skynewspolitics--2020-08-05--'Once in a generation' shake-up aims to speed up planning laws

Moves to slash red tape and hand automatic planning permission to some homes - and projects like schools and hospitals - are being unveiled by Boris Johnson .
A radical blueprint hailed as a `` once-in-a-generation reform '' is being published by the government with the aim of sweeping away `` slow and complex '' planning laws .
The shake-up , a key part of the prime minister 's `` build , build , build '' agenda , also includes automatic planning approval for new homes on land earmarked for growth .
The housing revolution comes in a government consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick just weeks after he became embroiled in a planning row .
Mr Jenrick has faced calls to resign after helping former newspaper tycoon Richard Desmond avoid a £45m tax bill on a housing development by rushing it through after Mr Desmond lobbied him .
The government is also likely to face a backlash against its shake-up , which rips up laws dating back to the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act , from traditional Conservative supporters in the Tory shires .
But a defiant Mr Jenrick said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a barrier to building the homes people need .
It takes seven years to agree local housing plans and five years just to get a spade in the ground .
`` These once-in-a-generation reforms will lay the foundations for a brighter future , providing more homes for young people and creating better quality neighbourhoods and homes across the country .
`` We will cut red tape , but not standards , placing a higher regard on quality , design and the environment than ever before .
`` Planning decisions will be simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of the process .
`` As we face the economic effects of the pandemic , now is the time for decisive action and a clear plan for jobs and growth .
`` Our reforms will create thousands of jobs , lessen the dominance of big builders in the system , providing a major boost for small building companies across the country . ''
The measures are already being attacked by Labour .
`` This is a developer 's charter that will see communities sidelined in decisions and denied vital funding for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said shadow housing minister Mike Amesbury .
Under the planning overhaul , the government is proposing to divide land into three categories : • Land suitable for growth , approved for development as soon as plans are prepared • Renewal areas , for quicker development • Green Belt land , still restricted and subject to local authority approval The government claims designating land for growth will mean new homes , schools , shops and businesses can be built quickly and efficiently .
Ministers are also promising that all new streets will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of Shelter , led opposition to the government 's proposals , declaring : `` Decades of political decisions have left social housing gravely endangered .
`` If the government now removes the requirement for developers to build their fair share it could face extinction .
Over a million households on waiting lists for social homes risk having their hopes dashed .
`` The government says it wants to build beautiful , but that can not be only for a fortunate few .
Struggling renters and key workers with no savings face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' This pandemic has shown us the importance of safe home like nothing before , but a safe home will remain a pipe dream for too many if the government fails to invest in social housing .
Cutting up the planning system must not result in cutting social homes . ''
Nikki Williams of the Wildlife Trust said : `` Government proposals for 'tree-lined streets ' are nothing like enough .
`` Parks , green spaces and all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a wild network of nature-rich areas that will benefit bees and birds as much as it will enable people to connect with on-your-doorstep nature every single day .
`` This is essential if we are to tackle the twin climate and biodiversity crises as well as provide homes that people want to live in surrounded by beautiful , buzzing green spaces . ''
And Tom Fyans , of the Campaign to Protect Rural England , said : `` The key acid test for the planning reforms is community involvement , and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how this will work under a zoning system .
`` Although we welcome the government 's commitment to all areas having a local plan in place , we also need robust legal guarantees that the public are consulted regarding new development . ''
Cllr James Jamieson , Chairman of the Local Government Association , said : `` Any loss of local control over developments would be a concern .
It would deprive communities of the ability to define the area they live in and know best and risk giving developers the freedom to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the government insists that local communities will be consulted from the beginning of the planning process and valued green spaces will be protected for future generations by allowing for more building on brownfield land .

Moves to slash red tape and hand automatic planning permission to some homes - and projects like schools and hospitals - are being unveiled by Boris Johnson.
A radical blueprint hailed as a "once-in-a-generation reform" is being published by the government with the aim of sweeping away "slow and complex" planning laws.
The shake-up, a key part of the prime minister's "build, build, build" agenda, also includes automatic planning approval for new homes on land earmarked for growth.
The housing revolution comes in a government consultation paper, Planning For The Future, published by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick just weeks after he became embroiled in a planning row.
Mr Jenrick has faced calls to resign after helping former newspaper tycoon Richard Desmond avoid a £45m tax bill on a housing development by rushing it through after Mr Desmond lobbied him.
Image: Robert Jenrick says it will mean 'better quality neighbourhoods and homes across the country'
The government is also likely to face a backlash against its shake-up, which rips up laws dating back to the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act, from traditional Conservative supporters in the Tory shires.
Alan Jones, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: "While there's no doubt the planning system needs reform, these shameful proposals do almost nothing to guarantee the delivery of affordable, well-designed and sustainable homes.
"While they might help to 'get Britain building' - paired with the extension of permitted development - there's every chance they could also lead to the creation of the next generation of slum housing."
But a defiant Mr Jenrick said that was "complete nonsense" and the reaction was put out "before we'd even published the document".
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"We believe this will lead to more social housing," he told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast.
"And there will also be more money for the other things that we all care about like GP surgeries, hospitals, schools, roads, parks and playgrounds."
Mr Jenrick added that "this year and next year will be very challenging for the industry and these reforms, although long-term, will give a big confidence booster to everyone who works in the sector knowing that there is going to be a faster, simpler system for them to navigate in the years ahead".
The measures are already being attacked by Labour.
Image: Green Belt land will still be restricted and subject to local authority approval
"This is a developer's charter that will see communities sidelined in decisions and denied vital funding for building schools, clinics and community infrastructure," said shadow housing minister Mike Amesbury.
Under the planning overhaul, the government is proposing to divide land into three categories:
• Land suitable for growth, approved for development as soon as plans are prepared
• Renewal areas, for quicker development
• Green Belt land, still restricted and subject to local authority approval
The government claims designating land for growth will mean new homes, schools, shops and businesses can be built quickly and efficiently. Ministers are also promising that all new streets will be tree-lined.
But Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, led opposition to the government's proposals, declaring: "Decades of political decisions have left social housing gravely endangered.
"If the government now removes the requirement for developers to build their fair share it could face extinction. Over a million households on waiting lists for social homes risk having their hopes dashed.
"The government says it wants to build beautiful, but that cannot be only for a fortunate few. Struggling renters and key workers with no savings face being left behind.
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"This pandemic has shown us the importance of safe home like nothing before, but a safe home will remain a pipe dream for too many if the government fails to invest in social housing. Cutting up the planning system must not result in cutting social homes."
Nikki Williams of the Wildlife Trust said: "Government proposals for 'tree-lined streets' are nothing like enough.
"Parks, green spaces and all the areas around our homes must be part of a wild network of nature-rich areas that will benefit bees and birds as much as it will enable people to connect with on-your-doorstep nature every single day.
"This is essential if we are to tackle the twin climate and biodiversity crises as well as provide homes that people want to live in surrounded by beautiful, buzzing green spaces."
And Tom Fyans, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "The key acid test for the planning reforms is community involvement, and on first reading it's still not clear how this will work under a zoning system.
"Although we welcome the government's commitment to all areas having a local plan in place, we also need robust legal guarantees that the public are consulted regarding new development."
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: "Any loss of local control over developments would be a concern. It would deprive communities of the ability to define the area they live in and know best and risk giving developers the freedom to ride roughshod over local areas."
But the government insists that local communities will be consulted from the beginning of the planning process and valued green spaces will be protected for future generations by allowing for more building on brownfield land.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--50 million face masks bought by government ditched over safety concerns

50 million face masks bought by the UK government will not be used in the NHS due to safety concerns .
The personal protective equipment ( PPE ) ordered from Ayanda Capital have ear loops rather than head loops , and there are concerns over whether they are adequate .
The Good Law Project and EveryDoctor , which are suing the government over the contract taken out because of coronavirus , estimate the masks cost more than £150m .
Court papers show Ayanda was awarded a £252.5m contract on 29 April - with £41.25m payable on commencement to secure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 million masks of another type , which the government says are unaffected but will be subject to further testing before any are released for use in the NHS .
It also emerged in court papers that the original sales approach came from a businessman called Andrew Mills , who is both an adviser to the UK Board of Trade and a senior board adviser at Ayanda .
Mr Mills told the BBC his position played no part in the award of the contract , the broadcaster reported .
Jolyon Maugham , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contract has `` revealed a real cause for alarm '' .
He questioned : `` What other failures remain undiscovered ? ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said on a visit to north Wales : `` For months we were told that the government was purchasing the right equipment for the front line .
Yet again it has n't happened .
`` There needs now to be an investigation , an inquiry , into what went wrong with this particular contract because it 's just not good enough to people who need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this position . ''
A UK government spokesman said : `` Throughout this global pandemic , we have been working tirelessly to deliver PPE to protect people on the front line .
`` Over 2.4 billion items have been delivered and more than 30 billion have been ordered from UK-based manufacturers and international partners to provide a continuous supply , which meets the needs of health and social care staff both now and in the future .
`` There is a robust process in place to ensure orders are of high quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary due diligence undertaken on all government contracts . ''
A spokesperson for Ayanda Capital said the company has written to the Times newspaper , which first reported the story , to `` correct the assertions made in their article '' .
`` The masks met all government specifications and standards , the masks are not unusable or unsafe and the government has not wasted any money in purchasing these masks , '' they added .
The Welsh government clarified , given health is a devolved matter , that the news does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said : `` All products sourced during the pandemic were subject to the required regulatory standards and checks were undertaken on all products to ensure such compliance .
`` Any PPE products sourced which did not meet the required standards were not considered for purchase and rejected at the assessment/triage stage . ''

50 million face masks bought by the UK government will not be used in the NHS due to safety concerns.
The personal protective equipment (PPE) ordered from Ayanda Capital have ear loops rather than head loops, and there are concerns over whether they are adequate.
The Good Law Project and EveryDoctor, which are suing the government over the contract taken out because of coronavirus, estimate the masks cost more than £150m.
Image: Lawyers estimate the masks cost £150m
Court papers show Ayanda was awarded a £252.5m contract on 29 April - with £41.25m payable on commencement to secure the manufacturing capacity.
The firm also supplied 150 million masks of another type, which the government says are unaffected but will be subject to further testing before any are released for use in the NHS.
It also emerged in court papers that the original sales approach came from a businessman called Andrew Mills, who is both an adviser to the UK Board of Trade and a senior board adviser at Ayanda.
Mr Mills told the BBC his position played no part in the award of the contract, the broadcaster reported.
Jolyon Maugham, director of the Good Law Project, said the contract has "revealed a real cause for alarm".
He questioned: "What other failures remain undiscovered?"
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Image: The government said 'due diligence' is done on all contracts
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said on a visit to north Wales: "For months we were told that the government was purchasing the right equipment for the front line. Yet again it hasn't happened.
"There needs now to be an investigation, an inquiry, into what went wrong with this particular contract because it's just not good enough to people who need that protective equipment that we find ourselves in this position."
A UK government spokesman said: "Throughout this global pandemic, we have been working tirelessly to deliver PPE to protect people on the front line.
"Over 2.4 billion items have been delivered and more than 30 billion have been ordered from UK-based manufacturers and international partners to provide a continuous supply, which meets the needs of health and social care staff both now and in the future.
"There is a robust process in place to ensure orders are of high quality and meet strict safety standards, with the necessary due diligence undertaken on all government contracts."
Image: Sir Keir said 'it's just not good enough'
A spokesperson for Ayanda Capital said the company has written to the Times newspaper, which first reported the story, to "correct the assertions made in their article".
"The masks met all government specifications and standards, the masks are not unusable or unsafe and the government has not wasted any money in purchasing these masks," they added.
The Welsh government clarified, given health is a devolved matter, that the news does not affect stocks in Wales.
A spokesperson said: "All products sourced during the pandemic were subject to the required regulatory standards and checks were undertaken on all products to ensure such compliance.
"Any PPE products sourced which did not meet the required standards were not considered for purchase and rejected at the assessment/triage stage."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--Travellers arriving in UK from Belgium, Andorra and Bahamas will have to quarantine

Belgium , Andorra and the Bahamas have been added to the UK 's coronavirus quarantine list , after a spike in cases in the affected countries .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted that people arriving in the UK from those countries after 4am on Saturday would need to self-isolate for 14 days .
He said : `` Data shows we need to remove Andorra , Belgium and the Bahamas from our list of # coronavirus Travel Corridors in order to keep infection rates DOWN . ''
In Wales , the restrictions come into force from midnight on Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but essential travel to the three impacted nations .
The latest move comes after a meeting of all four UK countries to consider the public health risk from increasing COVID-19 cases in some areas .
Meanwhile , travellers from Brunei and Malaysia arriving in the UK will be exempt from quarantine measures after cases in the two nations decreased .
The changes for Brunei and Malaysia - meaning they will be added to a list of travel corridors - will come into force in Wales from midnight on Friday , and from 4am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgium has suffered a four-fold increase in coronavirus infections since mid-July , with latest figures showing 27.8 new cases per 100,000 people .
This is much higher than the UK 's current 8.4 , and is also above the 27.4 number that Spain had when the UK last month reimposed quarantine rules on arrivals from there .
Last week , Belgium 's prime minister Sophie Wilmes introduced drastic new social distancing measures in the hope of avoiding a new national lockdown .
She announced a plan to limit contacts outside every household to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit the spread of the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In Andorra , new cases per week have increased five-fold since mid-July , while in the Bahamas the weekly case rate peaked at 78.6 last week , up from 3.1 in mid-July .
In France , new infections have risen by more than 1,600 over a 24-hour period for a second day .
Some 1,604 cases were reported on Thursday , slightly down on Wednesday 's 1,695 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure recorded on 30 May .
The total number of cases in France is 195,633 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last month there are `` signs of a second wave '' of COVID-19 brewing in Europe .
But the World Health Organisation says such talk is unhelpful , with a spokesperson insisting : `` We are in the first wave .
It 's going to be one big wave . ''
Quarantine rules were brought in across the UK at the start of June , meaning anyone arriving in the country had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of low-risk countries where levels of coronavirus are lower was drawn up , but several have since been taken off it , including Spain and Luxembourg .

Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas have been added to the UK's coronavirus quarantine list, after a spike in cases in the affected countries.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted that people arriving in the UK from those countries after 4am on Saturday would need to self-isolate for 14 days.
He said: "Data shows we need to remove Andorra, Belgium and the Bahamas from our list of #coronavirus Travel Corridors in order to keep infection rates DOWN."
In Wales, the restrictions come into force from midnight on Friday.
The Foreign Office has advised Britons against all but essential travel to the three impacted nations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Shapps: 'Chief medical officer was concerned about Spain'
The latest move comes after a meeting of all four UK countries to consider the public health risk from increasing COVID-19 cases in some areas.
Meanwhile, travellers from Brunei and Malaysia arriving in the UK will be exempt from quarantine measures after cases in the two nations decreased.
The changes for Brunei and Malaysia - meaning they will be added to a list of travel corridors - will come into force in Wales from midnight on Friday, and from 4am next Tuesday in England and Scotland.
Belgium has suffered a four-fold increase in coronavirus infections since mid-July, with latest figures showing 27.8 new cases per 100,000 people.
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This is much higher than the UK's current 8.4, and is also above the 27.4 number that Spain had when the UK last month reimposed quarantine rules on arrivals from there.
Last week, Belgium's prime minister Sophie Wilmes introduced drastic new social distancing measures in the hope of avoiding a new national lockdown.
She announced a plan to limit contacts outside every household to the same five people for a month to limit the spread of the virus.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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In Andorra, new cases per week have increased five-fold since mid-July, while in the Bahamas the weekly case rate peaked at 78.6 last week, up from 3.1 in mid-July.
In France, new infections have risen by more than 1,600 over a 24-hour period for a second day.
Some 1,604 cases were reported on Thursday, slightly down on Wednesday's 1,695, but still not far from the 1,828 figure recorded on 30 May. The total number of cases in France is 195,633.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last month there are "signs of a second wave" of COVID-19 brewing in Europe.
But the World Health Organisation says such talk is unhelpful, with a spokesperson insisting: "We are in the first wave. It's going to be one big wave."
Quarantine rules were brought in across the UK at the start of June, meaning anyone arriving in the country had to self-isolate for two weeks.
A list of low-risk countries where levels of coronavirus are lower was drawn up, but several have since been taken off it, including Spain and Luxembourg.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--Face coverings to be made mandatory indoors in NI as R number may be at 1.8

Face coverings are to be made mandatory indoors in Northern Ireland after the R number - a crucial measure of how quickly coronavirus is spreading - jumped in the region .
The reopening of pubs and bars which do not sell food has also been delayed .
The devolved government 's health department said the R number rose from between 0.5 to 1 last week , to between 0.8 and 1.8 .
Wearing face coverings will be mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces from this Monday .
First Minister Arlene Foster said : `` Because of the concern around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to frankly prioritise the reopening of our schools ... we have decided that it is prudent to pause the reopening of our public houses . ''
The planned reopening date for pubs is now 1 September .
The new rules are being introduced after Northern Ireland reported its highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since May .
There have been 43 new infections , taking the total to 6,049 .
This compares to just 18 over the previous five days .
Health minister Robin Swann said the latest figure `` underlines the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains very real '' .
`` If anyone still thinks COVID-19 is going to fade away , let them think again . ''
R represents how many people someone with COVID-19 will , on average , pass the disease on to .
If it is above one , it means the number of coronavirus cases will increase exponentially .
However , if R is below one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak .
Scientists caution that as case numbers drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volatility '' and be `` heavily influenced by small local clusters '' .
`` Community transmission remains low in Northern Ireland , '' the devolved government said .
`` Although it is important to note that the number of positive tests per day has increased threefold from early July . ''
The Public Health Agency ( PHA ) said more than 20 coronavirus clusters have been identified in the region .
Of the 23 pinpointed since the test and trace programme went live on 25 May , 11 clusters remain open .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with these clusters , with nine of the clusters having had five or more cases associated with them .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The PHA has defined a cluster as two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among individuals associated with a key setting .
Key settings which have seen a cluster include workplaces , retail or hospitality premises , domestic gatherings , and sporting settings .
However , the PHA said the transmission risk is highest in a household setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has agreed theatres and concert halls can open from 8 August for rehearsal purposes .
There is an indicative date of 1 September for the return of audiences with appropriate mitigations .
Ministers have also agreed to allow spectators to be present at indoor sporting venues from 10 August , as long as the operator can control access and make sure social distancing is observed .

Face coverings are to be made mandatory indoors in Northern Ireland after the R number - a crucial measure of how quickly coronavirus is spreading - jumped in the region.
The reopening of pubs and bars which do not sell food has also been delayed.
The devolved government's health department said the R number rose from between 0.5 to 1 last week, to between 0.8 and 1.8.
Wearing face coverings will be mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces from this Monday.
Image: Arlene Foster says the reopening of pubs has been delayed
First Minister Arlene Foster said: "Because of the concern around the level of community transmission and the desire to frankly prioritise the reopening of our schools... we have decided that it is prudent to pause the reopening of our public houses."
The planned reopening date for pubs is now 1 September.
The new rules are being introduced after Northern Ireland reported its highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since May.
There have been 43 new infections, taking the total to 6,049. This compares to just 18 over the previous five days.
Health minister Robin Swann said the latest figure "underlines the fact that the threat from the virus remains very real".
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"If anyone still thinks COVID-19 is going to fade away, let them think again."
R represents how many people someone with COVID-19 will, on average, pass the disease on to.
If it is above one, it means the number of coronavirus cases will increase exponentially.
However, if R is below one, the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'No silver bullet for coronavirus', says WHO
Scientists caution that as case numbers drop, the figure will shift with "volatility" and be "heavily influenced by small local clusters".
"Community transmission remains low in Northern Ireland," the devolved government said.
"Although it is important to note that the number of positive tests per day has increased threefold from early July."
The Public Health Agency (PHA) said more than 20 coronavirus clusters have been identified in the region.
Of the 23 pinpointed since the test and trace programme went live on 25 May, 11 clusters remain open.
Some 168 cases of COVID-19 have been linked with these clusters, with nine of the clusters having had five or more cases associated with them.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The PHA has defined a cluster as two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among individuals associated with a key setting.
Key settings which have seen a cluster include workplaces, retail or hospitality premises, domestic gatherings, and sporting settings.
However, the PHA said the transmission risk is highest in a household setting.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland executive has agreed theatres and concert halls can open from 8 August for rehearsal purposes. There is an indicative date of 1 September for the return of audiences with appropriate mitigations.
Ministers have also agreed to allow spectators to be present at indoor sporting venues from 10 August, as long as the operator can control access and make sure social distancing is observed.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--PM defends decision not to suspend Tory MP arrested on suspicion of rape

Boris Johnson has defended his decision not to suspend a Tory MP from the party who was arrested on suspicion of rape .
The prime minister faced down calls from senior Labour politicians to withdraw the whip from the former minister , who has since been released on bail .
Jess Phillips , a shadow home office minister , had said it was `` shocking '' , adding : `` In any other organisation , were this police investigation to be going on , somebody would be suspended while the investigation was taking place . ''
But speaking for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson said he would await a decision by the police .
`` I think it 's very , very important that we take all these cases extremely seriously and we will continue to do so , '' he said on a visit to a building site in Warrington .
`` I think we 've got to wait for the police to decide whether they want to make charges and take a decision on that basis . ''
Sky News understands the MP , who is in his 50s , was accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in parliament .
He was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning - then released on bail later the same day .
The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating `` four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault '' .
They allegedly took place in Westminster , Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020 , according to a statement .
Sky News understands the woman 's complaint was reported to a fellow MP .
It is claimed that some allegations were raised with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacob Rees-Mogg , the leader of the House of Commons some weeks ago .
It has been reported that Mr Spencer had not known the `` magnitude '' of the allegations .
It 's understood Mr Spencer told the woman to make a formal complaint to parliamentary authorities , who would investigate .
She later went to police .
A Conservative Party statement released over the weekend said : `` We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously .
As this matter is now in the hands of the police it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A statement from Mr Spencer also said : `` The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities , including parliament 's independent complaints and grievance scheme , which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations . ''
An MP who has had the whip withdrawn is not allowed to represent the party in parliament and has to sit as an independent , although they retain their seat .

Boris Johnson has defended his decision not to suspend a Tory MP from the party who was arrested on suspicion of rape.
The prime minister faced down calls from senior Labour politicians to withdraw the whip from the former minister, who has since been released on bail.
Jess Phillips, a shadow home office minister, had said it was "shocking", adding: "In any other organisation, were this police investigation to be going on, somebody would be suspended while the investigation was taking place."
But speaking for the first time since the MP's arrest, Mr Johnson said he would await a decision by the police.
"I think it's very, very important that we take all these cases extremely seriously and we will continue to do so," he said on a visit to a building site in Warrington.
"I think we've got to wait for the police to decide whether they want to make charges and take a decision on that basis."
Image: An MP who has the whip withdrawn ceases to represent their party in parliament
Sky News understands the MP, who is in his 50s, was accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament.
He was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning - then released on bail later the same day.
The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating "four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault".
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They allegedly took place in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020, according to a statement.
Sky News understands the woman's complaint was reported to a fellow MP.
Image: Police have released the former minister on bail
It is claimed that some allegations were raised with the chief whip Mark Spencer and with Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons some weeks ago.
It has been reported that Mr Spencer had not known the "magnitude" of the allegations.
It's understood Mr Spencer told the woman to make a formal complaint to parliamentary authorities, who would investigate.
She later went to police.
A Conservative Party statement released over the weekend said: "We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this matter is now in the hands of the police it would be inappropriate to comment further."
A statement from Mr Spencer also said: "The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities, including parliament's independent complaints and grievance scheme, which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations."
An MP who has had the whip withdrawn is not allowed to represent the party in parliament and has to sit as an independent, although they retain their seat.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--Local contact tracers 'more successful than call centres and online'

Local teams continue to be more successful than call centre workers when it comes to reaching the close contacts of people who tested positive for coronavirus .
New figures from the Department of Health and Social Care show local health protection teams traced 98 % of contacts , while for online or call centre teams that number was 56.1 % .
When people are reached , they are asked to self-isolate for two weeks from the day they were last in contact with the infected person .
There has been a consistent gap between local teams and call centres/online since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus launched in England in late May .
In the first week , the local figure was 99.7 % and the call centre/online statistic was 52.5 % .
Experts have warned the scheme , which Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously promised would be `` world beating '' , must quickly improve to cope with the expected pressures when all pupils go back to school in September and as winter approaches .
Mr Johnson repeated this claim on Thursday , saying : `` If you look at what we are doing , actually I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does fit that description of 'world-beating ' .
`` I think I 'm right in saying that we are now testing more - per head of population - than virtually any other country in Europe , certainly , in America they are testing a huge number of people . ''
He said the test and trace system was `` absolutely crucial '' for the government 's coronavirus strategy .
`` If you look at what we are doing with some of the local social distancing measures that we are bringing back in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to detect cases through local test and trace , working with our local authorities and taking the right local measures , '' the PM said .
Some councils have launched local contact-tracing operations to supplement the national system .
Calderdale Council , which covers Halifax and surrounding areas , is the second authority to make the move after Blackburn with Darwen said it was setting up a locally focused system to utilise community knowledge because the government 's system was not fast enough .
But officials insist the national Test and Trace programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and is working in partnership with local authorities and their health protection teams .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker National figures show 72.4 % of close contacts were reached in the week ending 29 July , down from 76.2 % in the previous week , and also a fall compared with the 90.7 % reached in the first week of Test and Trace ( week ending 3 June ) .
Since the system launched , 199,524 close contacts of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached .
This represents 82.2 % out of a total of 242,749 people identified as close contacts .
The other 43,225 people ( 17.8 % ) were identified but not reached .
Meanwhile , Scotland has announced 67 new coronavirus cases - the highest daily rise in over two months .
More than half ( 39 ) were in the Grampian area .
Some 25 of the new infections were in Aberdeen where there has been an outbreak in the city , with lockdown restrictions reintroduced , as bars , cafes and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel rule has been put in place and residents are being told not to enter each other 's houses .
Some 79 confirmed cases have now been identified in Aberdeen and a further 30 are under investigation .
Across the UK , latest government figures show 49 more people have died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Wednesday , after testing positive for coronavirus .
This takes the total to 46,413 .
The government also said in the 24 hours up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 950 further laboratory-confirmed cases .
Overall , a total of 308,134 cases have been confirmed .

Local teams continue to be more successful than call centre workers when it comes to reaching the close contacts of people who tested positive for coronavirus.
New figures from the Department of Health and Social Care show local health protection teams traced 98% of contacts, while for online or call centre teams that number was 56.1%.
When people are reached, they are asked to self-isolate for two weeks from the day they were last in contact with the infected person.
Image: Boris Johnson previously promised a 'world-beating' national test and trace scheme
There has been a consistent gap between local teams and call centres/online since the NHS Test and Trace system for coronavirus launched in England in late May.
In the first week, the local figure was 99.7% and the call centre/online statistic was 52.5%.
Experts have warned the scheme, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously promised would be "world beating", must quickly improve to cope with the expected pressures when all pupils go back to school in September and as winter approaches.
Mr Johnson repeated this claim on Thursday, saying: "If you look at what we are doing, actually I think it certainly is - it certainly does fit that description of 'world-beating'.
"I think I'm right in saying that we are now testing more - per head of population - than virtually any other country in Europe, certainly, in America they are testing a huge number of people."
He said the test and trace system was "absolutely crucial" for the government's coronavirus strategy.
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"If you look at what we are doing with some of the local social distancing measures that we are bringing back in, that's entirely driven by our ability to detect cases through local test and trace, working with our local authorities and taking the right local measures," the PM said.
Some councils have launched local contact-tracing operations to supplement the national system.
Calderdale Council, which covers Halifax and surrounding areas, is the second authority to make the move after Blackburn with Darwen said it was setting up a locally focused system to utilise community knowledge because the government's system was not fast enough.
But officials insist the national Test and Trace programme is not at odds with local systems, and is working in partnership with local authorities and their health protection teams.
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National figures show 72.4% of close contacts were reached in the week ending 29 July, down from 76.2% in the previous week, and also a fall compared with the 90.7% reached in the first week of Test and Trace (week ending 3 June).
Since the system launched, 199,524 close contacts of people who tested positive for COVID-19 have been reached.
This represents 82.2% out of a total of 242,749 people identified as close contacts. The other 43,225 people (17.8%) were identified but not reached.
Image: Keith McKenzie closes his pub as lockdown restrictions are reintroduced in Aberdeen
Meanwhile, Scotland has announced 67 new coronavirus cases - the highest daily rise in over two months. More than half (39) were in the Grampian area.
Some 25 of the new infections were in Aberdeen where there has been an outbreak in the city, with lockdown restrictions reintroduced, as bars, cafes and restaurants were ordered to close.
A five-mile travel rule has been put in place and residents are being told not to enter each other's houses.
Some 79 confirmed cases have now been identified in Aberdeen and a further 30 are under investigation.
Across the UK, latest government figures show 49 more people have died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Wednesday, after testing positive for coronavirus. This takes the total to 46,413.
The government also said in the 24 hours up to 9am on Thursday, there had been 950 further laboratory-confirmed cases.
Overall, a total of 308,134 cases have been confirmed.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--'Weirdo' Cummings behind plans for White House-style briefings - Thatcher's spokesman

Plans for White House-style Downing Street news conferences on live TV have been denounced by the most colourful Number 10 spokesman of recent years , Sir Bernard Ingham .
He blames `` the malevolent presence of Dominic Cummings '' , Boris Johnson 's `` weirdo '' adviser , and claims the new post of Downing Street TV spokesman is `` a constitutional outrage '' .
He also condemns the government 's handling of coronavirus , describing it as `` a confused mess and incoherent '' , and claims ministers are `` occasionally all over the show '' .
Sir Bernard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's spokesman during her 11 years as prime minister from 1979-1990 .
His typically blunt verdict comes in his weekly column in the Yorkshire Post .
In his off-camera briefings behind closed doors in the 1980s , a florid-faced Sir Bernard would often vent his displeasure at journalists by banging the table with his fist and spluttering `` Bunkum and balderdash ! ''
or `` Dammit ! ''
He was brutal , too , when slapping down ministers who displeased Mrs Thatcher , notoriously deriding John Biffen as a `` semi-detached '' member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a wartime radio character `` Mona Lott '' .
Several decades later , self-deprecatingly calling himself `` an aged cantankerous grump '' , Sir Bernard has unleashed his fury at Mr Cummings , in a savage attack on Number 10 's plan to recruit a £100,000 TV spokesman or woman .
`` At its heart is the malevolent presence of Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's principal adviser , who thinks the Civil Service is pretty useless and the machine would be in the better hands of weirdos like himself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defiant Mr Cummings has hit back , with a source close to him telling the Daily Mail : `` Government communications has changed since the secrecy of Sir Bernard 's day .
Voters want and deserve more accountability . ''
Sir Bernard begins his column by revealing : `` My mischievous friends are urging me to apply for the £100,000-a-year job as government spokesman giving daily televised White House-style media briefings .
No chance .
I am no masochist .
`` I had my fill of media blood sport and bear-baiting conducted behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary in the 1980s .
`` In any case , the sight of this aged cantankerous grump pontificating daily would put people off politics for life while feeding the media 's enduring fascination with my eyebrows .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' More seriously , I have my principles .
The post is a constitutional outrage even if we have been subjected to televised briefings since the onset of coronavirus .
`` It is a further ill-considered undermining of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ever damned if it permits this further step down the road to US-style presidential government .
Do n't hold your breath . ''
Sir Bernard adds : `` The government is not short of official spokesmen .
What it lacks is a coherent approach to as tough a set of problems as any faced by a British government since the Second World War . ''
And offering advice to would-be applicants for the new post , he writes : `` Nobody in their right mind should take the job without a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close relationship with the PM .
`` As I know only too well , you can not properly represent the boss through somebody else 's filter , whether in the shape of Cummings or arrogant administrators who think their job is to protect you from too much knowledge .
Attacking the government 's handling of coronavirus , he writes : `` Attitudes are all wrong .
It is not hindsight to say that a certain humility was required at the outset of a pandemic caused by a new virus with still no antidote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been implicit in the 'following the science ' mantra , ministers have tended to convey a certain command instead of admitting they are learning as they go along .
`` The result has been a confused mess as the anomalies thrown up by measures such as social distancing and masks have demonstrated beyond peradventure that government , national , regional or local , can not cope with the infinite variety of personal circumstances .
`` In the end , only common sense by the public and those administering the rules will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The crucial message now should be : take care , get back to work , rescue the economy and save jobs .
But would our new televised spokesman be allowed to say it ? ''
He continues : `` Coronavirus , however , is only one subject the proposed new TV figure would have to cope with .
`` The media have an unquenchable thirst for stories and , as I know only too well , you may have to cope with anything from the significance of Mrs Thatcher wearing black - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a handbagging - to the intricacies of East-West relations .
`` How is a political spokesman ( or no doubt preferably a pretty woman ) to be armed not merely with knowledge of issues likely to be raised but , just as important , the background to them ?
`` Do n't forget Brexit is still unresolved , Europe and the USA are in a mess .
China and Putin 's Russia are a serious threat to the world 's well-being .
And what about all those economic , social and infrastructural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernard concludes : `` My advice is that government spokesmen , however fast on their feet , should not regularly reveal their inevitable ignorance to the nation .
It is bad enough ministers being occasionally all over the show . ''

Plans for White House-style Downing Street news conferences on live TV have been denounced by the most colourful Number 10 spokesman of recent years, Sir Bernard Ingham.
He blames "the malevolent presence of Dominic Cummings", Boris Johnson's "weirdo" adviser, and claims the new post of Downing Street TV spokesman is "a constitutional outrage".
He also condemns the government's handling of coronavirus, describing it as "a confused mess and incoherent", and claims ministers are "occasionally all over the show".
Image: Sir Bernard Ingham says Dominic Cummings is a 'weirdo'
Sir Bernard, now 88, was Margaret Thatcher's spokesman during her 11 years as prime minister from 1979-1990. His typically blunt verdict comes in his weekly column in the Yorkshire Post.
In his off-camera briefings behind closed doors in the 1980s, a florid-faced Sir Bernard would often vent his displeasure at journalists by banging the table with his fist and spluttering "Bunkum and balderdash!" or "Dammit!"
He was brutal, too, when slapping down ministers who displeased Mrs Thatcher, notoriously deriding John Biffen as a "semi-detached" member of the cabinet and comparing Francis Pym to a wartime radio character "Mona Lott".
Several decades later, self-deprecatingly calling himself "an aged cantankerous grump", Sir Bernard has unleashed his fury at Mr Cummings, in a savage attack on Number 10's plan to recruit a £100,000 TV spokesman or woman.
"At its heart is the malevolent presence of Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's principal adviser, who thinks the Civil Service is pretty useless and the machine would be in the better hands of weirdos like himself," Sir Bernard writes.
But a defiant Mr Cummings has hit back, with a source close to him telling the Daily Mail: "Government communications has changed since the secrecy of Sir Bernard's day. Voters want and deserve more accountability."
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Image: 1989: Sir Bernard was Margaret Thatcher's chief press secretary
Sir Bernard begins his column by revealing: "My mischievous friends are urging me to apply for the £100,000-a-year job as government spokesman giving daily televised White House-style media briefings. No chance. I am no masochist.
"I had my fill of media blood sport and bear-baiting conducted behind closed doors as Margaret Thatcher's press secretary in the 1980s.
"In any case, the sight of this aged cantankerous grump pontificating daily would put people off politics for life while feeding the media's enduring fascination with my eyebrows.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"More seriously, I have my principles. The post is a constitutional outrage even if we have been subjected to televised briefings since the onset of coronavirus.
"It is a further ill-considered undermining of our parliamentary democracy. And parliament will be for ever damned if it permits this further step down the road to US-style presidential government. Don't hold your breath."
Sir Bernard adds: "The government is not short of official spokesmen. What it lacks is a coherent approach to as tough a set of problems as any faced by a British government since the Second World War."
And offering advice to would-be applicants for the new post, he writes: "Nobody in their right mind should take the job without a clear understanding of their unlimited access to and close relationship with the PM.
"As I know only too well, you cannot properly represent the boss through somebody else's filter, whether in the shape of Cummings or arrogant administrators who think their job is to protect you from too much knowledge.
Attacking the government's handling of coronavirus, he writes: "Attitudes are all wrong. It is not hindsight to say that a certain humility was required at the outset of a pandemic caused by a new virus with still no antidote.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Coronavirus: Do govt messages lack clarity?
"Yet, while the uncertainties have been implicit in the 'following the science' mantra, ministers have tended to convey a certain command instead of admitting they are learning as they go along.
"The result has been a confused mess as the anomalies thrown up by measures such as social distancing and masks have demonstrated beyond peradventure that government, national, regional or local, cannot cope with the infinite variety of personal circumstances.
"In the end, only common sense by the public and those administering the rules will get us through it in a reasonable state. The crucial message now should be: take care, get back to work, rescue the economy and save jobs. But would our new televised spokesman be allowed to say it?"
He continues: "Coronavirus, however, is only one subject the proposed new TV figure would have to cope with.
"The media have an unquenchable thirst for stories and, as I know only too well, you may have to cope with anything from the significance of Mrs Thatcher wearing black - a media alert that someone is in for a handbagging - to the intricacies of East-West relations.
"How is a political spokesman (or no doubt preferably a pretty woman) to be armed not merely with knowledge of issues likely to be raised but, just as important, the background to them?
"Don't forget Brexit is still unresolved, Europe and the USA are in a mess. China and Putin's Russia are a serious threat to the world's well-being. And what about all those economic, social and infrastructural problems lying around?"
And Sir Bernard concludes: "My advice is that government spokesmen, however fast on their feet, should not regularly reveal their inevitable ignorance to the nation. It is bad enough ministers being occasionally all over the show."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-07--Travel disruption warning as France could be next on quarantine list

Britons preparing to visit France have been warned there is `` always the risk of disruption to travel plans '' amid speculation the country could be next on the UK 's quarantine list due to a spike in coronavirus cases .
New COVID-19 infections in France have risen by more than 1,600 over a 24-hour period for a second day - putting the nation at levels not seen since late May .
On Thursday , the UK added Belgium , Andorra and the Bahamas to its quarantine list , meaning arrivals from those countries after 4am on Saturday will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is also advising against non-essential travel to these destinations .
Asked what the thousands of holidaymakers in France and the countless preparing to visit should do , Chancellor Rishi Sunak admitted it is a `` tricky situation '' .
`` What I can say to people is we 're in the midst of a global pandemic and that means there is always the risk of disruption to travel plans and people need to bear that in mind , '' he told Sky News @ Breakfast .
`` It 's the right thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under review on a constant basis , talking with our scientists and medical advisers .
`` And if we need to take action as you 've seen overnight , we will of course not hesitate to do that and we 're doing that to protect people 's health .
`` In the meantime people should look at the guidance and take everything into account and make a decision they think is best . ''
Travel consultant Paul Charles had told The Times : `` It is vital that France gets its case numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is to avoid the government adding it to its quarantine list . ''
Several southern cities near the Belgian border have recently brought in firmer rules on face coverings .
The French health authority reported cases of coronavirus are up by 33 % in the week up to August 6 , and infection rates are increasing in all age groups , particularly 20 to 30-year-olds .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last month there are `` signs of a second wave '' brewing in Europe .
But the World Health Organisation says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson insisting : `` We are in the first wave .
It 's going to be one big wave . ''

The number of people with coronavirus in France has risen at the fastest rate since lockdown ended in the country.
New COVID-19 infections rose by 2,288 on Friday, the third day that the number has gone up significantly - putting the nation at levels not seen since late May.
It comes after Britons preparing to visit France were warned there is "always the risk of disruption to travel plans" amid speculation the country could be next on the UK's quarantine list due to the spike in coronavirus cases.
On Thursday, the UK added Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas to its quarantine list, meaning arrivals from those countries after 4am on Saturday will need to self-isolate for 14 days. The government is also advising against non-essential travel to these destinations.
Asked what the thousands of holidaymakers in France and the countless preparing to visit should do, Chancellor Rishi Sunak admitted it is a "tricky situation".
"What I can say to people is we're in the midst of a global pandemic and that means there is always the risk of disruption to travel plans and people need to bear that in mind," he told Sky News@Breakfast.
"It's the right thing for us to do to keep everything under review on a constant basis, talking with our scientists and medical advisers.
"And if we need to take action as you've seen overnight, we will of course not hesitate to do that and we're doing that to protect people's health.
"In the meantime people should look at the guidance and take everything into account and make a decision they think is best."
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Image: Coronavirus cases in France have reached levels not seen since last May
On Thursday infections in France rose by more than 1,600 over a 24-hour period for a second day.
French health ministry adviser Jerome Salomon said: "The virus continues to circulate very actively worldwide.
There is a very clear upwards trend in France and Europe."
Travel consultant Paul Charles had told The Times: "It is vital that France gets its case numbers down over the next five days if it is to avoid the government adding it to its quarantine list."
Several southern cities near the Belgian border have recently brought in firmer rules on face coverings.
The French health authority reported cases of coronavirus are up by 33% in the week up to August 6, and infection rates are increasing in all age groups, particularly 20 to 30-year-olds.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last month there are "signs of a second wave" brewing in Europe.
But the World Health Organisation says such talk is unhelpful, with a spokesperson insisting: "We are in the first wave. It's going to be one big wave."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-07--Ex-Labour MP sentenced for making indecent child image

Former Labour MP Eric Joyce has been given a suspended sentence for making an indecent image of a child .
Joyce , who represented Falkirk in parliament from 2000 to 2015 , has been sentenced to eight months in prison , suspended for two years .
He has also been ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work .
Joyce had on a device a 51-second film depicting what appeared to be seven different children , aged between 12-months-old and seven-years-old .
The 59-year-old pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Ipswich Crown Court to the offence , which took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sentencing him , Mr Justice Edis said the film showed `` the penetrative sexual abuse of very young children '' .
He continued : `` That these acts of abuse happened is because there are people like you who want to watch these films .
`` If there was no market , those children would n't be subjected to these very serious offences . ''
But the judge added : `` You have sought help from people well able to provide it and there 's evidence before the court that that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps completely , your impulsive behaviour , and that 's happened over a significant period due to the delay in these proceedings . ''
Mr Justice Edis also sentenced Joyce to a sexual harm prevention order , which will last until further order of the court .
He was also given an 18-day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,800 .
Joyce left Labour to serve as independent MP for Falkirk in 2012 , stepping down before the 2015 general election .
He spent 21 years in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major .

Former Labour MP Eric Joyce has been given a suspended sentence for making an indecent image of a child.
Joyce, who represented Falkirk in parliament from 2000 to 2015, has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
He has also been ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Joyce had on a device a 51-second film depicting what appeared to be seven different children, aged between 12-months-old and seven-years-old.
The 59-year-old pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Ipswich Crown Court to the offence, which took place between August 2013 and November 2018.
Sentencing him, Mr Justice Edis said the film showed "the penetrative sexual abuse of very young children".
He continued: "That these acts of abuse happened is because there are people like you who want to watch these films.
"If there was no market, those children wouldn't be subjected to these very serious offences."
But the judge added: "You have sought help from people well able to provide it and there's evidence before the court that that has had an effect on helping you reduce, perhaps completely, your impulsive behaviour, and that's happened over a significant period due to the delay in these proceedings."
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Mr Justice Edis also sentenced Joyce to a sexual harm prevention order, which will last until further order of the court.
He was also given an 18-day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,800.
Joyce left Labour to serve as independent MP for Falkirk in 2012, stepping down before the 2015 general election.
He spent 21 years in the Army, rising to the rank of major.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-07--Foreign Office cat Palmerston to leave Whitehall for quiet life in the countryside

One of the most popular faces in Whitehall , Palmerston the Foreign Office cat , is retiring for a quiet life in the countryside .
The affectionately-nicknamed `` Diplo Mogg '' is meowing out after four years of service , having found `` working from home '' during the coronavirus outbreak a much more `` relaxed , quieter and easier '' life .
In a letter penned by his official Twitter account , Palmerston insisted it was no dead cat strategy by Downing Street .
He said it was simply because he 's enjoyed climbing trees and patrolling the fields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hubbub of central London .
But some will see the news as a power grab by Larry the Downing Street cat , who had several hair-raising run-ins with Palmerston over the years .
`` Of course I love the hustle and bustle of the office , '' Palmerston wrote in a post titled `` important news '' tweeted on Friday .
`` I will miss hearing the footsteps of an ambassador and sprinting to my hideout to see who it is .
`` My signature moves - pretending to be asleep while overhearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a major loss for our intelligence gathering .
`` But as I grow older , I must take a step back from diplomatic duties and enjoy some me-time . ''
He signed off the message to his more than 100,000 Twitter followers with a promise .
`` Although I am ending my formal role here , I will always be an ambassador for the UK and the new Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office . ''
Sir Simon McDonald , the outgoing chief civil servant in the department , paid tribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former prime minister .
He said since arriving from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home , the cat has become a `` social media phenomenon '' and added : `` Everyone at the Foreign Office will miss him . ''
One former government special adviser , Peter Cardwell , added : `` Palmerston has done a brilliant job and hugely deserves his retirement .
`` I very much enjoyed working with him and he frequently got little head rubs from me when I saw him on Downing Street . ''

One of the most popular faces in Whitehall, Palmerston the Foreign Office cat, is retiring for a quiet life in the countryside.
The affectionately-nicknamed "Diplo Mogg" is meowing out after four years of service, having found "working from home" during the coronavirus outbreak a much more "relaxed, quieter and easier" life.
In a letter penned by his official Twitter account, Palmerston insisted it was no dead cat strategy by Downing Street.
Image: He is the Foreign Office's chief mouser
He said it was simply because he's enjoyed climbing trees and patrolling the fields around his new residence away from the hubbub of central London.
But some will see the news as a power grab by Larry the Downing Street cat, who had several hair-raising run-ins with Palmerston over the years.
"Of course I love the hustle and bustle of the office," Palmerston wrote in a post titled "important news" tweeted on Friday.
"I will miss hearing the footsteps of an ambassador and sprinting to my hideout to see who it is.
"My signature moves - pretending to be asleep while overhearing all the foreign dignitaries conversations - will be a major loss for our intelligence gathering.
"But as I grow older, I must take a step back from diplomatic duties and enjoy some me-time."
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Image: Sir Simon (left) called him a 'social media phenomenon'
He signed off the message to his more than 100,000 Twitter followers with a promise.
"Although I am ending my formal role here, I will always be an ambassador for the UK and the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office."
Image: Palmerston takes his name from a former prime minister
Sir Simon McDonald, the outgoing chief civil servant in the department, paid tribute to Palmerston - who is named after a former prime minister.
He said since arriving from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, the cat has become a "social media phenomenon" and added: "Everyone at the Foreign Office will miss him."
Image: Larry the Downing Street cat may have extended his power base
One former government special adviser, Peter Cardwell, added: "Palmerston has done a brilliant job and hugely deserves his retirement.
"I very much enjoyed working with him and he frequently got little head rubs from me when I saw him on Downing Street."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-07--100 migrants intercepted in Channel as government looks to deploy 'maritime assets'

The government has threatened to deploy `` maritime assets '' - reported to include the Royal Navy - to stem the growing number of migrants trying to cross the English Channel .
Sources told Sky News the response may be scaled up after a record 235 people in 17 boats were intercepted trying to land on the Kent coast on Thursday .
Sky News understands more than 100 suspected migrants on 11 boats were intercepted in the Channel on Friday morning .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News he is `` frustrated '' about the situation .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue with France 's deputy ambassador on Wednesday , would visit France next week to discuss ways to `` increase co-operation and intelligence sharing to police crossings '' .
`` We all want to see these crossings reduced , '' Mr Sunak said .
`` We remain committed to making sure that happens . ''
Government sources confirmed to Sky News that the Home Office is `` looking at what maritime assets '' it may need to deal with the issue .
Reports in several newspapers said the Navy could be sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government has tried to downplay this .
However , Mr Sunak refused to deny the Navy could be used , telling Sky News : `` I would n't want to speculate on exactly what measures will be put in place .
`` It 's important that we work closely with our French allies on this situation .
`` Obviously France is a safe country for migrants to be .
We all want to see these crossings reduced and , pending the outcomes of those conversations , we can decide on the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philp said the UK would be returning as many migrants as possible to France and that return flights were scheduled over the coming days .
The immigration minister added that 22 people smugglers have been jailed in the UK so far this year , and two more were charged last weekend .
Thursday 's record was set only a week after the previous highest number of migrants - 202 - crossed in a day .
In July , more than 1,100 migrants arrived in the UK , a figure that is almost as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rising number of migrants making the risky crossing over the Channel has risen as evictions from the Calais `` jungle '' migrant camp in France are said to have reached their highest numbers since 2016 - something the Calais authorities deny .
Human rights charity Detention Action accused the Home Office of having `` lost control '' after Thursday 's record number of crossings .
The charity 's director , Bella Sankey , said : `` The Home Office has lost control and all credibility on this issue , fuelling chaos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel forced to make these dangerous crossings .
`` Trying to make this route 'unviable ' through greater enforcement is naive grandstanding and amounts to more of the same .
`` What is needed is recognition that people who reach France will have valid claims to protection in the UK and the urgent development of safe and legal routes for them to do so .
`` This would end the crossings overnight and ensure we are standing by our age-old tradition of protecting those seeking sanctuary on our shores . ''

A government threat to deploy "maritime assets" to the Channel to deter migrants has been dismissed as "completely potty".
Sources have told Sky News the government's response may be scaled up after a record 235 people in 17 boats were intercepted trying to land on the Kent coast on Thursday.
130 people in 13 boats were also intercepted on Friday.
Image: Eleven people were seen on one small boat on Friday morning
The 'assets' involved would reportedly include Royal Navy ships. Government sources downplayed this link on Friday morning, but the home secretary's spokesman confirmed that it was an option being considered.
A Ministry of Defence source dismissed the use of navy personnel, telling the PA news agency it would be "completely potty" and the idea had "more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese".
They said it would be "impractical and unnecessary" adding: "It is a completely inappropriate and disproportionate approach to take.
"We don't resort to deploying armed force to deal with political failings.
"It's beyond absurd to think that we should be deploying multi-million pound ships and elite soldiers to deal with desperate people barely staying afloat on rubber dinghies in the Channel."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News he is "frustrated" about the situation.
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"We all want to see these crossings reduced," Mr Sunak said.
"We remain committed to making sure that happens."
Image: Migrants were taken to the Port of Dover
Government sources confirmed to Sky News that the Home Office is "looking at what maritime assets" it may need to deal with the issue.
Mr Sunak refused to deny the Navy could be used, telling Sky News: "I wouldn't want to speculate on exactly what measures will be put in place.
"It's important that we work closely with our French allies on this situation.
"Obviously France is a safe country for migrants to be.
"We all want to see these crossings reduced and, pending the outcomes of those conversations, we can decide on the best next steps to take."
Image: The conditions in the Channel are more favourable than usual for crossing
Mr Philp said the UK would be returning as many migrants as possible to France and that return flights were scheduled over the coming days.
The immigration minister added that 22 people smugglers have been jailed in the UK so far this year, and two more were charged last weekend.
Home Secretary Priti Patel, whose department is responsible for immigration, tweeted her frustration on Friday afternoon, calling the number of crossings "shameful".
Image: Border Force cutters took the migrants onto land
"France and other EU states are safe countries. Genuine refugees should claim asylum there, not risk their lives and break the law by coming to the UK," she wrote.
Ms Patel added that she wanted to work to be able intercept boats and turn them back, making the route "unviable".
"We also need the cooperation of the French to intercept boats and return migrants back to France," she said.
"I know that when the British people say they want to take back control of our borders - this is exactly what they mean."
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In response, Labour's shadow home secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: "The lack of government competence around this issue is deeply concerning.
"It means that people are still risking their lives in the channel and Ministers are failing to get to grips with the crisis.
"The home secretary should urgently work with her French and International counterparts to find a solution."
Thursday's record was set only a week after the previous highest number of migrants - 202 - crossed in a day.
Image: Migrants of all ages landed in Dungeness on Thursday. Pic: Susan Pilcher
In July, more than 1,100 migrants arrived in the UK, a figure that is almost as high as May and June combined.
The rising number of migrants making the risky crossing over the Channel has risen as evictions from the Calais "jungle" migrant camp in France are said to have reached their highest numbers since 2016 - something the Calais authorities deny.
Human rights charity Detention Action accused the Home Office of having "lost control" after Thursday's record number of crossings.
Image: A charity has accused the Home Office of having 'lost control' of the situation
The charity's director, Bella Sankey, said: "The Home Office has lost control and all credibility on this issue, fuelling chaos, criminality and untold trauma for those who feel forced to make these dangerous crossings.
"Trying to make this route 'unviable' through greater enforcement is naive grandstanding and amounts to more of the same.
"What is needed is recognition that people who reach France will have valid claims to protection in the UK and the urgent development of safe and legal routes for them to do so.
"This would end the crossings overnight and ensure we are standing by our age-old tradition of protecting those seeking sanctuary on our shores."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-06--Revealed: How Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham damaged trust in govt

Dominic Cummings ' lockdown-busting trip to Durham and Barnard Castle damaged public trust in the government 's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , according to a new study .
Scientists from University College London ( UCL ) claim that confidence dropped after Boris Johnson 's controversial adviser drove his wife and child 300 miles from London to Durham and then took a day trip to Barnard Castle .
The study coincides with a complaint to a police watchdog by witnesses who say they saw Mr Cummings on a second coronavirus lockdown trip to Durham , claiming officers did not properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dave and Clare Edwards , who have complained to the Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) about Durham Police , say they are `` 100 % certain '' they saw Mr Cummings in woods near Durham a week after his Barnard Castle visit .
The Daily Mirror also reports that a third witness claims to have seen Mr Cummings in the woods that morning , 19 April .
However , Mr Cummings has described allegations of a second trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic study , published in The Lancet , reveals a clear drop in confidence in the government starting on 22 May - when the story broke - and continuing to fall quickly in the days following , according to UCL .
The authors of the study also claim it is significant that confidence in the government 's lockdown rules was more badly damaged in England by the Cummings row than in the devolved nations of Scotland and Wales .
Mr Cummings 's rule breaking also had an impact on people 's willingness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to members of the UCL research team .
The researchers claim there had already been a gradual decrease in public adherence to guidelines prior to the controversy over Mr Cummings ' actions , but this decline grew in the weeks following , especially in England .
In his account of his notorious trip to Durham , at a news conference in the Downing Street garden , Mr Cummings made the widely ridiculed claim that his Easter Sunday jaunt to picturesque Barnard Castle was to test his eyesight .
But Dr Daisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 social study , said : `` Public trust in the government 's ability to manage the pandemic is crucial as it underpins public attitudes and behaviours at a precarious time for public health .
`` Throughout lockdown it has been shown how closely public confidence is related to government announcements on COVID-19 , with an initial boost as the lockdown came in , followed by a drop after 10 May as the government announced it would begin to reopen society .
`` The data then shows a stabilisation and even a slight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following , but the Cummings events were followed by another sudden decrease .
`` Trust in government decisions and actions relating to the management of COVID-19 is a major challenge globally and this data illustrates the negative and lasting consequences that political decisions can have for public trust and the risks to behaviours . ''
UCL says its research , which started before the lockdown in March , is the UK 's largest study into how adults are feeling about the lockdown , government advice and overall wellbeing and mental health .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were asked how much confidence they had in the government 's handling of the epidemic , from one ( not at all ) to seven ( lots ) .
And between 21 and 25 May , it dropped in England by approximately 0.4 points on this scale .
The researchers say they ascertained whether this was likely a result of a `` Cummings effect '' by comparing responses in England to those in Scotland and Wales , where people were asked to rate their confidence in their own devolved governments .
The result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was that there was no evidence of a similar large drop in confidence in the governments of the devolved nations .
The authors also claim there has been no recovery from the `` Cummings effect '' in the weeks since his trip was revealed , with confidence in England remaining low and gaps in confidence between England and the devolved nations widening over time .
Responding to the latest Daily Mirror report , a Number 10 spokesman said : `` Durham Constabulary have made clear they are not taking any further action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself at his father 's premises he did not breach the regulations .
`` The prime minister has said he believes Mr Cummings behaved reasonably and he considers the matter closed . ''
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said : `` As outlined in our statement of 28 May , Durham Constabulary carried out an investigation into this matter led by a senior detective and found insufficient evidence to support the allegation '' .

Dominic Cummings' lockdown-busting trip to Durham and Barnard Castle damaged public trust in the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.
Scientists from University College London (UCL) claim that confidence dropped after Boris Johnson's controversial adviser drove his wife and child 300 miles from London to Durham and then took a day trip to Barnard Castle.
The study coincides with a complaint to a police watchdog by witnesses who say they saw Mr Cummings on a second coronavirus lockdown trip to Durham, claiming officers did not properly investigate.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dave and Clare Edwards, who have complained to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) about Durham Police, say they are "100% certain" they saw Mr Cummings in woods near Durham a week after his Barnard Castle visit.
The Daily Mirror also reports that a third witness claims to have seen Mr Cummings in the woods that morning, 19 April. However, Mr Cummings has described allegations of a second trip as "false".
The new academic study, published in The Lancet, reveals a clear drop in confidence in the government starting on 22 May - when the story broke - and continuing to fall quickly in the days following, according to UCL.
The authors of the study also claim it is significant that confidence in the government's lockdown rules was more badly damaged in England by the Cummings row than in the devolved nations of Scotland and Wales.
Mr Cummings's rule breaking also had an impact on people's willingness to follow rules and guidelines from the government, according to members of the UCL research team.
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The researchers claim there had already been a gradual decrease in public adherence to guidelines prior to the controversy over Mr Cummings' actions, but this decline grew in the weeks following, especially in England.
In his account of his notorious trip to Durham, at a news conference in the Downing Street garden, Mr Cummings made the widely ridiculed claim that his Easter Sunday jaunt to picturesque Barnard Castle was to test his eyesight.
But Dr Daisy Fancourt, lead author of UCL's COVID-19 social study, said: "Public trust in the government's ability to manage the pandemic is crucial as it underpins public attitudes and behaviours at a precarious time for public health.
Image: He held an unprecedented press conference at Downing Street to explain his actions
"Throughout lockdown it has been shown how closely public confidence is related to government announcements on COVID-19, with an initial boost as the lockdown came in, followed by a drop after 10 May as the government announced it would begin to reopen society.
"The data then shows a stabilisation and even a slight increase in public confidence in the fortnight following, but the Cummings events were followed by another sudden decrease.
"Trust in government decisions and actions relating to the management of COVID-19 is a major challenge globally and this data illustrates the negative and lasting consequences that political decisions can have for public trust and the risks to behaviours."
UCL says its research, which started before the lockdown in March, is the UK's largest study into how adults are feeling about the lockdown, government advice and overall wellbeing and mental health. More than 40,000 people took part.
Respondents were asked how much confidence they had in the government's handling of the epidemic, from one (not at all) to seven (lots). And between 21 and 25 May, it dropped in England by approximately 0.4 points on this scale.
The researchers say they ascertained whether this was likely a result of a "Cummings effect" by comparing responses in England to those in Scotland and Wales, where people were asked to rate their confidence in their own devolved governments.
The result, according to the study's authors, was that there was no evidence of a similar large drop in confidence in the governments of the devolved nations.
The authors also claim there has been no recovery from the "Cummings effect" in the weeks since his trip was revealed, with confidence in England remaining low and gaps in confidence between England and the devolved nations widening over time.
Image: Boris Johnson (pictured at a building site in Cheshire) gave Mr Cummings his full backing
Responding to the latest Daily Mirror report, a Number 10 spokesman said: "Durham Constabulary have made clear they are not taking any further action against Mr Cummings and that by locating himself at his father's premises he did not breach the regulations.
"The prime minister has said he believes Mr Cummings behaved reasonably and he considers the matter closed."
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: "As outlined in our statement of 28 May, Durham Constabulary carried out an investigation into this matter led by a senior detective and found insufficient evidence to support the allegation".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-07--France COVID-19 infections surge amid holiday disruption warning

The number of people with coronavirus in France has risen at the fastest rate since lockdown ended in the country .
New COVID-19 infections rose by 2,288 on Friday , the third day that the number has gone up significantly - putting the nation at levels not seen since late May .
It comes after Britons preparing to visit France were warned there is `` always the risk of disruption to travel plans '' amid speculation the country could be next on the UK 's quarantine list due to the spike in coronavirus cases .
On Thursday , the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its quarantine list , meaning arrivals from those countries after 4am on Saturday will need to self-isolate for 14 days .
The government is also advising against non-essential travel to these destinations .
Asked what the thousands of holidaymakers in France and the countless preparing to visit should do , Chancellor Rishi Sunak admitted it is a `` tricky situation '' .
`` What I can say to people is we 're in the midst of a global pandemic and that means there is always the risk of disruption to travel plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind , '' he told Sky News @ Breakfast .
`` It 's the right thing for us to do to keep everything under review on a constant basis , talking with our scientists and medical advisers .
`` And if we need to take action as you 've seen overnight , we will of course not hesitate to do that and we 're doing that to protect people 's health .
`` In the meantime people should look at the guidance and take everything into account and make a decision they think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France rose by more than 1,600 over a 24-hour period for a second day .
French health ministry adviser Jerome Salomon said : `` The virus continues to circulate very actively worldwide .
There is a very clear upwards trend in France and Europe . ''
Travel consultant Paul Charles had told The Times : `` It is vital that France gets its case numbers down over the next five days if it is to avoid the government adding it to its quarantine list . ''
Several southern cities near the Belgian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on face coverings .
The French health authority reported cases of coronavirus are up by 33 % in the week up to August 6 , and infection rates are increasing in all age groups , particularly 20 to 30-year-olds .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last month there are `` signs of a second wave '' brewing in Europe .
But the World Health Organisation says such talk is unhelpful , with a spokesperson insisting : `` We are in the first wave .
It 's going to be one big wave .
@


skynewspolitics--2020-08-07--'Maritime assets' plan to deter Channel migrants dismissed as 'completely potty'

A government threat to deploy `` maritime assets '' to the Channel to deter migrants has been dismissed as `` completely potty '' .
Sources have told Sky News the government 's response may be scaled up after a record 235 people in 17 boats were intercepted trying to land on the Kent coast on Thursday .
130 people in 13 boats were also intercepted on Friday .
The 'assets ' involved would reportedly include Royal Navy ships .
Government sources downplayed this link this morning , but the Home Secretary 's spokesman confirmed that it was an option being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed the use of navy personnel , telling the PA news agency it would be `` completely potty '' and the idea had `` more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese '' .
They said it would be `` impractical and unnecessary '' adding : `` It is a completely inappropriate and disproportionate approach to take .
`` We do n't resort to deploying armed force to deal with political failings .
`` It 's beyond absurd to think that we should be deploying multi-million pound ships and elite soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afloat on rubber dinghies in the Channel . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News he is `` frustrated '' about the situation .
`` We all want to see these crossings reduced , '' Mr Sunak said .
`` We remain committed to making sure that happens . ''
Government sources confirmed to Sky News that the Home Office is `` looking at what maritime assets '' it may need to deal with the issue .
Mr Sunak refused to deny the Navy could be used , telling Sky News : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly what measures will be put in place .
`` It 's important that we work closely with our French allies on this situation .
`` Obviously France is a safe country for migrants to be .
`` We all want to see these crossings reduced and , pending the outcomes of those conversations , we can decide on the best next steps to take . ''
Mr Philp said the UK would be returning as many migrants as possible to France and that return flights were scheduled over the coming days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ smugglers have been jailed in the UK so far this year , and two more were charged last weekend .
Home Secretary Priti Patel , whose department is responsible for immigration , tweeted her frustration on Friday afternoon , calling the number of crossings `` shameful '' .
`` France and other EU states are safe countries .
Genuine refugees should claim asylum there , not risk their lives and break the law by coming to the UK , '' she wrote .
Ms Patel added that she wanted to work to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making the route `` unviable '' .
`` We also need the cooperation of the French to intercept boats and return migrants back to France , '' she said .
`` I know that when the British people say they want to take back control of our borders - this is exactly what they mean . ''
In response , Labour 's shadow home secretary , Nick Thomas-Symonds , said : `` The lack of government competence around this issue is deeply concerning .
`` It means that people are still risking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are failing to get to grips with the crisis .
`` The home secretary should urgently work with her French and International counterparts to find a solution . ''
Thursday 's record was set only a week after the previous highest number of migrants - 202 - crossed in a day .
In July , more than 1,100 migrants arrived in the UK , a figure that is almost as high as May and June combined .
The rising number of migrants making the risky crossing over the Channel has risen as evictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp in France are said to have reached their highest numbers since 2016 - something the Calais authorities deny .
Human rights charity Detention Action accused the Home Office of having `` lost control '' after Thursday 's record number of crossings .
The charity 's director , Bella Sankey , said : `` The Home Office has lost control and all credibility on this issue , fuelling chaos , criminality and untold trauma for those who feel forced to make these dangerous crossings .
`` Trying to make this route 'unviable ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts to more of the same .
`` What is needed is recognition that people who reach France will have valid claims to protection in the UK and the urgent development of safe and legal routes for them to do so .
`` This would end the crossings overnight and ensure we are standing by our age-old tradition of protecting those seeking sanctuary on our shores . ''