skynewspolitics--2020-11-10--Mass testing and a 'student travel corridor' to get them home for Christmas

English universities should stop in-person teaching and revert to online classes by early December to allow students to return home safely for Christmas , the government has said .
Guidance due to be issued by the Department for Education will say that students will be allowed to travel between 3 and 9 December to make sure families can be reunited over the festive period .
Universities will be expected to employ staggered departure dates during this `` student travel window '' and work with nearby institutions in order to manage the resulting pressure on transport infrastructure .
The hope is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced as students will be heading home after the four-week COVID-19 lockdown .
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world The government has promised to work closely with universities to establish mass testing capacity .
Coronavirus tests will be offered to as many students as possible before they depart , ministers say .
Universities in areas of high prevalence will be prioritised , the DfE said .
If students test positive for the virus before the travel window , they will have enough time to complete their self-isolation and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a student opts to stay on campus later into December , they will need to remain in self-isolation in their accommodation for 10 days if they test positive for COVID-19 .
Universities will be asked to offer extra help and support to students who remain on campus over Christmas , including affordable food .
Universities minister Michelle Donelan admitted students had experienced a `` hellish time '' and `` very difficult '' term since returning in September and October .
She told Sky News : `` We made a commitment that they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the safest way as possible for both their communities and families .
`` We 've now got this four-week period of national restrictions and , at the end of it students , will pose a much-reduced risk to their families , loved ones and communities . ''
Ms Donelan added the government would be `` complementing '' the student travel window with testing .
`` We 're targeting that testing in some of the most highest-risk areas and universities that are highest risk .
`` And also looking at those student percentages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BAME students .
`` That is one element of this strategy , you can never eliminate the risk - we 're in the midst of a pandemic - what we 're doing is trying to manage that risk , reduce it and give students the confidence to go home . ''
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Donelan said the government would be continuing to work with universities and test and trace teams on the return of students after the Christmas holidays .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prove they are COVID-negative if they want to return in the New Year .
Dr David Nabarro , a World Health Organisation special envoy on the global COVID-19 response , warned about the impact of students returning to universities after Christmas .
He told Sky News : `` If there 's going to be a big return in January , all I 'm going to say is , be careful , because that 's when the virus can really move around quickly .
`` So please stick with the instructions that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , faces masks , isolating whenever you 're sick , together with very good hygiene . ''
Durham University is running a pilot project for rapid testing , which includes identifying those who are asymptomatic .
Several hundred staff and students at two Durham colleges have taken part in the voluntary scheme .
The pilot uses self-administered Lateral Flow Tests , which use a nose and throat swab and deliver results in 30 minutes .
Durham is exploring whether it is possible to roll out mass testing university-wide before Christmas .
Deputy chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` mass movement of students '' presents a `` really significant challenge '' amid the pandemic .
`` The measures announced today will help minimise that risk and help students get home to their families as safely as possible for Christmas , '' she said .
`` It is crucial that students follow the guidance in order to protect their families and the communities they return to . ''
Universities UK said students and staff will `` appreciate confirmation of the government 's end-of-term plans '' in light of the `` prolonged uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` With universities being asked to end in-person learning by December 9 , some students will now miss out on timetabled placements , practical classes and other in-person teaching near the end of term , '' a spokeswoman said .
`` Universities will need to work with students and government to manage the challenges this creates .
`` The government must now urgently turn its attention to working with the sector on plans to ensure students can safely resume their studies in person in January , supported by enhanced testing capability . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ University and College Union , said the government 's plans were `` riddled with holes '' and `` raised as many questions as they answer '' .
`` Allowing just a week for around one million students to travel across the country leaves little room for error , '' she said .
`` If the government instead told universities to move online now it would provide much more time to stagger the movement of students and better protect the health of staff , students and their wider communities . ''

English universities should stop in-person teaching and revert to online classes by early December to allow students to return home safely for Christmas, the government has said.
Guidance due to be issued by the Department for Education will say that students will be allowed to travel between 3 and 9 December to make sure families can be reunited over the festive period.
Universities will be expected to employ staggered departure dates during this "student travel window" and work with nearby institutions in order to manage the resulting pressure on transport infrastructure.
The hope is that the risk of transmission will be reduced as students will be heading home after the four-week COVID-19 lockdown.
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:16 Students topple 'lockdown' fence
The government has promised to work closely with universities to establish mass testing capacity.
Coronavirus tests will be offered to as many students as possible before they depart, ministers say.
Universities in areas of high prevalence will be prioritised, the DfE said.
If students test positive for the virus before the travel window, they will have enough time to complete their self-isolation and get home for Christmas.
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However, if a student opts to stay on campus later into December, they will need to remain in self-isolation in their accommodation for 10 days if they test positive for COVID-19.
Universities will be asked to offer extra help and support to students who remain on campus over Christmas, including affordable food.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 September: Anger grows over university lockdowns
Universities minister Michelle Donelan admitted students had experienced a "hellish time" and "very difficult" term since returning in September and October.
She told Sky News: "We made a commitment that they could be able to go home for Christmas in the safest way as possible for both their communities and families.
"We've now got this four-week period of national restrictions and, at the end of it students, will pose a much-reduced risk to their families, loved ones and communities."
Ms Donelan added the government would be "complementing" the student travel window with testing.
"We're targeting that testing in some of the most highest-risk areas and universities that are highest risk.
"And also looking at those student percentages who are most vulnerable, for example BAME students.
"That is one element of this strategy, you can never eliminate the risk - we're in the midst of a pandemic - what we're doing is trying to manage that risk, reduce it and give students the confidence to go home."
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Donelan said the government would be continuing to work with universities and test and trace teams on the return of students after the Christmas holidays.
But she dismissed suggestions students would have to prove they are COVID-negative if they want to return in the New Year.
Dr David Nabarro, a World Health Organisation special envoy on the global COVID-19 response, warned about the impact of students returning to universities after Christmas.
He told Sky News: "If there's going to be a big return in January, all I'm going to say is, be careful, because that's when the virus can really move around quickly.
"So please stick with the instructions that we continue to give out about physical distancing, faces masks, isolating whenever you're sick, together with very good hygiene."
Durham University is running a pilot project for rapid testing, which includes identifying those who are asymptomatic.
Several hundred staff and students at two Durham colleges have taken part in the voluntary scheme.
The pilot uses self-administered Lateral Flow Tests, which use a nose and throat swab and deliver results in 30 minutes.
Durham is exploring whether it is possible to roll out mass testing university-wide before Christmas.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the "mass movement of students" presents a "really significant challenge" amid the pandemic.
"The measures announced today will help minimise that risk and help students get home to their families as safely as possible for Christmas," she said.
"It is crucial that students follow the guidance in order to protect their families and the communities they return to."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:06 COVID-19 vaccine: Will it end the crisis?
Universities UK said students and staff will "appreciate confirmation of the government's end-of-term plans" in light of the "prolonged uncertainty they have faced this year".
"With universities being asked to end in-person learning by December 9, some students will now miss out on timetabled placements, practical classes and other in-person teaching near the end of term," a spokeswoman said.
"Universities will need to work with students and government to manage the challenges this creates.
"The government must now urgently turn its attention to working with the sector on plans to ensure students can safely resume their studies in person in January, supported by enhanced testing capability."
Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, said the government's plans were "riddled with holes" and "raised as many questions as they answer".
"Allowing just a week for around one million students to travel across the country leaves little room for error," she said.
"If the government instead told universities to move online now it would provide much more time to stagger the movement of students and better protect the health of staff, students and their wider communities."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-10--COVID-19: Has the pandemic changed parliament forever?

Prime Minister 's Questions has been a political ritual in British politics for nearly 60 years , with MPs and @ @ @ @ @ of Commons , for a dramatic 30-minute showdown of political arguments .
But coronavirus means @ @ @ @ @ change .
With just a handful of MPs allowed inside the Commons , politicians have @ @ @ @ @ digital debates .
Has social distancing changed parliament permanently ?
And could this be the @ @ @ @ @ ?
In this episode of the Sky News Daily podcast hosted by Sophy Ridge , @ @ @ @ @ what sitting in parliament via Zoom is like and historian Dr Matt Cole describes how @ @ @ @ @ changed over the past 100 years .

Prime Minister's Questions has been a political ritual in British politics for nearly 60 years, with MPs and journalists flooding into the House of Commons, for a dramatic 30-minute showdown of political arguments. But coronavirus means the tradition has had to change.
With just a handful of MPs allowed inside the Commons, politicians have swapped dispatch box dust-ups for digital debates.
Has social distancing changed parliament permanently? And could this be the beginning of a digital democracy?
In this episode of the Sky News Daily podcast hosted by Sophy Ridge, MP Alyn Smith talks through what sitting in parliament via Zoom is like and historian Dr Matt Cole describes how the Commons and PMQs has changed over the past 100 years.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Credits
Daily podcast team:
Podcast producer - Annie Joyce
Podcast producer - Nicola Eyers
Podcast producer - Emma Rae Woodhouse
Interviews producers - Reece Denton
Archive - Simon Windsor
Archive - Rob Fellowes
Music - Steven Wheeler


skynewspolitics--2020-11-11--PM brands Trump 'the previous president' after 'refreshing' chat with Biden

Boris Johnson has branded Donald Trump the `` previous president '' and hailed his `` refreshing '' conversation with successor Joe Biden .
Mr Trump is continuing to claim he won last week 's US presidential election and has made multiple unsubstantiated claims of fraud .
But the prime minister consigned Mr Trump 's presidency to the history books on Wednesday , as he told MPs of his `` excellent '' phone call with Mr Biden .
Mr Johnson said he agreed with the US president-elect that their two countries should `` once again '' co-operate on various global issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson told the House of Commons : `` One of the many merits of the excellent conversation I had yesterday with president-elect Joe Biden was that we were strongly agreed on the need for once again the UK and the US to stand together to stick up for our values around the world .
`` To stick up for human rights and stick up for global free trade , to stick up for NATO , and to work together in the fight against climate change .
`` It was refreshing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that conversation and I look forward to many more . ''
Mr Johnson added he was `` delighted '' that Mr Biden and his incoming vice-president , Kamala Harris , shared `` many areas '' of `` common cause '' - including next year 's climate change summit in Glasgow .
`` I had and have a good relationship with the previous president - I do not resile from that , '' the prime minister said .
`` It is the duty of all British prime ministers to have a good relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm delighted to find the many areas in which the incoming Biden/Harris administration is able to make common cause with us .
`` In particular , it was extremely exciting to talk to president-elect Biden about what he wants to do with the COP26 summit next year , in which the UK is leading the world in driving down carbon emissions and tackling climate change . ''
Speaking later during a visit to a Tesco distribution centre in southeast London , the PM said it was a `` return to the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Sticking up for democracy around the world , human rights , free trade , NATO - Joe Biden is a very strong believer in the transatlantic alliance and indeed the special relationship - and above all climate change , '' Mr Johnson said .
The PM held a 25-minute phone call with Mr Biden on Tuesday .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker They talked about the importance of implementing Brexit in such a way that upholds the Good Friday Agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president-elect that would be the case .
The Internal Market Bill - the government 's controversial Brexit legislation that ministers have admitted will allow them to break international law - was not understood to have been raised specifically in the call .
Mr Biden has previously warned against the Good Friday Agreement becoming a `` casualty '' of Brexit .
Downing Street on Wednesday said that Mr Johnson had n't raised the case of Harry Dunn during the call with Mr Biden .
But the prime minister 's spokesman added : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll be having further discussions in the coming months .
`` We continue to press for justice . ''

Boris Johnson has branded Donald Trump the "previous president" and hailed his "refreshing" conversation with successor Joe Biden.
Mr Trump is continuing to claim he won last week's US presidential election and has made multiple unsubstantiated claims of fraud.
But the prime minister consigned Mr Trump's presidency to the history books on Wednesday, as he told MPs of his "excellent" phone call with Mr Biden.
Image: The PM held a 25-minute call with Joe Biden on Tuesday. Pic: Andrew Parsons/Number 10
Mr Johnson said he agreed with the US president-elect that their two countries should "once again" co-operate on various global issues.
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson told the House of Commons: "One of the many merits of the excellent conversation I had yesterday with president-elect Joe Biden was that we were strongly agreed on the need for once again the UK and the US to stand together to stick up for our values around the world.
"To stick up for human rights and stick up for global free trade, to stick up for NATO, and to work together in the fight against climate change.
"It was refreshing, if I may say, to have that conversation and I look forward to many more."
Mr Johnson added he was "delighted" that Mr Biden and his incoming vice-president, Kamala Harris, shared "many areas" of "common cause" - including next year's climate change summit in Glasgow.
"I had and have a good relationship with the previous president - I do not resile from that," the prime minister said.
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Image: Boris Johnson said he would 'not resile' from his good relationship with Donald Trump
"It is the duty of all British prime ministers to have a good relationship with the White House.
"But I'm delighted to find the many areas in which the incoming Biden/Harris administration is able to make common cause with us.
"In particular, it was extremely exciting to talk to president-elect Biden about what he wants to do with the COP26 summit next year, in which the UK is leading the world in driving down carbon emissions and tackling climate change."
Speaking later during a visit to a Tesco distribution centre in southeast London, the PM said it was a "return to the kind of business we are used to doing together".
"Sticking up for democracy around the world, human rights, free trade, NATO - Joe Biden is a very strong believer in the transatlantic alliance and indeed the special relationship - and above all climate change," Mr Johnson said.
The PM held a 25-minute phone call with Mr Biden on Tuesday.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
They talked about the importance of implementing Brexit in such a way that upholds the Good Friday Agreement, with the prime minister assuring the president-elect that would be the case.
The Internal Market Bill - the government's controversial Brexit legislation that ministers have admitted will allow them to break international law - was not understood to have been raised specifically in the call.
Mr Biden has previously warned against the Good Friday Agreement becoming a "casualty" of Brexit.
Downing Street on Wednesday said that Mr Johnson hadn't raised the case of Harry Dunn during the call with Mr Biden.
But the prime minister's spokesman added: "It wasn't discussed last night but sure we'll be having further discussions in the coming months.
"We continue to press for justice."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-11--'I want my own mum to get one': Top government scientist seeks to reassure public over vaccine

England 's deputy chief medical officer has said he will be encouraging his own mother to get a COVID-19 vaccine as he assured Britons that safety standards will not be compromised in the face of the public health emergency .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , speaking at a Downing Street news conference , outlined how the regular development and approval phase for a vaccine had been accelerated due to the coronavirus crisis .
This has included overlapping the three phases of clinical trials and pharmaceutical firms beginning manufacture before final approval had been granted - leaving them open to the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Prof Van-Tam stressed that `` standards are no lower just because this is a public health emergency '' .
Boris Johnson has urged everybody to get a vaccine once one becomes available , saying : `` The priority list will be decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation .
`` They will look at the groups that really need it first and they will typically be the elderly , the vulnerable , people in care homes and so on .
That is how we will do it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-vaxx is total nonsense - you should definitely get a vaccine . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would happily take it to boost public confidence , but stressed he did not want to skip the queue .
`` I would be first in line if that 's what people want but I do n't want to go to the front of the queue .
I will take my place like everybody else , '' he said .
`` But I would also do anything I can to encourage as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I think it is really important that everybody does have the vaccine . ''
Dr June Raine , the chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) , has also pledged that a COVID-19 vaccine would `` only be approved once it has met robust standards of effectiveness , safety and quality '' .
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech this week released initial results that suggested their jab was 90 % effective at protecting people from COVID-19 .
Dr Raine said the MHRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer vaccine but had not yet received the full clinical trial data .
`` Clearly we are in a state of readiness to start our rigorous reviews of safety and effectiveness the minute that reaches us , '' she added .
Asked if he would be prepared to be among the first people to be vaccinated , Prof Van-Tam said : `` If I could , rightly and morally , be at the very front of the queue then I would do so .
`` Because I absolutely trust the judgement of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that clearly is n't right - we have to target most highest risk individuals in society and that is how it should be .
`` If I could be at the front of the queue , then I would be .
`` But let me say to you this , I think the 'mum test ' is very important here .
`` My mum is 78 , she 'll be 79 shortly , and I 've already said to her 'mum , make sure when you 're called you 're ready , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is really important for you because of your age ' . ''
Care homes , NHS and social care staff , and then elderly people are set to be prioritised for vaccination .
And Prof Van-Tam said that people should not be able to skip the queue by paying privately for a vaccine .
`` One of the things I like about the NHS is that it 's there for everybody , irrespective of their level of wealth or who they are in society , '' he said .
`` That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally . ''
Prof Van-Tam added that deciding such an issue would be `` a ministerial decision '' but added : `` I am giving you my views as a clinician that I think these vaccines need to be prioritised to those who need them , not those who can afford to pay for them privately . ''
He admitted that the roll-out of a coronavirus vaccine would be a `` mammoth challenge '' for the NHS , but said he had been reassured about questions over refrigeration capacity , transport systems and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Conservative MP Julian Sturdy , Prof Van-Tam told MPs in a briefing that `` low millions of people '' could be vaccinated by Christmas if the vaccine is rolled out early .
In his on-camera briefing , he also offered to deliver vaccines himself in his evenings and weekends .
But Prof Van-Tam was unable to say whether lives would be back to normal by Easter due to the development of a vaccine .
`` We do n't yet know if this vaccine is going to prevent transmission as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be wrong of me to give you a sense that whoever told you that we 'd be completely back to normal for Easter is right , '' the deputy chief medical officer said .
Professor Wei Shen Lim , chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation , said the second phase of the vaccination programme could prioritise those who might suffer lasting effects of coronavirus , or who transmit the disease .
`` In phase two of the programme it 's likely that we 'll prioritise individuals who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of COVID or perhaps because of long COVID , '' he said .
`` The reason it 's not been decided is because we need to also balance the possible prioritisation of individuals who are transmitting COVID instead . ''
Downing Street has said there are `` no plans '' for a vaccine to be supplied outside of the NHS .
The NHS Nightingale hospitals , which were created during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year , are being considered as mass vaccination centres , Number 10 added @

England's deputy chief medical officer has said he will be encouraging his own mother to get a COVID-19 vaccine as he assured Britons that safety standards will not be compromised in the face of the public health emergency.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, speaking at a Downing Street news conference, outlined how the regular development and approval phase for a vaccine had been accelerated due to the coronavirus crisis.
This has included overlapping the three phases of clinical trials and pharmaceutical firms beginning manufacture before final approval had been granted - leaving them open to the risk their work may have to be scrapped.
Image: The Pfizer vaccine has been revealed to be 90% effective
However, Prof Van-Tam stressed that "standards are no lower just because this is a public health emergency".
Boris Johnson has urged everybody to get a vaccine once one becomes available, saying: "The priority list will be decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
"They will look at the groups that really need it first and they will typically be the elderly, the vulnerable, people in care homes and so on. That is how we will do it.
"Certainly I would say to everybody anti-vaxx is total nonsense - you should definitely get a vaccine."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would happily take it to boost public confidence, but stressed he did not want to skip the queue.
"I would be first in line if that's what people want but I don't want to go to the front of the queue. I will take my place like everybody else," he said.
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"But I would also do anything I can to encourage as many people as possible to have the vaccine because I think it is really important that everybody does have the vaccine."
Dr June Raine, the chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has also pledged that a COVID-19 vaccine would "only be approved once it has met robust standards of effectiveness, safety and quality".
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech this week released initial results that suggested their jab was 90% effective at protecting people from COVID-19.
Dr Raine said the MHRA had begun their work in assessing the Pfizer vaccine but had not yet received the full clinical trial data.
"Clearly we are in a state of readiness to start our rigorous reviews of safety and effectiveness the minute that reaches us," she added.
Asked if he would be prepared to be among the first people to be vaccinated, Prof Van-Tam said: "If I could, rightly and morally, be at the very front of the queue then I would do so.
"Because I absolutely trust the judgement of the MHRA on safety and efficacy.
"But that clearly isn't right - we have to target most highest risk individuals in society and that is how it should be.
"If I could be at the front of the queue, then I would be.
"But let me say to you this, I think the 'mum test' is very important here.
"My mum is 78, she'll be 79 shortly, and I've already said to her 'mum, make sure when you're called you're ready, be ready to take this up, this is really important for you because of your age'."
Care homes, NHS and social care staff, and then elderly people are set to be prioritised for vaccination.
And Prof Van-Tam said that people should not be able to skip the queue by paying privately for a vaccine.
"One of the things I like about the NHS is that it's there for everybody, irrespective of their level of wealth or who they are in society," he said.
"That's a really important principle to me, personally."
Prof Van-Tam added that deciding such an issue would be "a ministerial decision" but added: "I am giving you my views as a clinician that I think these vaccines need to be prioritised to those who need them, not those who can afford to pay for them privately."
He admitted that the roll-out of a coronavirus vaccine would be a "mammoth challenge" for the NHS, but said he had been reassured about questions over refrigeration capacity, transport systems and the supply of needles and syringes.
According to Conservative MP Julian Sturdy, Prof Van-Tam told MPs in a briefing that "low millions of people" could be vaccinated by Christmas if the vaccine is rolled out early.
In his on-camera briefing, he also offered to deliver vaccines himself in his evenings and weekends.
But Prof Van-Tam was unable to say whether lives would be back to normal by Easter due to the development of a vaccine.
"We don't yet know if this vaccine is going to prevent transmission as well as preventing illness, and from that perspective it would be wrong of me to give you a sense that whoever told you that we'd be completely back to normal for Easter is right," the deputy chief medical officer said.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said the second phase of the vaccination programme could prioritise those who might suffer lasting effects of coronavirus, or who transmit the disease.
"In phase two of the programme it's likely that we'll prioritise individuals who may suffer because of the need for hospitalisation because of COVID or perhaps because of long COVID," he said.
"The reason it's not been decided is because we need to also balance the possible prioritisation of individuals who are transmitting COVID instead."
Downing Street has said there are "no plans" for a vaccine to be supplied outside of the NHS.
The NHS Nightingale hospitals, which were created during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, are being considered as mass vaccination centres, Number 10 added.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-11--Tory MP: Northerners like football, southerners prefer opera and ballet

A Conservative MP has been criticised for saying people in the south of England are more likely to enjoy ballet and opera , while northerners prefer football .
Jake Berry , a former northern powerhouse minister , made the comparison as he warned `` northern culture '' was being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` For many people who live in London and the south of England , things like the opera house and ballet will be at the heart of their culture , '' he told a Westminster Hall debate .
`` But for many of us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club - our Glyndebourne or Royal Ballet or Royal Opera House or Royal Shakespeare Company will be Blackburn Rovers , Accrington Stanley , Barrow , Carlisle or Sunderland . ''
Mr Berry , who represents Rossendale and Darwen and leads the Northern Research Group of Tory MPs , added that action is needed from Westminster to protect clubs that are the `` cornerstone '' of their communities .
Treasury minister Kemi Badenoch did not address the MP 's plea in her reply , acknowledging the North of England has been a `` hotbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for centuries .
Northern Ballet , which is based in Leeds , voiced disappointment at the MP 's comments and accused him of perpetuating `` tropes that culture in the North is of less value than that in London '' .
It added on Twitter : `` In the same way that sporting clubs are of great importance to many people throughout the country , including in the South , culture is equally important to a huge percentage of people in the North .
`` Our home city of Leeds is the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own resident ballet , opera and theatre companies .
`` Culture being produced in the North is of world-class quality , vibrant and innovative , and contributes greatly to both society and the economy .
`` We hope that one day this will be recognised by all . ''
That prompted football-loving Mr Berry to deny he was off target , protesting : `` No one is saying football does n't exist in the South or that ballet does n't exist in the North .
`` And no one is saying that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thriving arts sector .
`` What we are saying is that many of our working communities in the North are built around our football clubs , and disproportionately , those clubs now find themselves on the precipice of financial collapse and supporters will be rightly asking the question why they too are not being given financial assistance through this crisis . ''
And he hit back : `` Our football clubs in the English Football League , almost all of them the social cornerstone of the towns and cities they bear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brink of a financial collapse .
These are structures that have taken decades to establish and will take decades to replace if they go bankrupt .
`` The government 's position that 'football should sort itself out ' is also deeply concerning when you consider the comparative generosity being extended to other industries - for example , the £1.5bn funding package to the arts sector alone .
`` While football grounds in Sunderland , Blackburn , Barrow and Preston might seem an awful long way from Glyndebourne or the Royal Ballet ( as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are nonetheless equally important parts of our nation 's heritage and cultural fabric .
`` The football clubs and communities I have spoken with do n't care where the help comes from ; whether it be the government or the Premier League - they just want our support .
`` Otherwise , in coming weeks , these long-standing pillars in our community are going to be lost for good and the outstanding work they have done in our communities will cease to exist . ''

A Conservative MP has been criticised for saying people in the south of England are more likely to enjoy ballet and opera, while northerners prefer football.
Jake Berry, a former northern powerhouse minister, made the comparison as he warned "northern culture" was being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For many people who live in London and the south of England, things like the opera house and ballet will be at the heart of their culture," he told a Westminster Hall debate.
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"But for many of us in the North it is our local football club - our Glyndebourne or Royal Ballet or Royal Opera House or Royal Shakespeare Company will be Blackburn Rovers, Accrington Stanley, Barrow, Carlisle or Sunderland."
Mr Berry, who represents Rossendale and Darwen and leads the Northern Research Group of Tory MPs, added that action is needed from Westminster to protect clubs that are the "cornerstone" of their communities.
Treasury minister Kemi Badenoch did not address the MP's plea in her reply, acknowledging the North of England has been a "hotbed" of energy, ideas and creativity for centuries.
Northern Ballet, which is based in Leeds, voiced disappointment at the MP's comments and accused him of perpetuating "tropes that culture in the North is of less value than that in London".
It added on Twitter: "In the same way that sporting clubs are of great importance to many people throughout the country, including in the South, culture is equally important to a huge percentage of people in the North.
"Our home city of Leeds is the only city outside of London to have its own resident ballet, opera and theatre companies.
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"Culture being produced in the North is of world-class quality, vibrant and innovative, and contributes greatly to both society and the economy.
"We hope that one day this will be recognised by all."
That prompted football-loving Mr Berry to deny he was off target, protesting: "No one is saying football doesn't exist in the South or that ballet doesn't exist in the North.
"And no one is saying that a thriving football league is more important than a thriving arts sector.
"What we are saying is that many of our working communities in the North are built around our football clubs, and disproportionately, those clubs now find themselves on the precipice of financial collapse and supporters will be rightly asking the question why they too are not being given financial assistance through this crisis."
And he hit back: "Our football clubs in the English Football League, almost all of them the social cornerstone of the towns and cities they bear the names of, now stand on the brink of a financial collapse. These are structures that have taken decades to establish and will take decades to replace if they go bankrupt.
"The government's position that 'football should sort itself out' is also deeply concerning when you consider the comparative generosity being extended to other industries - for example, the £1.5bn funding package to the arts sector alone.
"While football grounds in Sunderland, Blackburn, Barrow and Preston might seem an awful long way from Glyndebourne or the Royal Ballet (as important as they are), they are nonetheless equally important parts of our nation's heritage and cultural fabric.
"The football clubs and communities I have spoken with don't care where the help comes from; whether it be the government or the Premier League - they just want our support.
"Otherwise, in coming weeks, these long-standing pillars in our community are going to be lost for good and the outstanding work they have done in our communities will cease to exist."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-11--Extinction Rebellion criticised for 'profoundly disrespectful' protest at Cenotaph

Extinction Rebellion has been condemned by politicians for staging a protest at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day .
Protesters from the group unveiled a banner stating `` Honour Their Sacrifice , Climate Change Means War '' at the memorial on Whitehall .
British Army veteran and Extinction Rebellion member Donald Bell , who helped display the banner , observed a two-minute silence before hanging a wreath of poppies with the message `` Act now '' .
The protest has attracted criticism , with Boris Johnson 's spokesman saying it was `` profoundly disrespectful '' .
`` The Cenotaph is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to preserve all our freedoms , '' the prime minister 's spokesman said .
`` On today , of all days , when we join together to pay tribute to our war dead , this action was profoundly disrespectful . ''
Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said : `` Climate change matters , but the Cenotaph on Armistice day should be about one thing only - showing our respect for the sacrifice of the fallen who died to protect our freedoms today . ''
A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to express their opinions within the law , we believe the Poppy Appeal is a time for remembrance , and not for political protest . ''
And Sir Keir Starmer joined the criticism , with the Labour leader 's spokesman telling journalists : `` No-one can doubt how serious the climate crisis is but the protests at the Cenotaph today were wrong and we do not support them . ''
Mr Bell , who completed four tours in Northern Ireland during the Troubles , said he knew he would be criticised for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be accused of being disrespectful and hated by many for speaking out in this way , '' the 64-year-old said .
`` Remembrance Day is never an easy time for veterans and this was not an easy decision for me to make .
`` This government 's own climate advisers , the Committee on Climate Change , said last year that they have a 'Dad 's Army ' approach to protecting British people from the impacts of climate change .
`` Their report in June this year showed that the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 31 milestones it set itself for reducing emissions .
`` This government is criminally negligent and young people today will pay the price for their failure . ''
On Wednesday evening , West Dorset MP Chris Loder said he had removed the Extinction Rebellion protest wreath depicting the words `` climate change means war '' from the Cenotaph .
He said : `` I could not stand by and watch our Remembrance Day for those who died in war , and to whom we owe so much , be hijacked for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was totally wrong , and I believed the wreath should be removed .
`` This week , thousands of veterans and members of the armed forces have stayed away from the Cenotaph in our national effort to control coronavirus .
For political protesters to take advantage of this situation is disrespectful to our servicemen and women , past and present .
I want them to know that I am on their side and will support them all the way . ''

Extinction Rebellion has been condemned by politicians for staging a protest at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.
Protesters from the group unveiled a banner stating "Honour Their Sacrifice, Climate Change Means War" at the memorial on Whitehall.
British Army veteran and Extinction Rebellion member Donald Bell, who helped display the banner, observed a two-minute silence before hanging a wreath of poppies with the message "Act now".
Image: British Army veteran and Extinction Rebellion member Donald Bell hangs a wreath of poppies with the message 'Act now'
The protest has attracted criticism, with Boris Johnson's spokesman saying it was "profoundly disrespectful".
"The Cenotaph is a memorial to those who fought and died to preserve all our freedoms," the prime minister's spokesman said.
"On today, of all days, when we join together to pay tribute to our war dead, this action was profoundly disrespectful."
Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said: "Climate change matters, but the Cenotaph on Armistice day should be about one thing only - showing our respect for the sacrifice of the fallen who died to protect our freedoms today."
A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said: "While we respect the right of others to express their opinions within the law, we believe the Poppy Appeal is a time for remembrance, and not for political protest."
And Sir Keir Starmer joined the criticism, with the Labour leader's spokesman telling journalists: "No-one can doubt how serious the climate crisis is but the protests at the Cenotaph today were wrong and we do not support them."
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Mr Bell, who completed four tours in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, said he knew he would be criticised for his actions.
"I knew that I would be accused of being disrespectful and hated by many for speaking out in this way," the 64-year-old said.
"Remembrance Day is never an easy time for veterans and this was not an easy decision for me to make.
"This government's own climate advisers, the Committee on Climate Change, said last year that they have a 'Dad's Army' approach to protecting British people from the impacts of climate change.
"Their report in June this year showed that the government has failed to meet all but two of the 31 milestones it set itself for reducing emissions.
"This government is criminally negligent and young people today will pay the price for their failure."
On Wednesday evening, West Dorset MP Chris Loder said he had removed the Extinction Rebellion protest wreath depicting the words "climate change means war" from the Cenotaph.
He said: "I could not stand by and watch our Remembrance Day for those who died in war, and to whom we owe so much, be hijacked for a political stunt by this far-left outfit. This was totally wrong, and I believed the wreath should be removed.
"This week, thousands of veterans and members of the armed forces have stayed away from the Cenotaph in our national effort to control coronavirus. For political protesters to take advantage of this situation is disrespectful to our servicemen and women, past and present. I want them to know that I am on their side and will support them all the way."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--'Stop pathetic squabbling and focus on the job': Starmer blasts No 10 infighting

The government has been told to `` focus on the job in hand '' rather than `` squabbling '' in Downing Street following the dramatic resignation of the prime minister 's spin chief .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on Number 10 to `` pull yourselves together '' amid signs of a bitter power struggle at the top of Boris Johnson 's administration .
The prime minister 's director of communications , Lee Cain , on Wednesday night announced his resignation and claimed he had been offered the role of Mr Johnson 's chief of staff .
He will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year , diminishing the Vote Leave faction within Number 10 and perhaps offering a sign that Mr Johnson 's regime might soon change its style and direction .
It was confirmed on Thursday that former Daily Mail political editor James Slack will replace Mr Cain as director of communications in January , although - unlike Mr Cain - he will be a civil service appointment .
Mr Cain 's resignation was accompanied by reports of infighting in Number 10 over his potential appointment as chief of staff - with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Conservative MPs and other government advisers said to have been opposed to the move .
Westminster is also rife with speculation over the future of Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief adviser , who worked closely with Mr Cain on the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 EU referendum .
The ructions in Number 10 follow the appointment of former journalist Allegra Stratton , who had been working for Chancellor Rishi Sunak , as Downing Street 's new TV spokeswoman to front White House-style televised briefings .
Mr Cain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Stratton 's appointment .
His resignation - and accompanying recriminations across Westminster - came on the day that the number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK passed 50,000 .
And Sir Keir - whose predecessor Jeremy Corbyn was recently suspended by Labour over a fresh antisemitism row - branded the furore in Number 10 as `` pathetic '' .
`` I think millions of people will be waking up this morning , scratching their heads , saying what on Earth is going on ? ''
he told LBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle of a pandemic , we 're all worried about our health and our families , we 're all worried about our jobs , and this lot are squabbling behind the door of Number 10 .
`` It 's pathetic .
Pull yourselves together , focus on the job in hand . ''
Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News : `` The Conservatives need to focus on what 's going on outside their party , what 's going on in our country , and not focusing internally . ''
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play down the significance of Mr Cain 's departure and suggested the public would not be interested in the comings and goings of senior Downing Street staff .
He told Sky News : `` I do n't think that is the public 's primary concern , what the public want to know is that the prime minister - who leads this government - is focused on the real challenges .
`` And I can reassure you he absolutely is .
`` We are focused on tackling the virus , trying to protect people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic disruption . ''
The housing secretary added that the government was focused on `` things that actually matter to people '' .
`` Of course there will be personnel changes in 10 Downing Street , but that is n't really what matters either to the public or , I think , to the country , '' he said .
`` They want to know we 're moving forwards . ''

The government has been told to "focus on the job in hand" rather than "squabbling" in Downing Street following the dramatic resignation of the prime minister's spin chief.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on Number 10 to "pull yourselves together" amid signs of a bitter power struggle at the top of Boris Johnson's administration.
The prime minister's director of communications, Lee Cain, on Wednesday night announced his resignation and claimed he had been offered the role of Mr Johnson's chief of staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:38 The former Deputy Chief of Staff to David Cameron on the resignation of Number 10's Director of Communications, Lee Cain.
He will instead now leave his senior role at the end of the year, diminishing the Vote Leave faction within Number 10 and perhaps offering a sign that Mr Johnson's regime might soon change its style and direction.
It was confirmed on Thursday that former Daily Mail political editor James Slack will replace Mr Cain as director of communications in January, although - unlike Mr Cain - he will be a civil service appointment.
Mr Cain's resignation was accompanied by reports of infighting in Number 10 over his potential appointment as chief of staff - with Mr Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, and Conservative MPs and other government advisers said to have been opposed to the move.
Westminster is also rife with speculation over the future of Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser, who worked closely with Mr Cain on the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 EU referendum.
The ructions in Number 10 follow the appointment of former journalist Allegra Stratton, who had been working for Chancellor Rishi Sunak, as Downing Street's new TV spokeswoman to front White House-style televised briefings.
Mr Cain was reported to have been opposed to Ms Stratton's appointment.
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Image: The ructions in Number 10 follow Allegra Stratton's appointment as TV spokeswoman
His resignation - and accompanying recriminations across Westminster - came on the day that the number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK passed 50,000.
And Sir Keir - whose predecessor Jeremy Corbyn was recently suspended by Labour over a fresh antisemitism row - branded the furore in Number 10 as "pathetic".
"I think millions of people will be waking up this morning, scratching their heads, saying what on Earth is going on?" he told LBC Radio.
"We're in the middle of a pandemic, we're all worried about our health and our families, we're all worried about our jobs, and this lot are squabbling behind the door of Number 10.
"It's pathetic. Pull yourselves together, focus on the job in hand."
Image: The row has led to questions over Dominic Cummings' future
Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News: "The Conservatives need to focus on what's going on outside their party, what's going on in our country, and not focusing internally."
However, cabinet minister Robert Jenrick sought to play down the significance of Mr Cain's departure and suggested the public would not be interested in the comings and goings of senior Downing Street staff.
He told Sky News: "I don't think that is the public's primary concern, what the public want to know is that the prime minister - who leads this government - is focused on the real challenges.
"And I can reassure you he absolutely is.
"We are focused on tackling the virus, trying to protect people's jobs through an unprecedented period of economic disruption."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Jenrick 'sorry to see' Lee Cain leave
The housing secretary added that the government was focused on "things that actually matter to people".
"Of course there will be personnel changes in 10 Downing Street, but that isn't really what matters either to the public or, I think, to the country," he said.
"They want to know we're moving forwards."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma denied that the furore had distracted the government from tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I can tell you that all of us in government are focused on one thing, which is protecting lives and protecting livelihoods," he told a Downing Street news conference.
Mr Sharma said "that is what people watching this press conference... will expect the government to do, to make sure that we are providing support for them and continuing to put our arms round them at what is a really very, very difficult time for lots of businesses".


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--Is a new Johnson era coming? Aide's departure signals change in mood at No 10

The vast majority of the country has n't heard of Lee Cain and wo n't much care about his departure from Number 10 .
But the resignation of the prime minister 's top aide does matter beyond the narrow beltway of Westminster gossip because it raises the question of whether it heralds the changing of the guard in Number 10 and a new Johnson era now Brexit is almost done .
Mr Cain is part of the Vote Leave team that has propelled Boris Johnson this far and dominated his first 18 months in office .
From helping Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election , Mr Cain and his close ally Dominic Cummings have shaped Mr Johnson and his premiership more closely than anyone else and have had an an iron grip on the operation of Number 10 .
But during that time , relations have soured between Downing Street and many ministers , as well as many Conservative MPs , concerned about the leaks , the U-turns and the ruthless way in which the duo have run the prime minister 's operation .
As the common refrain from weary ministers goes : `` Running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a campaign . ''
This week those tensions finally blew up .
When the suggestion that Lee Cain was going to be promoted to chief of staff was leaked to The Times on Tuesday night there was a fierce backlash from some MPs and ministers .
There were reports of resistance too from the prime minister 's fiancée Carrie Symonds , while his new press secretary Allegra Stratton also raised concerns .
One ally of Mr Cain tells me that the prime minister offered him the job but would n't agree to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it on : access to Mr Johnson limited to his most three senior advisers - Mr Cain , Mr Cummings and cabinet secretary Simon Case .
And so Mr Cain quit .
`` Boris is loyal to those who have been loyal to him , '' one senior politician told me last night .
`` And I can imagine Boris agreeing positively to Lee 's pitch .
`` But if it felt like Lee was trying to control him and who he could speak to one-on-one , Carrie would have weighed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Mr Cummings - fought and lost this power struggle suggests that the Vote Leave operation 's influence is on the wane .
Could the turn of the year see a different style of leadership as Number 10 tries to build consensus rather than pick fights with MPs , Whitehall , the media and Brussels ?
Because the old guard is slowly changing .
The prime minister personally appointed Allegra Stratton , a former broadcast journalist and strategic advisor to Rishi Sunak , as his press secretary .
And the departure of Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was replaced with longstanding press spokesperson James Slack - will change the tone .
`` The prime minister wanted to change the mood , '' said one figure last night .
`` He can see the problems '' .
There are inevitable questions now as to how long the controversial figure Dominic Cummings will stay .
One ally of Mr Johnson told me last night : `` We can live without Dom '' .
There are questions too whether other key advisers might leave as this power struggle plays out .
One adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night : `` I think this is a massive mistake for the prime minister '' .
But for others there will be `` much rejoicing '' .
`` No 10 has been toxic and dysfunctional for a while , '' says a senior politician .
This is one resignation that speaks to a much wider power struggle that it is happening right now , in the midst of a pandemic when the Brexit endgame is upon us , and it speaks to the nature of this particular Number 10 .
Mr Johnson might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a grip .

The vast majority of the country hasn't heard of Lee Cain and won't much care about his departure from Number 10.
But the resignation of the prime minister's top aide does matter beyond the narrow beltway of Westminster gossip because it raises the question of whether it heralds the changing of the guard in Number 10 and a new Johnson era now Brexit is almost done.
Mr Cain is part of the Vote Leave team that has propelled Boris Johnson this far and dominated his first 18 months in office.
Image: Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings have shaped Boris Johnson and his premiership more closely than anyone else
From helping Mr Johnson win the 2016 referendum to the 2019 general election, Mr Cain and his close ally Dominic Cummings have shaped Mr Johnson and his premiership more closely than anyone else and have had an an iron grip on the operation of Number 10.
But during that time, relations have soured between Downing Street and many ministers, as well as many Conservative MPs, concerned about the leaks, the U-turns and the ruthless way in which the duo have run the prime minister's operation.
As the common refrain from weary ministers goes: "Running a government is quite different from running a campaign."
This week those tensions finally blew up.
When the suggestion that Lee Cain was going to be promoted to chief of staff was leaked to The Times on Tuesday night there was a fierce backlash from some MPs and ministers.
There were reports of resistance too from the prime minister's fiancée Carrie Symonds, while his new press secretary Allegra Stratton also raised concerns.
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Image: The prime minister personally appointed Allegra Stratton as his press secretary
One ally of Mr Cain tells me that the prime minister offered him the job but wouldn't agree to the terms that his long-standing aide wanted to do it on: access to Mr Johnson limited to his most three senior advisers - Mr Cain, Mr Cummings and cabinet secretary Simon Case. And so Mr Cain quit.
"Boris is loyal to those who have been loyal to him," one senior politician told me last night. "And I can imagine Boris agreeing positively to Lee's pitch.
"But if it felt like Lee was trying to control him and who he could speak to one-on-one, Carrie would have weighed in".
That Mr Cain - backed by Mr Cummings - fought and lost this power struggle suggests that the Vote Leave operation's influence is on the wane.
Could the turn of the year see a different style of leadership as Number 10 tries to build consensus rather than pick fights with MPs, Whitehall, the media and Brussels?
Because the old guard is slowly changing.
The prime minister personally appointed Allegra Stratton, a former broadcast journalist and strategic advisor to Rishi Sunak, as his press secretary.
Image: There are inevitable questions over how long Dominic Cummings will stay
And the departure of Mr Cain as director of communications - who was replaced with longstanding press spokesperson James Slack - will change the tone.
"The prime minister wanted to change the mood," said one figure last night. "He can see the problems".
There are inevitable questions now as to how long the controversial figure Dominic Cummings will stay.
One ally of Mr Johnson told me last night: "We can live without Dom".
There are questions too whether other key advisers might leave as this power struggle plays out. One adviser loyal to Mr Cain told me last night: "I think this is a massive mistake for the prime minister".
But for others there will be "much rejoicing".
"No 10 has been toxic and dysfunctional for a while," says a senior politician.
This is one resignation that speaks to a much wider power struggle that it is happening right now, in the midst of a pandemic when the Brexit endgame is upon us, and it speaks to the nature of this particular Number 10.
Mr Johnson might have finally decided that he really needs to get a grip.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--GDP sees record rebound after recession - but growth is slowing

The UK economy grew by a record 15.5 % in the third quarter but remains 8.2 % smaller than before the pandemic , official figures show .
Data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) showed gross domestic product ( GDP ) bounced back strongly in the July-September period after the pandemic-driven recession in the first half of the year .
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world But the pace of growth has started to slow after a boost from the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and summer staycations faded - and hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been dashed after the announcement of a new lockdown .
GDP is widely expected to go into reverse again in the final quarter of 2020 - though there are hopes that after that a new vaccine could see the economy return to pre-COVID levels more quickly than previously expected .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak , said : `` Today 's figures show that our economy was recovering over the summer , but started to slow going into autumn .
`` The steps we 've had to take since to halt the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further since then .
`` But there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic on the health side - including promising news on tests and vaccines .
`` There are still hard times ahead , but we will continue to support people through this and ensure nobody is left without hope or opportunity . ''
Britain 's third quarter growth figure was the highest since quarterly records began in 1955 yet fell slightly short of expectations - economists had on average pencilled in expansion closer to 16 % .
A monthly breakdown of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery from the recession was slowing .
After lockdown measures were eased , GDP rose by 6.3 % in July but growth slowed to 2.2 % in August and just 1.1 % in September .
At the end of September it was 8.2 % below its level in February and the size of the economy in the third quarter was 9.7 % down from the end of 2019 .
Other countries have also reported record growth in the third quarter as they recover from recession while also remaining below pre-pandemic levels .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bounce back .
The gap between GDP at the end of September and at the end of 2019 is twice as big in the UK as in Italy , Germany and France and nearly three times that of the US , which is 3.5 % off over the year-to-date , the ONS said .
Britain 's economy shrank by 2.5 % in the first quarter and a record 19.8 % in the second quarter .
The ONS said all the main sectors of the UK economy posted record growth in the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In September there was a boost for education as children went back to school and house building continued to recover .
`` However , pubs and restaurants saw less business , after the Eat Out to Help Out scheme ended , and accommodation saw less business after a successful summer , '' said Jonathan Athow , ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics .
The ONS added that the pickup in business investment has been much weaker than private consumption .
Last week the Bank of England downgraded its outlook for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now expects GDP to contract by 11 % overall .
Figures this week illustrated that despite Mr Sunak 's furlough scheme the crisis is having a stark impact on jobs - with a record 314,000 redundancies in the July-September period despite the economy 's bounce-back over that time .

The UK economy grew by a record 15.5% in the third quarter but remains 8.2% smaller than before the pandemic, official figures show.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed gross domestic product (GDP) bounced back strongly in the July-September period after the pandemic-driven recession in the first half of the year.
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world
But the pace of growth has started to slow after a boost from the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and summer staycations faded - and hopes for a so-called "V-shaped recovery" have been dashed after the announcement of a new lockdown.
GDP is widely expected to go into reverse again in the final quarter of 2020 - though there are hopes that after that a new vaccine could see the economy return to pre-COVID levels more quickly than previously expected.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak: Economic recovery has 'slowed'
Chancellor Rishi Sunak, said: "Today's figures show that our economy was recovering over the summer, but started to slow going into autumn.
"The steps we've had to take since to halt the spread of the virus mean growth has likely slowed further since then.
"But there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic on the health side - including promising news on tests and vaccines.
"There are still hard times ahead, but we will continue to support people through this and ensure nobody is left without hope or opportunity."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:18 COVID-19: The economic virus
Britain's third quarter growth figure was the highest since quarterly records began in 1955 yet fell slightly short of expectations - economists had on average pencilled in expansion closer to 16%.
A monthly breakdown of the data also showed that the pace of recovery from the recession was slowing.
After lockdown measures were eased, GDP rose by 6.3% in July but growth slowed to 2.2% in August and just 1.1% in September.
At the end of September it was 8.2% below its level in February and the size of the economy in the third quarter was 9.7% down from the end of 2019.
Other countries have also reported record GDP growth in the third quarter as they recover from recession while remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
But in some cases they have been quicker to bounce back.
Image: Hopes of a V-shaped recovery have faded
The gap between GDP at the end of September and at the end of 2019 is twice as big in the UK as in Italy, Germany and France and nearly three times that of the US, which is 3.5% off over the year-to-date, the ONS said.
Britain's economy shrank by 2.5% in the first quarter and a record 19.8% in the second quarter.
The ONS said all the main sectors of the UK economy posted record growth in the third quarter though they remained below pre-COVID levels.
In September there was a boost for education as children went back to school and house building continued to recover.
"However, pubs and restaurants saw less business, after the Eat Out to Help Out scheme ended, and accommodation saw less business after a successful summer," said Jonathan Athow, ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics.
The ONS added that the pickup in business investment has been much weaker than private consumption.
Last week the Bank of England downgraded its outlook for the UK's economic performance in 2020 - and now expects GDP to contract by 11% overall.
Figures this week illustrated that despite Mr Sunak's furlough scheme the crisis is having a stark impact on jobs - with a record 314,000 redundancies in the July-September period even as the economy's bounced back over that time.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--UK summons Chinese ambassador after expulsion of Hong Kong MPs

The government has summoned China 's ambassador to register `` deep concern '' after Beijing ordered the expulsion of four opposition MPs from Hong Kong 's parliament .
Kwok Ka-ki , Alvin Yeung , Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung were banished from the territory 's assembly for allegedly endangering national security .
They were expelled under a new Chinese law banning supporters of Hong Kong independence from holding office .
The action saw the remaining opposition members of Hong Kong 's parliament resign en masse and means the territory 's pro-Beijing government is now effectively unchallenged in the legislature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ action as part of a campaign to stifle all voices critical of Beijing 's policies .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday declared China 's action a fresh breach of the Sino-British Declaration , the deal that saw Hong Kong pass back to China from Britain in 1997 .
The agreement commits China to ensuring Hong Kong enjoys a `` high degree of autonomy '' and preserves the right to freedom of speech .
Mr Raab said : `` Beijing 's imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong constitutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sino-British Joint Declaration .
`` China has once again broken its promises and undermined Hong Kong 's high degree of autonomy .
`` The UK will stand up for the people of Hong Kong , and call out violations of their rights and freedoms .
`` With our international partners , we will hold China to the obligations it freely assumed under international law . ''
One of Mr Raab 's foreign office ministers , Nigel Adams , later told the House of Commons that China 's ambassador had been summoned in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent question , he told MPs : `` The permanent undersecretary of the Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Chinese ambassador to register our deep concern at this latest action by his government . ''
It is the third time the UK has judged China to have breached the Sino-British Declaration .
The first was in 2016 and the second was in June this year , following Beijing 's introduction of a controversial new security law in Hong Kong .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker The legislation was judged to have been aimed at quashing defiance against the mainland .
Labour 's shadow Foreign Office minister Stephen Kinnock said his party `` stands in solidarity '' with the Hong Kong MPs .
`` Their departure leaves Hong Kong without an opposition in the legislature , removing one of the vital checks on the Hong Kong executive and effectively denying the people of Hong Kong the right to choose their own representatives , '' he said .

The government has summoned China's ambassador to register "deep concern" after Beijing ordered the expulsion of four opposition MPs from Hong Kong's parliament.
Kwok Ka-ki, Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung were banished from the territory's assembly for allegedly endangering national security.
They were expelled under a new Chinese law banning supporters of Hong Kong independence from holding office.
The action saw the remaining opposition members of Hong Kong's parliament resign en masse and means the territory's pro-Beijing government is now effectively unchallenged in the legislature.
Image: Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, Kwok Ka-ki, Kenneth Leung and Dennis Kwok were expelled from Hong Kong's parliament
The UK government views China's latest action as part of a campaign to stifle all voices critical of Beijing's policies.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday declared China's action a fresh breach of the Sino-British Declaration, the deal that saw Hong Kong pass back to China from Britain in 1997.
The agreement commits China to ensuring Hong Kong enjoys a "high degree of autonomy" and preserves the right to freedom of speech.
Mr Raab said: "Beijing's imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong constitutes a clear breach of the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration.
"China has once again broken its promises and undermined Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy.
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"The UK will stand up for the people of Hong Kong, and call out violations of their rights and freedoms.
"With our international partners, we will hold China to the obligations it freely assumed under international law."
One of Mr Raab's foreign office ministers, Nigel Adams, later told the House of Commons that China's ambassador had been summoned in response to Beijing's actions.
Answering an urgent question, he told MPs: "The permanent undersecretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Chinese ambassador to register our deep concern at this latest action by his government."
It is the third time the UK has judged China to have breached the Sino-British Declaration.
The first was in 2016 and the second was in June this year, following Beijing's introduction of a controversial new security law in Hong Kong.
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The legislation was judged to have been aimed at quashing defiance against the mainland.
Labour's shadow Foreign Office minister Stephen Kinnock said his party "stands in solidarity" with the Hong Kong MPs.
"Their departure leaves Hong Kong without an opposition in the legislature, removing one of the vital checks on the Hong Kong executive and effectively denying the people of Hong Kong the right to choose their own representatives," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--Sunak declines to rule out return of Eat Out To Help Out

Rishi Sunak has declined to rule out further measures similar to the Eat Out To Help Out scheme when the economy reopens after the latest lockdown .
Mr Sunak told Sky News that the government would look at a `` range of things '' to `` get consumers spending again and people out and about '' .
The Eat Out To Help Out discount scheme saw more than 100 million meals subsidised by the government at a cost of more than £500m during August .
It is credited for much of the economic revival seen in the summer after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest the rebound faded after the scheme came to an end .
Responding to the data , the chancellor was asked by Sky 's economics editor Ed Conway whether he would consider reintroducing the discount scheme .
Mr Sunak said : `` I wo n't talk about specific measures but more broadly , I think it 's right that when we finally exit this , and hopefully next year with testing and maybe indeed vaccines as well , we 'll be able to start looking forward to getting back to normal .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the economic situation then and see what 's the best form of our support , and we want to make sure that we get the economy going strongly coming out of this .
`` We want to make sure that we support employment and support people going into jobs , we want all the people , who have sadly lost their jobs , we want to help them find new ones .
`` We want to get consumers spending again and people out and about .
`` So we 'll look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right interventions are at that time . ''
The economy grew by a record 15.5 % in the third quarter but economists think the latest lockdown will mean it shrinks again in the last three months of the year .
A revival of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme or similar intervention might be viewed as likely to help the devastated pub and restaurant trade get back on its feet .
However a Warwick University study of the original August initiative found that it was responsible for a `` significant '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it did not recognise the research and said other European countries had also experienced an uptick of COVID-19 irrespective of whether they introduced similar measures .

Rishi Sunak has declined to rule out further measures similar to the Eat Out To Help Out scheme when the economy reopens after the latest lockdown.
Mr Sunak told Sky News that the government would look at a "range of things" to "get consumers spending again and people out and about".
The Eat Out To Help Out discount scheme saw more than 100 million meals subsidised by the government at a cost of more than £500m during August.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:57 Economic recovery has 'slowed' - chancellor
It is credited for much of the economic revival seen in the summer after the first lockdown ended and latest GDP figures suggest the rebound faded after the scheme came to an end.
Responding to the data, the chancellor was asked by Sky's economics editor Ed Conway whether he would consider reintroducing the discount scheme.
Mr Sunak said: "I won't talk about specific measures but more broadly, I think it's right that when we finally exit this, and hopefully next year with testing and maybe indeed vaccines as well, we'll be able to start looking forward to getting back to normal.
"I think we'll have to look at the economic situation then and see what's the best form of our support, and we want to make sure that we get the economy going strongly coming out of this.
"We want to make sure that we support employment and support people going into jobs, we want all the people, who have sadly lost their jobs, we want to help them find new ones.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:39 August 'You can't run these schemes forever'
"We want to get consumers spending again and people out and about.
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"So we'll look at a range of things to see what the right interventions are at that time."
The economy grew by a record 15.5% in the third quarter but economists think the latest lockdown will mean it shrinks again in the last three months of the year.
A revival of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme or similar intervention might be viewed as likely to help the devastated pub and restaurant trade get back on its feet.
However a Warwick University study of the original August initiative found that it was responsible for a "significant" rise in coronavirus infections.
The Treasury said it did not recognise the research and said other European countries had also experienced an uptick of COVID-19 irrespective of whether they introduced similar measures.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--Chancellor considers middle class tax raid to pay for COVID debt mountain

Capital gains tax could be increased to help pay back the billions of pounds borrowed to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic .
A report commissioned by Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said that the Treasury could raise £14bn by increasing capital gains tax rates to bring them in line with income tax .
Capital gains tax is applied on profits from the sale or disposal of shares and other property , such as a second home , with an annual allowance of £12,300 .
The Office of Tax Simplification ( OTS ) report recommended the government should consider reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £4,000 .
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world But doing this and doubling the rates ( currently 10 % for basic-rate taxpayers and 20 % for higher-rate taxpayers ) could encourage people to change their financial behaviour , the report said .
Bill Dodwell , tax director at the OTS , said : `` If the government considers the simplification priority is to reduce distortions to behaviour , it should consider either more closely aligning capital gains tax rates with income tax rates , or addressing boundary issues as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Only 0.5 % of the population paid capital gains tax in 2017-18 .
Some 265,000 people gave £8.3bn to the Treasury , while 60 % , ( 31.2 million people ) , paid £180bn in income tax .
The national debt passed £2trn for the first time in July , as the economy buckled under the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of supporting businesses and workers .
At the time , Mr Sunak warned `` difficult decisions '' would need to be taken .
The review was commissioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to follow the recommendations .
It comes after another report suggested that people earning more than £19,500 a year should pay more in income tax to help boost public finances .
The Resolution Foundation recommended a `` health and social care levy '' - a 4 % tax on all incomes over £12,500 - which would be offset by a 3 % cut to employee national insurance and the abolition of Class 2 National Insurance contributions for the self-employed .
It said the shift would not penalise those worst-hit by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but would raise £17bn annually .
It was suggested £6bn of that sum should go to social care .

Capital gains tax could be increased to help pay back the billions of pounds borrowed to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A report commissioned by Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said that the Treasury could raise £14bn by increasing capital gains tax rates to bring them in line with income tax.
Capital gains tax is applied on profits from the sale or disposal of shares and other property, such as a second home, with an annual allowance of £12,300.
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) report recommended the government should consider reducing the £12,300 allowance to between £2,000 and £4,000.
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world
But doing this and doubling the rates (currently 10% for basic-rate taxpayers and 20% for higher-rate taxpayers) could encourage people to change their financial behaviour, the report said.
Bill Dodwell, tax director at the OTS, said: "If the government considers the simplification priority is to reduce distortions to behaviour, it should consider either more closely aligning capital gains tax rates with income tax rates, or addressing boundary issues as between capital gains tax and income tax."
Only 0.5% of the population paid capital gains tax in 2017-18. Some 265,000 people gave £8.3bn to the Treasury, while 60%, (31.2 million people), paid £180bn in income tax.
The national debt passed £2trn for the first time in July, as the economy buckled under the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of supporting businesses and workers.
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At the time, Mr Sunak warned "difficult decisions" would need to be taken.
The review was commissioned in July but the Treasury does not have to follow the recommendations.
It comes after another report suggested that people earning more than £19,500 a year should pay more in income tax to help boost public finances.
The Resolution Foundation recommended a "health and social care levy" - a 4% tax on all incomes over £12,500 - which would be offset by a 3% cut to employee national insurance and the abolition of Class 2 National Insurance contributions for the self-employed.
It said the shift would not penalise those worst-hit by the virus crisis restrictions - the low-paid and self-employed - but would raise £17bn annually. It was suggested £6bn of that sum should go to social care.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-12--Dominic Cummings to leave role as PM's chief adviser by end of the year

Dominic Cummings is to leave his role as the prime minister 's chief adviser by the end of the year , Sky News understands .
A Downing Street source told Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby the controversial aide will leave Number 10 , having been one of Boris Johnson 's first appointments when he became prime minister in July last year .
In a blog post in January , the PM 's top aide said he planned to leave his role by the end of the year , but his departure will now come after a bitter power struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that is likely to have hastened his decision .
The row came to light with the resignation of his close ally Lee Cain as the prime minister 's director of communications .
Mr Cummings and Mr Cain both worked with Mr Johnson as part of the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 EU referendum .
They are widely regarded to have since led a Vote Leave faction of colleagues in Number 10 and other parts of government .
But their departures follow the appointment of former journalist Allegra Stratton as Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to have been opposed by Mr Cain .
Mr Cummings - once reportedly described by former prime minister David Cameron as a `` career psychopath '' - is a former Conservative Party director of strategy and ex-aide to senior cabinet minister Michael Gove .
He was credited as one of the most influential figures behind Vote Leave 's success under its `` Take Back Control '' slogan .
As part of Mr Johnson 's top team , Mr Cummings helped secure last year 's thumping general election victory for the Conservative Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on projects such as setting up an advanced defence projects research agency and reforming government procurement processes .
Mr Cummings gained national notoriety this year when he was accused of breaching lockdown rules by making a trip from London to the North East , at a time when he feared he could have contracted coronavirus .
He also admitted to having driven to Barnard Castle as a means of testing his eyesight .
Despite huge pressure for Mr Johnson to sack his senior aide , the prime minister stood by Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Cummings called for `` misfits and weirdos '' to apply for jobs in Downing Street .
One of those subsequently employed was soon forced to resign following the emergence of his past online comments .
Analysis : Many Tories will be happy - but not the PM By chief political correspondent Jon Craig It looks as if Dominic Cummings 's departure will coincide with the departure of his longstanding Vote Leave ally Lee Cain .
Mr Cummings is letting it be known that back in January of this year he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so .
In the blog he wrote about hiring `` weirdos and misfits '' , he talked about wanting to improve performance and make his role `` largely redundant '' within a year .
But his departure appears to have been accelerated by the events of the past 48 hours which have changed things dramatically .
In the last couple of days we have seen Mr Cain on the verge of being appointed as the prime minister 's chief of staff only for a huge backlash from the Mr Johnson 's fiancé @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The offer then appears to have been withdrawn , which has clearly enormously upset Mr Cummings .
When he arrived at No 10 on Thursday morning he looked miserable , while Ms Stratton looked like the cat who 'd got the cream .
What a dramatic turn of events at the very top of politics .
Many Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers , who regard Mr Cummings as a malign influence , will be delighted .
Not so the Prime Minister .

Dominic Cummings is to leave his role as the prime minister's chief adviser by the end of the year.
A Downing Street source said on Thursday night the controversial aide will exit Number 10, having been one of Boris Johnson's first appointments when he became PM last July.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the news the next morning, saying the move will coincide with the post-Brexit transition period ending on 31 December 2020.
"He'll be missed... but advisers come and go," the cabinet minister told Sky News.
"In any government, you require people who are going to shake things up and come up with ideas, and he's actually been that person."
Image: Mr Cummings worked with Mr Johnson as part of the Vote Leave campaign
In a blog post in January, Mr Cummings revealed he planned to leave his role by the end of the year, saying he hoped to make himself "largely redundant" by then.
But news of his expected departure comes after a bitter power struggle behind the scenes in Downing Street - something that is likely to have hastened his decision.
The row came to light with the resignation of his close ally Lee Cain as the prime minister's director of communications.
Mr Cummings and Mr Cain both worked with Mr Johnson as part of the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 EU referendum.
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They are widely regarded to have since led a Vote Leave faction of colleagues in Number 10 and other parts of government.
But their departures follow the appointment of former journalist Allegra Stratton as Downing Street's new TV spokeswoman, which was said to have been opposed by Mr Cain.
The infighting spilling into the open has sparked criticism from Conservative MPs.
Tory backbencher Sir Roger Gale said Mr Cummings had "become a distraction" and a "malign influence at the centre of Downing Street for too long", telling Sky News: "It's right that he should go."
While another Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood told Sky News: "Let's move a little bit away from EastEnders and more to the West Wing."
Mr Shapps tried to do so by dismissing Mr Cummings' departure, saying "things move on" and that in the "real world" other issues like a coronavirus vaccine are "vastly more important".
When Sky News asked him if imported vaccines could be hindered by a no trade deal divorce with the EU, which could threaten delays in supply chains at the border, Mr Shapps vowed: "We'll make sure we have those."
The prime minister's official spokesman James Slack, who will replace Mr Cain when he departs in the new year, has also insisted Mr Johnson is not being distracted from the national crisis by the bitter row.
"You've seen from the prime minister this week that he's absolutely focused on taking all the steps that are required to equip the country to beat coronavirus," he said.
Another Downing Street spokesman on Friday insisted Mr Cummings' departure would not lead to a softening of approach in negotiations with the EU for a trade deal, saying the government's position "is not changed".
Image: The news comes after the resignation of his close ally Lee Cain as the prime minister's director of communications
Mr Cummings - once reportedly described by former prime minister David Cameron as a "career psychopath" - is a former Conservative Party director of strategy and ex-aide to senior cabinet minister Michael Gove.
He was credited as one of the most influential figures behind Vote Leave's success under its "take back control" slogan.
As part of Mr Johnson's top team, Mr Cummings helped secure last year's thumping general election victory for the Conservative Party.
He was said to have subsequently focused on projects such as setting up an advanced defence projects research agency and reforming government procurement processes.
Mr Cummings gained national notoriety this year when he was accused of breaching lockdown rules by making a trip from London to the North East, at a time when he feared he could have contracted coronavirus.
He also admitted to having driven to Barnard Castle in Teesdale, County Durham, as a means of testing his eyesight.
Despite huge pressure for Mr Johnson to sack his senior aide, the prime minister stood by Mr Cummings.
During his time in Number 10, Mr Cummings called for "misfits and weirdos" to apply for jobs in Downing Street.
One of those subsequently employed was soon forced to resign following the emergence of past online comments.
Analysis: Many Tories will be happy - but not the PM
By chief political correspondent Jon Craig
It looks as if Dominic Cummings's departure will coincide with the departure of his longstanding Vote Leave ally Lee Cain. Mr Cummings is letting it be known that back in January of this year he said he'd been gone in a year or so.
In the blog he wrote about hiring "weirdos and misfits", he talked about wanting to improve performance and make his role "largely redundant" within a year.
But his departure appears to have been accelerated by the events of the past 48 hours which have changed things dramatically.
In the last couple of days we have seen Mr Cain on the verge of being appointed as the prime minister's chief of staff only for a huge backlash from the Mr Johnson's fiancé and his new spokesperson Allegra Stratton.
The offer then appears to have been withdrawn, which has clearly enormously upset Mr Cummings. When he arrived at No 10 on Thursday morning he looked miserable, while Ms Stratton looked like the cat who'd got the cream.
What a dramatic turn of events at the very top of politics. Many Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers, who regard Mr Cummings as a malign influence, will be delighted. Not so the Prime Minister.