weren't the problems it observed with Test and Trace raised earlier?
What role does the Joint Biosecurity Committee play in the government's decision-making?
Right now, it seems as if the government and its scientific advisors are working to different plans.
Whether or not you agree with SAGE's conclusions, that can't be to anyone's benefit.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--Liverpool to get strictest lockdown rules as PM divides England into three COVID alert levels

A new three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions is being introduced in England , Boris Johnson has announced , with Liverpool put in the highest tier .
The Local COVID Alert Levels - `` medium '' , `` high '' and `` very high '' - will be implemented in different areas depending on local infection rates .
The move , planned to come into force on Wednesday , is aimed at simplifying the range of different COVID-19 restrictions that were already in place across various parts of England .
Live updates on coronavirus from US , UK and around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in the UK announced on Monday , with 50 more deaths recorded of people who tested positive within the previous 28 days .
The prime minister warned the `` stark reality '' of a second wave of coronavirus infections had seen the number of cases quadruple in the last three weeks , with more people now in hospital with the disease than had been before the UK entered its national lockdown in March .
However , Mr Johnson told MPs he did not believe it would be the `` right course '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
He also dismissed suggestions that the public 's patience for restrictions had now been `` exhausted '' and the government should `` let the virus rip '' across the country .
And he argued that shielding the vulnerable and elderly while allowing the virus to take hold among younger people was `` no answer '' .
`` Because the virus would then spread with such velocity in the general population that there would be no way of stopping it from spreading among the elderly , '' the prime minister added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppressing the R rate of infection `` well below its natural level '' , but added : `` We need to go further . ''
Explaining the new system , Mr Johnson said the medium level will cover a significant part of England and includes the current national restrictions such as the `` rule of six '' and the 10pm curfew for pubs , bars and restaurants .
The high level will see people prevented from socialising with other households indoors , although support bubbles will still be permitted .
In these areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apply outdoors in public spaces , as well as private gardens .
Most of those areas already living under local restrictions - such as Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire and the North East - will move into this category .
The prime minister said that , following rising infection rates , Nottinghamshire , East and West Cheshire , and a small area of High Peak will move into the high level .
The very high alert level will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed unless they can operate as restaurants .
Alcohol could be served in pubs operating as restaurants in these areas , but only as part of a meal .
Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas , while it will be up local politicians as to whether other leisure venues such as gyms and casinos should also close .
However , non-essential shops , schools and universities will remain open .
These restrictions will have to be renewed every four weeks and will be kept under `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Mr Johnson told MPs that the Liverpool City Region will be placed in the very high level and , following talks with local leaders , that indoor gyms , fitness and dance studios , sports facilities , leisure centres , betting shops , adult gaming centres and casinos will close alongside pubs and bars in the region .
Wedding receptions will not be permitted and people are being urged to avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK .
A total of 280 patients are now in Liverpool hospitals with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means 17 % of their patients have coronavirus .
If this reaches 20 % , which it is on course to in the next few days , it means the trust here will have to reduce day-to-day procedures and tasks .
The government will give the region £14m to enhance enforcement and the NHS Test and Trace scheme .
In very high areas , the NHS `` could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions '' , the prime minister warned .
He highlighted how Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shut due to local restrictions .
The prime minister also said the government would provide local authorities across England with around £1bn of new financial support .
In very high areas , Mr Johnson pledged more support for local test and trace schemes , more funding for local enforcement of restrictions , and the offer of help from the Armed Forces .
The prime minister told MPs that the months ahead will `` test the mettle '' of the country , but he said he had `` no doubt at all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK was `` becoming better and better at fighting this virus '' .
MPs will be given a vote to approve the new three-tier system on Tuesday .
A postcode search on gov.uk , as well as the NHS COVID-19 app , will show which local alert level applies in each area .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was `` deeply sceptical that the government has actually got a plan to get control of this virus , to protect jobs , or retain public trust '' .
`` It increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps behind the curve and running to catch up with a virus that he has lost control of long ago , '' he said .
Steve Rotherham , mayor of the Liverpool City Region , told Sky News he was `` still waiting '' for the `` scientific evidence '' behind the new measures .
He also issued a joint statement , along with the leaders of local councils , to reveal an economic support package had yet to be agreed with the government .
`` The national furlough scheme is inadequate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid workers below the national minimum wage , while the direct support to businesses is also less than that offered during the national lockdown , '' the statement said .
London mayor Sadiq Khan 's office warned the capital could move to further restrictions as soon as this week due to a `` rapidly increasing '' number of cases .
A spokesperson for the mayor said : `` As of today , London is at 'medium ' in the government 's new alert levels .
`` However , Londoners should understand that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week . ''
The prime minister set out the details of the new three-tier system in the House of Commons after chairing a meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee on Monday morning .
Mr Johnson will later hold a news conference with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and England 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty later .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , gave a public briefing on the latest coronavirus infections across the UK .
He revealed that NHS Nightingale hospitals - set up during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health service becoming overwhelmed - are being told to prepare to start accepting patients in Manchester , Sunderland and Harrogate .

A new three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions is being introduced in England, Boris Johnson has announced, with Liverpool put in the highest tier.
The Local COVID Alert Levels - "medium", "high" and "very high" - will be implemented in different areas depending on local infection rates.
The move, planned to come into force on Wednesday, is aimed at simplifying the range of different COVID-19 restrictions that were already in place across various parts of England.
Live updates on coronavirus from US, UK and around the world
Image: Boris Johnson told MPs he could not 'let the virus rip' across the country
There were 13,972 new cases of coronavirus in the UK announced on Monday, with 50 more deaths recorded of people who tested positive within the previous 28 days.
The prime minister warned the "stark reality" of a second wave of coronavirus infections had seen the number of cases quadruple in the last three weeks, with more people now in hospital with the disease than had been before the UK entered its national lockdown in March.
However, Mr Johnson told MPs he did not believe it would be the "right course" to put the country back into national lockdown.
He also dismissed suggestions that the public's patience for restrictions had now been "exhausted" and the government should "let the virus rip" across the country.
And he argued that shielding the vulnerable and elderly while allowing the virus to take hold among younger people was "no answer".
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"Because the virus would then spread with such velocity in the general population that there would be no way of stopping it from spreading among the elderly," the prime minister added.
Mr Johnson said the country was already suppressing the R rate of infection "well below its natural level", but added: "We need to go further."
Explaining the new system, Mr Johnson said the medium level will cover a significant part of England and includes the current national restrictions such as the "rule of six" and the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
The high level will see people prevented from socialising with other households indoors, although support bubbles will still be permitted.
In these areas, the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors in public spaces, as well as private gardens.
Most of those areas already living under local restrictions - such as Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and the North East - will move into this category.
The prime minister said that, following rising infection rates, Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire, and a small area of High Peak will move into the high level.
The very high alert level will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants.
Alcohol could be served in pubs operating as restaurants in these areas, but only as part of a meal.
Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas, while it will be up local politicians as to whether other leisure venues such as gyms and casinos should also close.
However, non-essential shops, schools and universities will remain open.
These restrictions will have to be renewed every four weeks and will be kept under "constant review", the prime minister said.
Mr Johnson told MPs that the Liverpool City Region will be placed in the very high level and, following talks with local leaders, that indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, sports facilities, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will close alongside pubs and bars in the region.
Wedding receptions will not be permitted and people are being urged to avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK.
A total of 280 patients are now in Liverpool hospitals with COVID-19, Sky News has learnt.
This means 17% of their patients have coronavirus.
If this reaches 20%, which it is on course to in the next few days, it means the trust here will have to reduce day-to-day procedures and tasks.
The government will give the region £14m to enhance enforcement and the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
In very high areas, the NHS "could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions", the prime minister warned.
He highlighted how Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week announced further economic support for those businesses forced to shut due to local restrictions.
The prime minister also said the government would provide local authorities across England with around £1bn of new financial support.
In very high areas, Mr Johnson pledged more support for local test and trace schemes, more funding for local enforcement of restrictions, and the offer of help from the Armed Forces.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:34 Starmer: PM ‘running to keep up with COVID’
The prime minister told MPs that the months ahead will "test the mettle" of the country, but he said he had "no doubt at all that together we will succeed" and that the UK was "becoming better and better at fighting this virus".
MPs will be given a vote to approve the new three-tier system on Tuesday.
A postcode search on gov.uk, as well as the NHS COVID-19 app, will show which local alert level applies in each area.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply sceptical that the government has actually got a plan to get control of this virus, to protect jobs, or retain public trust".
"It increasingly feels like the prime minister is several steps behind the curve and running to catch up with a virus that he has lost control of long ago," he said.
Steve Rotherham, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, told Sky News he was "still waiting" for the "scientific evidence" behind the new measures.
He also issued a joint statement, along with the leaders of local councils, to reveal an economic support package had yet to be agreed with the government.
"The national furlough scheme is inadequate and risks pushing tens of thousands of low paid workers below the national minimum wage, while the direct support to businesses is also less than that offered during the national lockdown," the statement said.
London mayor Sadiq Khan's office warned the capital could move to further restrictions as soon as this week due to a "rapidly increasing" number of cases.
A spokesperson for the mayor said: "As of today, London is at 'medium' in the government's new alert levels.
"However, Londoners should understand that this could change very quickly - potentially even this week."
The prime minister set out the details of the new three-tier system in the House of Commons after chairing a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee on Monday morning.
Mr Johnson will later hold a news conference with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty later.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Medical officer warns of 'baked in' deaths
England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, gave a public briefing on the latest coronavirus infections across the UK.
He revealed that NHS Nightingale hospitals - set up during the first peak of COVID-19 infections to stop the health service becoming overwhelmed - are being told to prepare to start accepting patients in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--Strictest COVID rules 'not sufficient' to limit virus on their own, says chief medical officer

The highest level of restrictions in England 's new three-tier local lockdown system `` will not be sufficient '' to slow COVID-19 infections alone , England 's chief medical officer has said .
From Wednesday , England will be split into `` medium '' , `` high '' and `` very high '' coronavirus alert levels .
Speaking at a Downing Street news briefing shortly after Boris Johnson confirmed the new system of localised COVID-19 restrictions , Professor Chris Whitty said he was `` very confident that the measures that are currently in place are helping to slow the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow it further '' .
However , he cast doubt on whether the basic package of measures for the highest alert areas would be enough to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
`` I am not confident - and nor is anybody confident - that the Tier 3 proposals for the highest rates , if we did the absolute base case and nothing more , would be enough to get on top of it , '' he added .
`` And that is why there 's a lot of flexibility in the Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually go up that range , so that they can do significantly more than the absolute base .
`` Because the base will not be sufficient , I think that 's very clearly the professional view .
`` But there are quite a lot more additional things that can be done within that , with local guidance . ''
Prof Whitty urged the public to abide by the new system of restrictions , adding : `` The central thing about this is , these only work if people buy into them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the public to stick to the coronavirus rules , in the hope of achieving a relatively normal Christmas period .
`` We 'll do our absolute best to try to make sure we can get life back to as close to normal as possible for Christmas , '' he said .
`` But that is going to depend , I 'm afraid , on our success in getting this virus down and our ability as a country to follow through on the package of measures . ''
The very high alert level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other households both indoors and in private gardens , while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants .
Mr Johnson outlined this was a `` baseline '' package of measures for the worst-affected areas and local leaders could decide to add extra restrictions .
The Liverpool City Region , which is the first part of England to be put into the very high tier , will also close gyms , leisure centres , bookies and casinos .
Mr Johnson said the government was working with local leaders across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support packages .
But he sent a message that he could impose restrictions even if they did n't agree to new measures .
`` If we ca n't get agreement , then clearly it is the duty of national government to take the necessary action to protect the public and public health and we will , '' he said .
Steve Rotherham , the mayor of the Liverpool City Region , said it was `` totally false that myself or anyone else locally agreed to measures - they were dictated to us by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were about the extra money and resources that are coming to the city region to help deal with the consequences , '' he added on Twitter .
Prof Whitty warned it would be an `` illusion '' to think the country can reduce the rise in coronavirus infections `` without causing harm '' .
`` It is a balancing act between two harms : a harm for society and the economy on the one hand and a harm for health on the other hand , '' he said .
He also pledged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better place '' to fight COVID-19 next winter , even if a vaccine had n't been approved by then .
`` This does not depend on a vaccine , science will support us from many different directions , '' he said .
`` I can not predict , and no-one can predict what are the combinations of treatments , vaccines , diagnostics and other interventions that we will have available to us .
`` But I am extremely confident that when we go into the next winter we will do so in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The highest level of restrictions in England's new three-tier local lockdown system "will not be sufficient" to slow COVID-19 infections alone, England's chief medical officer has said.
From Wednesday, England will be split into "medium", "high" and "very high" coronavirus alert levels.
Speaking at a Downing Street news briefing shortly after Boris Johnson confirmed the new system of localised COVID-19 restrictions, Professor Chris Whitty said he was "very confident that the measures that are currently in place are helping to slow the virus, and these measures will help to slow it further".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Prof Whitty shows how virus is spreading across England
However, he cast doubt on whether the basic package of measures for the highest alert areas would be enough to limit the spread of COVID-19.
"I am not confident - and nor is anybody confident - that the Tier 3 proposals for the highest rates, if we did the absolute base case and nothing more, would be enough to get on top of it," he added.
"And that is why there's a lot of flexibility in the Tier 3 level for local authorities... to actually go up that range, so that they can do significantly more than the absolute base.
"Because the base will not be sufficient, I think that's very clearly the professional view.
"But there are quite a lot more additional things that can be done within that, with local guidance."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 PM's warning to local authorities
Prof Whitty urged the public to abide by the new system of restrictions, adding: "The central thing about this is, these only work if people buy into them."
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The prime minister also issued a plea for the public to stick to the coronavirus rules, in the hope of achieving a relatively normal Christmas period.
"We'll do our absolute best to try to make sure we can get life back to as close to normal as possible for Christmas," he said.
"But that is going to depend, I'm afraid, on our success in getting this virus down and our ability as a country to follow through on the package of measures."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 PM explains how lockdown tiers work
The very high alert level will see people banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs will be closed unless they can operate as restaurants.
Mr Johnson outlined this was a "baseline" package of measures for the worst-affected areas and local leaders could decide to add extra restrictions.
The Liverpool City Region, which is the first part of England to be put into the very high tier, will also close gyms, leisure centres, bookies and casinos.
Mr Johnson said the government was working with local leaders across the country on new restrictions and accompanying support packages.
But he sent a message that he could impose restrictions even if they didn't agree to new measures.
"If we can't get agreement, then clearly it is the duty of national government to take the necessary action to protect the public and public health and we will," he said.
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Steve Rotherham, the mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said it was "totally false that myself or anyone else locally agreed to measures - they were dictated to us by government".
"The only talks were about the extra money and resources that are coming to the city region to help deal with the consequences," he added on Twitter.
Prof Whitty warned it would be an "illusion" to think the country can reduce the rise in coronavirus infections "without causing harm".
"It is a balancing act between two harms: a harm for society and the economy on the one hand and a harm for health on the other hand," he said.
He also pledged the UK would be in a "remarkably better place" to fight COVID-19 next winter, even if a vaccine hadn't been approved by then.
"This does not depend on a vaccine, science will support us from many different directions," he said.
"I cannot predict, and no-one can predict what are the combinations of treatments, vaccines, diagnostics and other interventions that we will have available to us.
"But I am extremely confident that when we go into the next winter we will do so in a remarkably better place than we do today."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--Nottingham has the highest infection rate in England - so why has it avoided toughest rules?

There will `` inevitably '' be inconsistencies in the new three-tier lockdown system , Boris Johnson says , as it emerged the city with the highest infection rate in England will avoid the strictest COVID-19 rules .
Nottingham will be placed in the `` high '' category of coronavirus alert levels - the middle tier between `` medium '' and `` very high '' - when the new system comes into force on Wednesday .
A total of 2,777 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the East Midlands city in the seven days to 9 October , the equivalent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented a huge leap from 1,417 new cases in the previous seven days ( the week to 2 October ) , or 425.7 per 100,000 people .
And the city , which has had the highest infection rate for five days running , remains well ahead of the area with the second highest rate in England - Knowsley - which is now on 656.9 cases per 100,000 .
David Mellen , the leader of Nottingham City Council , suggested there were two reasons why the city had not been placed in the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first is that our hospitals are n't currently at that level , '' he said .
`` There is a great deal of preparation going on , but they 're not full .
`` The second is that the cases have n't spread in large numbers to the older population .
Most of our cases are currently among younger people . ''
Only the Liverpool City Region has been placed in the `` very high '' category of restrictions so far .
Steve Rotherham , the region 's mayor , claimed the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us by government '' .
The prime minister was quizzed about apparent inconsistencies in the tiering of English regions at a Downing Street news conference on Monday .
Mr Johnson was challenged about criticism of the decision to place the West Midlands into the `` high '' category by the region 's mayor Andy Street .
`` On the variations in the tiers and people 's feelings there are anomalies - that 's inevitably going to happen in a complex campaign against a pandemic like this , '' the prime minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put the West Midlands , I do n't want to put anywhere into the measures that we have to do… but we have to get that virus down , it is necessary .
`` I 'm afraid it is going up in the West Midlands , as indeed it is across the whole country .
`` There 's no area where it is n't going up anymore , alas , and that 's why we 've got to take especially dynamic measures in those areas that are particularly badly affected . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to review its decision to put the West Midlands into the second tier `` as soon as possible '' .
`` I have always argued that data and evidence should lead decision-making , and I therefore find it very surprising that the West Midlands , with an average infection rate of 123 per 100,000 , is now in the same tier as Manchester , which has an average infection rate of more than 550 per 100,000 , '' he said in a statement .
`` Reflecting on this , I am very disappointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more flexible approach to our situation . ''

There will "inevitably" be inconsistencies in the new three-tier lockdown system, Boris Johnson says, as it emerged the city with the highest infection rate in England will avoid the strictest COVID-19 rules.
Nottingham will be placed in the "high" category of coronavirus alert levels - the middle tier between "medium" and "very high" - when the new system comes into force on Wednesday.
A total of 2,777 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the East Midlands city in the seven days to 9 October, the equivalent of 834.2 cases per 100,000 people.
Image: The PM said feelings of 'anomalies' were inevitable Pic: Pippa Fowles / Number 10
This represented a huge leap from 1,417 new cases in the previous seven days (the week to 2 October), or 425.7 per 100,000 people.
And the city, which has had the highest infection rate for five days running, remains well ahead of the area with the second highest rate in England - Knowsley - which is now on 656.9 cases per 100,000.
David Mellen, the leader of Nottingham City Council, suggested there were two reasons why the city had not been placed in the "very high" tier.
"The first is that our hospitals aren't currently at that level," he said. "There is a great deal of preparation going on, but they're not full.
"The second is that the cases haven't spread in large numbers to the older population. Most of our cases are currently among younger people."
Only the Liverpool City Region has been placed in the "very high" category of restrictions so far.
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Steve Rotherham, the region's mayor, claimed the city's new measures had been "dictated to us by government".
The prime minister was quizzed about apparent inconsistencies in the tiering of English regions at a Downing Street news conference on Monday.
Mr Johnson was challenged about criticism of the decision to place the West Midlands into the "high" category by the region's mayor Andy Street.
"On the variations in the tiers and people's feelings there are anomalies - that's inevitably going to happen in a complex campaign against a pandemic like this," the prime minister said.
"I don't want to put the West Midlands, I don't want to put anywhere into the measures that we have to do… but we have to get that virus down, it is necessary.
"I'm afraid it is going up in the West Midlands, as indeed it is across the whole country.
"There's no area where it isn't going up anymore, alas, and that's why we've got to take especially dynamic measures in those areas that are particularly badly affected."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 PM explains how lockdown tiers work
Mr Street had earlier called on the government to review its decision to put the West Midlands into the second tier "as soon as possible".
"I have always argued that data and evidence should lead decision-making, and I therefore find it very surprising that the West Midlands, with an average infection rate of 123 per 100,000, is now in the same tier as Manchester, which has an average infection rate of more than 550 per 100,000," he said in a statement.
"Reflecting on this, I am very disappointed that the government has not found a more flexible approach to our situation."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-12--PM's new virus rules were light-touch compared to the options he was given

Look at the acceleration of COVID-19 cases , the hospital admission charts and the evidence that the disease is being transmitted from the young to the old .
We are now riding the second wave of this disease and the latest data is , in the words of the prime minister , `` flashing at us like dashboard warnings in a passenger jet '' .
`` We must act now , '' he told the public as he fronted another news conference in No 10 on Monday night .
But when it came to it , the only part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the Liverpool City Region .
The prime minister put together the framework for tougher local lockdowns - what he did n't do was actually implement it beyond one area in the North West .
There was buy-in from Liverpool 's Metro mayor Steve Rotheram , but elsewhere in the North East , North West and Yorkshire , the prime minister struggled to negotiate deals with local leaders and regional mayors .
Greater Manchester was definitely a flashing light on the PM 's dashboard but in the end the mayor Andy Burnham and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very high alert category .
But the prime minister and his chief medical officer Professor Whitty were unequivocal that more robust measures will be needed to have any chance of controlling this second wave of the virus .
Indeed , the prime minister told the public at his news conference this package of measures will only work `` if we implement Tier Three properly in the way it needs to be done '' .
He also told me that if he could n't get buy-in from local leaders , he would act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get agreement then clearly it is the duty of national government to take the necessary action to protect the public and protect public health . ''
And these measures alone might not be enough .
Professor Whitty was clear at the news conference that the new three-tier system `` will not be sufficient '' to slow infections alone .
`` That 's why there 's a lot of flexibility in the Tier Three level for local authorities… so that they can do significantly more than the absolute base . ''
Professor Whitty 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's Scientific Advisory Group on Monday night revealing their assessment of the task ahead .
Forget closing pubs in areas of very high risk areas , these experts advised doing a lot more than that on 21 September : with recommendations ranging from that 'circuit breaker ' short lockdown to a closure of all bars , restaurants , cafes , indoor gyms and personal services like hairdressers .
Tensions between central and local government were on show on Monday , but it 's obvious the prime minister has used a light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the options he was given .
He is , after all , trying to tread the `` narrow path '' between the `` social and economic trauma of a full lockdown and the massive human and economic cost of an uncontained epidemic '' .
But it is surely only a matter of time before other cities , starting in the North but no doubt spreading across England , join Liverpool with stricter lockdown rules .
It 's a question of when not if - and the bigger question is whether the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the decisions being made seem this hard , just imagine how much harder it 's going to get .

Look at the acceleration of COVID-19 cases, the hospital admission charts and the evidence that the disease is being transmitted from the young to the old.
We are now riding the second wave of this disease and the latest data is, in the words of the prime minister, "flashing at us like dashboard warnings in a passenger jet".
"We must act now," he told the public as he fronted another news conference in No 10 on Monday night.
But when it came to it, the only part of the country put under much stricter measures was the Liverpool City Region.
The prime minister put together the framework for tougher local lockdowns - what he didn't do was actually implement it beyond one area in the North West.
There was buy-in from Liverpool's Metro mayor Steve Rotheram, but elsewhere in the North East, North West and Yorkshire, the prime minister struggled to negotiate deals with local leaders and regional mayors.
Greater Manchester was definitely a flashing light on the PM's dashboard but in the end the mayor Andy Burnham and other local leaders resisted being put into the very high alert category.
But the prime minister and his chief medical officer Professor Whitty were unequivocal that more robust measures will be needed to have any chance of controlling this second wave of the virus.
Indeed, the prime minister told the public at his news conference this package of measures will only work "if we implement Tier Three properly in the way it needs to be done".
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He also told me that if he couldn't get buy-in from local leaders, he would act unilaterally. "If we can't get agreement then clearly it is the duty of national government to take the necessary action to protect the public and protect public health."
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And these measures alone might not be enough. Professor Whitty was clear at the news conference that the new three-tier system "will not be sufficient" to slow infections alone. "That's why there's a lot of flexibility in the Tier Three level for local authorities… so that they can do significantly more than the absolute base."
Professor Whitty's remarks were backed up by minutes from the government's Scientific Advisory Group on Monday night revealing their assessment of the task ahead.
Forget closing pubs in areas of very high risk areas, these experts advised doing a lot more than that on 21 September: with recommendations ranging from that 'circuit breaker' short lockdown to a closure of all bars, restaurants, cafes, indoor gyms and personal services like hairdressers.
Tensions between central and local government were on show on Monday, but it's obvious the prime minister has used a light touch so far compared with some of the options he was given.
He is, after all, trying to tread the "narrow path" between the "social and economic trauma of a full lockdown and the massive human and economic cost of an uncontained epidemic".
But it is surely only a matter of time before other cities, starting in the North but no doubt spreading across England, join Liverpool with stricter lockdown rules. It's a question of when not if - and the bigger question is whether the prime minister will have to go even further. If the decisions being made seem this hard, just imagine how much harder it's going to get.