skynewsus--2020-06-12--Pete Davidson: 'It's OK to struggle and you are not alone'

Pete Davidson says working on his latest movie , The King Of Staten Island , helped him process the death of his father 19 years ago .
The Saturday Night Live comedian told Sky News ' Backstage podcast : `` As someone who 's open with struggles and issues , I think I 'm always learning and growing .
Making this film allowed me to grow more as a person .
`` One of the main reasons why I wanted to make this [ film ] and tell this story was because I wanted this chapter in my life to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I wanted to be able to move on and show that it 's OK to have issues and it 's OK to struggle and that you 're not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel . ''
The comedy-drama is semi-autobiographical , exploring Davidson 's experiences growing up in Staten Island , New York , while dealing with childhood loss .
Scott Davidson , who was a firefighter , died while responding to the World Trade Center attack on 11 September 2001 , when Pete was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie , Davidson 's character - who is also called Scott - is struggling to come to terms with his death and battling with his mental health .
It 's a struggle the comedian understands , having previously dealt with his own depression and borderline personality disorder .
Back in 2018 , fans were so worried about his welfare after he posted troubling remarks on Instagram , it prompted a check-in from police .
Davidson says he was able to explore those dark feelings thanks to `` open and honest conversations '' during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 26-year-old admits he was `` scared at first '' he credits the cast and crew with `` making me feel very comfortable and allowing me to really dive into the role '' .
Director Judd Apatow , who 's known for his big commercial comedies , says his favourite stories are actually about `` people who are struggling , and people in pain '' .
He told Backstage that working with American comedian Garry Shandling taught him `` stories are about people who love each other , but something 's getting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of what Davidson has been through is universal : `` Even though it 's a specific thing , it 's something that we all go through - loss and how our families react to it and how it can hold us back if we have n't fully healed . ''
He credits Davidson with opening himself up to the film totally : `` It 's always very exciting to collaborate with someone that wants to go all the way , because most people do n't .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It 's rare that somebody says , 'No , I 'm going to share everything with you ' . ''
Steve Buscemi , who plays Papa , a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing in the movie , says he jumped at the chance to be involved .
Buscemi told Backstage : `` I just felt privileged to be there and to be able to be doing a scene with Pete , who actually lost his firefighter dad on 9/11 , and knowing that everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real place . ''
He says he 's under no doubt Davidson suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after his father 's death but credits his humour with getting him through it .
`` He 's a sweet kid who 's been through a lot , and he 's learned in some ways to deal with it through his comedy .
That 's very admirable . ''
Many moments in the film were inspired by real life , with one pivotal scene in which Scott argues with his sister ( played by Apatow 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow up with Davidson 's own younger sister , Casey .
Apatow says it 's tapping into moments that were stressful at the time , but when looked back on can appear funny , that were key to the film .
Davidson 's love of body art is also explored in the movie , with Scott aiming to become a tattoo artist and open his own `` tattoo restaurant '' .
In real life Davidson has over 100 inkings which are regularly on show in the film , including the bunny ears logo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating pop starlet Ariana Grande .
While that body art is now hidden away ( it 's covered over with a heart ) , it is through the journey of this film that Davidson hopes to uncover the next stage of his life .
The film begins with a scene in which Scott shuts his eyes tight to the outside world but ends with him looking up at the Manhattan skyline where the Twin Towers used to be .
Davidson says it 's a symbol for his character `` seeing hope for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hope he wants to share with others .
`` I wanted to let people know is that you 're not alone and there is a way that you can heal . ''
The King Of Staten Island is available now on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV .
Hear more from the interview and a review of the film on this week 's episode of Backstage - Sky News ' entertainment podcast .

Pete Davidson says working on his latest movie, The King Of Staten Island, helped him process the death of his father 19 years ago.
The Saturday Night Live comedian told Sky News' Backstage podcast: "As someone who's open with struggles and issues, I think I'm always learning and growing. Making this film allowed me to grow more as a person.
Image: Scott processes the loss of his firefighter father. Pic: Universal/The King Of Staten Island
"One of the main reasons why I wanted to make this [film] and tell this story was because I wanted this chapter in my life to be closed.
"Not forgotten, but I wanted to be able to move on and show that it's OK to have issues and it's OK to struggle and that you're not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel."
The comedy-drama is semi-autobiographical, exploring Davidson's experiences growing up in Staten Island, New York, while dealing with childhood loss.
Image: He's in his mid-20s and still living at home with his mum. Pic: Universal/The King Of Staten Island
Scott Davidson, who was a firefighter, died while responding to the World Trade Center attack on 11 September 2001, when Pete was just seven years old.
In the movie, Davidson's character - who is also called Scott - is struggling to come to terms with his death and battling with his mental health.
It's a struggle the comedian understands, having previously dealt with his own depression and borderline personality disorder.
Image: Pete Davidson says making the indie movie has been a turning point in his life
Back in 2018, fans were so worried about his welfare after he posted troubling remarks on Instagram, it prompted a check-in from police.
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Davidson says he was able to explore those dark feelings thanks to "open and honest conversations" during the making of the film.
While the 26-year-old admits he was "scared at first" he credits the cast and crew with "making me feel very comfortable and allowing me to really dive into the role".
Image: Comedian Bill Burr inspired Davidson to become a stand up. Pic: Universal/The King Of Staten Island
Director Judd Apatow, who's known for his big commercial comedies, says his favourite stories are actually about "people who are struggling, and people in pain".
He told Backstage that working with American comedian Garry Shandling taught him "stories are about people who love each other, but something's getting in the way".
He also says a lot of what Davidson has been through is universal: "Even though it's a specific thing, it's something that we all go through - loss and how our families react to it and how it can hold us back if we haven't fully healed."
He credits Davidson with opening himself up to the film totally: "It's always very exciting to collaborate with someone that wants to go all the way, because most people don't.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"It's rare that somebody says, 'No, I'm going to share everything with you'."
Steve Buscemi, who plays Papa, a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing in the movie, says he jumped at the chance to be involved.
Buscemi told Backstage: "I just felt privileged to be there and to be able to be doing a scene with Pete, who actually lost his firefighter dad on 9/11, and knowing that everything he was saying was coming from a real place."
He says he's under no doubt Davidson suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after his father's death but credits his humour with getting him through it.
Image: Many scenes are based on real-life moments. Pic: Universal/The King Of Staten Island
"He's a sweet kid who's been through a lot, and he's learned in some ways to deal with it through his comedy. That's very admirable."
Many moments in the film were inspired by real life, with one pivotal scene in which Scott argues with his sister (played by Apatow's daughter Maude) based on a real-life blow up with Davidson's own younger sister, Casey.
Apatow says it's tapping into moments that were stressful at the time, but when looked back on can appear funny, that were key to the film.
Davidson's love of body art is also explored in the movie, with Scott aiming to become a tattoo artist and open his own "tattoo restaurant".
In real life Davidson has over 100 inkings which are regularly on show in the film, including the bunny ears logo he had inked behind his ear while dating pop starlet Ariana Grande.
Image: Davidson dated Ariana Grande in 2018
While that body art is now hidden away (it's covered over with a heart), it is through the journey of this film that Davidson hopes to uncover the next stage of his life.
The film begins with a scene in which Scott shuts his eyes tight to the outside world but ends with him looking up at the Manhattan skyline where the Twin Towers used to be.
Davidson says it's a symbol for his character "seeing hope for the first time", and it's a hope he wants to share with others.
"I wanted to let people know is that you're not alone and there is a way that you can heal."
The King Of Staten Island is available now on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Hear more from the interview and a review of the film on this week's episode of Backstage - Sky News' entertainment podcast.


skynewsus--2020-06-13--US reality show The Bachelor casts its first black lead

US reality show The Bachelor has chosen its first black lead to front the show .
Matt James , 28 , will front the hugely popular dating programme when it airs next year .
The ABC show has aired for 18 years without having an African-American man in the main role .
It came after lawyer Rachel Lindsay - who was the first black woman to lead spin-off The Bachelorette in 2017 - threatened to distance herself from the show unless it received a `` diversity makeover '' .
Speaking about his casting on Good Morning America , James , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a `` step in the right direction '' .
`` When Rachel speaks , we listen , '' he said .
`` She has a very important voice in all of this , being the first black woman/person of colour to have a lead .
`` So I think that we 're all following suit in that conversation , and this is hopefully the first of many black men to be in the position that I 'm at now . ''
The Bachelor features a single man who has to choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ultimate goal of getting married .
It is a pop culture phenomenon in the US , but has attracted mounting criticism for a perceived lack of diversity .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ahead of the 25th season in 2021 , fans launched a petition demanding a black lead as well as having at least 35 % black , indigenous and people of colour as contestants each season .
Following the news of James ' casting , the show 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant changes '' to address the lack of diversity .
They added : `` We are taking positive steps to expand diversity in our cast , in our staff and , most importantly , in the relationships that we show on television .
`` We can and will do better to reflect the world around us and show all of its beautiful stories . ''
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

US reality show The Bachelor has chosen its first black lead to front the show.
Matt James, 28, will front the hugely popular dating programme when it airs next year.
The ABC show has aired for 18 years without having an African-American man in the main role.
It came after lawyer Rachel Lindsay - who was the first black woman to lead spin-off The Bachelorette in 2017 - threatened to distance herself from the show unless it received a "diversity makeover".
Image: Colton Underwood was the lead for the 2019 series of The Bachelor
Speaking about his casting on Good Morning America, James, an estate agent and entrepreneur, said it was a "step in the right direction".
"When Rachel speaks, we listen," he said. "She has a very important voice in all of this, being the first black woman/person of colour to have a lead.
"So I think that we're all following suit in that conversation, and this is hopefully the first of many black men to be in the position that I'm at now."
The Bachelor features a single man who has to choose between a pool of women, with the ultimate goal of getting married.
It is a pop culture phenomenon in the US, but has attracted mounting criticism for a perceived lack of diversity.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ahead of the 25th season in 2021, fans launched a petition demanding a black lead as well as having at least 35% black, indigenous and people of colour as contestants each season.
Following the news of James' casting, the show's executive producers said they will make "significant changes" to address the lack of diversity.
They added: "We are taking positive steps to expand diversity in our cast, in our staff and, most importantly, in the relationships that we show on television.
"We can and will do better to reflect the world around us and show all of its beautiful stories."
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-06-14--Atlanta police officer sacked after black man shot dead outside restaurant

An Atlanta police officer has been sacked following the fatal shooting of a black man outside a drive-through restaurant who had fallen asleep in his car .
Rayshard Brooks - a 27-year-old father - was shot in the car park of a Wendy 's in the US city on Friday night and later died in hospital .
Garrett Rolfe , a six-year veteran of the Atlanta police department , was dismissed , and a second officer , Devin Bronsan , who was hired in September 2018 , was placed on administrative leave for their involvement in the death of Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Investigators said Mr Brooks had grabbed an officer 's Taser during a struggle before being shot .
The force said officers were called to the scene after receiving reports of a man sleeping in his car and blocking other drivers .
Police also released body camera and dash cam footage of the incident which does not show the moment Mr Brooks was shot .
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation , which is investigating the shooting , said Mr Brooks had failed a test to assess whether he was driving under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then resisted officers ' attempts to arrest him .
The shooting sparked protests in the city and the Wendy 's restaurant was set on fire on Saturday night .
Footage showed small fires around the car park before another blaze appeared to start at an entrance to the restaurant , gradually engulfing most of the building .
Atlanta 's mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said : `` I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force .
`` Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgency in rebuilding the trust desperately needed in our communities . ''
Ms Shields said : `` Out of a deep and abiding love for this city and this department , I offered to step aside as police chief .
`` I have faith in the mayor , and it is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The bureau 's director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabbed a Taser from one officer and pointed it towards him as he ran .
After running a short distance , Mr Brooks `` turns around and it appears to the eye that he points the Taser at the Atlanta officer '' , Mr Reynolds is quoted in a report by NBC .
`` At that point , the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster , discharges it , strikes Mr Brooks there on the parking lot , and he goes down . ''
Mr Reynolds said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an officer is involved in the use of deadly force , the public has a right to know what happened . ''
An investigation into the shooting has also been launched by the county district attorney 's office .
It comes amid widespread protests in the US and other countries against police brutality and racism .
The demonstrations were inspired by the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in Minneapolis on 25 May .
Race and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

An Atlanta police officer has been sacked following the fatal shooting of a black man outside a drive-through restaurant who had fallen asleep in his car.
Rayshard Brooks - a 27-year-old father - was shot in the car park of a Wendy's in the US city on Friday night and later died in hospital.
Garrett Rolfe, a six-year veteran of the Atlanta police department, was dismissed, and a second officer, Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018, was placed on administrative leave for their involvement in the death of Mr Brooks, police spokesperson Sergeant John Chafee said.
Image: Rayshard Brooks was shot by police in Atlanta. Pic: Facebook
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields had earlier resigned.
Investigators said Mr Brooks had grabbed an officer's Taser during a struggle before being shot.
The force said officers were called to the scene after receiving reports of a man sleeping in his car and blocking other drivers.
Police also released body camera and dash cam footage of the incident which does not show the moment Mr Brooks was shot.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the shooting, said Mr Brooks had failed a test to assess whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and then resisted officers' attempts to arrest him.
The shooting sparked protests in the city and the Wendy's restaurant was set on fire on Saturday night.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:16 Wendy's in Atlanta was on fire on Saturday night
Image: A protester watched as the restaurant burned in Atlanta
Footage showed small fires around the car park before another blaze appeared to start at an entrance to the restaurant, gradually engulfing most of the building.
Atlanta's mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said: "I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force.
"Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief so that the city may move forward with urgency in rebuilding the trust desperately needed in our communities."
Ms Shields said: "Out of a deep and abiding love for this city and this department, I offered to step aside as police chief.
"I have faith in the mayor, and it is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The bureau's director, Vic Reynolds, said Mr Brooks had grabbed a Taser from one officer and pointed it towards him as he ran.
After running a short distance, Mr Brooks "turns around and it appears to the eye that he points the Taser at the Atlanta officer", Mr Reynolds is quoted in a report by NBC.
"At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr Brooks there on the parking lot, and he goes down."
Mr Reynolds said: "In a circumstance like this where an officer is involved in the use of deadly force, the public has a right to know what happened."
An investigation into the shooting has also been launched by the county district attorney's office.
It comes amid widespread protests in the US and other countries against police brutality and racism.
The demonstrations were inspired by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes in Minneapolis on 25 May.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-06-14--Jesse Jackson: Racism is a bigger fight now but we have more tools to fight it

Jesse Jackson has told those protesting against racism that they face a big fight but that they have more tools available to them than he did .
The Baptist minister and politician was also a civil rights activist , beginning in the 1960s and working with Martin Luther King Jr among others .
Now 78 , he spoke to Sky News amid a similar movement against racial injustice , inspired by the deaths of black Americans at the hands of mostly white police officers .
The documentary Eight Minutes and 46 Seconds : The Killing of George Floyd , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic , Sky Documentaries , Sky Witness and Sky One at 9pm on Monday Comparing today 's battle to that faced by him and others all those decades ago , he said : `` When we faced men in the past , we could n't fight back , we could n't vote , we could march .
`` But now we can march and vote .
We have mass media when we were once locked into three-network television .
We can film a lynching and the whole world responds .
`` We did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did n't have social media , we did n't have the right to vote .
`` It 's a bigger fight but we have more tools to fight . ''
His words come almost three weeks after the killing of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes .
Mr Floyd 's death , the latest in a number of black people at the hands of police , sparked protests firstly in Minneapolis where he died , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The protests , led by campaign group Black Lives Matter , have focused mainly on racism in policing and police brutality but Rev Jackson said racial injustice would not be solved by a change in policing alone .
He said : `` The best of the police wo n't help with the health disparity , employment disparity , education disparity , banking disparity .
`` Police are just the outer layer , the outer skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Rev Jackson also criticised US President Donald Trump as `` immature and erratic '' in his handling of the protests .
He said : `` [ Trump ] has shown more sympathy for the police than the man who has been dead .
`` He has cast his die , his lot , with the right wing and , rather than being a reconciler , he has been a polariser . ''
He added : `` I think in some sense Trump has exposed what tyranny looks like but the good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're fighting back across lines of race and gender - in some places all whites are marching in small towns .
`` A raw nerve of decency is coming out now a raw nerve of decency has been touched .
`` This season of ugliness brought about by the lynching of George Floyd has brought the best and worst out of us .
`` The worst is lynching but the best is fighting back . ''
Rev Jackson said that the US and UK both have `` white supremacy in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe they have royal blood and the rest of us have less than royal blood '' .
`` Racism is a lie and we will fight it until it does n't exist any more . ''
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk .

Jesse Jackson has told those protesting against racism that they face a big fight but that they have more tools available to them than he did.
The Baptist minister and politician was also a civil rights activist, beginning in the 1960s and working with Martin Luther King Jr among others.
Now 78, he spoke to Sky News amid a similar movement against racial injustice, inspired by the deaths of black Americans at the hands of mostly white police officers.
Image: Jesse Jackson was a candidate for US president in the 1980s
The documentary Eight Minutes and 46 Seconds: The Killing of George Floyd, to be simulcast across Sky News, Sky Atlantic, Sky Documentaries, Sky Witness and Sky One at 9pm on Monday
Comparing today's battle to that faced by him and others all those decades ago, he said: "When we faced men in the past, we couldn't fight back, we couldn't vote, we could march.
"But now we can march and vote. We have mass media when we were once locked into three-network television. We can film a lynching and the whole world responds.
"We didn't have telecommunications in that time, we didn't have social media, we didn't have the right to vote.
"It's a bigger fight but we have more tools to fight."
His words come almost three weeks after the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.
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Mr Floyd's death, the latest in a number of black people at the hands of police, sparked protests firstly in Minneapolis where he died, and then across the US and around the world.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The protests, led by campaign group Black Lives Matter, have focused mainly on racism in policing and police brutality but Rev Jackson said racial injustice would not be solved by a change in policing alone.
He said: "The best of the police won't help with the health disparity, employment disparity, education disparity, banking disparity.
"Police are just the outer layer, the outer skin of racism. Racism is borne deep."
Rev Jackson also criticised US President Donald Trump as "immature and erratic" in his handling of the protests.
He said: "[Trump] has shown more sympathy for the police than the man who has been dead.
"He has cast his die, his lot, with the right wing and, rather than being a reconciler, he has been a polariser."
He added: "I think in some sense Trump has exposed what tyranny looks like but the good news is that people are fighting back and we're fighting back across lines of race and gender - in some places all whites are marching in small towns.
"A raw nerve of decency is coming out now a raw nerve of decency has been touched.
"This season of ugliness brought about by the lynching of George Floyd has brought the best and worst out of us.
"The worst is lynching but the best is fighting back."
Rev Jackson said that the US and UK both have "white supremacy in their DNA", saying: "Racists believe they have royal blood and the rest of us have less than royal blood".
"Racism is a lie and we will fight it until it doesn't exist any more."
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk.


skynewsus--2020-06-13--Krysten Cummings: 'No one was interested in a black girl with a guitar'

`` It 's a scary time – and I take no joy in it – but it is also an exciting time because it 's the first time in my adult life that I have seen real conversation happen between people of colour and white people . ''
You may not necessarily know Krysten Cummings by name , but as a singer , songwriter , musician , topline artist , actress and star of West End and Broadway , you may well recognise her voice .
As a black female artist who has been in the entertainment business for 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News about her experiences in the industry as conversations about racism continue following the killing of George Floyd in the US .
Mr Floyd , tragically , was not the first black man to die in an incident involving police in the US , but with demonstrations continuing three weeks on from his death , it does feel like this tragedy might have sparked the moment for change , Cummings says .
`` You hope every time that something is going to change and something is gon na be different , or this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really people will get themselves together and not be so distracted , '' she says .
`` [ But ] there 's a grand revolution that is occurring , I think , with people of colour , with women 's rights too .
It 's not just in little pockets anymore , it 's happening all over .
`` I am continuously hopeful .
I am continuously positive ...
I do genuinely think that with the spread throughout the world of Black Lives Matter , I feel like people are going to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time . ''
Cummings ' latest project , OffWorld , is a collaboration with musicians including Richard Archer , the frontman of Mercury Prize-nominated indie-rock band Hard-Fi , Wolsey White , Smiley Barnard and Dale Davis .
Originally from Pennsauken , in New Jersey , she first met Archer singing backing vocals for Hard-Fi while she was living in London .
It was `` a meeting of minds '' , she says , of two musicians who wanted to highlight social injustice in these turbulent times .
OffWorld recently shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several years ago following the death of Michael Brown , an 18-year-old who was shot by a white police officer in Ferguson , St Louis , Missouri , in 2014 .
`` I 'm mad and I 'm angry and I 'm sad that this is relevant all over again , '' Cummings says .
`` So it just seemed right that as a multicultural band as well as an international band that we 're standing with this movement of , not just Black Lives Matter , but of all people of colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of The Rotten Hill Gang collective , now splits her time between Philadelphia and London to work with OffWorld .
She describes Archer , as well as his Hard-Fi bandmates , as being `` allies '' when [ the word ] `` was n't even in our vocabulary , in our modern vocabulary at all '' .
`` The last album that Hard-Fi did was during the London riots [ in 2011 ] … I was living in east London at the time and what was so amazing to me is that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and such allies and wanting to comment on , you know , the power imbalance between people of colour and the social system .
That really connected us even more . ''
To some , she says , a song like I Found Out , which features dialogue from emergency service radio heard after Mr Brown 's death , would be considered `` a risk '' .
`` As a woman of colour and as a very strong feminist , I 've never shied away from speaking out , of kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you really believe , let 's really start talking about it .
`` To some it 's considered a risk .
But I was like , listen , this is what I want to talk about .
Let 's talk about it .
`` It was this idea of being a person of colour and having to continuously explain to white people , what do you mean you do n't understand what I mean ?
It can be exhausting .
`` And the idea that ... people were always saying , 'thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly was not helping the problem .
It 's a wonderful sentiment and I respect all people 's religions and spiritualities .
But it was about , it 's time for some action now .
We have to do something . ''
Cummings has appeared on stage in musicals including Rent ( for which she was nominated for the Laurence Olivier and Dora Mavor Moore awards for best actress ) and as Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm 's understudy in Jesus Christ Superstar , as well as at Eurovision ; as a backing singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she represented the UK in 2013 , and as a backing vocalist for Azerbaijan 's hopeful Elnur Huseynov in 2015 .
She is also a prolific topline artist - writing lyrics and singing them for a pre-recorded beat - whose vocals have featured on countless house and techno tracks .
In the many conversations about systemic racism that have come out of the Black Lives Matter movement in recent weeks , among them is the issue of black female artists not being credited properly for their work in the music industry .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of good producers and DJs - including Hoxton Whores , Soul Avengerz , BodyRockers and Per QX - she knows she has not always been fairly credited by others when her vocals have been used .
`` There 's a tonne of tunes in the world right now that I know I 've sung on , that I probably never will make any money from , but have made people super happy when they 're dancing in a club , '' she says .
`` That 's a reality , and I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Cummings describes work as `` a hustle ; I hustle hard '' .
The industry is particularly difficult for black female artists , she says .
`` I think as women anyway it 's often , 'do n't talk , be pretty , sing your face off and do n't give us any trouble ' , kind of vibe .
And I am all those things except for the not talking - I will shout your face off . ''
She laughs but quickly becomes serious again .
`` You develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , okay , you are the best of the worst , you know , you did n't try and sexually harass me while we were doing a session .
Okay .
Because that exists ; as black women , we 're also treated like props , like accessories . ''
As a topline singer , you `` write some lyrics , you figure out a melody and then , bam , there it goes '' , Cummings says .
`` Do n't get me wrong , it 's made me an amazing musician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` [ But ] for many of those you just get a session fee and then it 's out in the world , and then they resell your vocal for other people to remix . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Cummings says that as well as `` how to sing and dance and act and show up on time and be professional '' , music and drama schools should be teaching students `` how to balance their books , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read a contract '' .
She continues : `` That 's the kind of information that is , particularly in the arts ... it keeps the power imbalanced . ''
There are sexist and racist microaggressions , she says , that need to be addressed in the industry .
`` It 's the idea of going in [ to a studio ] and as an American black woman , that idea of , 'hey , can you do it and really sass it up ? '
And I 'm like , I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you mean .
'Can you sass it up ? '
'You know , it needs to be more urban… ' or other times you 're too urban , or you ca n't sing that song because it 's not an urban song , or can you do it and shake your butt ?
`` That kind of stuff .
You know , I was a singer-songwriter , a girl with a guitar , at a time where no one was interested in a black girl with a guitar .
So I got only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it turned out that no one was really listening , they were just looking at me because I had lovely hair .
`` The microaggression that is set in needs to be addressed .
We as people of colour are far more rounded than just what 's considered 'urban music ' .
In particular , you know , we are more than hip-hop and riffs .
`` A lot of times if you put yourself on the line , you can get blackballed or called… my favourite is that , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She 's difficult .
I was like , no , I 'm not difficult , I actually give a sh*t. And this is not how I play .
I do n't mind ; I will happily put myself on the line in order to try and make progress . ''
Being black in a white-dominated society , Cummings says , can be `` like waking up with PTSD every day when you have to go out and navigate the idea that you will be followed in a shop , that you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you could be stopped and searched '' .
She continues : `` I 've spoken now to five of my black girlfriends , as we 're working on a video for Off World .
And not one of us has never been accused of being a prostitute for being somewhere late at night .
It 's unreal . ''
The Black Lives Matter movement is leading to important conversations about race and privilege , Cummings says - conversations that many white people are acknowledging can be uncomfortable .
`` It 's just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's empathy and being able to place yourself in someone else 's shoes , '' she says .
`` It 's not about trying to make people feel guilty .
`` It 's about trying to make you understand that for hundreds and hundreds of years there has been an inequality .
And that 's all that people want , is a chance .
A real chance . ''
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

"It's a scary time – and I take no joy in it – but it is also an exciting time because it's the first time in my adult life that I have seen real conversation happen between people of colour and white people."
You may not necessarily know Krysten Cummings by name, but as a singer, songwriter, musician, topline artist, actress and star of West End and Broadway, you may well recognise her voice.
As a black female artist who has been in the entertainment business for 30 years, she is speaking to Sky News about her experiences in the industry as conversations about racism continue following the killing of George Floyd in the US.
Image: Cummings with her OffWorld bandmate Richard Archer. Pic: Bob Wing
Mr Floyd, tragically, was not the first black man to die in an incident involving police in the US, but with demonstrations continuing three weeks on from his death, it does feel like this tragedy might have sparked the moment for change, Cummings says.
"You hope every time that something is going to change and something is gonna be different, or this time maybe it's the time that really people will get themselves together and not be so distracted," she says.
"[But] there's a grand revolution that is occurring, I think, with people of colour, with women's rights too. It's not just in little pockets anymore, it's happening all over.
"I am continuously hopeful. I am continuously positive... I do genuinely think that with the spread throughout the world of Black Lives Matter, I feel like people are going to just keep going. They are committed really for the first time."
Cummings' latest project, OffWorld, is a collaboration with musicians including Richard Archer, the frontman of Mercury Prize-nominated indie-rock band Hard-Fi, Wolsey White, Smiley Barnard and Dale Davis.
Originally from Pennsauken, in New Jersey, she first met Archer singing backing vocals for Hard-Fi while she was living in London. It was "a meeting of minds", she says, of two musicians who wanted to highlight social injustice in these turbulent times.
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OffWorld recently shared I Found Out, a song written several years ago following the death of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old who was shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, St Louis, Missouri, in 2014.
"I'm mad and I'm angry and I'm sad that this is relevant all over again," Cummings says.
"So it just seemed right that as a multicultural band as well as an international band that we're standing with this movement of, not just Black Lives Matter, but of all people of colour."
Cummings, a former member of The Rotten Hill Gang collective, now splits her time between Philadelphia and London to work with OffWorld.
She describes Archer, as well as his Hard-Fi bandmates, as being "allies" when [the word] "wasn't even in our vocabulary, in our modern vocabulary at all".
"The last album that Hard-Fi did was during the London riots [in 2011]… I was living in east London at the time and what was so amazing to me is that this group of white guys were so switched on and such allies and wanting to comment on, you know, the power imbalance between people of colour and the social system. That really connected us even more."
Image: Archer, best known for Hard-Fi, performing at Rock Against Racism in London in 2008
To some, she says, a song like I Found Out, which features dialogue from emergency service radio heard after Mr Brown's death, would be considered "a risk".
"As a woman of colour and as a very strong feminist, I've never shied away from speaking out, of kind of saying, hey, if this is what you really believe, let's really start talking about it.
"To some it's considered a risk. But I was like, listen, this is what I want to talk about. Let's talk about it.
"It was this idea of being a person of colour and having to continuously explain to white people, what do you mean you don't understand what I mean? It can be exhausting.
"And the idea that... people were always saying, 'thoughts and prayers', and the praying clearly was not helping the problem. It's a wonderful sentiment and I respect all people's religions and spiritualities. But it was about, it's time for some action now. We have to do something."
Cummings has appeared on stage in musicals including Rent (for which she was nominated for the Laurence Olivier and Dora Mavor Moore awards for best actress) and as Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm's understudy in Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as at Eurovision; as a backing singer and keyboard player for Bonnie Tyler when she represented the UK in 2013, and as a backing vocalist for Azerbaijan's hopeful Elnur Huseynov in 2015.
She is also a prolific topline artist - writing lyrics and singing them for a pre-recorded beat - whose vocals have featured on countless house and techno tracks.
In the many conversations about systemic racism that have come out of the Black Lives Matter movement in recent weeks, among them is the issue of black female artists not being credited properly for their work in the music industry.
While Cummings says she has worked with lots of good producers and DJs - including Hoxton Whores, Soul Avengerz, BodyRockers and Per QX - she knows she has not always been fairly credited by others when her vocals have been used.
"There's a tonne of tunes in the world right now that I know I've sung on, that I probably never will make any money from, but have made people super happy when they're dancing in a club," she says. "That's a reality, and I know I'm definitely not the only one."
Cummings describes work as "a hustle; I hustle hard". The industry is particularly difficult for black female artists, she says.
"I think as women anyway it's often, 'don't talk, be pretty, sing your face off and don't give us any trouble', kind of vibe. And I am all those things except for the not talking - I will shout your face off."
She laughs but quickly becomes serious again. "You develop relationships with people that you're like, okay, you are the best of the worst, you know, you didn't try and sexually harass me while we were doing a session. Okay. Because that exists; as black women, we're also treated like props, like accessories."
As a topline singer, you "write some lyrics, you figure out a melody and then, bam, there it goes", Cummings says.
"Don't get me wrong, it's made me an amazing musician, to be able to do that.
"[But] for many of those you just get a session fee and then it's out in the world, and then they resell your vocal for other people to remix."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Cummings says that as well as "how to sing and dance and act and show up on time and be professional", music and drama schools should be teaching students "how to balance their books, how to pay taxes, how to read a contract".
She continues: "That's the kind of information that is, particularly in the arts... it keeps the power imbalanced."
There are sexist and racist microaggressions, she says, that need to be addressed in the industry.
"It's the idea of going in [to a studio] and as an American black woman, that idea of, 'hey, can you do it and really sass it up?' And I'm like, I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean. 'Can you sass it up?' 'You know, it needs to be more urban…' or other times you're too urban, or you can't sing that song because it's not an urban song, or can you do it and shake your butt?
"That kind of stuff. You know, I was a singer-songwriter, a girl with a guitar, at a time where no one was interested in a black girl with a guitar. So I got only so far within the industry as that. And it turned out that no one was really listening, they were just looking at me because I had lovely hair.
"The microaggression that is set in needs to be addressed. We as people of colour are far more rounded than just what's considered 'urban music'. In particular, you know, we are more than hip-hop and riffs.
"A lot of times if you put yourself on the line, you can get blackballed or called… my favourite is that, I was called difficult as an actress. She's difficult. I was like, no, I'm not difficult, I actually give a sh*t. And this is not how I play. I don't mind; I will happily put myself on the line in order to try and make progress."
Being black in a white-dominated society, Cummings says, can be "like waking up with PTSD every day when you have to go out and navigate the idea that you will be followed in a shop, that you will be questioned about where you're going, that you could be stopped and searched".
She continues: "I've spoken now to five of my black girlfriends, as we're working on a video for Off World. And not one of us has never been accused of being a prostitute for being somewhere late at night. It's unreal."
The Black Lives Matter movement is leading to important conversations about race and privilege, Cummings says - conversations that many white people are acknowledging can be uncomfortable.
"It's just about listening and hearing and comprehending and it's empathy and being able to place yourself in someone else's shoes," she says. "It's not about trying to make people feel guilty.
"It's about trying to make you understand that for hundreds and hundreds of years there has been an inequality. And that's all that people want, is a chance. A real chance."
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-06-14--Footage of moments before fatal shooting raises questions for police

Police in the US have released bodycam and dashcam footage of the moments leading up to fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks .
The 27-year-old father was shot in the car park of a Wendy 's in Atlanta on Friday night , and he later died in hospital .
His name has now become the latest hashtag in the # BlackLivesMatter movement .
There are three angles from the police footage - Officer Garrett Rolfe 's camera , Officer Devin Brosnan 's camera and the dashcam .
Police had been called to a drive-thru restaurant to reports of a man asleep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brooks at the wheel in the car park .
His door was open .
They talked for several minutes and searched him .
He was compliant throughout .
They then asked him to take part in a `` field sobriety test '' .
Again , he complied .
After more discussion , he agreed to a breathalyser test , as seen in the next clip .
Officer Garrett Rolfe then attempts to handcuff Mr Brooks .
His bodycam picks up the moment .
`` Alright , I think you 've had too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put your hands behind your back for me .
Put your hands behind your back , '' he says .
In the scuffle , the bodycam falls to the floor .
The footage below shows the same moment from Officer Devin Brosnan 's camera .
His camera too eventually ends up on the floor .
This next clip shows the same moment again , but from the dashcam .
You can see that Mr Brooks tries to break free .
The three wrestle and Mr Brooks takes one of the officer 's Taser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires his Taser .
Mr Brooks runs off with one of the tasers .
This footage , from a nearby security camera , shows the seconds which were not caught on the police cameras of the moment Mr Brooks was fatally shot .
Here , the different camera angles have been put into one sequence .
It again raises these questions for the police : • Did the officer need to shoot ?
• Did the officer act reasonably ?
• Tasers are non-lethal , so officers were n't in mortal danger themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounds .
Hired by Atlanta police force in October 2013 , he 's now been fired .
Officer Devin Brosnan has been placed on administrative duty .
He has been with Atlanta police since September 2018 .

Police in the US have released bodycam and dashcam footage of the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks.
The 27-year-old father was shot in the car park of a Wendy's in Atlanta on Friday night, and he later died in hospital.
His death has been ruled a homicide caused by gunshot wounds to the back, and his name has become the latest hashtag in the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Image: Rayshard Brooks was shot by police in Atlanta. Pic: Facebook
There are three angles from the police footage - Officer Garrett Rolfe's camera, Officer Devin Brosnan's camera and the dashcam.
Police had been called to a drive-thru restaurant to reports of a man asleep in his car.
They found Mr Brooks at the wheel in the car park. His door was open.
They talked for several minutes and searched him. He was compliant throughout.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:33 The moment police approached Rayshard Brooks
They then asked him to take part in a "field sobriety test". Again, he complied.
After more discussion, he agreed to a breathalyser test, as seen in the next clip.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 Officers perform breathalyser test on Brooks
Mr Brooks failed the breath test.
Officer Garrett Rolfe then attempts to handcuff Mr Brooks. His bodycam picks up the moment.
"Alright, I think you've had too much to drink to be driving, so put your hands behind your back for me. Put your hands behind your back," he says.
Mr Brooks resists.
In the scuffle, the bodycam falls to the floor.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Brooks arrest captured on bodycam
The footage below shows the same moment from Officer Devin Brosnan's camera. His camera too eventually ends up on the floor.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:10 Second bodycam angle of Brooks arrest
This next clip shows the same moment again, but from the dashcam. You can see that Mr Brooks tries to break free.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Dashcam footage shows Brooks arrest
The three wrestle and Mr Brooks takes one of the officer's Taser stun guns. The other officer then fires his Taser. Mr Brooks runs off with one of the tasers.
This footage, from a nearby security camera, shows the seconds which were not caught on the police cameras of the moment Mr Brooks was fatally shot.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:08 Footage shows moments before killing
Here, the different camera angles have been put into one sequence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Split screen shows moments before killing
It raises these questions for the police:
Did the officer need to shoot?
Did the officer act reasonably?
Were there reasonable alternatives?
Tasers are non-lethal, so officers weren't in mortal danger themselves?
Officer Garrett Rolfe fired the fatal rounds. Hired by Atlanta police force in October 2013, he's now been fired.
Officer Devin Brosnan has been placed on administrative duty. He has been with Atlanta police since September 2018.
Local district attorney Paul Howard has told US media that a decision on charges being brought against the officer who fired the shots will be made "sometime around Wednesday".
"[Brooks] did not seem to present any threat to anyone. The fact that it would escalate to his death seems unreasonable," Mr Howard added.
Black Lives Matter protesters, many chanting "Who's streets? Our streets?" had gathered outside the restaurant where Mr Brooks was shot dead before moving to the police station where Officer Brosnan was based.
Image: Protesters marched to the station where Officer Brosnan was based
The route passed peacefully, but loudly, through white neighbourhoods to the station which was surrounded by officers in riot gear preventing demonstrators getting near.
Many of the officers on the frontline were black, with intense emotions on all sides.
Image: Officers in riot gear prevented demonstrators getting near the police station
The Black Lives Matter movement crosses America. Atlanta is the latest focus in its call for accountability.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk.


skynewsus--2020-06-15--Ex-US Marine sentenced to hard labour by Russian court on espionage charges

A Russian court has sentenced former US Marine Paul Whelan to 16 years hard labour after he was found guilty of spying charges .
Whelan , who has UK citizenship , as well as US , Canadian and Irish passports , has been in custody in Russia since he was arrested in a Moscow hotel room on 28 December 2018 .
Police said they caught him `` red-handed '' with a computer memory stick containing a list of secret Russian agents .
The 50-year-old pleaded not guilty , claiming he was set up by a sting operation and that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone else , thinking it only contained holiday photos .
But on Monday at Moscow City Court , he was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum security prison .
The sentence was read out in Russian , with Whelan unable to understand until his lawyer translated it for him .
His brother David vowed to appeal the verdict , asking the US government to `` immediately take steps to bring him home '' .
He said in a statement : `` The court 's decision merely completes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We had hoped that the court might show some independence but , in the end , Russian judges are political , not legal , entities . ''
US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan described the case against Whelan as a `` mockery of justice '' .
He said he was `` crestfallen '' and `` outraged '' by the judge 's decision , adding : `` An American citizen has been sentenced to a term of 16 years for a crime for which we have not seen evidence . ''
US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant obstacle '' to improving their relations with Russia and have consistently claimed there is no evidence against Whelan , calling his trial `` unfair '' and `` opaque '' .
Sky News 's Moscow correspondent Diana Magnay said Whelan 's 16-year sentence is `` no great surprise '' .
She said : `` The fact it was not the 18 years the prosecution requested is hardly a concession .
`` The process was held entirely behind closed doors , essentially a secret trial in which he and all four ambassadors whose citizenship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilt has been presented .
`` Whelan has always maintained the trial was a sham and piece of political theatre . ''
In court , he described it as `` slimy , greasy , grubby Russian politics '' , she added .
`` The fact he did not even have the sentence translated for him is an indication of just how dispensable he as an individual is in the game of chess Russia plays against the West .
`` As the US ambassador John Sullivan just said 'if it can happen to Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

A Russian court has sentenced former US Marine Paul Whelan to 16 years hard labour after he was found guilty of spying charges.
Whelan, who has UK citizenship, as well as US, Canadian and Irish passports, has been in custody in Russia since he was arrested in a Moscow hotel room on 28 December 2018.
Police said they caught him "red-handed" with a computer memory stick containing a list of secret Russian agents.
The 50-year-old pleaded not guilty, claiming he was set up by a sting operation and that he had been given the USB drive by someone else, thinking it only contained holiday photos.
But on Monday at Moscow City Court, he was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum security prison. The sentence was read out in Russian, with Whelan unable to understand until his lawyer translated it for him.
His brother David vowed to appeal the verdict, asking the US government to "immediately take steps to bring him home".
Image: Vladimir Zherebenkov, Paul Whelan's lawyer is pictured outside Moscow City Court today
He said in a statement: "The court's decision merely completes the final piece of this broken judicial process.
"We had hoped that the court might show some independence but, in the end, Russian judges are political, not legal, entities."
US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan described the case against Whelan as a "mockery of justice".
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He said he was "crestfallen" by the judge's decision, adding: "An American citizen has been sentenced to a term of 16 years for a crime for which we have not seen evidence."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted: "Outraged by the decision today to convict Paul Whelan on the basis of a secret trial, with secret evidence, and without appropriate allowances for defence witnesses.
"Paul's treatment by Russian authorities continues to be appalling, and we demand his immediate release."
US officials have branded the case a "significant obstacle" to improving their relations with Russia and have consistently claimed there is no evidence against Whelan, calling his trial "unfair" and "opaque".
David Whelan also called on the UK government to do more.
"It's a huge morale issue for family who are trying to get their family member freed, to have the government that is supposed to represent them be silent.
"In those cases, even if they realistically can't do anything to help get the freedom of that person, to be silent is just so harmful for our morale, and for Paul's morale."
He added: "Jeremy Hunt tweeted out early on and then there's been radio silence from the UK government.
"Some sort of statement of support; some sort of statement and recognition that this is the wrong way to treat anybody; that hostage diplomacy is not how nations of Europe are supposed to act."
Sky News's Moscow correspondent Diana Magnay said Whelan's 16-year sentence is "no great surprise".
She said: "The fact it was not the 18 years the prosecution requested is hardly a concession.
Image: US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said Whelan's case is proof 'anyone' can get on the wrong side of the law there
"The process was held entirely behind closed doors, essentially a secret trial in which he and all four ambassadors whose citizenship he holds say no evidence of his guilt has been presented.
"Whelan has always maintained the trial was a sham and piece of political theatre."
In court, he described it as "slimy, greasy, grubby Russian politics", she added.
"The fact he did not even have the sentence translated for him is an indication of just how dispensable he as an individual is in the game of chess Russia plays against the West.
"As the US ambassador John Sullivan just said 'if it can happen to Paul, it can happen to anyone'."


skynewsus--2020-06-15--Major operation: US fighter jet crashes into sea off Yorkshire coast

A US military jet has crashed into the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire .
A major operation is underway after the F-15 fighter jet came down near Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire , south of Scarborough .
The pilot is yet to be found .
In a statement , the US Air Force confirmed the F-15C Eagle crashed at around 9.40am .
The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk , it added .
`` At the time of the accident , the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force said .
`` The cause of the crash as well as the status of the pilot are unknown at this time , and UK Search and Rescue have been called to support .
`` As soon as additional details become available , they will be provided . ''
The 48th Fighter Wing had posted a photo on Twitter earlier on Monday of three jets in the air .
Sky News ' defence and security correspondent Alistair Bunkall said the area where the plane came down is used by UK and US military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he understood there were four military jets in the air at the time of the incident .
The Coastguard said it was co-ordinating the response after receiving reports that a plane had gone down into the sea 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head .
A helicopter has been sent to the scene along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats .
The Coastguard said other vessels nearly are heading to the scene after it carried out a Mayday broadcast .
Previously an F-15D fighter jet based at RAF Lakenheath crashed in fields near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pilot ejected safely , suffering only minor injuries , and no-one on the ground was hurt .
A US Air Force investigation found that the crash was caused by the `` angle of attack '' of the aircraft and `` imperfections '' in the assembly of the jet 's nose cap .
In October 2015 , US pilot Major Taj Sareen died when his F-18 Hornet jet crashed on farmland near RAF Lakenheath .
A subsequent investigation found the 34-year-old did not report problems with his aircraft before take-off .

The body of a pilot has been found after a US military jet crashed into the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire.
A major search-and-rescue operation was launched after the F-15C Eagle fighter jet came down near Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire on Monday morning.
The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Colonel Will Marshall, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, said "with a very heavy heart" he could confirm the pilot had been "located and confirmed deceased".
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He added: "This is a tragic loss for the 48th Fighter Wing community, and our deepest condolences go out to the pilot's family and the 493rd Fighter Squadron."
The name of the pilot will not be released until their next of kin has been informed.
The plane crashed at around 9.40am and the Coastguard located the wreckage on Monday afternoon.
In a statement, the 48th Fighter Wing said "at the time of the accident the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board".
The cause of the crash is not yet known, it added.
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Col Marshall said on Monday afternoon that he was "hopeful that our Liberty Wing airman will be located and recovered".
Before the crash was reported, RAF Lakenheath had posted a photo on Twitter of three jets in the air.
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Sky News defence and security correspondent Alistair Bunkall said the area where the plane came down is used by UK and US military jets for training missions.
He added that he understood there were four military jets in the air at the time of the incident.
The Coastguard said it was coordinating the response after receiving reports that a plane had gone down into the sea 74 nautical miles (85 miles) off Flamborough Head.
A helicopter was sent to the scene along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats.
The Coastguard said other vessels nearby headed to the scene after it carried out a Mayday broadcast.
Image: The F-15 jet that crashed was based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk
The F15C, a single-seater air defence fighter, has been used by the US Air Force since 1979.
An RAF spokesman said the aircraft has an "exceptional flight safety record".
Previously, an F-15D fighter jet based at RAF Lakenheath crashed in fields near Spalding in Lincolnshire in October 2014.
The pilot ejected safely, suffering only minor injuries, and no-one on the ground was hurt.
A US Air Force investigation found that the crash was caused by the "angle of attack" of the aircraft and "imperfections" in the assembly of the jet's nose cap.
In October 2015, US pilot Major Taj Sareen died when his F-18 Hornet jet crashed on farmland near RAF Lakenheath.
A subsequent investigation found the 34-year-old did not report problems with his aircraft before take-off.


skynewsus--2020-06-12--Malcolm X's daughter says young BLM protesters are 'much like' her father

The daughter of civil rights activist Malcolm X has told Sky News she believes this generation of young people are `` much like '' her father and will be `` sick and tired '' of racism .
Ilyasah Shabazz , an author and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice , said those taking part in Black Lives Matter protests now are similar to those who called for change in the 1960s .
`` [ We must ] make sure we are accomplishing these goals so that when the marching , demonstrating and protests are over , it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't just find ourselves 50 years from now in the same space where Malcolm was 50 years ago , '' she said .
But Ms Shabazz said the seeds of change have already been planted .
`` My father said that it would be this generation that would get sick and tired , that they would recognise the people in power have misused it .
`` And that they will no longer sit by idly and allow these injustices to continue .
I saw many people 's protesting signs and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She continued : `` I think that this generation of young people are much like my father .
They 're not going to be distracted by the things that do n't matter and they 're really thinking . ''
Malcolm X was the principal spokesperson for radical black Muslim group Nation of Islam , before he renounced the group and encouraged allyship with oppressed people globally .
He was assassinated in New York on 21 February 1965 .
Ms Shabazz said the civil rights movement is still fighting for many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but people should instead be able to live in peace .
`` The only way we 're going to get rid of this awful cancer is by getting involved and ending it , '' she said .
`` We should not have to spend our lives from the time we can walk to the time we perish fighting injustice . ''
George Floyd 's death had come at a time when everyone is `` more sensitive '' during the coronavirus pandemic , Ms Shabazz said .
`` It was just so awful .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just rather matter-of-factly steal his life with his neck .
`` That is what you call the most wicked death ever . ''
Ms Shabazz said that while people are at home self-isolating , many have had the opportunity to question life - and that has made Mr Floyd 's death all the more devastating .
`` Life and death .
Am I going to live or am I going to survive ?
Is this how I 'm going to say goodbye to the world ? ''
she said .
`` And while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live and who 's not , here is someone taking someone else 's life . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Asked how she felt about President Donald Trump 's reaction to the protests , Ms Shabazz said it was good for people to be `` awakened '' to the `` kinds of people that actually exist out there '' .
`` To have him spewing some of the things that he says and then to see an officer steal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that continuing , people are understanding the challenges that blacks have experienced for the last 500 years , '' she said .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question to newsdebates @ sky.uk

The daughter of civil rights activist Malcolm X has told Sky News she believes this generation of young people are "much like" her father and will be "sick and tired" of racism.
Ilyasah Shabazz, an author and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said those taking part in Black Lives Matter protests now are similar to those who called for change in the 1960s.
"[We must] make sure we are accomplishing these goals so that when the marching, demonstrating and protests are over, it doesn't just fall to the wayside and we don't just find ourselves 50 years from now in the same space where Malcolm was 50 years ago," she said.
Image: A man waves a Black Lives Matter flag during a protest in Atlanta, Georgia
But Ms Shabazz said the seeds of change have already been planted.
"My father said that it would be this generation that would get sick and tired, that they would recognise the people in power have misused it.
"And that they will no longer sit by idly and allow these injustices to continue. I saw many people's protesting signs and they said 'we are not our ancestors'."
Image: Malcolm X holding up a newspaper during a rally in New York City in 1963
She continued: "I think that this generation of young people are much like my father. They're not going to be distracted by the things that don't matter and they're really thinking."
Malcolm X was the principal spokesperson for radical black Muslim group Nation of Islam, before he renounced the group and encouraged allyship with oppressed people globally.
He was assassinated in New York on 21 February 1965.
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Image: Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965
Ms Shabazz said the civil rights movement is still fighting for many of the things her father fought for, but people should instead be able to live in peace.
"The only way we're going to get rid of this awful cancer is by getting involved and ending it," she said.
"We should not have to spend our lives from the time we can walk to the time we perish fighting injustice."
George Floyd's death had come at a time when everyone is "more sensitive" during the coronavirus pandemic, Ms Shabazz said.
Image: Black Lives Matter protesters hold up a sign
"It was just so awful. It was absolutely horrendous that someone could just rather matter-of-factly steal his life with his neck.
"That is what you call the most wicked death ever."
Ms Shabazz said that while people are at home self-isolating, many have had the opportunity to question life - and that has made Mr Floyd's death all the more devastating.
"Life and death. Am I going to live or am I going to survive? Is this how I'm going to say goodbye to the world?" she said.
"And while we're even questioning who's going to live and who's not, here is someone taking someone else's life."
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Asked how she felt about President Donald Trump's reaction to the protests, Ms Shabazz said it was good for people to be "awakened" to the "kinds of people that actually exist out there".
"To have him spewing some of the things that he says and then to see an officer steal someone's life the way he did and that continuing, people are understanding the challenges that blacks have experienced for the last 500 years," she said.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-06-14--US cases surge as COVID-19 spreads to more states

Coronavirus continues to spread to more US states with record numbers of cases and people needing hospital treatment despite nationwide plans to reopen the economy .
Alabama , Florida and South Carolina reported a record number of new cases for the third day in a row on Saturday .
Health officials are partly attributing the spike in cases to gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in late May .
Oklahoma also reported record new cases for the second day in a row , as well as Alaska for the first time in weeks .
Meanwhile , the states of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new cases .
In Louisiana , which had been one of the earlier virus hotspots , new cases were again on the rise with over 1,200 - the most the state has had since 21 May .
There were over 25,000 new cases reported across the US on Saturday , the highest number for a Saturday since 2 May , partly due to a significant increase in testing over the past six weeks .
Many US states also have record numbers of patients being hospitalised , which is not affected by increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas and Utah all had a record number of patients go into hospital on Saturday .
And in South Carolina , 69 % to 77 % of hospital beds are occupied , depending on the region .
Utah 's government announced last week that most of the state would pause its reopening , however no state is considering a second shutdown as they face budget shortfalls and unemployment .
Many states went ahead with reopenings before meeting government infection rate guidelines for doing so .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spreaker Fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections prompted health officials to advise the public to wear masks and avoid large gatherings .
Mr Trump , who has refused to wear a mask at a series of recent public events , is still planning to hold his first campaign rally since early March on Saturday in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
However , attendees will have to agree not to blame the campaign if they contract COVID-19 .
The Tulsa City-County Health Department 's director said he wished the Trump campaign would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant increase in our case trends '' .

Coronavirus continues to spread to more US states with record numbers of cases and people needing hospital treatment despite nationwide plans to reopen the economy.
Alabama, Florida and South Carolina reported a record number of new cases for the third day in a row on Saturday.
Health officials are partly attributing the spike in cases to gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in late May.
Oklahoma also reported record new cases for the second day in a row, as well as Alaska for the first time in weeks.
Image: Donald Trump is planning an indoor rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Meanwhile, the states of Arizona and Nevada reported a near-record number of new cases.
In Louisiana, which had been one of the earlier virus hotspots, new cases were again on the rise with over 1,200 - the most the state has had since 21 May.
There were over 25,000 new cases reported across the US on Saturday, the highest number for a Saturday since 2 May, partly due to a significant increase in testing over the past six weeks.
Many US states also have record numbers of patients being hospitalised, which is not affected by increased testing.
Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas and Utah all had a record number of patients go into hospital on Saturday.
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And in South Carolina, 69% to 77% of hospital beds are occupied, depending on the region.
Utah's government announced last week that most of the state would pause its reopening, however no state is considering a second shutdown as they face budget shortfalls and unemployment.
Many states went ahead with reopenings before meeting government infection rate guidelines for doing so.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections prompted health officials to advise the public to wear masks and avoid large gatherings.
Mr Trump, who has refused to wear a mask at a series of recent public events, is still planning to hold his first campaign rally since early March on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
However, attendees will have to agree not to blame the campaign if they contract COVID-19.
The Tulsa City-County Health Department's director said he wished the Trump campaign would move the date back because of a "significant increase in our case trends".


skynewsus--2020-06-15--'Bring justice for Breonna': Beyonce's letter to Kentucky attorney general

Beyonce has penned an open letter to Kentucky 's attorney general calling for justice for Breonna Taylor , a black woman shot dead by police officers who burst into her home .
The Grammy award-winner called for `` swift and decisive action in charging the officers '' and urged `` do n't let this case fall into the pattern of no action after a terrible tragedy '' .
Posting the letter on her website , the singer added : `` Your office has both the power and the responsibility to bring justice to Breonna Taylor , and demonstrate the value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ms Taylor , 26 , who was studying to become a nurse , was shot eight times by officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department ( LMPD ) on 13 March .
The officers were conducting a narcotics investigation but no drugs were found at her home .
They were carrying out a `` no-knock '' warrant , but Ms Taylor 's boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , said he believed the officers were intruders .
Gunfire was exchanged between Mr Walker and the LMPD , and officers fired 20 shots into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor .
She was unarmed and asleep when the officers entered her home .
Last week , the city of Louisville banned the use of the controversial `` no-knock '' warrants .
But Beyonce said the officers should be fired and charged over Ms Taylor 's death , and also called for an investigation into the LMPD 's response to the killing .
`` With every death of a black person at the hands of the police , there are two real tragedies : the death itself , and the inaction and delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to end that pattern , '' she said .
The singer also pointed to apparent discrepancies in the incident report and claims by the officers .
At the bottom of the letter , she linked to two petitions demanding the officers be fired .
Race and Revolution : Is Change Going to Come ?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests , and examining institutional racism and how we fix it .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual audience , and have a chance of putting a question to our panel , please send your name , location and question to newsdebates @ sky.uk .

Beyonce has penned an open letter to Kentucky's attorney general calling for justice for Breonna Taylor, a black woman shot dead by police officers who burst into her home.
The Grammy award-winner called for "swift and decisive action in charging the officers" and urged "don't let this case fall into the pattern of no action after a terrible tragedy".
Posting the letter on her website, the singer added: "Your office has both the power and the responsibility to bring justice to Breonna Taylor, and demonstrate the value of a black woman's life."
Image: Breonna Taylor was a qualified emergency medical technician
Ms Taylor, 26, who was studying to become a nurse, was shot eight times by officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) on 13 March.
The officers were conducting a narcotics investigation but no drugs were found at her home.
They were carrying out a "no-knock" warrant, but Ms Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, said he believed the officers were intruders.
Gunfire was exchanged between Mr Walker and the LMPD, and officers fired 20 shots into the apartment - several of which hit Ms Taylor.
She was unarmed and asleep when the officers entered her home.
Last week, the city of Louisville banned the use of the controversial "no-knock" warrants.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 13-year-old: 'I've experienced racism'
But Beyonce said the officers should be fired and charged over Ms Taylor's death, and also called for an investigation into the LMPD's response to the killing.
"With every death of a black person at the hands of the police, there are two real tragedies: the death itself, and the inaction and delays that follow it. This is your chance to end that pattern," she said.
The singer also pointed to apparent discrepancies in the incident report and claims by the officers.
At the bottom of the letter, she linked to two petitions demanding the officers be fired.
Race and Revolution: Is Change Going to Come?
Sky News will broadcast a global debate show on Tuesday night at 8pm - looking at the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter protests, and examining institutional racism and how we fix it.
If you would like to be part of our virtual audience, and have a chance of putting a question to our panel, please send your name, location and question to newsdebates@sky.uk.


skynewsus--2020-06-14--US trade deal 'could pose greatest risk to UK food since BSE crisis'

A US trade deal could pose the greatest risk to food safety since the mad cow disease crisis 20 years ago , the government has been warned .
Consumer group Which ?
has written to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss as a new round of negotiations gets under way between US and UK officials .
The letter , seen by Sky News , raises concerns that the government has changed its stance on animal welfare and food safety in order to strike a US trade deal .
Research by Which ?
shows that 72 % of the British public do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hormone-fed beef to be allowed on sale in the UK at all .
In his election manifesto , Boris Johnson promised the UK would `` not compromise on our high environmental protection , animal welfare and food standards '' .
But recent attempts by MPs to insert a permanent ban into legislation have failed , and ministers are understood to be considering proposals to allow in some of these products .
Sue Davies , head of consumer protection and food policy at Which ?
, told Sky News : `` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be backtracking on its commitments . ''
In a letter to Ms Truss , she wrote : `` The UK should be proud of the strides we have made over the past two decades to ensure that wherever people buy and eat food it is underpinned by robust safety , quality and welfare standards .
`` Since the BSE crisis , the UK has led a food safety revolution that has given us an enviable system across the food chain .
`` This could all be at risk depending on the approach that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second round of trade talks with the US on Monday . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Which ?
urges the government to `` leave the issue out of trade deals altogether '' , but US trade deals tend to prioritise giving American farmers access to new markets .
In a newspaper article in January , US ambassador Woody Johnson argued that chlorinated chicken is safe and must `` absolutely be included '' in the talks on a US trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including some in the cabinet , are open to overturning the UK 's ban on these products and allowing shoppers to make their own choice .
To prevent UK farmers being undercut , one proposal under consideration is a `` dual tariff '' system whereby any imported US meat produced using these controversial methods would be slapped with a high tariff .
Meanwhile , produce which meets current UK standards would be charged at a lower rate , or exempt .
Ms Davies said letting these products into the UK at all would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheap food - available in schools and NHS canteens for example - would have lower standards .
Chlorine-washing chicken is done to eliminate infection , and hormones are given to animals to boost yield , but campaigners say these practices allow lower welfare standards and poorer hygiene in the farming process .
A government spokesperson said : `` We remain firmly committed to upholding our high environmental , food safety and animal welfare standards outside the EU , and the EU Withdrawal Act will transfer all existing EU food safety provisions , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK statute book .
`` These import standards include a ban on using artificial growth hormones in domestic and imported products and set out that no products , other than potable water , are approved to decontaminate poultry carcasses .
`` Any changes to existing food safety legislation would require new legislation to be brought before this parliament . ''
The spokesperson added that UK food standards are overseen by the Food Standards Agency whose decisions `` will be made separately from any trade agreement '' .
Ms Truss , who represents a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that a US trade deal would represent a `` huge opportunity for all farmers '' to reach new markets , and that standards would be set so that `` British farmers are always able to compete '' .
But some senior Tory MPs fear the government is prepared to use its 80-seat majority to end the ban in order to strike a deal with the US .
Today 's second round of talks will last two weeks , with around 100 negotiators on each side meeting remotely .
Former environment secretary Theresa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef .
She said : `` I was very clear that the bans must remain in place .
But there seems to have been a change and the government is not giving the assurances which I was that these bans will remain on the statute book .
`` An unprecedented coalition of farmers , environmentalists and welfare campaigners are saying we should uphold our values and reflect them in our trade policy .
`` Our negotiating team should not sell those short and should be prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands . ''
The BSE , or mad cow disease , crisis in the 1980s and 1990s was devastating for UK farmers .
Over four million cows were slaughtered to contain the outbreak , and 177 people died after contracting the human form of the disease .
British beef exports were banned by many countries for years afterwards , and it led to much tighter food standards in the UK .

A US trade deal could pose the greatest risk to food safety since the mad cow disease crisis 20 years ago, the government has been warned.
Consumer group Which? has written to International Trade Secretary Liz Truss as a new round of negotiations gets under way between US and UK officials.
The letter, seen by Sky News, raises concerns that the government has changed its stance on animal welfare and food safety in order to strike a US trade deal.
Research by Which? shows that 72% of the British public do not want products such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef to be allowed on sale in the UK at all.
In his election manifesto, Boris Johnson promised the UK would "not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards".
Image: Liz Truss is about to enter a second round of trade talks with the US
But recent attempts by MPs to insert a permanent ban into legislation have failed, and ministers are understood to be considering proposals to allow in some of these products.
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection and food policy at Which?, told Sky News: "We're very concerned that the government seems to be backtracking on its commitments."
In a letter to Ms Truss, she wrote: "The UK should be proud of the strides we have made over the past two decades to ensure that wherever people buy and eat food it is underpinned by robust safety, quality and welfare standards.
"Since the BSE crisis, the UK has led a food safety revolution that has given us an enviable system across the food chain.
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"This could all be at risk depending on the approach that the government takes when it begins a second round of trade talks with the US on Monday."
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Which? urges the government to "leave the issue out of trade deals altogether", but US trade deals tend to prioritise giving American farmers access to new markets.
In a newspaper article in January, US ambassador Woody Johnson argued that chlorinated chicken is safe and must "absolutely be included" in the talks on a US trade deal.
Image: Consumer group Which? has raised concerns
Free market Tory MPs, including some in the cabinet, are open to overturning the UK's ban on these products and allowing shoppers to make their own choice.
To prevent UK farmers being undercut, one proposal under consideration is a "dual tariff" system whereby any imported US meat produced using these controversial methods would be slapped with a high tariff.
Meanwhile, produce which meets current UK standards would be charged at a lower rate, or exempt.
Ms Davies said letting these products into the UK at all would create a "two-tier system" whereby cheap food - available in schools and NHS canteens for example - would have lower standards.
Chlorine-washing chicken is done to eliminate infection, and hormones are given to animals to boost yield, but campaigners say these practices allow lower welfare standards and poorer hygiene in the farming process.
A government spokesperson said: "We remain firmly committed to upholding our high environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards outside the EU, and the EU Withdrawal Act will transfer all existing EU food safety provisions, including existing import requirements, on to the UK statute book.
"These import standards include a ban on using artificial growth hormones in domestic and imported products and set out that no products, other than potable water, are approved to decontaminate poultry carcasses.
"Any changes to existing food safety legislation would require new legislation to be brought before this parliament."
The spokesperson added that UK food standards are overseen by the Food Standards Agency whose decisions "will be made separately from any trade agreement".
Ms Truss, who represents a rural constituency in Norfolk, said last month that a US trade deal would represent a "huge opportunity for all farmers" to reach new markets, and that standards would be set so that "British farmers are always able to compete".
But some senior Tory MPs fear the government is prepared to use its 80-seat majority to end the ban in order to strike a deal with the US.
Today's second round of talks will last two weeks, with around 100 negotiators on each side meeting remotely.
Image: Theresa Villiers wants the UK to keep its ban on chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef
Former environment secretary Theresa Villiers wants the UK to keep its ban on chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef.
She said: "I was very clear that the bans must remain in place. But there seems to have been a change and the government is not giving the assurances which I was that these bans will remain on the statute book.
"An unprecedented coalition of farmers, environmentalists and welfare campaigners are saying we should uphold our values and reflect them in our trade policy.
"Our negotiating team should not sell those short and should be prepared to walk away if the Americans make unreasonable demands."
The BSE, or mad cow disease, crisis in the 1980s and 1990s was devastating for UK farmers.
Over four million cows were slaughtered to contain the outbreak, and 177 people died after contracting the human form of the disease.
British beef exports were banned by many countries for years afterwards, and it led to much tighter food standards in the UK.