skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Football fans could return to stadiums for start of next season

Football fans could be back watching their teams in stadiums at the start of next season , the culture secretary has said .
Oliver Dowden said there had been `` productive discussions '' over plans for supporters to begin attending games again , as the Premier League returned on Wednesday with matches behind closed doors .
He told the daily coronavirus briefing : `` I would really hope that by the return of the new season , we might be in a position whereby some fans could start to return to stadiums .
`` I know that would be another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clubs . ''
Aston Villa took on Sheffield United in an empty Villa Park on Wednesday evening as top-flight football resumed following a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Manchester City were also hosting Arsenal on Wednesday night , with all the remaining 92 Premier League matches of the current season taking place behind closed doors .
Matches in the Championship and League One are due to return on Saturday .
The start date of the 2020-21 season has not been confirmed but it is reportedly being lined up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August start time .
August has instead been ear-marked for the finale of the 2019-20 Champions League campaign , which UEFA announced earlier will conclude with an eight-team mini tournament in Lisbon .
Mr Dowden indicated that fans could return to stadiums before audiences would be allowed back into theatres .
He said : `` I understand the need for all of these venues to return with people in them and , indeed , eventually without social distancing .
`` But that can only be done if the public health allows it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different scenarios - in relation to stadiums where people are outside and they are much bigger and there is more scope for social distancing , it may be that you could do that sooner .
`` I know particularly with the performing arts and theatres , when you are doing that in a confined space there are greater risks there . ''
The culture secretary also warned football fans against crowding outside stadiums while matches are going on during the current lockdown restrictions .
`` Police have appropriate powers and they will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
`` There is nothing to be gained from congregating outside a stadium .
`` The only thing that can happen if you congregate outside a stadium is to put at risk public health . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said football would not be `` back with a capital B '' until fans are able to return and says clubs have expressed a willingness to be `` guinea pigs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the match at Villa Park on Wednesday , all 22 players on the pitch and the referee `` took a knee '' in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .

Football fans could be back watching their teams in stadiums at the start of next season, the culture secretary has said.
Oliver Dowden said there had been "productive discussions" over plans for supporters to begin attending games again, as the Premier League returned on Wednesday with matches behind closed doors.
He told the daily coronavirus briefing: "I would really hope that by the return of the new season, we might be in a position whereby some fans could start to return to stadiums.
"I know that would be another important part of restoring the financial positions of clubs."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:31 'Return of football is a significant moment'
Aston Villa took on Sheffield United in an empty Villa Park on Wednesday evening as top-flight football resumed following a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Manchester City were also hosting Arsenal on Wednesday night, with all the remaining 92 Premier League matches of the current season taking place behind closed doors.
Matches in the Championship and League One are due to return on Saturday.
The start date of the 2020-21 season has not been confirmed but it is reportedly being lined up for September, as opposed to the usual August start time.
August has instead been ear-marked for the finale of the 2019-20 Champions League campaign, which UEFA announced earlier will conclude with an eight-team mini tournament in Lisbon.
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Image: Aston Villa vs Sheffield United was the first game back
Mr Dowden indicated that fans could return to stadiums before audiences would be allowed back into theatres.
He said: "I understand the need for all of these venues to return with people in them and, indeed, eventually without social distancing.
"But that can only be done if the public health allows it to happen.
"I think you see different scenarios - in relation to stadiums where people are outside and they are much bigger and there is more scope for social distancing, it may be that you could do that sooner.
"I know particularly with the performing arts and theatres, when you are doing that in a confined space there are greater risks there."
The culture secretary also warned football fans against crowding outside stadiums while matches are going on during the current lockdown restrictions.
"Police have appropriate powers and they will be able to use them as necessary," he added.
"There is nothing to be gained from congregating outside a stadium.
"The only thing that can happen if you congregate outside a stadium is to put at risk public health."
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Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said football would not be "back with a capital B" until fans are able to return and says clubs have expressed a willingness to be "guinea pigs" in any experimentation around phased reopenings.
At the match at Villa Park on Wednesday, all 22 players on the pitch and the referee "took a knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Health secretary seen breaking social distancing rules in parliament

Matt Hancock was seen breaking social distancing rules just moments before joining Boris Johnson for Prime Minister 's Questions .
The health secretary walked up to a colleague in the main Commons chamber - straight into a taped area showing where MPs should avoid to maintain the two metre distance mandated by government coronavirus rules .
Mr Hancock was seen on camera putting his hand on the other MP 's shoulder , with the pair standing inches apart for around 10 seconds .
They are joined by another MP standing in a line filling the width of the pathway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps back , prompting the cabinet minister to sidestep towards the second MP .
He then retreats to the other side of the walkway .
Just minutes later , Mr Hancock went to sit on the frontbench to listen to Mr Johnson take questions from opposition leaders and backbenchers .
The encounter comes despite strict measures that are in place in parliament , designed to ensure MPs can socially distance in the chamber during the COVID-19 pandemic .
NHS guidance tells people to `` stay at least two metres ( three steps ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ( or anyone not in your support bubble ) when outside your home '' .
The Health and Safety Executive also tells employees : `` In your workplace you need to observe , where possible , the social distancing guidance . ''
A statement from the Commons authorities said : `` The House 's priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated .
`` Concerns about social distancing guidelines not being followed will be taken seriously .
`` Everyone on the Parliamentary Estate has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and additional staff are on hand to remind people of the rules . ''

Matt Hancock was seen breaking social distancing rules just moments before joining Boris Johnson for Prime Minister's Questions.
The health secretary walked up to a colleague in the main Commons chamber - straight into a taped area showing where MPs should avoid to maintain the two metre distance mandated by government coronavirus rules.
Mr Hancock was seen on camera putting his hand on the other MP's shoulder, with the pair standing inches apart for around 10 seconds.
Image: Matt Hancock was going to PMQs to listen to Boris Johnson
They are joined by another MP standing in a line filling the width of the pathway, before the first MP Mr Hancock encountered steps back, prompting the cabinet minister to sidestep towards the second MP.
He then retreats to the other side of the walkway.
Just minutes later, Mr Hancock went to sit on the frontbench to listen to Mr Johnson take questions from opposition leaders and backbenchers.
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The encounter comes despite strict measures that are in place in parliament, designed to ensure MPs can socially distance in the chamber during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NHS guidance tells people to "stay at least two metres (three steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble) when outside your home".
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The Health and Safety Executive also tells employees: "In your workplace you need to observe, where possible, the social distancing guidance."
Image: Mr Hancock has been regularly updating MPs on the government's coronavirus response
A statement from the Commons authorities said: "The House's priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated.
"Concerns about social distancing guidelines not being followed will be taken seriously.
"Everyone on the Parliamentary Estate has a responsibility to adhere to the guidance, and additional staff are on hand to remind people of the rules."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Top Foreign Office civil servant 'to retire' amid department shake-up

The top Foreign Office mandarin has told staff he plans to retire early next year amid a controversial shake-up of Britain 's global footprint , according to sources .
Sir Simon McDonald is understood to have said in a call that he would stay on as permanent secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) as it merges with the Department for International Development ( DfID ) in a major restructuring .
He would then take on the role of top civil servant at what will be called the Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office when it opens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is thought to have said he plans to step down early next year to make way for a successor , the sources said .
Asked about the prospect of Sir Simon leaving , a Foreign Office source said issues surrounding the merger were very much ongoing and nothing had been decided or announced .
But - according to the other sources - Sir Simon told staff the job of permanent secretary at the new Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office is set to be advertised from the autumn .
If the departure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be an earlier exit than had previously been anticipated .
Sir Simon had in the past articulated to colleagues a desire to serve for an extra two years once his current five-year term at the FCO finishes in September , sources said .
The apparent change of heart is being interpreted by some as a sign that possibly Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had not indicated they would like him to stay on for longer , one diplomatic source said .
There has been speculation in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a longer term because - like many diplomats during the Brexit referendum - he was seen as someone who had been in favour of remaining in the European Union , according to the source .
He also scored an unfortunate own goal in April when he gave confused evidence to a committee of MPs about Britain 's decision not to join an EU scheme to buy ventilators when the coronavirus pandemic hit .
Responding to questions from the Foreign Affairs Committee , Sir Simon claimed the decision had been political , triggering outrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backtracked , issuing an extraordinary letter to the chair of the committee in which he said his evidence had been wrong .
But Sir Simon has enjoyed a hugely successful career during 38 years of diplomatic service .
He has been posted around the world , including to Germany , Saudi Arabia , the US and Israel .
Sir Simon was ambassador to Berlin from 2010 to 2015 and ambassador to Israel from 2003 to 2006 .
His time as permanent secretary at the FCO included Mr Johnson 's stint as foreign secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the helm of the diplomatic service emerged after Mr Johnson announced the scrapping of DfID on Tuesday and the merger of foreign policy with international development under one `` super department '' .
Such a move had long-been speculated but it received a hostile response from three previous prime ministers - David Cameron , Gordon Brown and Tony Blair - as well as from past international development secretaries and the charity sector .
They warned that the poorest would suffer if Britain 's £15bn aid budget - the third largest in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK national interest over those that are of the greatest humanitarian need .
But Mr Johnson said the new ministry would be of `` huge benefit '' to Britain 's overseas aid mission .
He also assured MPs that a commitment to spend 0.7 % of national income on international aid would remain in place .
The definition of what constitutes aid , however , is under review .

The top Foreign Office mandarin has told staff he plans to retire early next year amid a controversial shake-up of Britain's global footprint, according to sources.
Sir Simon McDonald is understood to have said in a call that he would stay on as permanent secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as it merges with the Department for International Development (DfID) in a major restructuring.
He would then take on the role of top civil servant at what will be called the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office when it opens in September.
However, Sir Simon is thought to have said he plans to step down early next year to make way for a successor, the sources said.
Image: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will be in charge of the new department
Asked about the prospect of Sir Simon leaving, a Foreign Office source said issues surrounding the merger were very much ongoing and nothing had been decided or announced.
But - according to the other sources - Sir Simon told staff the job of permanent secretary at the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is set to be advertised from the autumn.
If the departure of the highly-experienced civil servant is confirmed it would be an earlier exit than had previously been anticipated.
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Sir Simon had in the past articulated to colleagues a desire to serve for an extra two years once his current five-year term at the FCO finishes in September, sources said.
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The apparent change of heart is being interpreted by some as a sign that possibly Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had not indicated they would like him to stay on for longer, one diplomatic source said.
There has been speculation in the past that Sir Simon may not be granted a longer term because - like many diplomats during the Brexit referendum - he was seen as someone who had been in favour of remaining in the European Union, according to the source.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 'Machinery of government' is decided by prime minister and was not discussed with Cabinet, says Matt Hancock.
He also scored an unfortunate own goal in April when he gave confused evidence to a committee of MPs about Britain's decision not to join an EU scheme to buy ventilators when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Responding to questions from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir Simon claimed the decision had been political, triggering outrage among MPs.
Hours later, he backtracked, issuing an extraordinary letter to the chair of the committee in which he said his evidence had been wrong.
But Sir Simon has enjoyed a hugely successful career during 38 years of diplomatic service.
He has been posted around the world, including to Germany, Saudi Arabia, the US and Israel. Sir Simon was ambassador to Berlin from 2010 to 2015 and ambassador to Israel from 2003 to 2006.
His time as permanent secretary at the FCO included Mr Johnson's stint as foreign secretary.
The prospect of musical chairs at the helm of the diplomatic service emerged after Mr Johnson announced the scrapping of DfID on Tuesday and the merger of foreign policy with international development under one "super department".
Such a move had long-been speculated but it received a hostile response from three previous prime ministers - David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair - as well as from past international development secretaries and the charity sector.
They warned that the poorest would suffer if Britain's £15bn aid budget - the third largest in the world - starts to prioritise overseas projects in the UK national interest over those that are of the greatest humanitarian need.
But Mr Johnson said the new ministry would be of "huge benefit" to Britain's overseas aid mission. He also assured MPs that a commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on international aid would remain in place.
The definition of what constitutes aid, however, is under review.
The FCO declined to comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Student nurses and midwives voice anger amid row over paid placements

Student nurses and midwives have voiced their anger and frustration amid a row over paid placements during the coronavirus pandemic .
Many have spoken out on social media about their placements finishing at the end of July , instead of running until September as they had been told .
Speaking in the Commons , the health secretary said claims they are being made redundant are `` wrong '' .
`` All student nurses are required to complete placements during their training , '' said Matt Hancock .
`` As part of the response to COVID-19 these hours have been paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer .
`` And NHS England has been provided with the funding for student salaries as part of our response to COVID-19 and the chief nurse has taken that forward . ''
Jessie Collins is one of 25,000 student nurses recruited to help with the coronavirus effort .
She signed a contract employing her for six months in a so-called `` opt-in paid placement '' .
She took the role , sidelining her studies and risking her and her family 's safety for the greater good .
As far as she and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were being paid for the duration of their employment .
What they did not expect was to have it cut short .
But from 31 July , all paid placements will come to an end .
Student nurses say it is unfair , that they will likely still be working in coronavirus wards come August and September - only this time they wo n't be being paid for the sacrifice .
Speaking to Sky News , Ms Collins said : `` When I signed the contract in April , me and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do our bit , we all felt good about it .
`` Differing messages have come through now which has caused so much confusion , ultimately that our contracts wo n't be honoured in full . ''
`` We were told our contracts would run until October , we were told that we would be 'employed ' , and I think that with that term 'employment ' you 're given the idea that this is until the contract ends .
And if it was going to be different , then the wording would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up part-time jobs that they were doing alongside their studies .
`` The government says they appreciate student nurses and appreciate what they bring to the trust so they 'll pay them - but to have that taken away so suddenly is frustrating , '' says Ms Collins .
`` It feels like they were paying us because the COVID risk was there .
It 's stripped away the sense of hope that you 're finally being appreciated . ''
It has highlighted a lot of frustration and anger .
She says she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cohort of nurses who have constantly been hard done by .
Having started in 2017 , they have missed out on the NHS bursary and will graduate with debts in excess of £60,000 .
She says the early termination of the paid contract is the icing on the not-so-inviting cake .
`` I think we 're valuable , we offer a lot of support , '' says Ms Collins .
`` We 're treating patients in exactly the same way and giving the same level of care - I think they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I feel like the trust has been lost . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In an open letter to care minister Helen Whately , Ms Collins describes her struggles , firstly with battling coronavirus herself and having had her `` mental health tested like never before '' .
`` We 've endured the same stresses and same pressures as any other health professional every single day we were at work and that seemingly counted for nothing , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the ground some weeks to the detriment of our mental health as we struggled with the financial strains that came with it whilst paying the government for the privilege of doing so .
`` This is on top of copious amounts of theory work we had to do alongside . ''
Health Education England , the body in charge of NHS training , says some contracts for final year students will be honoured in full .
Their chief nurse , Mark Radford , outlined in a statement that third year nursing students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be paid until September to allow them to do this .
However , for the rest , he said : `` It was always made clear to students who opted into paid placements the arrangements would need to come to an end at an appropriate point so that students could return to their supernumerary status to complete their registered nursing qualifications as quickly as possible to permanently enter the NHS workforce . ''
The premature ending of these contracts is a sign the NHS is back to normal , as the additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strain .
But it has left some feeling short changed , particularly when they have sacrificed so much .

Student nurses and midwives have voiced their anger and frustration amid a row over paid placements during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many have spoken out on social media about their placements finishing at the end of July, instead of running until September as they had been told.
Speaking in the Commons, the health secretary said claims they are being made redundant are "wrong".
Image: Matt Hancock says it is 'wrong' to suggest they are being made redundant
"All student nurses are required to complete placements during their training," said Matt Hancock.
"As part of the response to COVID-19 these hours have been paid and will be until the end of the summer.
"And NHS England has been provided with the funding for student salaries as part of our response to COVID-19 and the chief nurse has taken that forward."
Jessie Collins is one of 25,000 student nurses recruited to help with the coronavirus effort.
She signed a contract employing her for six months in a so-called "opt-in paid placement".
Image: Jessie Collins says 'mixed messages' have caused 'so much confusion'
She took the role, sidelining her studies and risking her and her family's safety for the greater good.
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As far as she and many other student nurses were aware, they were being paid for the duration of their employment.
What they did not expect was to have it cut short. But from 31 July, all paid placements will come to an end.
Student nurses say it is unfair, that they will likely still be working in coronavirus wards come August and September - only this time they won't be being paid for the sacrifice.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Collins said: "When I signed the contract in April, me and my year were so happy and excited to do our bit, we all felt good about it.
"Differing messages have come through now which has caused so much confusion, ultimately that our contracts won't be honoured in full."
"We were told our contracts would run until October, we were told that we would be 'employed', and I think that with that term 'employment' you're given the idea that this is until the contract ends. And if it was going to be different, then the wording would be clearer."
Many have given up part-time jobs that they were doing alongside their studies.
Image: Ms Collins has suffered from coronavirus herself
"The government says they appreciate student nurses and appreciate what they bring to the trust so they'll pay them - but to have that taken away so suddenly is frustrating," says Ms Collins.
"It feels like they were paying us because the COVID risk was there. It's stripped away the sense of hope that you're finally being appreciated."
It has highlighted a lot of frustration and anger.
She says she feels like she is part of a cohort of nurses who have constantly been hard done by.
Having started in 2017, they have missed out on the NHS bursary and will graduate with debts in excess of £60,000.
She says the early termination of the paid contract is the icing on the not-so-inviting cake.
"I think we're valuable, we offer a lot of support," says Ms Collins.
"We're treating patients in exactly the same way and giving the same level of care - I think they need to respect that they made us a promise.
"I feel like the trust has been lost."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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In an open letter to care minister Helen Whately, Ms Collins describes her struggles, firstly with battling coronavirus herself and having had her "mental health tested like never before".
"We've endured the same stresses and same pressures as any other health professional every single day we were at work and that seemingly counted for nothing," she said.
"We worked ourselves into the ground some weeks to the detriment of our mental health as we struggled with the financial strains that came with it whilst paying the government for the privilege of doing so.
"This is on top of copious amounts of theory work we had to do alongside."
Health Education England, the body in charge of NHS training, says some contracts for final year students will be honoured in full.
Their chief nurse, Mark Radford, outlined in a statement that third year nursing students who have "hours to complete" will be paid until September to allow them to do this.
However, for the rest, he said: "It was always made clear to students who opted into paid placements the arrangements would need to come to an end at an appropriate point so that students could return to their supernumerary status to complete their registered nursing qualifications as quickly as possible to permanently enter the NHS workforce."
The premature ending of these contracts is a sign the NHS is back to normal, as the additional support can be stripped back following months of strain.
But it has left some feeling short changed, particularly when they have sacrificed so much.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Teaching unions 'allow parents to think schools are death traps'

Teaching unions have been accused of allowing parents to think schools were `` death traps '' as they warned pupils may be unable to return even in September .
Leaders of the major teaching unions held a combative session with MPs , in which they argued the government 's social distancing guidelines would not allow a full return .
Primary schools have been permitted to partially reopen for three year groups since the start of this month .
But the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced last week that plans for all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union leaders say the guidance that children should be kept within classes of up to 15 pupils which do not mix with others ; and that two-metre distancing should be enforced in secondary schools and colleges , would not allow the full return of all pupils even in the autumn .
It came as the prime minister clashed with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , suggesting the Opposition and unions were hampering efforts to reopen schools .
In PMQs , Boris Johnson repeatedly challenged Sir Keir to say it was safe for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wibble-wobble '' over the issue .
Mary Bousted , of the National Education Union , was asked by the chair of the Commons Education Select Committee , Robert Halfon : `` What 's going to change in September if the social distancing rules are still the same ? ''
Ms Bousted , the joint general-secretary of the NEU , replied : `` If the government retains its social distancing rules then they ca n't [ reopen ] . ''
Julie McCulloch , of the Association of School and College Leaders , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be back in school from September , that 's by far the best solution .
`` But we are not able to do that at present within the government 's own protective measures guidance .
The maths just does n't work .
`` If you can only have up to 15 children in a class and you 're bringing back all children , you need twice as many classrooms and you need twice as many teachers . ''
Ms Bousted said the government should look at using public buildings as overflow classrooms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an element of home schooling alongside normal attendance - may have to continue .
Furious Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis , a former teacher who represents Stoke-on-Trent North , told the union leaders : `` I 've never been so frustrated in my entire life as listening to this committee . ''
He accused the unions of `` running a political campaign '' against school reopening and added : `` Whether you like it or not it has come across to parents that these schools are death traps and that is not the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government and union leaders have clashed about the reopening of primary schools to Year 6 , Year 1 and reception pupils from the start of June .
Mr Williamson says 70 % of primary schools have now reopened to the eligible year groups , although many schools have been open since the start of the lockdown for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils .

Teaching unions have been accused of allowing parents to think schools were "death traps" as they warned pupils may be unable to return even in September.
Leaders of the major teaching unions held a combative session with MPs, in which they argued the government's social distancing guidelines would not allow a full return.
Primary schools have been permitted to partially reopen for three year groups since the start of this month.
But the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced last week that plans for all primary pupils to return before the summer holidays had been shelved amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Plans shelved for all primary pupils' return
Union leaders say the guidance that children should be kept within classes of up to 15 pupils which do not mix with others; and that two-metre distancing should be enforced in secondary schools and colleges, would not allow the full return of all pupils even in the autumn.
It came as the prime minister clashed with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, suggesting the Opposition and unions were
hampering efforts to reopen schools.
In PMQs, Boris Johnson repeatedly challenged Sir Keir to say it was safe for children to return and accused Labour of "wibble-wobble" over the issue.
Mary Bousted, of the National Education Union, was asked by the chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, Robert Halfon: "What's going to change in September if the social distancing rules are still the same?"
Ms Bousted, the joint general-secretary of the NEU, replied: "If the government retains its social distancing rules then they can't [reopen]."
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Julie McCulloch, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Absolutely we want all children to be back in school from September, that's by far the best solution.
"But we are not able to do that at present within the government's own protective measures guidance. The maths just doesn't work.
"If you can only have up to 15 children in a class and you're bringing back all children, you need twice as many classrooms and you need twice as many teachers."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Parents fearful of sending children to school
Ms Bousted said the government should look at using public buildings as overflow classrooms, but that "blended learning" - an element of home schooling alongside normal attendance - may have to continue.
Furious Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis, a former teacher who represents Stoke-on-Trent North, told the union leaders: "I've never been so frustrated in my entire life as listening to this committee."
He accused the unions of "running a political campaign" against school reopening and added: "Whether you like it or not it has come across to parents that these schools are death traps and that is not the case and thousands of children are not going to school."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The government and union leaders have clashed about the reopening of primary schools to Year 6, Year 1 and reception pupils from the start of June.
Mr Williamson says 70% of primary schools have now reopened to the eligible year groups, although many schools have been open since the start of the lockdown for the children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--'Union Jack paint job' for Johnson's plane to cost £900,000

A makeover for the military plane used by Boris Johnson and senior politicians will cost £900,000 , Downing Street has revealed .
Sky News reported on Tuesday on the plan to transform the RAF Voyager from grey to a Union Jack-inspired red , white and blue design on the rear of its fuselage and on the tail .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman has now said it will cost £900,000 .
He told reporters the bill `` incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the plane 's vital military role '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane can better represent the UK around the world with national branding , similar to many other leaders ' planes , while also retaining its military air-to-air refuelling capability , '' said the spokesman .
`` At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK , directly benefiting British suppliers . ''
He said the plane is already being repainted in Cambridgeshire and that it is also used by the Royal Family .
Jamie Stone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the cost `` insulting '' and an `` absurd waste '' while `` so many families are struggling to put food on the table and so many are worried about their job security '' .
He said : `` The country is facing the biggest crisis in generations but Boris is concerned with the colours of his plane .
`` This government continue to astound with their posturing .
It is disgraceful .
They should halt these plans and use the money to help those who need it most right now instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary in 2018 , said he would like a `` Brexit plane '' to help him travel the world .
He said spending money on a new aircraft , which would promote the government 's vision of global Britain , would be justified if costs were not `` exorbitant '' .

A makeover for the military plane used by Boris Johnson and senior politicians will cost £900,000, Downing Street has revealed.
Sky News reported on Tuesday on the plan to transform the RAF Voyager from grey to a Union Jack-inspired red, white and blue design on the rear of its fuselage and on the tail.
Mr Johnson's spokesman has now said it will cost £900,000.
He told reporters the bill "incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the plane's vital military role".
"This will mean that the plane can better represent the UK around the world with national branding, similar to many other leaders' planes, while also retaining its military air-to-air refuelling capability," said the spokesman.
Image: President Macron uses a plane adorned with the colours of the French flag
Image: Air Force One sports a modest US flag on its rudder
"At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers."
He said the plane is already being repainted in Cambridgeshire and that it is also used by the Royal Family.
Jamie Stone, defence spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, called the cost "insulting" and an "absurd waste" while "so many families are struggling to put food on the table and so many are worried about their job security".
He said: "The country is facing the biggest crisis in generations but Boris is concerned with the colours of his plane.
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"This government continue to astound with their posturing. It is disgraceful. They should halt these plans and use the money to help those who need it most right now instead."
Image: Boris Johnson previously said he wanted a 'Brexit plane'
Mr Johnson, as foreign secretary in 2018, said he would like a "Brexit plane" to help him travel the world.
He said spending money on a new aircraft, which would promote the government's vision of global Britain, would be justified if costs were not "exorbitant".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Sadiq Khan takes 10% pay cut amid coronavirus pandemic

Sadiq Khan has taken a 10 % pay cut and called on Boris Johnson to bail out local authorities facing funding black holes because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Authorities need help as they face a shortfall of income from business and council tax , the London mayor said .
Mr Khan warned that a funding shortfall of almost £500m in the capital could result in cuts to the Metropolitan Police , London Fire Brigade ( LFB ) , Transport for London ( TfL ) and the Greater London Authority ( GLA ) .
Amid this challenging climate , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate reduction to his £152,734 salary , cutting it by almost £15,300 .
Pay for senior appointments at City Hall has also been frozen , Mr Khan announced .
Mr Khan said : `` Londoners did the right thing to tackle COVID-19 by following the rules , staying at home and helping to save lives .
`` But now the government is punishing them with a new era of austerity .
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on London 's public finances , which were in great shape before the pandemic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ income had `` dropped by more than 90 % '' and that local business rates and council tax income had `` fallen off a cliff '' , making this `` the worst possible time for a return to austerity '' .
He continued : `` Unless ministers act , the current number of police officers will need to be reduced and it will be impossible to tackle youth violence or make the changes to the London Fire Brigade that are desperately needed after the awful Grenfell Tower tragedy . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Khan said the prime minister had to act to ensure he could keep his promise not to return to austerity in order to balance the books .
And he warned that failure to act would jeopardise the government 's plans to recruit 20,000 extra police officers .
Mr Khan said : `` I did n't enter politics to administer government austerity , and I will do everything in my power to persuade ministers not to force another era of austerity on local and regional government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the frontline services that Londoners depend on as much as possible - and it 's only right that I should volunteer for an immediate pay cut in these extremely difficult circumstances and continue not to take any pension contributions .
`` In addition , I have taken the decision to freeze the salaries of my political appointments at City Hall . ''
Mr Khan will also set out new budget guidance as part of a drive to achieve efficiencies .
The GLA , TfL , Scotland Yard , LFB , London Legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Development Corporation have been asked to come up with proposals for achieving significant savings by the end of November .
In May , the government provided TfL with a £1.6bn bailout after revenue from fares - the bulk of its income - fell by 90 % .
In the wake of the bailout , it was announced that from 22 June the congestion charge will increase by 30 % and be enforced seven days a week .
The issue has turned into a political row , with Mr Khan accusing the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay the cost for doing the right thing on COVID-19 '' .
But Shaun Bailey , who is challenging Mr Khan in next year 's mayoral election , accused him of `` bad management '' during the pandemic .
A government spokesman said the capital had been given an `` unprecedented package of support '' - to `` ensure they have the resources they need to provide services for their communities during the pandemic '' .
`` The GLA has received an extra £18.5m of emergency funding and an additional £1.6bn for TfL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on top of an increase in core spending power of over £88 million to over £2.27bn , while the Metropolitan Police is receiving £2.9bn in funding this financial year , the most substantial police funding increase since 2010 .
`` We have given London councils £518m in additional emergency funding as part of a total of over £5.3bn of government support for communities and businesses across the city during the pandemic .
`` We are working on a comprehensive plan to ensure councils ' financial sustainability over the year ahead and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able . ''
Asked if he would follow suit and cut his salary , a spokesman for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` Sadiq is the mayor of London , he 's overseeing the GLA , which is going to have a deep financial black hole because of the consequences of the pandemic , and it is right that Sadiq is speaking up for London and speaking up for those concerns . ''

Sadiq Khan has taken a 10% pay cut and called on Boris Johnson to bail out local authorities facing funding black holes because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Authorities need help as they face a shortfall of income from business and council tax, the London mayor said.
Mr Khan warned that a funding shortfall of almost £500m in the capital could result in cuts to the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade (LFB), Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:10 London Mayor: 'TfL bailout is a bad deal'
Amid this challenging climate, the Labour mayor said he was taking an immediate reduction to his £152,734 salary, cutting it by almost £15,300.
Pay for senior appointments at City Hall has also been frozen, Mr Khan announced.
Mr Khan said: "Londoners did the right thing to tackle COVID-19 by following the rules, staying at home and helping to save lives.
"But now the government is punishing them with a new era of austerity. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on London's public finances, which were in great shape before the pandemic."
Mr Khan said that TfL's fares income had "dropped by more than 90%" and that local business rates and council tax income had "fallen off a cliff", making this "the worst possible time for a return to austerity".
He continued: "Unless ministers act, the current number of police officers will need to be reduced and it will be impossible to tackle youth violence or make the changes to the London Fire Brigade that are desperately needed after the awful Grenfell Tower tragedy."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Khan said the prime minister had to act to ensure he could keep his promise not to return to austerity in order to balance the books.
And he warned that failure to act would jeopardise the government's plans to recruit 20,000 extra police officers.
Mr Khan said: "I didn't enter politics to administer government austerity, and I will do everything in my power to persuade ministers not to force another era of austerity on local and regional government.
"Whatever happens, I will protect the frontline services that Londoners depend on as much as possible - and it's only right that I should volunteer for an immediate pay cut in these extremely difficult circumstances and continue not to take any pension contributions.
"In addition, I have taken the decision to freeze the salaries of my political appointments at City Hall."
Image: Mr Khan said TfL's fares income has dropped by 'more than 90%' during the pandemic
Mr Khan will also set out new budget guidance as part of a drive to achieve efficiencies.
The GLA, TfL, Scotland Yard, LFB, London Legacy Development Corporation, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation have been asked to come up with proposals for achieving significant savings by the end of November.
In May, the government provided TfL with a £1.6bn bailout after revenue from fares - the bulk of its income - fell by 90%.
In the wake of the bailout, it was announced that from 22 June the congestion charge will increase by 30% and be enforced seven days a week.
The issue has turned into a political row, with Mr Khan accusing the Department for Transport of "making ordinary Londoners pay the cost for doing the right thing on COVID-19".
But Shaun Bailey, who is challenging Mr Khan in next year's mayoral election, accused him of "bad management" during the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:45 'Face coverings mandatory on public transport'
A government spokesman said the capital had been given an "unprecedented package of support" - to "ensure they have the resources they need to provide services for their communities during the pandemic".
"The GLA has received an extra £18.5m of emergency funding and an additional £1.6bn for TfL," they said.
"This is on top of an increase in core spending power of over £88 million to over £2.27bn, while the Metropolitan Police is receiving £2.9bn in funding this financial year, the most substantial police funding increase since 2010.
"We have given London councils £518m in additional emergency funding as part of a total of over £5.3bn of government support for communities and businesses across the city during the pandemic.
"We are working on a comprehensive plan to ensure councils' financial sustainability over the year ahead and we will update as soon as we are able."
Asked if he would follow suit and cut his salary, a spokesman for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Sadiq is the mayor of London, he's overseeing the GLA, which is going to have a deep financial black hole because of the consequences of the pandemic, and it is right that Sadiq is speaking up for London and speaking up for those concerns."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-18--Russia 'trying to exploit' coronavirus pandemic

Russia and other countries are trying to `` exploit '' the coronavirus crisis , the UK 's foreign secretary has told Sky News .
Dominic Raab said hostile governments are using the challenges thrown up by the global pandemic to take advantage of `` a perceived opportunity '' .
But he denied their actions have had a substantial impact , adding : `` I do n't think they 've made a material difference to our response in health terms . ''
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Mr Raab also pointed to China 's bid to enforce its national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think we 've seen it in relation to Hong Kong , '' he said on Thursday .
`` I think some people are arguing - it 's difficult to glean whether it 's true or not - that this is something - the national security legislation that 's being put forwards - [ that ] is being done at a time when the world 's attention is on coronavirus . ''
Sky News reported earlier this week on a vast Russian online deception operation , unveiling a coordinated and extensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the US .
Downing Street has previously accused Russia of spreading `` disinformation '' , after a state-run news agency claimed Boris Johnson was to be put on a ventilator when he was hospitalised with coronavirus .
And the EU has claimed pro-Kremlin media are spreading false information on COVID-19 in line with an alleged Russian strategy to `` sow distrust and chaos and exacerbate crisis situations '' .
Moscow denied the allegation , accusing the EU of `` fake news '' .
In his interview , Mr Raab also shed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the UK 's intelligence and security committee on Russian interference in UK elections .
The committee 's last chair said they gave it to Downing Street for clearance on 17 October - but it still remains unpublished .
Mr Raab revealed while he has `` not personally read all the detail of it '' there is `` nothing that gives me reason to believe there was any material impact '' on election outcomes .
And he talked down a report in the Financial Times that the Foreign Office has set its sights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Trade , after this week 's announcement of a Whitehall shakeup .
`` That 's not true - there 's no question of eyeing anything up , '' he said .

Russia and other countries are trying to "exploit" the coronavirus crisis, the UK's foreign secretary has told Sky News.
Dominic Raab said hostile governments are using the challenges thrown up by the global pandemic to take advantage of "a perceived opportunity".
But he denied their actions have had a substantial impact, adding: "I don't think they've made a material difference to our response in health terms."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 China hits back at UK over citizenship offer
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Mr Raab also pointed to China's bid to enforce its national security law on a former British colony.
"I think we've seen it in relation to Hong Kong," he said on Thursday.
"I think some people are arguing - it's difficult to glean whether it's true or not - that this is something - the national security legislation that's being put forwards - [that] is being done at a time when the world's attention is on coronavirus."
Sky News reported earlier this week on a vast Russian online deception operation, unveiling a coordinated and extensive attempt to create tensions between European countries and the US.
Image: A Russian online deception campaign used well-known social media sites
Downing Street has previously accused Russia of spreading "disinformation", after a state-run news agency claimed Boris Johnson was to be put on a ventilator when he was hospitalised with coronavirus.
And the EU has claimed pro-Kremlin media are spreading false information on COVID-19 in line with an alleged Russian strategy to "sow distrust and chaos and exacerbate crisis situations".
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Moscow denied the allegation, accusing the EU of "fake news".
In his interview, Mr Raab also shed a small glimmer of light on a report by the UK's intelligence and security committee on Russian interference in UK elections.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Raab equates £900k jet paint job with value for taxpayer
The committee's last chair said they gave it to Downing Street for clearance on 17 October - but it still remains unpublished.
Mr Raab revealed while he has "not personally read all the detail of it" there is "nothing that gives me reason to believe there was any material impact" on election outcomes.
And he talked down a report in the Financial Times that the Foreign Office has set its sights on a takeover of the Department for International Trade, after this week's announcement of a Whitehall shakeup.
"That's not true - there's no question of eyeing anything up," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-18--Black Lives Matter: I would only take the knee for my wife and the Queen - Raab

Taking a knee - used by some to represent support for the Black Lives Matter campaign - has been called a `` symbol of subjugation and subordination '' by the foreign secretary .
Dominic Raab suggested he would not follow the lead of footballers who marked the Premier League 's return by getting down on one knee to express solidarity with the fight against racial inequality .
He said it is a `` matter of personal choice '' but that he would only take a knee for the Queen and his wife .
The symbolic gesture was popularised in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on one knee while the US national anthem played before games .
Kaepernick 's protests sparked controversy , with Donald Trump saying team owners should sack players who took a knee during the anthem .
Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since he opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 .
`` What Kaepernick wanted to do was raise awareness of the continuous police brutality , '' Professor Louis Moore from Grand Valley State University previously told Sky News .
Bending a knee has become more widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an unarmed black man in the US , George Floyd .
Some politicians , including Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer and deputy Angela Rayner have joined in , too .
Asked if he would take a knee , Mr Raab told TalkRadio : `` I understand this sense of frustration and restlessness which is driving the Black Lives Matter movement .
`` I 've got to say on this taking the knee thing - which I do n't know , maybe it 's got a broader history that seems to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation .
`` But I understand people feel different about it so it 's a matter of personal choice . ''
Pressed again to say if he would take the knee he added : `` I take the knee for two people - the Queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me . ''
David Lammy , Labour 's shadow justice secretary , said the comments were `` insulting '' to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the cabinet minister .
Mr Raab later clarified his comments , tweeting : `` To be clear : I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement , and the issues driving them .
`` If people wish to take a knee , that 's their choice and I respect it .
We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice . ''

Taking a knee - used by some to represent support for the Black Lives Matter campaign - has been called a "symbol of subjugation and subordination" by the foreign secretary.
Dominic Raab suggested he would not follow the lead of footballers who marked the Premier League's return by getting down on one knee to express solidarity with the fight against racial inequality.
He said it is a "matter of personal choice" but that he would only take a knee for the Queen and his wife.
Image: Premier League footballers marked the season's restart by taking the knee
The symbolic gesture was popularised in 2016 when NFL star Colin Kaepernick got down on one knee while the US national anthem played before games.
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Kaepernick's protests sparked controversy, with Donald Trump saying team owners should sack players who took a knee during the anthem. Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since he opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.
"What Kaepernick wanted to do was raise awareness of the continuous police brutality," Professor Louis Moore from Grand Valley State University previously told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:45 How did 'take the knee' movement start?
Bending a knee has become more widespread in recent weeks due to the killing of an unarmed black man in the US, George Floyd.
Some politicians, including Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer and deputy Angela Rayner have joined in, too.
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Asked if he would take a knee, Mr Raab told TalkRadio: "I understand this sense of frustration and restlessness which is driving the Black Lives Matter movement.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner knelt in support of Black Lives Matter
"I've got to say on this taking the knee thing - which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history that seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones.
"It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation.
"But I understand people feel different about it so it's a matter of personal choice."
Image: A Black Lives Matter protest in London
Pressed again to say if he would take the knee he added: "I take the knee for two people - the Queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me."
David Lammy, Labour's shadow justice secretary, said the comments were "insulting" to the anti-racism campaigners and "deeply embarrassing" for the cabinet minister.
Mr Raab later clarified his comments, tweeting: "To be clear: I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them.
"If people wish to take a knee, that's their choice and I respect it. We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-17--Churchill statue boarding removed for Macron visit

Protective boarding around the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in central London has been removed for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron .
The monument in Parliament Square was boarded up , along with several others , after it was sprayed with graffiti during a Black Lives Matter protest prompted by the death of George Floyd in the US .
Mr Macron is due to visit London on Thursday where he will meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson and attend an event with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall .
A spokesman for the Mayor of London said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churchill statue will be removed for the visit of President Macron to London . ''
The Churchill statue was boarded up on 12 June ahead of a planned Black Lives Matter protest after demonstrators had previously daubed `` was a racist '' on the monument .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Lauded for his leadership as Britain 's wartime prime minister and opposition to Hitler 's Nazi regime , Sir Winston also espoused racist views of Indians , who he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` a beastly people with a beastly religion '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was `` absurd and shameful '' that the statue was at risk of attack , saying Sir Winston remained a hero for saving the country from `` fascist and racist tyranny '' .
Days after the monument was boarded up , there were violent scenes in London and more than 100 arrests as police struggled to keep anti-racism protesters and rival demonstrators apart .
As Black Lives Matter supporters gathered in Hyde Park , a crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists - gathered in Parliament Square , where they were claiming to protect statues .
On Thursday , Mr Macron will meet Charles and Camilla at Clarence House in London to celebrate the 80th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle 's appeal to the French population to resist the German occupation of France during the Second World War .
He is also reportedly visiting the capital to honour the city and the country as a whole by awarding London France 's highest decoration - Legion d'Honneur .
Mr Macron 's visit comes just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year .
A spokesman for the PM said the French president would not be subject to the UK 's 14-day quarantine rules .
Mr Macron falls within the exempted category of `` representatives of a foreign country or territory travelling to undertake business in the UK '' , he added .

Protective boarding around the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in central London has been removed for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The monument in Parliament Square was boarded up, along with several others, after it was sprayed with graffiti during a Black Lives Matter protest prompted by the death of George Floyd in the US.
Mr Macron is due to visit London on Thursday where he will meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson and attend an event with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Image: The Winston Churchill statue being cleaned on Parliament Square, London
A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: "The covering around the Winston Churchill statue will be removed for the visit of President Macron to London."
The Churchill statue was boarded up on 12 June ahead of a planned Black Lives Matter protest after demonstrators had previously daubed "was a racist" on the monument.
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Lauded for his leadership as Britain's wartime prime minister and opposition to Hitler's Nazi regime, Sir Winston also espoused racist views of Indians, who he said he "hated" and considered to be "a beastly people with a beastly religion".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was "absurd and shameful" that the statue was at risk of attack, saying Sir Winston remained a hero for saving the country from "fascist and racist tyranny".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:19 'Absurd' to attack Churchill statue
Days after the monument was boarded up, there were violent scenes in London and more than 100 arrests as police struggled to keep anti-racism protesters and rival demonstrators apart.
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As Black Lives Matter supporters gathered in Hyde Park, a crowd of people - some of them far-right activists - gathered in Parliament Square, where they were claiming to protect statues.
Image: Counter-protesters gathered around the boarded-up statue
On Thursday, Mr Macron will meet Charles and Camilla at Clarence House in London to celebrate the 80th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle's appeal to the French population to resist the German occupation of France during the Second World War.
He is also reportedly visiting the capital to honour the city and the country as a whole by awarding London France's highest decoration - Legion d'Honneur.
Image: Prince Charles and Emmanuel Macron during the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in January
Mr Macron's visit comes just before the 1 July deadline to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of this year.
A spokesman for the PM said the French president would not be subject to the UK's 14-day quarantine rules.
Mr Macron falls within the exempted category of "representatives of a foreign country or territory travelling to undertake business in the UK", he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-18--A third of furloughed employees asked to work while firms get government handouts

More than a third of furloughed employees have been asked to carry out work by their bosses , in direct contravention of the rules , according to a new survey .
Employers can only claim cash from the £60bn scheme if staff can not work during the pandemic .
But the study by Crossland Employment Solicitors suggests that 34 % of employees have been asked to return to work , either doing their usual job or taking on more administrative tasks .
One in five has been asked to either cover someone else 's job or to work for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough .
The furlough scheme is one of the biggest single up-front costs to the Treasury and breaking the rules is fraud .
The government has recently announced plans to give employers 30 days to confess any furlough fraud , following concerns the system was being abused .
Legislation is also set to be introduced giving powers to impose penalties and to pursue directors of insolvent companies personally .
Beverley Sunderland , managing director of Crossland , which carried out the survey , said : `` Like any fraud , this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As it is fraud on the Treasury then an employer could be imposed with a hefty fine , asked to pay past payments back , have any future payments withheld or even potentially face prison . ''
The research also found the split between small and medium enterprises ( SMEs ) and larger companies breaking the rules was fairly equal , from the 2,000 employees surveyed in manufacturing , construction , accounting , IT , marketing and PR .
Ms Sunderland added : `` Since the coronavirus job retention scheme was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received an avalanche of calls to our office from worried employees , all unrelated to our own clients and many with the same story , ' I 've been furloughed but my employer has asked me to keep working . '
'' The furlough scheme was introduced to avoid wide-scale unemployment as businesses shut under the lockdown and covers 80 % of staff salaries up to £2,500 each .
Earlier this week Treasury figures revealed that £20.8 billion had been claimed covering 9.1 million jobs , and Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost £60bn .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The furlough rules change from next month , with bosses able to bring back employees on a flexible basis whilst still claiming the grants for the hours not required .
In August employers must start covering pension contributions to employees , September will see the contribution from the Treasury fall from 80 % to 70 % and in October this reduces to 60 % .
Companies must make up the shortfall and furloughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % level until the end of October .
A spokesman for HMRC , which is running the scheme , said it has received 3,079 reports from the public as of 14 June , and urged any employee who thinks their company is abusing the system to contact them .
They added : `` This is taxpayer 's money and fraudulent claims limit our ability to support people and deprive public services of essential funding .
`` Claims are checked and payments may be withheld or need to be repaid if the claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We wo n't hesitate to take criminal action against the most serious cases . ''

More than a third of furloughed employees have been asked to carry out work by their bosses, in direct contravention of the rules, according to a new survey.
Employers can only claim cash from the £60bn scheme if staff cannot work during the pandemic.
But the study by Crossland Employment Solicitors suggests that 34% of employees have been asked to return to work, either doing their usual job or taking on more administrative tasks.
One in five has been asked to either cover someone else's job or to work for a company linked to their employer while on furlough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:43 Analysis: Who's used the UK furlough scheme?
The furlough scheme is one of the biggest single up-front costs to the Treasury and breaking the rules is fraud.
The government has recently announced plans to give employers 30 days to confess any furlough fraud, following concerns the system was being abused.
Legislation is also set to be introduced giving powers to impose penalties and to pursue directors of insolvent companies personally.
Beverley Sunderland, managing director of Crossland, which carried out the survey, said: "Like any fraud, this is a serious offence and an exploitation of employees.
"As it is fraud on the Treasury then an employer could be imposed with a hefty fine, asked to pay past payments back, have any future payments withheld or even potentially face prison."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 Chancellor sets out plan to reopen economy
The research also found the split between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger companies breaking the rules was fairly equal, from the 2,000 employees surveyed in manufacturing, construction, accounting, IT, marketing and PR.
Ms Sunderland added: "Since the coronavirus job retention scheme was launched eight weeks ago, we've received an avalanche of calls to our office from worried employees, all unrelated to our own clients and many with the same story, 'I've been furloughed but my employer has asked me to keep working.'"
The furlough scheme was introduced to avoid wide-scale unemployment as businesses shut under the lockdown and covers 80% of staff salaries up to £2,500 each.
Earlier this week Treasury figures revealed that £20.8 billion had been claimed covering 9.1 million jobs, and Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts predict the entire scheme will cost £60bn.
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The furlough rules change from next month, with bosses able to bring back employees on a flexible basis whilst still claiming the grants for the hours not required.
In August employers must start covering pension contributions to employees, September will see the contribution from the Treasury fall from 80% to 70% and in October this reduces to 60%.
Companies must make up the shortfall and furloughed employees will still be entitled to the 80% level until the end of October.
A spokesman for HMRC, which is running the scheme, said it has received 3,079 reports from the public as of 14 June, and urged any employee who thinks their company is abusing the system to contact them.
They added: "This is taxpayer's money and fraudulent claims limit our ability to support people and deprive public services of essential funding.
"Claims are checked and payments may be withheld or need to be repaid if the claim is based on dishonest or inaccurate information. We won't hesitate to take criminal action against the most serious cases."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-18--How PM plans to help children who have missed months of school

A £1bn catch-up programme for children who have missed out on months of school during the lockdown has been unveiled by the prime minister .
One-on-one or small group tuition will be targeted at up to two million of the most disadvantaged pupils at state schools in England from the start of the autumn term .
The tutoring will be funded up to £350m , and another £650m will be shared among primary and secondary schools to tackle the consequences of coronavirus for all pupils .
This pot , which is a one-off payment for the next academic year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend .
It can be used for summer schools , any other educational or mental health programmes , as well as extra teachers or computers .
Boris Johnson said : `` I want to once again thank teachers , childcare workers and support staff for the brilliant work they have been doing throughout the pandemic .
`` This £1bn catch-up package will help headteachers to provide extra support to children who have fallen behind while out of school .
`` I am determined to do everything I can to get all children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the measures would `` bring long-term reform to the educational sector that will protect a generation from the effects of this pandemic '' .
He added : `` We can not afford for any of our children to lose out as a result of COVID-19 .
The scale of our response must match the scale of the challenge .
`` This package will make sure that every young person , no matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets the education , opportunities and outcomes they deserve , by spending it on measures proven to be effective , particularly for those who are most disadvantaged . ''
Some primary school children have now returned to classrooms , but plans for all of them to return before the summer have been dropped in a government U-turn .
Meanwhile , secondary schools are unclear as to whether they can fully open even in September , as they have been told to enforce two-metre social distancing .
The Department for Education says its ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and activities for children over the summer holiday to operate - but only if the science allows it .
Campaigners have been calling for a one-on-one tuition for many months , as research suggests having sessions three times a week for 12 weeks can help children make up five months of lost learning .
Gabby Cunningham , 17 , a sixth former at the King 's Church of England School in Kidsgrove , Staffordshire , told Sky News how four months of tutoring for her GCSE chemistry exam last year saw her secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 pupils to have after-school lessons online through the private company MyTutor .
She was tutored by medical student Matt Pickering .
She told Sky News : `` It made such a big difference not only to my education but to me personally because I started to develop self-belief in myself .
`` It 's not as formal and strict as in the classroom , so I could open up about what I was struggling with .
When we started in January and I was on a grade 3 or 4 which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a 7 which is an A . ''
Headteacher Will Wilson is already planning to enrol more students in one-on-one tutoring to try , but says it 's only part of the solution .
`` We 're talking six months of their education gone , '' he said .
`` It 's a huge headache because you do n't know at this stage what gaps you are trying to fill .
`` There 's a whole range of engagement going on with students at home right now between those who are fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending it through , to those who have not even picked up their email accounts and looked at the amount of work they 've got there . ''
Sir Peter Lampl , chairman of the Sutton Trust charity , which has worked with the government on the plan , said : `` We are delighted that the government is announcing a large sum today to benefit those pupils who need it the most . ''
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , welcomed the investment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ union had concerns about ensuring the £300m National Tutoring Programme provides `` high-quality provision '' .
Mr Barton added : `` It remains frustrating that we have n't had the opportunity to discuss any of this with the government ahead of this announcement and that we once again find ourselves having to guess the detail .
`` We really do need a much more collaborative approach so that the government and profession can together work on developing a really effective , joined-up national plan . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said the funding `` needs to be backed with a detailed national education plan to get children 's education and health back on track '' .
She added : `` The present plans lack detail and appear to be a tiny fraction of the support our pupils need at this critical time .
`` The government must take its responsibility to support children 's learning and their safe return to school seriously and demonstrate leadership in making this happen . ''
Lib Dem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` need to form part of a wider national plan '' agreed in conjunction with teachers , experts , unions and others .
`` Top-down initiatives with funding tied to them wo n't make a big enough difference if schools are unable to fully reopen safely , '' she added .

A £1bn catch-up programme for children who have missed out on months of school during the lockdown has been unveiled by the prime minister.
One-on-one or small group tuition will be targeted at up to two million of the most disadvantaged pupils at state schools in England from the start of the autumn term.
The tutoring will be funded up to £350m, and another £650m will be shared among primary and secondary schools to tackle the consequences of coronavirus for all pupils.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:02 Starmer attacks PM over school reopening plan
This pot, which is a one-off payment for the next academic year, will be entirely at headteachers' discretion to spend.
It can be used for summer schools, any other educational or mental health programmes, as well as extra teachers or computers.
Boris Johnson said: "I want to once again thank teachers, childcare workers and support staff for the brilliant work they have been doing throughout the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Government's 'clear intention' is September school opening
"This £1bn catch-up package will help headteachers to provide extra support to children who have fallen behind while out of school.
"I am determined to do everything I can to get all children back in school from September, and we will bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Plans shelved for all primary pupils' return
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the measures would "bring long-term reform to the educational sector that will protect a generation from the effects of this pandemic".
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He added: "We cannot afford for any of our children to lose out as a result of COVID-19. The scale of our response must match the scale of the challenge.
"This package will make sure that every young person, no matter their age or where they live, gets the education, opportunities and outcomes they deserve, by spending it on measures proven to be effective, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged."
Some primary school children have now returned to classrooms, but plans for all of them to return before the summer have been dropped in a government U-turn.
Meanwhile, secondary schools are unclear as to whether they can fully open even in September, as they have been told to enforce two-metre social distancing.
Schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News @ Breakfast that while it remains a "clear intention" to have kids back in the classroom by the start of the new academic year, the government is "working on other contingency plans".
The Department for Education says its ambition is for companies that currently run clubs and activities for children over the summer holiday to operate - if the science allows it.
How the announcement is going down at a school in Macclesfield
Image: Mr Botwe said many students have 'missed social interaction'
Emmanuel Botwe, headteacher at Tytherington High School, welcomed the additional funding but said "it will be a Herculean task" to help students catch up.
"We need to see the detail of this funding but I anticipate that I'll be looking very closely at staffing and at providing additional resources and materials, for example, making sure that all of our disadvantages students have access to a laptop and have broadband at home."
Mr Botwe's school has been open for children of key workers throughout the pandemic but this week started to welcome back some year 10 and year 12 pupils.
"What has been revealed by their return is that there is gaps in their learning but there are also mental health issues that have arisen during this period," he told Sky News.
"Students are delighted to be back but clearly this has been a process where they have missed social interaction for weeks on end and obviously there will be a certain amount of uncovering what has gone on during that period in the next few weeks."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Schools struggling with social distancing
Campaigners have been calling for a one-on-one tuition for many months, as research suggests having sessions three times a week for 12 weeks can help children make up five months of lost learning.
Gabby Cunningham, 17, a sixth former at the King's Church of England School in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, told Sky News how four months of tutoring for her GCSE chemistry exam last year saw her secure a top grade.
Her school referred 20 pupils to have after-school lessons online through the private company MyTutor. She was tutored by medical student Matt Pickering.
She told Sky News: "It made such a big difference not only to my education but to me personally because I started to develop self-belief in myself.
"It's not as formal and strict as in the classroom, so I could open up about what I was struggling with. When we started in January and I was on a grade 3 or 4 which is a D/C and by GSCEs I was at a 7 which is an A."
Headteacher Will Wilson is already planning to enrol more students in one-on-one tutoring to try, but says it's only part of the solution.
"We're talking six months of their education gone," he said.
"It's a huge headache because you don't know at this stage what gaps you are trying to fill.
"There's a whole range of engagement going on with students at home right now between those who are fully engaged, doing all the work, sending it through, to those who have not even picked up their email accounts and looked at the amount of work they've got there."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 Schools reopen, but many children stay home
Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust charity, which has worked with the government on the plan, said: "We are delighted that the government is announcing a large sum today to benefit those pupils who need it the most."
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, welcomed the investment.
But he said the school leaders' union had concerns about ensuring the £300m National Tutoring Programme provides "high-quality provision".
Mr Barton added: "It remains frustrating that we haven't had the opportunity to discuss any of this with the government ahead of this announcement and that we once again find ourselves having to guess the detail.
"We really do need a much more collaborative approach so that the government and profession can together work on developing a really effective, joined-up national plan."
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Labour's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said the funding "needs to be backed with a detailed national education plan to get children's education and health back on track".
She added: "The present plans lack detail and appear to be a tiny fraction of the support our pupils need at this critical time.
"The government must take its responsibility to support children's learning and their safe return to school seriously and demonstrate leadership in making this happen."
Lib Dem education spokesperson Layla Moran said the measures "need to form part of a wider national plan" agreed in conjunction with teachers, experts, unions and others.
"Top-down initiatives with funding tied to them won't make a big enough difference if schools are unable to fully reopen safely," she added.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-18--This is what the PM's VIP plane could look like after its £900,000 paint job

A photoshopped image of what Boris Johnson 's VIP jet might look like after a £900,000 paint job shows the once-grey aircraft now in white , with a giant Union Jack flag across the rear .
The words `` United Kingdom '' are painted in yellow capital letters along the side .
The mock-up was posted on social media on Thursday by Andrew Evans , an aviation enthusiast and photographer .
Mr Evans accompanied the picture with an explanation that it was based on a diagram allegedly showing the real design that had been `` doing the rounds '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the revamped Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft is broadly in line with the real thing .
A military source gave the new look a thumbs-up for VIP travel , but warned it would be almost impossible to keep deploying the jet on military operations as it would stick out .
`` I think it looks awesome and will totally fit in on the flight line at world leaders ' meetings next to Air Force One , '' he said , referring to the US president 's aircraft .
By contrast , core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to conflict zones would be `` totally off the cards in my opinion '' , the source said .
He added that the only time it could safely be deployed would be if there is no danger of enemy fire .
`` Well that 's going to be nice and low-profile in a war zone if it has to go back to being a military refuelling tanker , '' he wrote on Twitter , commenting on the photoshopped image of the VIP jet .
`` That was the role it was bought for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jets used by eg [ for example , President Emmanuel ] Macron which were bought to be VIP transports . ''
Mr Johnson was heavily criticised this week after it emerged the government is spending almost £1m on transforming the look of the RAF 's VIP Voyager , which is used by the prime minister , other ministers , and members of the Royal Family .
There was particular anger at the cost at a time when the country is in a deep financial crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden defended the move on Wednesday , saying `` we have always spent money on promoting the UK round the world '' .
One source said the paint job sounded like something `` from Austin Powers '' .
The revelation triggered a barrage of aircraft-linked jokes on social media about the hit comedy starring Mike Myers as a British spy and his arch enemy Dr Evil .
The Voyager is receiving its makeover at a secure hangar at an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aerospace and Defence is in charge of the work .
The paint job is expected to be finished later this month .

A photoshopped image of what Boris Johnson's VIP jet might look like after a £900,000 paint job shows the once-grey aircraft now in white, with a giant Union Jack flag across the rear.
The words "United Kingdom" are painted in yellow capital letters along the side.
The mock-up was posted on social media on Thursday by Andrew Evans, an aviation enthusiast and photographer.
Image: The RAF Voyager, pictured in 2018, is getting a paint job
Mr Evans accompanied the picture with an explanation that it was based on a diagram allegedly showing the real design that had been "doing the rounds".
It is understood that the unofficial image of the revamped Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft is broadly in line with the real thing.
A military source gave the new look a thumbs-up for VIP travel, but warned it would be almost impossible to keep deploying the jet on military operations as it would stick out.
"I think it looks awesome and will totally fit in on the flight line at world leaders' meetings next to Air Force One," he said, referring to the US president's aircraft.
By contrast, core tasks such as refuelling fast jets close to conflict zones would be "totally off the cards in my opinion", the source said. He added that the only time it could safely be deployed would be if there is no danger of enemy fire.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Raab defends £900,000 makeover for VIP jet
Lord Ricketts, a former national security adviser, echoed this concern.
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"Well that's going to be nice and low-profile in a war zone if it has to go back to being a military refuelling tanker," he wrote on Twitter, commenting on the photoshopped image of the VIP jet.
"That was the role it was bought for with all the necessary plumbing - unlike the jets used by eg [for example, President Emmanuel] Macron which were bought to be VIP transports."
Mr Johnson was heavily criticised this week after it emerged the government is spending almost £1m on transforming the look of the RAF's VIP Voyager, which is used by the prime minister, other ministers, and members of the Royal Family.
There was particular anger at the cost at a time when the country is in a deep financial crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden defended the move on Wednesday, saying "we have always spent money on promoting the UK round the world".
Sky News revealed the Union Jack-themed makeover on Tuesday.
One source said the paint job sounded like something "from Austin Powers".
The revelation triggered a barrage of aircraft-linked jokes on social media about the hit comedy starring Mike Myers as a British spy and his arch enemy Dr Evil.
The Voyager is receiving its makeover at a secure hangar at an airfield in Cambridge.
The company Marshall Aerospace and Defence is in charge of the work. The paint job is expected to be finished later this month.