skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--Some uni students 'may have to self-isolate' in run-up to Christmas, education sec says

University students will be able to return home for Christmas , but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said some students may have to self-isolate at the end of term .
Speaking to the Commons , Mr Williamson said : `` I know there has been some anxiety about the impact safety measures will have on the Christmas holidays .
`` We are going to work with universities to make sure that all students are supported to return home safely and spend Christmas with their loved ones if they choose to do so . ''
However , he said some students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of term - which could involve ending face-to-face learning early if needed .
The education secretary said it is `` essential '' that measures are put in place to make sure students can return home for the holidays if they want to .
He added that further guidance will be published `` so that every student will be able to spend Christmas with their family '' .
At least 33 universities in the UK have confirmed cases of coronavirus , while another two have suspected cases , according to Sky News research .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including around 1,700 at Manchester Metropolitan University .
Mr Williamson said universities have been asked to provide `` additional help and practical support '' to students , including ensuring those self-isolating have access to food , medical and cleaning supplies .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Thanking students for their co-operation so far , he said : `` We will never be in a position where we can eliminate all risk .
`` But we will not condemn a generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put their lives on hold for months or years ahead .
`` We believe that universities are very well prepared to handle any outbreaks as they arise . ''
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said that if Mr Williamson does not `` get a grip '' , the situation in universities could get worse .
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh also warned that `` we can not destroy the life chances of the young '' .
`` If you 're doing history , you can not be condemned to permanent online teaching , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Why have you paid all this money ? ''
he said .
Sir Edward added : `` This is not the sort of university that we all want , a place of light and learning , not enforced lockdowns . ''
Analysis : This news will be welcome - but questions remain By Kate McCann , political correspondent Gavin Williamson was no doubt dreading his appearance in the House of Commons this morning after a week of negative headlines about students forced to stay indoors .
Perhaps that is why he came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he knew they would all be waiting to hear - that work is under way to make sure they can return home for Christmas .
In reality , keeping people from their families over the festive period was never going to work , but after being asked if it was possible last week Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not rule it out .
The news today that all will be able to go home even if some have to self-isolate first will be welcomed then .
More guidance on how it will work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but whatever the rules state it will rely on common sense and people 's love for their families to protect the most vulnerable .
Other points of interest came as Labour 's Kate Green asked whether the government will help universities who want to set up their own testing regimes .
Mr Williamson did not answer the question but some institutions look set to do so regardless amid fears the national system will not be able to cope over winter .
Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh vented his frustration at how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locking down students in their accommodation .
Mr Williamson replied that students must follow the rules on self-isolation as everyone else does , but he pointedly said they should not be held to higher standards than that .
The government is facing big questions about its approach to the increase of COVID-19 infections and , despite a speech by the prime minister this morning and a statement from Mr Williamson , many of those questions remain .
Critics want to see a policy that makes sense while cutting the infection rate - they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error .

University students will be able to return home for Christmas, but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said some students may have to self-isolate at the end of term.
Speaking to the Commons, Mr Williamson said: "I know there has been some anxiety about the impact safety measures will have on the Christmas holidays.
"We are going to work with universities to make sure that all students are supported to return home safely and spend Christmas with their loved ones if they choose to do so."
Image: Students have been told they will be able to go home for Christmas
However, he said some students may have to self-isolate at the end of term - which could involve ending face-to-face learning early if needed.
The education secretary said it is "essential" that measures are put in place to make sure students can return home for the holidays if they want to.
He added that further guidance will be published "so that every student will be able to spend Christmas with their family".
At least 45 universities in the UK have confirmed cases of coronavirus, while another two have suspected cases, according to Sky News research.
Thousands of students are having to self-isolate, including around 1,700 at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Mr Williamson said universities have been asked to provide "additional help and practical support" to students, including ensuring those self-isolating have access to food, medical and cleaning supplies.
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Thanking students for their co-operation so far, he said: "We will never be in a position where we can eliminate all risk.
"But we will not condemn a generation of young people by asking them to put their lives on hold for months or years ahead.
"We believe that universities are very well prepared to handle any outbreaks as they arise."
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said that if Mr Williamson does not "get a grip", the situation in universities could get worse.
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh also warned that "we cannot destroy the life chances of the young".
"If you're doing history, you cannot be condemned to permanent online teaching, you might as well sit at home. Why have you paid all this money?" he said.
Sir Edward added: "This is not the sort of university that we all want, a place of light and learning, not enforced lockdowns."
Analysis: This news will be welcome - but questions remain
By Kate McCann, political correspondent
Gavin Williamson was no doubt dreading his appearance in the House of Commons this morning after a week of negative headlines about students forced to stay indoors.
Perhaps that is why he came armed with the one piece of news he knew they would all be waiting to hear - that work is under way to make sure they can return home for Christmas.
In reality, keeping people from their families over the festive period was never going to work, but after being asked if it was possible last week Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not rule it out.
The news today that all will be able to go home even if some have to self-isolate first will be welcomed then.
More guidance on how it will work will be set out shortly by ministers, but whatever the rules state it will rely on common sense and people's love for their families to protect the most vulnerable.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Manchester students: First year 'kind of ruined'
Other points of interest came as Labour's Kate Green asked whether the government will help universities who want to set up their own testing regimes.
Mr Williamson did not answer the question but some institutions look set to do so regardless amid fears the national system will not be able to cope over winter.
Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh vented his frustration at how it looks for a Conservative government to be locking down students in their accommodation.
Mr Williamson replied that students must follow the rules on self-isolation as everyone else does, but he pointedly said they should not be held to higher standards than that.
The government is facing big questions about its approach to the increase of COVID-19 infections and, despite a speech by the prime minister this morning and a statement from Mr Williamson, many of those questions remain.
Critics want to see a policy that makes sense while cutting the infection rate - they will not put up with trial and error.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--'Unenforceable' rules to trigger hospitality sector collapse, city leaders warn

Liverpool , Leeds and Manchester face mass redundancies and `` boarded-up high streets '' amid a collapse of the hospitality sector unless coronavirus restrictions are reviewed , the cities ' leaders have warned the government .
A letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Business Secretary Alok Sharma from the leaders and chief executives of the three city councils said restrictions in place in the regions were threatening a `` huge , disproportionate '' economic impact .
They said hotel occupancy was down to 30 % and footfall had dropped by up to 70 % .
Live updates on coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter , they said : `` The stark reality is that these businesses are facing the prospect of a complete decimation in trade , not just in the short term but as we look ahead to the sector 's traditional lifeblood of the Christmas period and almost certainly continuing into spring/summer of next year which we know with certainty will result in mass market failure , huge levels of redundancies and depleted and boarded up high streets . ''
They said coronavirus guidance in place in the cities that advises people not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as well as being `` contradictory and confusing '' .
And they urged ministers to make the advice law , and compensate businesses with a package of support - or allow mixing within the `` rule of six '' in controlled environments .
A law banning the mixing of households in public spaces - including pubs and restaurants - was announced for parts of northeast England on Monday , but it remains advice rather than law for other areas in the North .
Leaders of the cities also called for the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns with local authorities and businesses in advance .
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said : `` We need to find a way to adjust the restrictions to ensure a balance in protecting public health and the need to protect businesses , many of which are teetering on the brink .
`` Liverpool is a city which has built its revival on the leisure and hospitality sectors and it is a massive contributor not just to employment but also to business rates which fund vital local services .
`` The vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , investing heavily in providing safe , compliant environments and a place for people to enjoy themselves safely .
`` The inspections we have carried out show a very high level of compliance .
`` People in restaurants are in COVID-safe environments with high levels of sanitisation and appropriate spacing .
`` Forcing people to leave at 10pm runs the risk that they then go on together to a house in a large group which does not have the same measures in place .

Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester face mass redundancies and "boarded-up high streets" amid a collapse of the hospitality sector unless coronavirus restrictions are reviewed, the cities' leaders have warned the government.
A letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Business Secretary Alok Sharma from the leaders and chief executives of the three city councils said restrictions in place in the regions were threatening a "huge, disproportionate" economic impact.
They said hotel occupancy was down to 30% and footfall had dropped by up to 70%.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
In the letter, they said: "The stark reality is that these businesses are facing the prospect of a complete decimation in trade, not just in the short term but as we look ahead to the sector's traditional lifeblood of the Christmas period and almost certainly continuing into spring/summer of next year which we know with certainty will result in mass market failure, huge levels of redundancies and depleted and boarded up high streets."
They said coronavirus guidance in place in the cities that advises people not to mix with other households was "unenforceable" as well as being "contradictory and confusing".
And they urged ministers to make the advice law, and compensate businesses with a package of support - or allow mixing within the "rule of six" in controlled environments.
A law banning the mixing of households in public spaces - including pubs and restaurants - was announced for parts of northeast England on Monday, but it remains advice rather than law for other areas in the North.
Leaders of the cities also called for the government to review the 10pm curfew and discuss concerns with local authorities and businesses in advance.
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Image: Leaders want the government to review the 10pm curfew
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "We need to find a way to adjust the restrictions to ensure a balance in protecting public health and the need to protect businesses, many of which are teetering on the brink.
"Liverpool is a city which has built its revival on the leisure and hospitality sectors and it is a massive contributor not just to employment but also to business rates which fund vital local services.
"The vast majority of our businesses have responded in the right way, investing heavily in providing safe, compliant environments and a place for people to enjoy themselves safely.
"The inspections we have carried out show a very high level of compliance.
"People in restaurants are in COVID-safe environments with high levels of sanitisation and appropriate spacing.
"Forcing people to leave at 10pm runs the risk that they then go on together to a house in a large group which does not have the same measures in place.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--Jobs that 'don't fit with coronavirus' may take a 'long time to come back'

Jobs that `` do n't fit '' with coronavirus may `` take a long time to come back '' , a minister has warned .
Gillian Keegan told Sky News ' Kay Burley show that the furlough scheme did support people in industries hardest hit by COVID-19 , but it can not continue `` indefinitely '' .
She painted a bleak immediate future for parts of the night-time economy still forced to stay closed , admitting : `` It is hard to see how nightclubs will open until we have some kind of long-term way to deal with coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh new restrictions slipped out by the government banning some singing and dancing in hospitality venues .
`` It 's hard to keep your space if people are moving and you do n't know how someone else is going to move , '' she said .
And Ms Keegan defended the 10pm curfew for pubs , bars and restaurants .
She said they should be `` COVID-secure '' anyway , but `` if they stay open later , we do n't get control of the virus '' .
Asked what scientific basis there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to Belgium where a similar measure was introduced and cases decreased .
`` That is the science , the evidence that we have , '' she added .
DJ `` Fat Tony '' told Sky News his industry has `` been on its knees for the last six months '' and the government 's pledge to top up wages will not be any help for those who will not get any money at all because their premises are shut .
`` My career is not dispensable - it 's not something you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've worked a lifetime to get to the point in my career where I am .
`` We train to do what we do , it 's not something we do overnight , it 's an art .
`` Just to say 'that 's disposable and we 'll leave that on ice ' and let a million people lose their jobs is despicable . ''

Jobs that "don't fit" with coronavirus may "take a long time to come back", a minister has warned.
Gillian Keegan told Sky News' Kay Burley show that the furlough scheme did support people in industries hardest hit by COVID-19, but it cannot continue "indefinitely".
She painted a bleak immediate future for parts of the night-time economy still forced to stay closed, admitting: "It is hard to see how nightclubs will open until we have some kind of long-term way to deal with coronavirus."
Image: New restrictions on dancing in bars have been announced by the government
The skills minister was challenged about fresh new restrictions slipped out by the government banning some singing and dancing in hospitality venues.
"It's hard to keep your space if people are moving and you don't know how someone else is going to move," she said.
And Ms Keegan defended the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
She said they should be "COVID-secure" anyway, but "if they stay open later, we don't get control of the virus".
Asked what scientific basis there was for the policy, Ms Keegan pointed to Belgium where a similar measure was introduced and cases decreased.
Image: Hospitality businesses now have to close at 10pm
"That is the science, the evidence that we have," she added.
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DJ "Fat Tony" told Sky News his industry has "been on its knees for the last six months" and the government's pledge to top up wages will not be any help for those who will not get any money at all because their premises are shut.
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"My career is not dispensable - it's not something you can throw away," he said.
"I've worked a lifetime to get to the point in my career where I am.
"We train to do what we do, it's not something we do overnight, it's an art.
"Just to say 'that's disposable and we'll leave that on ice' and let a million people lose their jobs is despicable."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--PM bids to head off Tory rebellion over COVID-19 rules

Boris Johnson is bidding to head off a Tory rebellion over emergency coronavirus legislation as he prepares to give his latest update on the COVID-19 crisis from Downing Street .
The prime minister - fresh being forced to apologise for getting confused by his own coronavirus regulations - is facing the prospect of a Conservative revolt when MPs are asked to renew the emergency powers that were given to ministers to deal with the pandemic back in March .
Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers , is leading an effort to alter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons to debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they come into force .
There are said to be 80 Tory MPs backing Sir Graham 's proposed amendment to the Coronavirus Act , with one ringleader having told Sky News he is `` certain '' the group has enough votes to defeat the government .
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker , who has recently been spotted in Westminster wearing a T-shirt declaring `` 2020 is the new 1984 '' , said an `` absolutely huge rebellion '' was brewing .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach a compromise with the rebels , with talks due to be held between the group 's leaders and Conservative chief whip Mark Spencer on Wednesday morning .
Ministers will be careful not to concede too much that might impinge on their ability to act urgently when necessary , with coronavirus cases continuing to rise in the UK .
It was announced on Tuesday that 7,143 cases of coronavirus had been recorded in the UK over the past 24 hours - the biggest rise since the pandemic began .
Yet , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief whip and rebels , ministers might also be saved by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle not accepting Sir Graham 's proposed amendment .
Constitutional experts have said the circumstances of Wednesday 's vote - which does not create new legislation but instead gives a choice over whether to continue existing law - means Sir Lindsay might be unlikely to allow any amendments .
In addition to the rebels ' efforts , Mr Johnson has also been warned by a committee of senior MPs that , without a greater say for parliament over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be challenged in court .
Sir Bernard Jenkin , the chair of the Commons liaison committee , wrote in a letter to the prime minister : `` Various proposals are being made that would require the approval by a vote of the House of Commons before or immediately after new restrictions come into force .
`` The majority of us support this principle and expect that the Government will also wish to accept it .
`` The idea that such restrictions can be applied without express parliamentary approval , except in dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed may be challenged in law . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As well the pressure to cede to the latest calls from MPs for a greater say over COVID-19 restrictions , Mr Johnson faces a busy schedule on Wednesday as he deals with a second wave of coronavirus infections in the UK .
After an expected meeting with his cabinet , the prime minister will head to the House of Commons for Prime Minister 's Questions .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day after he apologised for having `` misspoke '' about the latest coronavirus restrictions in northeast England .
The prime minister was forced to clarify that the new rules mean local residents can not meet people from different households in social settings indoors , including in pubs and restaurants .
After Prime Minister 's Questions , Mr Johnson is due to appear at a Downing Street news conference alongside England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , and the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Last week , Sir Patrick said the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of coronavirus every day unless action was taken to drive down the rate of infection - a warning that preceded Mr Johnson 's decision to introduce a 10pm curfew for bars , pubs and restaurants .
Downing Street has not ruled out the introduction of further restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 .

Boris Johnson is bidding to head off a Tory rebellion over emergency coronavirus legislation as he prepares to give his latest update on the COVID-19 crisis from Downing Street.
The prime minister - who was forced to apologise for getting confused by his own coronavirus regulations - is facing the prospect of a Conservative revolt when MPs are asked to renew the emergency powers that were given to ministers to deal with the pandemic back in March.
Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, is leading an effort to alter legislation so as to allow the House of Commons to debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they come into force.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 PM gets new North East rules wrong
There are said to be 80 Tory MPs backing Sir Graham's proposed amendment to the Coronavirus Act, with one ringleader having told Sky News he is "certain" the group has enough votes to defeat the government.
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker, who has recently been spotted in Westminster wearing a T-shirt declaring "2020 is the new 1984", said an "absolutely huge rebellion" was brewing.
However, the government is still attempting to reach a compromise with the rebels, with talks due to be held between the group's leaders and Conservative chief whip Mark Spencer on Wednesday morning.
Ministers will be careful not to concede too much that might impinge on their ability to act urgently when necessary, with coronavirus cases continuing to rise in the UK.
It was announced on Tuesday that 7,143 cases of coronavirus had been recorded in the UK over the past 24 hours - the biggest rise since the pandemic began.
Image: Chief Whip Mark Spencer will hold talks with the Tory rebel ringleaders
Yet, even if a compromise isn't reached between the chief whip and rebels, ministers might also be saved by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle not accepting Sir Graham's proposed amendment.
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Constitutional experts have said the circumstances of Wednesday's vote - which does not create new legislation but instead gives a choice over whether to continue existing law - means Sir Lindsay might be unlikely to allow any amendments.
In addition to the rebels' efforts, Mr Johnson has also been warned by a committee of senior MPs that, without a greater say for parliament over coronavirus restrictions, the government's rules could be challenged in court.
Sir Bernard Jenkin, the chair of the Commons liaison committee, wrote in a letter to the prime minister: "Various proposals are being made that would require the approval by a vote of the House of Commons before or immediately after new restrictions come into force.
"The majority of us support this principle and expect that the government will also wish to accept it.
"The idea that such restrictions can be applied without express parliamentary approval, except in dire emergency, is not widely acceptable and indeed may be challenged in law."
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As well the pressure to cede to the latest calls from MPs for a greater say over COVID-19 restrictions, Mr Johnson faces a busy schedule on Wednesday as he deals with a second wave of coronavirus infections in the UK.
After an expected meeting with his cabinet, the prime minister will head to the House of Commons for Prime Minister's Questions.
Image: Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance will appear alongside the PM at a news conference
Mr Johnson will face Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer a day after he apologised for having "misspoke" about the latest coronavirus restrictions in northeast England.
The prime minister was forced to clarify that the new rules mean local residents cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.
After Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson is due to appear at a Downing Street news conference alongside England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, to give the latest update on the COVID-19 crisis.
Last week, Sir Patrick said the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of coronavirus every day unless action is taken to drive down the rate of infection - a warning that preceded Mr Johnson's decision to introduce a 10pm curfew for bars, pubs and restaurants.
Downing Street has not ruled out the introduction of further restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--Commons approves PM's controversial Brexit legislation

Boris Johnson has seen MPs approve his controversial Brexit legislation , which ministers have admitted could lead to the UK breaching international law .
The UK Internal Market Bill , which has provoked a furious row with the EU , had its third reading passed by the House of Commons in a vote on Tuesday night , with a government majority of 84 .
It means the proposed legislation , which has now cleared all its Commons stages , will move to the House of Lords .
The prime minister had ploughed ahead with the bill , parts of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit divorce deal , despite the EU 's call for him to withdraw those measures from the proposed legislation by the end of the month .
Brussels has warned it will `` not be shy '' in taking legal action if the UK government does not agree to the demand .
The government introduced the bill earlier this month to anger from both European capitals and at Westminster - including among a sizeable group of its own Conservative MPs .
US presidential candidate Joe Biden also issued a warning over the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson was forced into action to head off a growing rebellion among Tory backbenchers .
And his promise to give MPs a vote before any of the bill 's powers are used ensured the safe passage of the bill 's third reading on Tuesday night .
No Conservative MPs voted against the bill 's third reading although former prime minister Theresa May - who has previously condemned the `` reckless '' legislation - was among a number of Tories not to record a vote .
Tory former attorney generals Geoffrey Cox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voiced concerns about the bill , were others not to record a vote .
The proposed legislation will now be considered by the House of Lords , where ministers might face a rougher ride as the government does not possess a majority in the upper house .
Many Tory peers - including former Conservative leader Michael Howard and ex-chancellor Norman Lamont , who are both Brexiteers - have also criticised the bill .
However , Downing Street has warned it would breach constitutional convention for the House of Lords to fully block the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill is `` critical '' to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK after the end of the Brexit transition period , and to protect the Good Friday Agreement .
At the opening of Tuesday 's debate in the Commons - ahead of the vote on the bill 's third reading - Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs : `` Our approach will give businesses the regulatory clarity and certainty they want .
`` It will ensure the cost of doing business in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 'll do so without damaging and costly regulatory barriers emerging between the different parts of the UK . ''
He described those parts of the legislation that would allow the UK to override its Withdrawal Agreement with the EU as a `` legal safety net '' in case London and Brussels do not agree on how to implement the provisions for Northern Ireland in the agreement , which is known as the Northern Ireland Protocol .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's shadow business secretary , described the legislation as `` indefensible '' and urged the House of Lords to `` bring this bill into compliance with the rule of law and salvage our reputation '' .
He highlighted reservations from US President Donald Trump 's Northern Ireland envoy , Mick Mulvaney , adding : `` When the Trump administration starts expressing concern about your adherence to international agreements and the rule of law , you know you are in trouble .
`` That is how bad this bill is . ''
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , Conservative co-chairman Amanda Milling criticised Labour 's opposition to the legislation .
`` On their final opportunity to stand up for the integrity of the UK , Labour have unsurprisingly again chosen to side with the EU , '' she said .
`` For all their talk of new leadership , Labour 's actions tell a very different story - they wo n't stand up to Brussels , they wo n't protect the Union and Sir Keir Starmer wo n't rule out working with Nicola Sturgeon to rip our country apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protects the Union and ensures we can preserve peace in Northern Ireland , delivering on our manifesto promise to ensure unfettered trade across the whole United Kingdom . ''

Boris Johnson has seen MPs approve his controversial Brexit legislation, which ministers have admitted could lead to the UK breaching international law.
The UK Internal Market Bill, which has provoked a furious row with the EU, had its third reading passed by the House of Commons in a vote on Tuesday night, with a government majority of 84.
It means the proposed legislation, which has now cleared all its Commons stages, will move to the House of Lords.
The prime minister had ploughed ahead with the bill, parts of which will give ministers the power to override the Brexit divorce deal, despite the EU's call for him to withdraw those measures from the proposed legislation by the end of the month.
Image: Boris Johnson ploughed ahead with his plans despite anger from the EU and others
Brussels has warned it will "not be shy" in taking legal action if the UK government does not agree to the demand.
The government introduced the bill earlier this month to anger from both European capitals and at Westminster - including among a sizeable group of its own Conservative MPs.
US presidential candidate Joe Biden also issued a warning over the prime minister's plans.
Two weeks ago, Mr Johnson was forced into action to head off a growing rebellion among Tory backbenchers.
And his promise to give MPs a vote before any of the bill's powers are used ensured the safe passage of the bill's third reading on Tuesday night.
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No Conservative MPs voted against the bill's third reading although former prime minister Theresa May - who has previously condemned the "reckless" legislation - was among a number of Tories not to record a vote.
Tory former attorney generals Geoffrey Cox and Jeremy Wright, who have also voiced concerns about the bill, were others not to record a vote.
The proposed legislation will now be considered by the House of Lords, where ministers might face a rougher ride as the government does not possess a majority in the upper house.
Many Tory peers - including former Conservative leader Michael Howard and ex-chancellor Norman Lamont, who are both Brexiteers - have also criticised the bill.
However, Downing Street has warned it would breach constitutional convention for the House of Lords to fully block the legislation.
The government has argued the bill is "critical" to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK after the end of the Brexit transition period, and to protect the Good Friday Agreement.
At the opening of Tuesday's debate in the Commons - ahead of the vote on the bill's third reading - Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs: "Our approach will give businesses the regulatory clarity and certainty they want.
"It will ensure the cost of doing business in the UK stays as low as possible, and it'll do so without damaging and costly regulatory barriers emerging between the different parts of the UK."
He described those parts of the legislation that would allow the UK to override its Withdrawal Agreement with the EU as a "legal safety net" in case London and Brussels do not agree on how to implement the provisions for Northern Ireland in the agreement, which is known as the Northern Ireland Protocol.
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Ed Miliband, Labour's shadow business secretary, described the legislation as "indefensible" and urged the House of Lords to "bring this bill into compliance with the rule of law and salvage our reputation".
He highlighted reservations from US President Donald Trump's Northern Ireland envoy, Mick Mulvaney, adding: "When the Trump administration starts expressing concern about your adherence to international agreements and the rule of law, you know you are in trouble.
"That is how bad this bill is."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Gove adamant over Brexit 'safety net' clauses
After the Commons approved the third reading of the bill, Conservative co-chairman Amanda Milling criticised Labour's opposition to the legislation.
"On their final opportunity to stand up for the integrity of the UK, Labour have unsurprisingly again chosen to side with the EU," she said.
"For all their talk of new leadership, Labour's actions tell a very different story - they won't stand up to Brussels, they won't protect the Union and Sir Keir Starmer won't rule out working with Nicola Sturgeon to rip our country apart.
"Our UK Internal Market Bill protects the Union and ensures we can preserve peace in Northern Ireland, delivering on our manifesto promise to ensure unfettered trade across the whole United Kingdom."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--Home sec 'considered sending asylum seekers to isolated Atlantic islands'

The home secretary asked officials to look into sending asylum seekers to isolated islands 4,000 miles from the UK , according to reports .
It 's understood civil servants were asked to investigate how other countries manage their immigration systems .
Australia is one model , which holds asylum seekers offshore while their applications are processed .
The Financial Times reports that Ascenscion Island and St Helena in the South Atlantic were considered .
Suggested locations from the Foreign Office were said to be implausible .
Saint Helena and Ascension are tiny islands about 800 miles apart in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Africa and South America .
Labour 's shadow home secretary , Nick Thomas-Symonds , tweeted : `` This ludicrous idea is inhumane , completely impractical and wildly expensive .
So it seems entirely plausible this Tory Government came up with it . ''
A Home Office source told Sky News : `` As ministers have said we are developing plans to reform policies and laws around illegal migration and asylum to ensure we are able to provide protection to those who need it , while preventing abuse of the system and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asylum continues to be a contentious issue , with more than 5,000 people crossing the English Channel so far this year - mostly on small inflatable boats .
A record 416 made the journey in one day in early September .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK is a `` target and magnet '' for people traffickers and promised to change the law to help tackle the crisis .

The home secretary asked officials to look into sending asylum seekers to isolated islands 4,000 miles from the UK, according to reports.
It's understood civil servants were asked to investigate how other countries manage their immigration systems.
Australia is one model, which holds asylum seekers offshore while their applications are processed.
The Financial Times reports that Ascension Island and St Helena in the South Atlantic were considered.
Suggested locations from the Foreign Office were said to be implausible.
Image: Priti Patel is now believed to have abandoned the idea
Saint Helena and Ascension are tiny islands about 800 miles apart in the middle of the ocean, roughly half way between Africa and South America.
The idea was dismissed as a "logistical nightmare" by Alan Nicholls, a member of the Ascension Island Council.
Mr Nicholls said he had only found out about the possibility when contacted by journalists and worried that security concerns from the presence of two military bases on the island could make it "prohibitive".
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Looking at cost and logistics, we are some 4,000-plus miles (6,437km) away from the UK, I would have thought it would be extremely expensive and a bit of a logistical nightmare to get asylum seekers here to Ascension.
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"We are very isolated and I don't think the whole thing would be very feasible, to be quite truthful.
"There could be quite an influx of individuals and at this state and time with pandemic lockdowns and everything else, I don't think that anybody would be very receptive to that."
Labour's shadow home secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds, tweeted: "This ludicrous idea is inhumane, completely impractical and wildly expensive. So it seems entirely plausible this Tory government came up with it."
A Home Office source told Sky News: "As ministers have said we are developing plans to reform policies and laws around illegal migration and asylum to ensure we are able to provide protection to those who need it, while preventing abuse of the system and the criminality associated with it."
Immigration and asylum continues to be a contentious issue, with more than 5,000 people crossing the English Channel so far this year - mostly on small inflatable boats.
A record 416 made the journey in one day in early September.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK is a "target and magnet" for people traffickers and promised to change the law to help tackle the crisis.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--'Stark' warning of care workers shortage as UK enters second virus wave

The UK faces a shortage of senior carers and nursing assistants as it enters a second wave of coronavirus , the government has been warned .
The jobs need to be made `` more attractive '' to native British workers given freedom of movement with the EU ends later this year , the Migration Adviser Committee ( MAC ) urged .
It cautioned there will be `` stark consequences '' for workers continuing to get `` low wages '' - and if more funding is not announced in a `` timely manner '' then pressure will ramp up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and around the world Care homes were badly hit by COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic and some locked down again several weeks ago over fears cases are growing again .
Professor Brian Bell , chair of the MAC , said he was `` particularly concerned '' about social care staffing levels given it is `` central to the frontline response to this health pandemic '' .
He warned : `` It will struggle to recruit the necessary staff if wages do not increase as a matter of urgency . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not always the solution '' , in a nod towards the many workers who could find themselves unemployed when the furlough scheme ends .
Several caring roles have been added to the Shortage Occupation List ( SOL ) - meaning workers with those skills can apply for a visa to come to the UK even if they earn less than the minimum salary threshold of £25,600 .
The country is also facing a shortage of butchers , bricklayers and welders , which has prompted the prime minister to launch plans for a post-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific jobs that need filling .
In Wales , health professionals are needed , while in Scotland it is childminders and nursery nurses .
And in Northern Ireland , fishmongers , bakers and horticultural workers have been added to the SOL .
In its report , the MAC said job vacancies have `` fallen substantially '' compared to last year due to the pandemic , adding that unemployment is estimated to reach 12 % .
`` The number of migrants has fallen in the short term , due to COVID-19 as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their borders in order to prevent the spread of the virus , '' the committee said .
`` However , with less restrictive migration policies being implemented ... we would expect to see an increase in migrants from outside the European Economic Area .
`` However , with the end of free movement for those born within the EU , we would also expect to see a drop in the number of EU-born migrants .
`` This combination of factors makes it challenging to predict long-term migration trends . ''

The UK faces a shortage of senior carers and nursing assistants as it enters a second wave of coronavirus, the government has been warned.
The jobs need to be made "more attractive" to native British workers given freedom of movement with the EU ends later this year, the Migration Adviser Committee (MAC) urged.
It cautioned there will be "stark consequences" for workers continuing to get "low wages" - and if more funding is not announced in a "timely manner" then pressure will ramp up on the sector.
Latest coronavirus updates from UK and around the world
Image: Concern has been raised about how much care staff are paid
Care homes were badly hit by COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic and some locked down again several weeks ago over fears cases are growing again.
Professor Brian Bell, chair of the MAC, said he was "particularly concerned" about social care staffing levels given it is "central to the frontline response to this health pandemic".
He warned: "It will struggle to recruit the necessary staff if wages do not increase as a matter of urgency."
But Prof Bell added that "migration is not always the solution", in a nod towards the many workers who could find themselves unemployed when the furlough scheme ends.
Several caring roles have been added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) - meaning workers with those skills can apply for a visa to come to the UK even if they earn less than the minimum salary threshold of £25,600.
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Image: Being added to the SOL means workers can come to the UK with a lower salary
The country is also facing a shortage of butchers, bricklayers and welders, which has prompted the prime minister to launch plans for a post-coronavirus shake-up of how Britons can train for specific jobs that need filling.
In Wales, health professionals are needed, while in Scotland it is childminders and nursery nurses.
And in Northern Ireland, fishmongers, bakers and horticultural workers have been added to the SOL.
In its report, the MAC said job vacancies have "fallen substantially" compared to last year due to the pandemic, adding that unemployment is estimated to reach 12%.
"The number of migrants has fallen in the short term, due to COVID-19 as well as countries across the globe putting restrictions on their borders in order to prevent the spread of the virus," the committee said.
"However, with less restrictive migration policies being implemented... we would expect to see an increase in migrants from outside the European Economic Area.
"However, with the end of free movement for those born within the EU, we would also expect to see a drop in the
number of EU-born migrants.
"This combination of factors makes it challenging to predict long-term migration trends."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-30--Commons Speaker quashes Tory rebels' bid - but warns government over COVID rules

An effort by Conservative rebels to force the government to give MPs a greater say over COVID-19 restrictions has been quashed by the Speaker of the House of Commons .
Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs he would not allow any attempts to alter emergency coronavirus legislation , introduced at the start of the pandemic in March , when the Commons is asked to renew its approval for it later on Wednesday .
This dealt a blow to attempts by a sizeable group of Tory MPs to ensure the Commons can debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from UK and around world However , it is understood a deal has since been reached between the Tory rebels and the government , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock to set out the details later on Wednesday .
In his statement to MPs , Sir Lindsay said he had `` decided not to select any of the amendments '' to Wednesday 's motion on the renewal of powers in the Coronavirus Act .
He revealed he had received advice that `` any amendment to the motion before the House risks giving rise to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken '' .
`` This then risks decisions which are rightly the responsibility of parliament ultimately being determined by the courts , '' Sir Lindsay added .
`` Lack of clarity in such important matters risks undermining the rule of law . ''
However , the Speaker appeared to urge the government to reach a compromise with the large number of MPs who want a greater say over COVID-19 restrictions .
He told ministers that the way in which they had exercised their powers in introducing coronavirus measures was `` totally unsatisfactory '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws only `` a matter of hours before they come into force '' .
`` Some explanations why important measures have come into effect before they can be laid before this House have been unconvincing and shows a total disregard for the House , '' Sir Lindsay said .
`` The government must make greater efforts to prepare measures more quickly , so that this House can debate and decide upon the most significant measures at the earliest possible point . ''
The Speaker urged the government to `` remedy a situation I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I now look to the government to rebuild trust with this House and not treat it with the contempt that it has shown . ''
Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers , had tabled the amendment - which will now not be selected - through which a cross-party group of MPs were hoping to achieve a greater say over coronavirus restrictions .
He said : `` The Speaker set out his reasons for not selecting any amendments but he also made it clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper and timely parliamentary scrutiny .
`` I am hopeful that the government will respond appropriately this afternoon . ''
His fellow rebel ringleader , former Brexit minister Steve Baker , said : `` Mr Speaker 's decision is entirely reasonable and his statement will reassure all MPs supporting Sir Graham .
`` I hope and expect to reach a good compromise with the government shortly so we can advance as one team . ''
Sir Lindsay 's statement came ahead of Wednesday 's session of Prime Minister 's Questions , during which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Boris Johnson 's failure to recall his own coronavirus rules .
The prime minister was forced to apologise on Tuesday for getting confused by COVID-19 restrictions in northeast England .
`` One of the major problems , as we 've seen in the last 24 hours , is widespread confusion about the local restrictions and I do n't just mean the prime minister not knowing his own rules - having sat opposite the prime minister at PMQs every week that did n't come as a surprise to me , '' Sir Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Quoting concerns from a Conservative council leader about the `` complex '' restrictions , Sir Keir added : `` If the prime minister does n't understand the rules and his own council leaders are complaining about mixed messages , how does the prime minister expect the rest of the country to understand and follow the rules ? ''
Mr Johnson replied : `` Actually , I think that the people of this country do understand and overwhelmingly do follow the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in spite of the efforts of ( the Labour leader ) continually to try to snipe from the sidelines , to undermine what we are trying to do , and he mentions the restrictions in the North East , and I cleared that matter up as fast as I could . ''
Sir Keir also asked the prime minister why only one area of England - Luton in Bedfordshire - had ever come out and stayed out of local lockdown restrictions .
`` The reason , I think , for the success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together to suppress the virus , to follow the guidance , and that is the way forward for the entire country , '' Mr Johnson responded .
`` That is what we did before in March and April , and I have no doubt that that is what we 're going to do again . ''

The government will "wherever possible" offer MPs a vote on new coronavirus lockdown restrictions before they come into force, as ministers responded to the threat of a Conservative rebellion.
Following talks between the government and a group of Tory MPs wanting a greater say for parliament over COVID-19 measures, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the concession to the House of Commons.
"I can confirm to the House that for significant national measures with effect in the whole of England, or UK-wide, we will consult parliament - wherever possible we will hold votes before such regulations come into force," he said.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Image: New restrictions including a 10pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants were announced by the government last week
However, Mr Hancock warned that "responding to the virus means the government must act with speed when required and we cannot hold up urgent regulations which are needed to control the virus and save lives".
Sir Graham Brady, one of the ringleaders of the Tory rebels, thanked Mr Hancock for the "constructive conversations" between the government and his group ahead of his statement to parliament on Wednesday.
"We are grateful that he and other members of the government have understood the importance of proper scrutiny in this place and the benefits that can bring to better government as well," he added.
Earlier, Sir Graham had seen his attempt to alter emergency coronavirus legislation, introduced at the start of the pandemic in March, quashed by Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
In his statement to MPs, Sir Lindsay said he had "decided not to select any of the amendments" to Wednesday's motion on the renewal of powers in the Coronavirus Act.
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He revealed he had received advice that "any amendment to the motion before the House risks giving rise to uncertainty about the decision the House has taken".
Image: Sir Graham Brady had been leading the effort for MPs to get a greater say over COVID-19 rules
"This then risks decisions which are rightly the responsibility of parliament ultimately being determined by the courts," Sir Lindsay added.
"Lack of clarity in such important matters risks undermining the rule of law."
However, the Speaker appeared to urge the government to reach a compromise with the large number of MPs who want a greater say over COVID-19 restrictions.
He told ministers that the way in which they had exercised their powers in introducing coronavirus measures was "totally unsatisfactory", as he criticised them for publishing laws only "a matter of hours before they come into force".
"Some explanations why important measures have come into effect before they can be laid before this House have been unconvincing and shows a total disregard for the House," Sir Lindsay said.
"The government must make greater efforts to prepare measures more quickly, so that this House can debate and decide upon the most significant measures at the earliest possible point."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:54 Speaker scolds govt over handling of virus rules
The Speaker urged the government to "remedy a situation I regard as completely unsatisfactory," adding: "I now look to the government to rebuild trust with this House and not treat it with the contempt that it has shown."
Sir Graham, the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, had tabled an amendment - which will now not be selected - through which a cross-party group of MPs were hoping to achieve a greater say over coronavirus restrictions.
Sir Lindsay's statement came ahead of Wednesday's session of Prime Minister's Questions, during which Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer took aim at Boris Johnson's failure to recall his own coronavirus rules.
The prime minister was forced to apologise on Tuesday for getting confused by COVID-19 restrictions in northeast England.
"One of the major problems, as we've seen in the last 24 hours, is widespread confusion about the local restrictions and I don't just mean the prime minister not knowing his own rules - having sat opposite the prime minister at PMQs every week that didn't come as a surprise to me," Sir Keir said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 PM promises no evictions over Christmas
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Quoting concerns from a Conservative council leader about the "complex" restrictions, Sir Keir added: "If the prime minister doesn't understand the rules and his own council leaders are complaining about mixed messages, how does the prime minister expect the rest of the country to understand and follow the rules?"
Mr Johnson replied: "Actually, I think that the people of this country do understand and overwhelmingly do follow the rules, and that I may say is in spite of the efforts of (the Labour leader) continually to try to snipe from the sidelines, to undermine what we are trying to do, and he mentions the restrictions in the North East, and I cleared that matter up as fast as I could."
Sir Keir also asked the prime minister why only one area of England - Luton in Bedfordshire - had ever come out and stayed out of local lockdown restrictions.
"The reason, I think, for the success of Luton is that the local people pulled together to suppress the virus, to follow the guidance, and that is the way forward for the entire country," Mr Johnson responded.
"That is what we did before in March and April, and I have no doubt that that is what we're going to do again."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--PM prepares to avoid Tory rebellion over COVID rules - and give crisis update

Boris Johnson is bidding to head off a Tory rebellion over emergency coronavirus legislation as he prepares to give his latest update on the COVID-19 crisis from Downing Street .
The prime minister - who was forced to apologise for getting confused by his own coronavirus regulations - is facing the prospect of a Conservative revolt when MPs are asked to renew the emergency powers that were given to ministers to deal with the pandemic back in March .
Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers , is leading an effort to alter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons to debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they come into force .
There are said to be 80 Tory MPs backing Sir Graham 's proposed amendment to the Coronavirus Act , with one ringleader having told Sky News he is `` certain '' the group has enough votes to defeat the government .
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker , who has recently been spotted in Westminster wearing a T-shirt declaring `` 2020 is the new 1984 '' , said an `` absolutely huge rebellion '' was brewing .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach a compromise with the rebels , with talks due to be held between the group 's leaders and Conservative chief whip Mark Spencer on Wednesday morning .
Ministers will be careful not to concede too much that might impinge on their ability to act urgently when necessary , with coronavirus cases continuing to rise in the UK .
It was announced on Tuesday that 7,143 cases of coronavirus had been recorded in the UK over the past 24 hours - the biggest rise since the pandemic began .
Yet , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief whip and rebels , ministers might also be saved by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle not accepting Sir Graham 's proposed amendment .
Constitutional experts have said the circumstances of Wednesday 's vote - which does not create new legislation but instead gives a choice over whether to continue existing law - means Sir Lindsay might be unlikely to allow any amendments .
In addition to the rebels ' efforts , Mr Johnson has also been warned by a committee of senior MPs that , without a greater say for parliament over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be challenged in court .
Sir Bernard Jenkin , the chair of the Commons liaison committee , wrote in a letter to the prime minister : `` Various proposals are being made that would require the approval by a vote of the House of Commons before or immediately after new restrictions come into force .
`` The majority of us support this principle and expect that the government will also wish to accept it .
`` The idea that such restrictions can be applied without express parliamentary approval , except in dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed may be challenged in law . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As well the pressure to cede to the latest calls from MPs for a greater say over COVID-19 restrictions , Mr Johnson faces a busy schedule on Wednesday as he deals with a second wave of coronavirus infections in the UK .
After an expected meeting with his cabinet , the prime minister will head to the House of Commons for Prime Minister 's Questions .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day after he apologised for having `` misspoke '' about the latest coronavirus restrictions in northeast England .
The prime minister was forced to clarify that the new rules mean local residents can not meet people from different households in social settings indoors , including in pubs and restaurants .
After Prime Minister 's Questions , Mr Johnson is due to appear at a Downing Street news conference alongside England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , and the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Last week , Sir Patrick said the UK could soon see 49,000 new cases of coronavirus every day unless action is taken to drive down the rate of infection - a warning that preceded Mr Johnson 's decision to introduce a 10pm curfew for bars , pubs and restaurants .
Downing Street has not ruled out the introduction of further restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 .


skynewspolitics--2020-09-29--Home Sec Priti Patel 'considered sending asylum seekers to volcanic islands'

The home secretary asked officials to look into sending asylum seekers to isolated islands 4,000 miles from the UK , according to reports .
It 's understood civil servants were asked to investigate how other countries manage their immigration systems .
Australia is one model , which holds asylum seekers offshore while their applications are processed .
The Financial Times reports that Ascension Island and St Helena in the South Atlantic were considered .
Suggested locations from the Foreign Office were said to be implausible .
Saint Helena and Ascension are tiny islands about 800 miles apart in the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Africa and South America .
Labour 's shadow home secretary , Nick Thomas-Symonds , tweeted : `` This ludicrous idea is inhumane , completely impractical and wildly expensive .
So it seems entirely plausible this Tory government came up with it . ''
A Home Office source told Sky News : `` As ministers have said we are developing plans to reform policies and laws around illegal migration and asylum to ensure we are able to provide protection to those who need it , while preventing abuse of the system and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asylum continues to be a contentious issue , with more than 5,000 people crossing the English Channel so far this year - mostly on small inflatable boats .
A record 416 made the journey in one day in early September .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK is a `` target and magnet '' for people traffickers and promised to change the law to help tackle the crisis .


skynewspolitics--2020-09-30--Govt bracing for four million unemployed as COVID crisis accelerates

Britain 's benefits system is bracing for up to four million unemployed in the coming months as the economic fall-out of the COVID crisis accelerates .
The work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News her department was preparing to support that level of unemployed , but said she `` genuinely hopes '' that we do not reach that figure .
On a visit to promote the new £2bn Kickstarter scheme to get young benefit claimants into work placements , Ms Coffey said that her department has taken the Office of Budget Responsibility 's ( OBR ) forecast and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we 're in a number similar in terms of being ready to help people and trying to help them get back to work as quickly as possible , '' Ms Coffey said .
`` We 're bringing people into the organisation and in a COVID safe way in order to respond to the challenge .
`` I genuinely hope we do n't reach , obviously , that figure .
But it 's important we are ready to help people . ''
The number of people on universal credit soared during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people claiming by August , a 120.8 % increase since March .
The OBR has forecast joblessness could rise to 13.2 % - equivalent to four million people - by next year .
Ms Coffey said her department was ready for an increase in claimants and was `` evolving our plans recognising how the economy works '' .
The department will have hired 25,000 new staff in the year to March 2021 - a third increase - as it gears up to cope with rising unemployment , while also doubling the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and find work in sectors not crushed by COVID-19 .
`` I think it 's fair to say the doubling of work coaches is a real investment in making sure we help people , many of whom will never have had benefits and may not have been unemployed or for a very long time , '' she added .
`` That might be putting their chosen career on hold , just for a couple of years while their sector recovers , but helping them get into some of the growth sectors - construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care . ''
Ministers are bracing for a spike in unemployment as the chancellor ends the £39bn furlough scheme and replaces it with a German-style wage subsidy plan .
Under the new Jobs Support Scheme the taxpayer will no longer pay part of the wages of an estimated 3 million employees who could not work .
The Treasury will instead only subsidise people who are working at least a third of their usual hours - giving employers just weeks to decide which jobs in their businesses remain viable , with employees unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for government support .
The chancellor last week warned that Britain faces a winter of rising unemployment and said his new multibillion-pound spending package - the Winter Economic Plan - would not be enough to prevent businesses going under and job losses .
Ms Coffey said : `` We 've never promised we could save every single job or every single company .
`` We will do our best to try and help businesses keep going .
But we have reached a point where we absolutely recognise we can not pretend , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every job . ''
Young people are likely to be hardest hit by job losses threatened in hospitality and retail sectors , which is partly why the government has set up the Kickstart scheme for 16 to 24-year olds .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The scheme , modelled on a programme that ran after the 2008 recession , is a big plank of the government 's `` Plan for Jobs '' set out in the summer .
Under the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - national insurance , pension costs and wages - in return for companies offering young people six months placements .

Britain's benefits system is bracing for up to four million unemployed in the coming months as the economic fall-out of the COVID crisis accelerates.
The work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News her department was preparing to support that level of unemployed, but said she "genuinely hopes" that we do not reach that figure.
On a visit to promote the new £2bn Kickstart scheme to get young benefit claimants into work placements, Ms Coffey said that her department has taken the Office of Budget Responsibility's (OBR) forecast onboard but has its own and is planning around that scenario.
"I think we're in a number similar in terms of being ready to help people and trying to help them get back to work as quickly as possible," Ms Coffey said.
Image: Therese Coffey says her department is ready for an increase in claimants
"We're bringing people into the organisation and in a COVID safe way in order to respond to the challenge.
"I genuinely hope we don't reach, obviously, that figure. But it's important we are ready to help people."
The number of people on universal credit soared during the first wave of the pandemic with 2.7 million people claiming by August, a 120.8% increase since March.
The OBR has forecast joblessness could rise to 13.2% - equivalent to four million people - by next year.
Ms Coffey said her department was ready for an increase in claimants and was "evolving our plans recognising how the economy works".
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The department will have hired 25,000 new staff in the year to March 2021 - a third increase - as it gears up to cope with rising unemployment, while also doubling the number of work coaches to help people retrain and find work in sectors not crushed by COVID-19.
"I think it's fair to say the doubling of work coaches is a real investment in making sure we help people, many of whom will never have had benefits and may not have been unemployed or for a very long time," she added.
"That might be putting their chosen career on hold, just for a couple of years while their sector recovers, but helping them get into some of the growth sectors - construction, other infrastructure, health and social care."
Ministers are bracing for a spike in unemployment as the chancellor ends the £39bn furlough scheme and replaces it with a German-style wage subsidy plan.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Sunak announces 'job support scheme'
Under the new Jobs Support Scheme the taxpayer will no longer pay part of the wages of an estimated 3 million employees who could not work.
The Treasury will instead only subsidise people who are working at least a third of their usual hours - giving employers just weeks to decide which jobs in their businesses remain viable, with employees unable to work any of their normal hours ineligible for government support.
The chancellor last week warned that Britain faces a winter of rising unemployment and said his new multibillion-pound spending package - the Winter Economic Plan - would not be enough to prevent businesses going under and job losses.
Ms Coffey said: "We've never promised we could save every single job or every single company.
"We will do our best to try and help businesses keep going. But we have reached a point where we absolutely recognise we cannot pretend, we've never pretended, we can save every job."
Young people are likely to be hardest hit by job losses threatened in hospitality and retail sectors, which is partly why the government has set up the Kickstart scheme for 16 to 24-year olds.
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The scheme, modelled on a programme that ran after the 2008 recession, is a big plank of the government's "Plan for Jobs" set out in the summer.
Under the scheme, the government pays employers' costs - national insurance, pension costs and wages - in return for companies offering young people six months placements.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-30--'We don't have this under control': Chief scientific adviser's stark COVID-19 warning

Coronavirus is not under control and people must follow restrictions to avoid a second full lockdown , the prime minister and his chief aides have warned .
Boris Johnson , flanked by his chief medical and scientific advisers for the 100th coronavirus briefing from Downing Street since the start of the pandemic , said the UK faced a `` critical moment '' in the fight against COVID-19 .
England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there had been a `` significant uptick '' in the number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in northeast England , northwest England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel for both hospitals and intensive care is going in the wrong direction , particularly in the areas that have seen rapid increases in cases , '' Prof Whitty said .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , admitted `` we do n't have this under control at the moment '' .
He also warned : `` This is headed in the wrong direction , there is no cause for complacency . ''
Earlier on Wednesday , it was announced that another 7,108 coronavirus cases and 71 deaths had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty said that , although the virus was not doubling as quickly as it was in March , it did n't mean parts of the country could n't soon be badly affected .
`` This small number of deaths now should n't reassure us that we wo n't be , in relatively short order , in quite difficult places , certainly in the regions where we are seeing significant growth at the moment , '' he said .
And Sir Patrick added that `` it would be wrong '' to think the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country .
`` It is worse in certain areas , but there is evidence of spread everywhere and we need to be mindful of that - everyone needs to take precautions across the country , '' he said .
One of the charts showed a steep rise in people in hospital with COVID-19 in the North West , up to just under 600 .
In mid-April the region peaked at just over 2,500 people in hospital with the virus .
Mr Johnson recently introduced the `` rule of six '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew on pubs , bars and restaurants .
He made repeated pleas for the public to follow the new national restrictions , as well as the localised measures that have been introduced across large parts of the UK .
The prime minister also refused to rule out further measures to slow the spread of transmission .
He said ministers and scientists would have to `` watch what 's happening '' with their aim to avoid another national lockdown , as was enforced in the spring .
`` What we are not doing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation we were in in March , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` And , I really do n't want to do this .
I do n't want to go back to a national lockdown where the overall guidance is stay at home , that is not what we are saying .
`` We want to keep the economy moving .
We want to keep young people , pupils in education .
`` But the only way we can do that is if we all follow the guidance and depress the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new national restrictions was `` entirely dependent on how effective we are now in collectively driving down the virus '' .
`` We know we can do it because we did it before , in March and April , '' he added .
But the prime minister suggested the virus may now be spreading in a different way to how it was in March .
`` We are seeing some very clear local peaks , '' he said .
`` It may be that this is a more localised phenomenon this time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to concentrate on these local solutions as well as these national solutions . ''
Mr Johnson was forced to apologise on Tuesday for getting confused by his own coronavirus rules .
He urged people to use their `` common sense '' as well as to check the internet for the latest restrictions in their local area .
`` People will pick up on various discrepancies or complications , complexities that have arisen as a result of this local approach , '' he said .
`` The best thing I can tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or elsewhere , in Merseyside , the Midlands , everywhere there are local restrictions , get on the websites , look at precisely what you 're supposed to do .
`` So much of this is about common sense and about following the basics of the guidance and just restricting the possibility of transmission from yourself to somebody else , or from somebody else to you . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The prime minister also repeated his dismissal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and let the virus take its course despite the huge loss of life that would potentially entail '' .
He added : `` I do n't think that is what the British people want , I do n't think they want to throw in the sponge .
`` They want to fight and defeat this virus and that is what we are going to do . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said there would have to be a `` national effort '' to avoid a second nationwide lockdown .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bargain here is to have a very clear strategy for keeping that infection rate down and we do n't see that strategy '' .
He also called for an `` urgent review '' into whether local lockdowns were working in the way they are intended to bring down infection rates .

Coronavirus is not under control and people must follow restrictions to avoid a second full lockdown, the prime minister and his chief aides have warned.
Boris Johnson, flanked by his chief medical and scientific advisers for the 100th coronavirus briefing from Downing Street since the start of the pandemic, said the UK faced a "critical moment" in the fight against COVID-19.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said there had been a "significant uptick" in the number of coronavirus patients in intensive care in northeast England, northwest England and London.
"The direction of travel for both hospitals and intensive care is going in the wrong direction, particularly in the areas that have seen rapid increases in cases," Prof Whitty said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'COVID numbers heading the wrong way'
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, admitted "we don't have this under control at the moment".
He also warned: "This is headed in the wrong direction, there is no cause for complacency."
Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced that another 7,108 coronavirus cases and 71 deaths had been recorded in the UK.
Prof Whitty said that, although the virus was not doubling as quickly as it was in March, it didn't mean parts of the country couldn't soon be badly affected.
"This small number of deaths now shouldn't reassure us that we won't be, in relatively short order, in quite difficult places, certainly in the regions where we are seeing significant growth at the moment," he said.
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And Sir Patrick added that "it would be wrong" to think the virus was only a problem in certain parts of the country.
"It is worse in certain areas, but there is evidence of spread everywhere and we need to be mindful of that - everyone needs to take precautions across the country," he said.
One of the charts showed a steep rise in people in hospital with COVID-19 in the North West, up to just under 600. In mid-April the region peaked at just over 2,500 people in hospital with the virus.
Mr Johnson recently introduced the "rule of six" in England and last week imposed a 10pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants.
He made repeated pleas for the public to follow the new national restrictions, as well as the localised measures that have been introduced across large parts of the UK.
The prime minister also refused to rule out further measures to slow the spread of transmission.
He said ministers and scientists would have to "watch what's happening" with their aim to avoid another national lockdown, as was enforced in the spring.
"What we are not doing at the moment is going back to the situation we were in in March," Mr Johnson said.
"And, I really don't want to do this. I don't want to go back to a national lockdown where the overall guidance is stay at home, that is not what we are saying.
"We want to keep the economy moving. We want to keep young people, pupils in education.
"But the only way we can do that is if we all follow the guidance and depress the virus."
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Mr Johnson said the prospect of new national restrictions was "entirely dependent on how effective we are now in collectively driving down the virus".
"We know we can do it because we did it before, in March and April," he added.
But the prime minister suggested the virus may now be spreading in a different way to how it was in March.
"We are seeing some very clear local peaks," he said.
"It may be that this is a more localised phenomenon this time in which case all the more reason for us to concentrate on these local solutions as well as these national solutions."
Image: There has been a 'significant uptick' in COVID-19 patients in intensive care in some parts of the country
Mr Johnson was forced to apologise on Tuesday for getting confused by his own coronavirus rules.
He urged people to use their "common sense" as well as to check the internet for the latest restrictions in their local area.
"People will pick up on various discrepancies or complications, complexities that have arisen as a result of this local approach," he said.
"The best thing I can tell you is that everybody in the North East or elsewhere, in Merseyside, the Midlands, everywhere there are local restrictions, get on the websites, look at precisely what you're supposed to do.
"So much of this is about common sense and about following the basics of the guidance and just restricting the possibility of transmission from yourself to somebody else, or from somebody else to you."
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 prime minister also repeated his dismissal of those who believe "we should give up and let the virus take its course despite the huge loss of life that would potentially entail".
He added: "I don't think that is what the British people want, I don't think they want to throw in the sponge.
"They want to fight and defeat this virus and that is what we are going to do."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said there would have to be a "national effort" to avoid a second nationwide lockdown.
But he added the "government's side of the bargain here is to have a very clear strategy for keeping that infection rate down and we don't see that strategy".
He also called for an "urgent review" into whether local lockdowns were working in the way they are intended to bring down infection rates.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-30--'Grit your teeth and pull together' - but will Britons heed PM's appeal?

Coronavirus : 'Grit your teeth and pull together ' - but will Britons heed PM 's appeal ?
Coronavirus : 'Grit your teeth and pull together ' - but will Britons heed PM 's appeal ?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The prime minister has urged the public to stick to new coronavirus rules to avoid the potential of a new national lockdown - our correspondents give their analysis .
Can you smell the coffee ?
This was a wake-up call for the nation .
It 's not just cases of COVID-19 rising now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients needing intensive care and more deaths .
It 's still nowhere near as bad as the peak of the first wave , but the trend is clearly causing concern in Downing Street .
The maps show England 's epidemic is playing out in a very different way second time around .
Back in the spring the virus was evenly spread across the country , but now it is focused in the North East , North West and Yorkshire .
It is a striking difference .
There was a moment in the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those maps might be interpreted ; that they might give licence to people in low-risk areas to relax about the rules on social interactions .
`` This remains a national threat , we have to fight it together , '' he said .
There was some good news in all the charts .
Rates in young children are low and holding steady .
Despite the hullabaloo over schools going back , it has n't put children at increased risk .
That is hugely reassuring for parents .
The decision to call another press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisers suggests the prime minister wants people to take seriously the warnings of a second peak .
He had nothing new to announce today , but after a week of criticism about his handling of the pandemic Boris Johnson was determined to reiterate the importance of restrictions currently in place .
The potential for people to ignore measures in a second wave has always been a concern for experts , so Mr Johnson made clear that unless people follow the rules a national lockdown ca n't be ruled out .
He called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together as Professor Chris Whitty praised the altruism of the British people and warned there is a `` long winter ahead '' .
There was a sense from both scientists that they would introduce more measures if they could .
Both warned that COVID-19 is spreading out of control in some areas and stressed the potential for stricter controls to slow it .
Sir Patrick Vallance reiterated the need for ministers to take the advice they are given and make decisions based on it .
Ultimately , we learnt nothing new practically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a desire in Number 10 to ensure people understand the potential for everything to get worse again this winter .
They are watching the statistics closely and hoping that the message that this is n't over has got through .

Number 10 will be watching the statistics closely and hoping that the message that this isn't over has got through.
Coronavirus: 'Grit your teeth and pull together' - but will Britons heed PM's appeal?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The prime minister has urged the public to stick to new coronavirus rules to avoid the potential of a new national lockdown - our correspondents give their analysis.
Thomas Moore, science and medical correspondent
Can you smell the coffee? This was a wake-up call for the nation.
It's not just cases of COVID-19 rising now. There are more hospital admissions, more patients needing intensive care and more deaths.
It's still nowhere near as bad as the peak of the first wave, but the trend is clearly causing concern in Downing Street.
The maps show England's epidemic is playing out in a very different way second time around.
Back in the spring the virus was evenly spread across the country, but now it is focused in the North East, North West and Yorkshire. It is a striking difference.
Image: The darker colours show which areas are struggling the most with cases
Image: COVID admissions are rising most steeply in northern England
There was a moment in the news briefing when the prime minister realised how those maps might be interpreted; that they might give licence to people in low-risk areas to relax about the rules on social interactions.
"This remains a national threat, we have to fight it together," he said.
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There was some good news in all the charts.
Rates in young children are low and holding steady. Despite the hullabaloo over schools going back, it hasn't put children at increased risk. That is hugely reassuring for parents.
Kate McCann, political correspondent
The decision to call another press conference flanked by his two top scientific advisers suggests the prime minister wants people to take seriously the warnings of a second peak.
He had nothing new to announce today, but after a week of criticism about his handling of the pandemic Boris Johnson was determined to reiterate the importance of restrictions currently in place.
Image: Boris Johnson said a new national lockdown could not be ruled out
The potential for people to ignore measures in a second wave has always been a concern for experts, so Mr Johnson made clear that unless people follow the rules a national lockdown can't be ruled out.
He called for people to grit their teeth and pull together as Professor Chris Whitty praised the altruism of the British people and warned there is a "long winter ahead".
There was a sense from both scientists that they would introduce more measures if they could.
Both warned that COVID-19 is spreading out of control in some areas and stressed the potential for stricter controls to slow it.
Sir Patrick Vallance reiterated the need for ministers to take the advice they are given and make decisions based on it.
Ultimately, we learnt nothing new practically, but it was clear that there's a desire in Number 10 to ensure people understand the potential for everything to get worse again this winter.
They are watching the statistics closely and hoping that the message that this isn't over has got through.