conservativehome--2020-10-12--Newslinks for Monday 12th October 2020

Newslinks for Monday 12th October 2020

“ France has threatened a no-deal Brexit unless Britain backs down on fishing rights for French boats , fuelling fears that President Macron will threaten to block negotiations at a European Union summit this week .
France , and other coastal states , face massive cuts to fishing quotas at the end of the Brexit transition period this year unless the government compromises .
Annick Girardin , the French fishing minister , described British proposals to regain sovereignty over coastal waters and fisheries , under international law , as “ unacceptable ” .
“ Fishermen would rather have no agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Le Journal du Dimanche.
” – The Times • Ministers blasted for using arcane Parliamentary rules to block MPs from voting on plan to prevent chlorinated chicken imports under a UK-US trade deal – Daily Mail • Firms move €150bn of UK assets to France ahead of Brexit – Daily Telegraph • Uploading a photo outside EU could cost £30 if trade deals don ’ t extend free roaming – Daily Telegraph • UK agriculture is on the line during this vote this week… but ministers won ’ t see sense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Batters in Comment : Today , MPs should insist on better scrutiny arrangements for future trade deals The Times picks up ConHome ’ s story about Loughton and the Grimes case “ Scotland Yard ’ s criminal investigation of a conservative activist over his interview with the historian David Starkey is “ sinister and foolish ” , according to a former director of public prosecutions .
Lord Macdonald of River Glaven said the Metropolitan Police ’ s pursuit of Darren Grimes , a pro-Brexit campaigner , was “ deeply threatening of free speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said that police want to interview him under caution over a controversial interview uploaded to YouTube in the summer , in which Dr Starkey said that slavery could not have been genocide as there are “ so many damn blacks ” still around .
Mr Grimes is facing investigation for an offence of stirring up racial hatred , which falls under the Public Order Act .
The offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
” – The Times RAF is forced to strip old jets for spare parts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air “ The RAF has been forced to strip parts from 17 fighter jets to keep the rest of the fleet operational .
An official document released by the cash-strapped Ministry of Defence showed that British taxpayers paid £17.6 billion for 160 Typhoons .
But new figures from this year show that the number of RAF Typhoons in service is only 139 .
Four of the aircraft were never in the fleet , with three used for development flying , meaning 17 Typhoons are being used as spares to keep others flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce to produce ’ in a bid to save money .
The cost of the aircraft that have been cannibalised is £1.1 billion.
” – Daily Mail

“France has threatened a no-deal Brexit unless Britain backs down on fishing rights for French boats, fuelling fears that President Macron will threaten to block negotiations at a European Union summit this week. France, and other coastal states, face massive cuts to fishing quotas at the end of the Brexit transition period this year unless the government compromises. Annick Girardin, the French fishing minister, described British proposals to regain sovereignty over coastal waters and fisheries, under international law, as “unacceptable”. “Fishermen would rather have no agreement than a bad agreement,” she told Le Journal du Dimanche.” – The Times
Ministers blasted for using arcane Parliamentary rules to block MPs from voting on plan to prevent chlorinated chicken imports under a UK-US trade deal – Daily Mail
EU countries preparing for no-deal Brexit and potential ‘chaos’ – Daily Telegraph
Firms move €150bn of UK assets to France ahead of Brexit – Daily Telegraph
Uploading a photo outside EU could cost £30 if trade deals don’t extend free roaming – Daily Telegraph
Comment:
UK agriculture is on the line during this vote this week… but ministers won’t see sense, Geoffrey Lean – Daily Mail
>Today:
Minette Batters in Comment: Today, MPs should insist on better scrutiny arrangements for future trade deals
The Times picks up ConHome’s story about Loughton and the Grimes case
“Scotland Yard’s criminal investigation of a conservative activist over his interview with the historian David Starkey is “sinister and foolish”, according to a former director of public prosecutions. Lord Macdonald of River Glaven said the Metropolitan Police’s pursuit of Darren Grimes, a pro-Brexit campaigner, was “deeply threatening of free speech”. Mr Grimes, 27, has said that police want to interview him under caution over a controversial interview uploaded to YouTube in the summer, in which Dr Starkey said that slavery could not have been genocide as there are “so many damn blacks” still around. Mr Grimes is facing investigation for an offence of stirring up racial hatred, which falls under the Public Order Act. The offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.” – The Times
Scotland Yard vows to continue its investigation – Daily Mail
RAF is forced to strip old jets for spare parts to keep the rest of the fleet in the air
“The RAF has been forced to strip parts from 17 fighter jets to keep the rest of the fleet operational. An official document released by the cash-strapped Ministry of Defence showed that British taxpayers paid £17.6 billion for 160 Typhoons. But new figures from this year show that the number of RAF Typhoons in service is only 139. Four of the aircraft were never in the fleet, with three used for development flying, meaning 17 Typhoons are being used as spares to keep others flying in a project the RAF calls ‘reduce to produce’ in a bid to save money. The cost of the aircraft that have been cannibalised is £1.1 billion.” – Daily Mail


conservativehome--2020-10-12--As Tory MPs in the north lobby for their constituents amidst lockdowns and restrictions, the Norther

As Tory MPs in the north lobby for their constituents amidst lockdowns and restrictions, the Northern Research Group is born

Douglas Ross recently criticised Conservatives at the top of Government – and at the annual Party Conference , no less .
“ Many , including some who govern our country , want to see a UK government focused on England , ” he said .
The bluntness of the new leader of the Tories in Scotland was unusual , but that sense of distance from the national leadership in London was less so .
Devolution , the independence referendum and the SNP , plus social and cultural change , are giving Conservative MPs in Scottish constituencies a more distinct identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very different place to Scotland , politically as well as geographically , but a parallel development among Tory MPs is taking place .
Welcome to the Northern Research Group .
As its name suggests , this new venture has been set up on the same basis as the European Research Group : in other words , its members will pay a subscription into a common fund , which will fund non-partisan research and briefings .
There are roughly 30 members to date .
Jake Berry , the former Northern Powerhouse Minister is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a committee .
MPs named as supportive of the project include Paul Howell ( Sedgefield ) , Simon Fell ( Barrow-in-Furness ) and Sara Britcliffe ( Hyndburn ) .
These are all “ red wallers ” – members of the 2019 intake sitting for former Labour seats , one of which , Sedgefield , Tony Blair ’ s former constituency , has been Labour since 1924 until last year .
Groups of MPs in counties or areas often work together semi-formally , especially if their Associations do so for campaigning purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But this development is a bit different .
It is being driven by two events that have taken place within the last year .
The first was December ’ s general election , and its transformation of the Party , at least for the time being , into a more evenly balanced one in England in Westminster terms .
It now holds ten seats out of 29 in the North-East ( up seven ) , 32 out of 75 in the North-West ( up twelve ) , and 26 out of 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine ) .
The second is the Coronavirus .
Lockdowns and restrictions are currently concentrated in the North .
Boris Johnson ’ s announcement of new measures won ’ t change that .
On this site today , Harry Phibbs cities some of the Tory mayors , council leaders and MPs who question the measures .
There are two strands to their thinking .
The first is represented by our columnist Richard Holden ’ s article on ConservativeHome this morning .
He is preparing to support future restrictions , but wants them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holden , Berry and Dehenna Davison set out the second strand in the Commons last week .
If Covid-19 rates in their seats are relatively low , and those in adjoining Labour urban areas or elsewhere in the region relatively high , why should their constituents be locked down to the same extent ?
So these northern Tories are similar in one respect to their northern Labour neighbours : they want greater clarity , more local delivery , and more money – a point stressed by David Greenhalgh , Bolton Council ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different in that they want minimal restrictions in their seats while their Labour members want maximum ones – arguing if there are differences that this represents favouritism by the Johnson Government towards Conservative-controlled areas .
Some northern Tories are going further .
William Wragg is opposed to the closure of hospitality , tweeting that “ it it will drive people from Covid secure businesses where measures can be enforced into illegal mixing in homes ” .
In that respect , they are taking the same view as the Labour leaders of Liverpool , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils , who said last week that “ we do not support further economic lockdowns ” .
Expect rising cross-party support for this view at Westminster and locally as winter deepens .
If testing and tracking was working effectively , these sweeping shutdowns across the North would be less necessary .
Instead , shutdowns would be taking place on a smaller , more local , more targeted basis .
On which point , those northern Conservatives and others look set for a win .
As Charlotte Gill pointed out on this site last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracers can make “ a massive difference to success rates ” .
The Prime Minister is expected to give the green light for more use of them in his statement later today .
One member of the new group pithily summed up the approach that many Tory MPs in the North favour : “ national rules with local info ” .
It ’ s possible that the project may fade away when the virus does when ( should we say “ if ? )
the current rise in cases in the North is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leading to similar lockdowns and restrictions elsewhere across the Midlands and South .
But there is reason to think not .
MPs have grown more rebellious over the past 20 years or so .
The whips have less patronage – select committee chairmen are elected , not appointed , for example .
The role of MPs has increasingly become to act as constituency champions on the Liberal Democrat model .
Some of the new intake of Conservative MPs didn ’ t expect to be elected at all , don ’ t aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their seats first .
Furthermore , the restrictions on the normal operation of Parliament have denied them a normal induction .
MPs can gossip , plan and confer in WhatsApp groups , at one remove from the reach of the whips .
So expect to see pressure from the group on Ministers increase .
Sources within it are keen to stress that it ’ s supportive of the Government and of levelling-up .
But that ’ s no reason why its members shouldn ’ t – and won ’ t – push together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , one source complained that MPs from Cumbria weren ’ t consulted about the trade deal with Japan , pointing to a common feature of both : nuclear power facilities .
There is also resistence to northern intiatives being dreamed up in southern offices – and then simply being announced .
One MP is suspicious that the new CCHQ extension in Leeds will be “ a call centre dialling people up for next year ’ s London mayoral election ” .
You may ask : where is the North , anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ?
Government and statistical assessments say not , though they count in the unitary authorities of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire .
Some will also wonder what Blackpool South has in common with Berwick-upon-Tweed , or Penrith & the Border with Penistone & Stockridge .
No matter .
If people think they ’ ve something in common , then they ’ ve something in common – or will behave as though they do , anyway .
How much so , in this case , we will find out .

Douglas Ross recently criticised Conservatives at the top of Government – and at the annual Party Conference, no less. “Many, including some who govern our country, want to see a UK government focused on England,” he said.
The bluntness of the new leader of the Tories in Scotland was unusual, but that sense of distance from the national leadership in London was less so. Devolution, the independence referendum and the SNP, plus social and cultural change, are giving Conservative MPs in Scottish constituencies a more distinct identity.
The North of England is in a very different place to Scotland, politically as well as geographically, but a parallel development among Tory MPs is taking place. Welcome to the Northern Research Group.
As its name suggests, this new venture has been set up on the same basis as the European Research Group: in other words, its members will pay a subscription into a common fund, which will fund non-partisan research and briefings.
There are roughly 30 members to date. Jake Berry, the former Northern Powerhouse Minister is the group’s convenor. There will be a committee.
MPs named as supportive of the project include Paul Howell (Sedgefield), Simon Fell (Barrow-in-Furness) and Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn). These are all “red wallers” – members of the 2019 intake sitting for former Labour seats, one of which, Sedgefield, Tony Blair’s former constituency, has been Labour since 1924 until last year.
Groups of MPs in counties or areas often work together semi-formally, especially if their Associations do so for campaigning purposes – in South Gloucestershire, for example.
But this development is a bit different. It is being driven by two events that have taken place within the last year. The first was December’s general election, and its transformation of the Party, at least for the time being, into a more evenly balanced one in England in Westminster terms.
It now holds ten seats out of 29 in the North-East (up seven), 32 out of 75 in the North-West (up twelve), and 26 out of 54 seats in Yorkshire and Humberside (up nine).
The second is the Coronavirus. Lockdowns and restrictions are currently concentrated in the North. Boris Johnson’s announcement of new measures won’t change that. On this site today, Harry Phibbs cities some of the Tory mayors, council leaders and MPs who question the measures. There are two strands to their thinking.
The first is represented by our columnist Richard Holden’s article on ConservativeHome this morning. He is preparing to support future restrictions, but wants them to be better explained and more simple.
Holden, Berry and Dehenna Davison set out the second strand in the Commons last week. If Covid-19 rates in their seats are relatively low, and those in adjoining Labour urban areas or elsewhere in the region relatively high, why should their constituents be locked down to the same extent?
So these northern Tories are similar in one respect to their northern Labour neighbours: they want greater clarity, more local delivery, and more money – a point stressed by David Greenhalgh, Bolton Council’s leader, yesterday.
And they are different in that they want minimal restrictions in their seats while their Labour members want maximum ones – arguing if there are differences that this represents favouritism by the Johnson Government towards Conservative-controlled areas.
Some northern Tories are going further. William Wragg is opposed to the closure of hospitality, tweeting that “it it will drive people from Covid secure businesses where measures can be enforced into illegal mixing in homes”.
In that respect, they are taking the same view as the Labour leaders of Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle city councils, who said last week that “we do not support further economic lockdowns”. Expect rising cross-party support for this view at Westminster and locally as winter deepens.
If testing and tracking was working effectively, these sweeping shutdowns across the North would be less necessary. Instead, shutdowns would be taking place on a smaller, more local, more targeted basis.
On which point, those northern Conservatives and others look set for a win. As Charlotte Gill pointed out on this site last week, the use of local contact tracers can make “a massive difference to success rates”. The Prime Minister is expected to give the green light for more use of them in his statement later today.
One member of the new group pithily summed up the approach that many Tory MPs in the North favour: “national rules with local info”.
It’s possible that the project may fade away when the virus does when (should we say “if?) the current rise in cases in the North is mirrored in the rest of the country, leading to similar lockdowns and restrictions elsewhere across the Midlands and South.
But there is reason to think not. MPs have grown more rebellious over the past 20 years or so. The whips have less patronage – select committee chairmen are elected, not appointed, for example.
The role of MPs has increasingly become to act as constituency champions on the Liberal Democrat model. Some of the new intake of Conservative MPs didn’t expect to be elected at all, don’t aim to be Ministers, and will put their seats first.
Furthermore, the restrictions on the normal operation of Parliament have denied them a normal induction. MPs can gossip, plan and confer in WhatsApp groups, at one remove from the reach of the whips.
So expect to see pressure from the group on Ministers increase. Sources within it are keen to stress that it’s supportive of the Government and of levelling-up. But that’s no reason why its members shouldn’t – and won’t – push together for the interests of their constituents.
For example, one source complained that MPs from Cumbria weren’t consulted about the trade deal with Japan, pointing to a common feature of both: nuclear power facilities.
There is also resistence to northern intiatives being dreamed up in southern offices – and then simply being announced. One MP is suspicious that the new CCHQ extension in Leeds will be “a call centre dialling people up for next year’s London mayoral election”.
You may ask: where is the North, anyway? Is Sheffield in it but Chesterfield not? Government and statistical assessments say not, though they count in the unitary authorities of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
Some will also wonder what Blackpool South has in common with Berwick-upon-Tweed, or Penrith & the Border with Penistone & Stockridge. No matter. If people think they’ve something in common, then they’ve something in common – or will behave as though they do, anyway. How much so, in this case, we will find out.


conservativehome--2020-10-12--Richard Holden: My Durham constituents will accept restrictions. If they’re explained. If they’re cl

Richard Holden: My Durham constituents will accept restrictions. If they’re explained. If they’re clear. And if business is supported.

There is a lot of fear out there .
You don ’ t need a poll to know – you just need to hear about the takings at my local pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants .
Talk to Tog , the landlord of “ The Duke ” , see the scores of emails from constituents , hear the consistent messages from my zoom calls over the weekend with landlords and restaurant owners .
The restrictions that have already been taken have had a severe effect on local businesses across the North East .
As several owners have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s now just a question of how we reduce losses .
The local restrictions are pretty severe , and are squeezing both ends of the hospitality sector .
The business meetings , afternoon coffees between friends , retired lads meeting for a pint at the club – all have gone with the ‘ no socialising ’ rule , so lunchtime and afternoon is even deader than normal .
And the 10pm drinking-up time has cut the legs off the evening trade .
With Coronavirus numbers continuing to spike , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a vengeance both here and abroad .
Hospital admissions are rising , and what had been feared – namely , the numbers among the under-35s spreading to the over-60s – sadly looks as though it is happening .
Chris Whitty , Patrick Valance and the others tell us we ’ re less than three weeks from surpassing the number in hospital at the height of the outbreak and , from what we can see across the channel , with numbers rising similarly it ’ s just a matter of time .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started being put in place there has been a growing tide of reluctance to follow new measures .
Last week in Parliament , I was one of a number of MPs calling on the Government to address a handful of clear concerns my constituents have .
Firstl , these have been about information .
Whether the matter in question is the 10pm pub lockdown or the broader measures , there is clearly a feeling from people that they have not been informed of the science behind individual measures .
This creates a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harming the credibility of measures , and it is vital that , whatever future decisions are taken , information to back them up is clearly available .
The second point of contention is that the multitude of different measures – how you get into enhanced local measures , and how you get out of them – is also causing concern .
For colleagues who have seen their constituencies in and out of local restrictions since the end of July , there is a sense that the current approach , with dozens of different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clarity restored – perhaps even with a category that no part of the country is currently in , of a low caseload , which gives all something to aim for .
Finally , like the pubs in North West Durham whose landlords I held group chats with on the phone this weekend from my Consett office , there needs to be a package of support to help businesses that are directly affected by the measures that are put in place .
We can not have a situation where we ’ re telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ability to do business – or even closing them entirely – without significant assistance .
And that goes for my local small breweries too .
They almost exclusively supply pubs only , but if these are closed they have no sales .
The supply chain in specific areas needs to be able to access support too .
There is bound to be scepticism about further restrictions in some quarters but , given the rise in cases among the over 60s and rise in hospitalisations , it ’ s clear that something has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , in large part , staying in and voting with their feet .
They ’ re abiding by the regulations , but they deserve to know the detail behind them , and to know that there is a clear way out for the future too .
As for the firms that are severely affected , Rishi Sunak ’ s announcement of further help is , sadly , necessary .
It just needs to be broad enough to capture all those affected .
I don ’ t want to see my constituents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I know what they fear more at the moment is a toxic combination of winter flu and a virus on the rise – killing the vulnerable and killing local jobs .
We have to level with people , give them support and offer them something to look forward to .
It ’ s going to be a very difficult autumn and winter but we ’ ve got to keep faith with the voters and allow them to keep faith with us .
Only clarity , consistency , and a comprehensive support package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to happen very soon .

The Duke of Wellington, Consett
There is a lot of fear out there. You don’t need a poll to know – you just need to hear about the takings at my local pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Talk to Tog, the landlord of “The Duke”, see the scores of emails from constituents, hear the consistent messages from my zoom calls over the weekend with landlords and restaurant owners. The restrictions that have already been taken have had a severe effect on local businesses across the North East. As several owners have now put it to me: for us, it’s now just a question of how we reduce losses.
The local restrictions are pretty severe, and are squeezing both ends of the hospitality sector. The business meetings, afternoon coffees between friends, retired lads meeting for a pint at the club – all have gone with the ‘no socialising’ rule, so lunchtime and afternoon is even deader than normal. And the 10pm drinking-up time has cut the legs off the evening trade.
With Coronavirus numbers continuing to spike, it’s clear that it is back with a vengeance both here and abroad. Hospital admissions are rising, and what had been feared – namely, the numbers among the under-35s spreading to the over-60s – sadly looks as though it is happening. Chris Whitty, Patrick Valance and the others tell us we’re less than three weeks from surpassing the number in hospital at the height of the outbreak and, from what we can see across the channel, with numbers rising similarly it’s just a matter of time.
However, since the “local restrictions” started being put in place there has been a growing tide of reluctance to follow new measures. Last week in Parliament, I was one of a number of MPs calling on the Government to address a handful of clear concerns my constituents have.
Firstl, these have been about information. Whether the matter in question is the 10pm pub lockdown or the broader measures, there is clearly a feeling from people that they have not been informed of the science behind individual measures. This creates a real touch of anger, as well as harming the credibility of measures, and it is vital that, whatever future decisions are taken, information to back them up is clearly available.
The second point of contention is that the multitude of different measures – how you get into enhanced local measures, and how you get out of them – is also causing concern. For colleagues who have seen their constituencies in and out of local restrictions since the end of July, there is a sense that the current approach, with dozens of different local regulations, needs to be simplified and clarity restored – perhaps even with a category that no part of the country is currently in, of a low caseload, which gives all something to aim for.
Finally, like the pubs in North West Durham whose landlords I held group chats with on the phone this weekend from my Consett office, there needs to be a package of support to help businesses that are directly affected by the measures that are put in place. We cannot have a situation where we’re telling local businesses that we’re restricting their ability to do business – or even closing them entirely – without significant assistance.
And that goes for my local small breweries too. They almost exclusively supply pubs only, but if these are closed they have no sales. The supply chain in specific areas needs to be able to access support too.
There is bound to be scepticism about further restrictions in some quarters but, given the rise in cases among the over 60s and rise in hospitalisations, it’s clear that something has got to give.
Currently my constituents are, in large part, staying in and voting with their feet. They’re abiding by the regulations, but they deserve to know the detail behind them, and to know that there is a clear way out for the future too. As for the firms that are severely affected, Rishi Sunak’s announcement of further help is, sadly, necessary. It just needs to be broad enough to capture all those affected.
I don’t want to see my constituents and myself placed under further restrictions, but what I know what they fear more at the moment is a toxic combination of winter flu and a virus on the rise – killing the vulnerable and killing local jobs.
We have to level with people, give them support and offer them something to look forward to. It’s going to be a very difficult autumn and winter but we’ve got to keep faith with the voters and allow them to keep faith with us. Only clarity, consistency, and a comprehensive support package will do that and it’s got to happen very soon.


conservativehome--2020-10-12--Conservative MPs, mayors and council leaders urge a localist approach to reducing the virus

The brave new dawn of the Coalition Government in 2010 might have meant some mushy consensus .
It might have ensured that Parliamentary arithmetic required compromise to triumph over radicalism .
Some might even have felt this was inevitable .
Yet it was rather impressive how bold the reforms David Cameron managed to achieve during that time – notably in education and welfare .
One approach that the Conservative and Lib Dems agreed on was localism – an end to the New Labour centralised control freakery of the Tony Blair and Gordon Brown years , where town halls were given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy ceased to amount to much in terms of practical difference .
Nick Clegg , when he was the Deputy Prime Minister , rightly declared : “ Opponents of localism brandish the phrase “ postcode lottery ” to dramatize differences in provision between areas .
But it is not a lottery when decisions about provision are made by people who can be held to democratic account .
That is not a postcode lottery — it is a postcode democracy ” I don ’ t think that Theresa May was of the same Cameron/Clegg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did local democracy always rise to the challenge .
In any event , localism seemed to go out of fashion .
Until now .
The abject failures of the centralised track and trace efforts have been set out on this site by Charlotte Gill .
The usual Labour response is to demand that more money be spent – but already £10 billion has been thrown at it , which already seems rather a lot .
It is no surprise that many are now wondering whether local authorities could do any worse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the coronavirus test-and-trace system as ministers try to secure their support for tough new local lockdown rules .
In an admission that the national system is failing , ministers will empower town hall bosses to deploy an army of new local volunteers to knock on doors and ask people to self-isolate .
With Covid-19 running rampant , they want local people to take charge of controlling the spread of the virus in the hope it will generate “ community spirit ” and “ improve compliance ” …Ministers have spent months pinning their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , which has cost £10bn .
But the national system of call centres is failing to trace many of those at risk .
Local contact tracing has been trialled for several weeks in more than 60 council areas .
Public health officials tap into the national database and pick up “ difficult cases ” where people can not be traced .
A source said : “ We want to extend that.
” Local authorities will also be given greater control over mobile testing units and walk-in centres.
” On Wednesday I wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent Labour figures in local goverment .
But the Sunday Times report adds that Andy Street , the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands , has said localised test-and-trace programmes piloted by councils in his region had been successful , with between 98 per cent and 100 per cent of cases identified – so he would resist his region having a new lockdown imposed .
He adds : “ It has always been clear that there was a need for local capacity and our councils have done it very well , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by council staff and related agencies on the ground.
” Then yesterday Cllr David Greenhalgh , the Conservative leader of Bolton Council , took the airwaves to ask : “ I ’ m urging the Government to listen again…We can not throw our local economy to the wall….There has to be an exit package about we get ourselves out of these restrictions….Why should the north of England be treated any differently ?
” Though public opinion is supportive of tough coronavirus restrictions , the resistance to being told what to do by “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outspoken – among Conservative , as well as Labour , MPs .
In a House of Commons debate last week , Jake Berry , the Conservative MP for Rossendale and Darwen , warned : “ I think the Government have fallen into the fatal trap of making national decisions based on a London-centric view with London data .
I hope that the Minister will go away and reflect on that , and take the opportunity to take a new approach.
” Dehenna Davison , the Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norm , will it be possible to have data analysed on a more localised level , allowing areas with minimal cases , where local residents are working hard to follow the guidance , to enjoy more freedom ?
After all , we are the party of freedom.
” “ We all understand that localised restrictions are better than national ones , especially when there are particular spikes in local areas , but there are variations within our communities as well .
Weardale in my constituency has far fewer cases than much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be great to see some really localised data and some really localised regulations.
” There is a strong case that the national lockdown was a crude approach and that better targeting – both geographically and demographically – would have been more effective and less harmful .
National rules have the advantage of simplicity and clarity – Ministers are less likely to be caught out during interviews ; remembering all the local variations is tricky .
Yet the logic of containing the spread , while keeping the cost to a minimum , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or even by local authority .
Holden is right to speak up for Weardale even if elsewhere in Durham the argument against further restrictions is less strong .
The more the case for such nuances is conceded , the weaker is the claim the man in Whitehall knows best .
There are limits to what can be done .
The NHS – despite its popularity – is a slumbering monolith with an inflexibility which may well explain why most other countries have achieved a lower death rate from the pandemic than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be restructured in a few days .
Still , an enhanced role for local autonomy would surely have a positive role to play .
Better late than never .

The brave new dawn of the Coalition Government in 2010 might have meant some mushy consensus. It might have ensured that Parliamentary arithmetic required compromise to triumph over radicalism. Some might even have felt this was inevitable. Yet it was rather impressive how bold the reforms David Cameron managed to achieve during that time – notably in education and welfare. One approach that the Conservative and Lib Dems agreed on was localism – an end to the New Labour centralised control freakery of the Tony Blair and Gordon Brown years, where town halls were given such detailed targets and instructions that local democracy ceased to amount to much in terms of practical difference.
Nick Clegg, when he was the Deputy Prime Minister, rightly declared:
“Opponents of localism brandish the phrase “postcode lottery” to dramatize differences in provision between areas. But it is not a lottery when decisions about provision are made by people who can be held to democratic account. That is not a postcode lottery — it is a postcode democracy”
I don’t think that Theresa May was of the same Cameron/Clegg mindset. Nor, to be fair, did local democracy always rise to the challenge. In any event, localism seemed to go out of fashion. Until now. The abject failures of the centralised track and trace efforts have been set out on this site by Charlotte Gill. The usual Labour response is to demand that more money be spent – but already £10 billion has been thrown at it, which already seems rather a lot. It is no surprise that many are now wondering whether local authorities could do any worse.
The Sunday Times reported yesterday:
“Mayors will be given more control over the coronavirus test-and-trace system as ministers try to secure their support for tough new local lockdown rules. In an admission that the national system is failing, ministers will empower town hall bosses to deploy an army of new local volunteers to knock on doors and ask people to self-isolate. With Covid-19 running rampant, they want local people to take charge of controlling the spread of the virus in the hope it will generate “community spirit” and “improve compliance”…Ministers have spent months pinning their hopes on the NHS Test and Trace system, which has cost £10bn. But the national system of call centres is failing to trace many of those at risk. Local contact tracing has been trialled for several weeks in more than 60 council areas. Public health officials tap into the national database and pick up “difficult cases” where people cannot be traced. A source said: “We want to extend that.” Local authorities will also be given greater control over mobile testing units and walk-in centres.”
On Wednesday I wrote about the Government facing growing backchat from prominent Labour figures in local goverment. But the Sunday Times report adds that Andy Street, the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, has said localised test-and-trace programmes piloted by councils in his region had been successful, with between 98 per cent and 100 per cent of cases identified – so he would resist his region having a new lockdown imposed. He adds:
“It has always been clear that there was a need for local capacity and our councils have done it very well, and there are now thousands of people being contacted by council staff and related agencies on the ground.”
Then yesterday Cllr David Greenhalgh, the Conservative leader of Bolton Council, took the airwaves to ask:
“I’m urging the Government to listen again…We can not throw our local economy to the wall….There has to be an exit package about we get ourselves out of these restrictions….Why should the north of England be treated any differently?”
Though public opinion is supportive of tough coronavirus restrictions, the resistance to being told what to do by “people in London” is becoming more outspoken – among Conservative, as well as Labour, MPs. In a House of Commons debate last week, Jake Berry, the Conservative MP for Rossendale and Darwen, warned:
“I think the Government have fallen into the fatal trap of making national decisions based on a London-centric view with London data. I hope that the Minister will go away and reflect on that, and take the opportunity to take a new approach.”
Dehenna Davison, the Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland said:
“If localised measures are to become the norm, will it be possible to have data analysed on a more localised level, allowing areas with minimal cases, where local residents are working hard to follow the guidance, to enjoy more freedom? After all, we are the party of freedom.”
Richard Holden, the Conservative MP for North West Durham, added:
“We all understand that localised restrictions are better than national ones, especially when there are particular spikes in local areas, but there are variations within our communities as well. Weardale in my constituency has far fewer cases than much of the rest of my constituency, so it would be great to see some really localised data and some really localised regulations.”
There is a strong case that the national lockdown was a crude approach and that better targeting – both geographically and demographically – would have been more effective and less harmful. National rules have the advantage of simplicity and clarity – Ministers are less likely to be caught out during interviews; remembering all the local variations is tricky. Yet the logic of containing the spread, while keeping the cost to a minimum, would require a hyper-localised approach. Not regional. Or even by local authority. Holden is right to speak up for Weardale even if elsewhere in Durham the argument against further restrictions is less strong.
The more the case for such nuances is conceded, the weaker is the claim the man in Whitehall knows best. There are limits to what can be done. The NHS – despite its popularity – is a slumbering monolith with an inflexibility which may well explain why most other countries have achieved a lower death rate from the pandemic than we have. The health service can not be restructured in a few days. Still, an enhanced role for local autonomy would surely have a positive role to play. Better late than never.


conservativehome--2020-10-12--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Director of Labour Market Enforcement – an

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Director of Labour Market Enforcement – and more

Eight years ago , the TaxPayers ’ Alliance reported that “ in the last year , five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories ” .
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party , compared to less than a third for the Conservatives .
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts , over time , the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments .
One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number as Labour supporters .
To help remedy this , each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies , so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented .
“ As we approach life outside of the EU , Seafish will play a pivotal role in navigating the UK seafood industry through this once-in-a-life-time opportunity .
As a non-departmental public body Seafish supports our ambitious vision for sustainably managed seas while securing a profitable future for all sectors of the seafood industry .
The effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusive economic zone ( EEZ ) , and the precious resources within it , is critical to ensuring our fishing and seafood industry grows sustainably to meet the demands of consumers .
Given this period of great change , the successful candidate will provide vision and strong strategic leadership to Seafish , working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
” “ Looking for a new and exhilarating challenge leading a visionary UK based infrastructure delivery organisation ?
Excited by the thought of positively challenging industry norms and inspiring a team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no further than the opportunity to chair the Board of the East West Railway Company – a company at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry , delivering a multi-billion pound rail link with services connecting Oxford , Milton Keynes , Bedford and Cambridge and places in between .
The East West Railway Company ( EWR Co ) was set up as a company in 2017 , and constituted as an arms-length body of the Department for Transport in September 2018 .
It was created to drive forward the delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new direct line , providing much-needed East West connectivity to unlock the economic potential of the Oxford Cambridge Arc – supporting new jobs and communities , as well as reducing journey times , congestion and travel costs for residents and commuters.
” “ The role has six broad elements : setting the strategic direction of the organisation and delivering against a robust business plan ; raising the awareness and profile of the Commissioner and the Office of the SBC ; providing strong leadership to your staff ; overseeing investigations into complaints and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Code compliance and supporting Code reforms to ensure it plays a more significant role in driving improved payment practices ; and performing the role of Accounting Officer for the organisation… The successful candidate will demonstrate in their application all of the following : strategic outcome-focussed leadership and delivery ; targeted partner engagement to raise the profile of organisation ; outstanding communication , interpersonal and influencing skills ; encouraging staff to excel in the delivery of corporate objectives ; driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement ; and evidence-based decision making.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and the environment in mining areas .
The Chair has the following leadership responsibilities : effective , cooperative and inclusive leadership of the Board that will provide sound strategic direction .
This includes enabling a high standard of discussion ; helping to steer the Coal Authority by collaborative working across Government ; and ensuring that systems are in place to provide Board members and the Executive team with the support they need to carry out their roles ; Working with the Board to ensure that they and the Executive team have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience and outlook ; offering support and counsel to the Executive team while holding them to account and providing constructive challenge on the delivery of the Coal Authority Business Plan ; and maintaining clear and effective channels of communication with internal and external stakeholders and acting as an ambassador for the Coal Authority.
” “ Formed in 2009 , and a BEIS Non-departmental Public Body ( NDPB ) since 2012 , the RPC ’ s role is to provide Government with external , independent scrutiny of proposed new regulatory and deregulatory measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis used by departments to inform their regulatory proposals , and by doing so , helps ensure that the Government produces better regulatory outcomes for businesses , civil society , charities and other non-government organisations .
The RPC is accountable to Parliament through the BEIS Permanent Secretary and to the BEIS Secretary of State and through the Department ’ s Principal Accounting Officer in respect of its use of public funds… To lead a committee of independent members , who provide robust and objective advice to government , parliament , and the wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis supporting decisions on proposed changes to legislation that impact or regulate businesses.
” “ This is an exciting time to join the Department for Transport .
We are responsible for the transport network that helps the UK ’ s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country .
We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move .
We work across all modes of transport – roads , rail , aviation , maritime – to improve journeys , boost economic growth , work towards a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nation Britain .
We are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join the Department ’ s Board .
The successful candidate , through their membership of the Board , will provide challenge and support to a wide variety of management and operational issues and contribute to the effective strategic and operational leadership of the Department.
” “ The role of the Chair is to lead and direct the work of the Cafcass Board ( including its various sub-committees ) , the purpose of which is to ensure probity in the conduct of Cafcass ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its strategic vision are compatible with those of the Secretary of State .
The Board is specifically responsible for : establishing and taking forward the strategic aims and objectives of Cafcass consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework determined by the Secretary of State ; ensuring that the responsible minister is kept informed of any changes or risks that are likely to impact on the strategic direction of Cafcass or on the attainability of its targets , and determining the steps needed to deal with such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with ; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Department , and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds… ” Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy – Director of Labour Market Enforcement “ The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board .
The primary role of CCW ’ s Independent Board Members is to contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board .
Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW ’ s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area .
Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication , vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers .
The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘ additional expertise ’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members.
” “ The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board .
The primary role of CCW ’ s Independent Board Members is to contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board .
Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW ’ s strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area .
Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication , vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers .
The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘ additional expertise ’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board ’ s existing strengths .
CCW ’ s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members .
@

Eight years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party, compared to less than a third for the Conservatives.
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts, over time, the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented.
– – – – – – – – – –
Sea Fish Industry Authority – Chair
“As we approach life outside of the EU, Seafish will play a pivotal role in navigating the UK seafood industry through this once-in-a-life-time opportunity. As a non-departmental public body Seafish supports our ambitious vision for sustainably managed seas while securing a profitable future for all sectors of the seafood industry. The effective care and management of waters in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the precious resources within it, is critical to ensuring our fishing and seafood industry grows sustainably to meet the demands of consumers. Given this period of great change, the successful candidate will provide vision and strong strategic leadership to Seafish, working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.”
Time: 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £18,000 per annum, plus expenses.
Closes: 16 October
– – – – – – – – – –
East West Railway Company – Chair
“Looking for a new and exhilarating challenge leading a visionary UK based infrastructure delivery organisation? Excited by the thought of positively challenging industry norms and inspiring a team to surpass customer expectations? Then look no further than the opportunity to chair the Board of the East West Railway Company – a company at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering a multi-billion pound rail link with services connecting Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge and places in between. The East West Railway Company (EWR Co) was set up as a company in 2017, and constituted as an arms-length body of the Department for Transport in September 2018. It was created to drive forward the delivery of the East West Rail project – a new direct line, providing much-needed East West connectivity to unlock the economic potential of the Oxford Cambridge Arc – supporting new jobs and communities, as well as reducing journey times, congestion and travel costs for residents and commuters.”
Time: 2 days per week.
Remuneration: £75,000 per annum.
Closes: 19 October
– – – – – – – – – –
Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Small Business Commissioner
“The role has six broad elements: setting the strategic direction of the organisation and delivering against a robust business plan; raising the awareness and profile of the Commissioner and the Office of the SBC; providing strong leadership to your staff; overseeing investigations into complaints and publishing outcomes; leading the Prompt Payment Code compliance and supporting Code reforms to ensure it plays a more significant role in driving improved payment practices; and performing the role of Accounting Officer for the organisation… The successful candidate will demonstrate in their application all of the following: strategic outcome-focussed leadership and delivery; targeted partner engagement to raise the profile of organisation; outstanding communication, interpersonal and influencing skills; encouraging staff to excel in the delivery of corporate objectives; driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement; and evidence-based decision making.”
Time: Full-time.
Remuneration: £120,000 per annum.
Closes: 25 October
– – – – – – – – – –
Coal Authority – Chair
“Help us make a better future for people and the environment in mining areas. The Chair has the following leadership responsibilities: effective, cooperative and inclusive leadership of the Board that will provide sound strategic direction. This includes enabling a high standard of discussion; helping to steer the Coal Authority by collaborative working across Government; and ensuring that systems are in place to provide Board members and the Executive team with the support they need to carry out their roles;
Working with the Board to ensure that they and the Executive team have an appropriate and diverse range of skills, experience and outlook; offering support and counsel to the Executive team while holding them to account and providing constructive challenge on the delivery of the Coal Authority Business Plan; and maintaining clear and effective channels of communication with internal and external stakeholders and acting as an ambassador for the Coal Authority.”
Time: Five days per month.
Remuneration: £27,050 per annum, plus expenses.
Closes: 25 October
– – – – – – – – – –
Regulatory Policy Committee – Chair
“Formed in 2009, and a BEIS Non-departmental Public Body (NDPB) since 2012, the RPC’s role is to provide Government with external, independent scrutiny of proposed new regulatory and deregulatory measures. It assesses the quality of evidence and analysis used by departments to inform their regulatory proposals, and by doing so, helps ensure that the Government produces better regulatory outcomes for businesses, civil society, charities and other non-government organisations. The RPC is accountable to Parliament through the BEIS Permanent Secretary and to the BEIS Secretary of State and through the Department’s Principal Accounting Officer in respect of its use of public funds… To lead a committee of independent members, who provide robust and objective advice to government, parliament, and the wider public regarding the quality of evidence and analysis supporting decisions on proposed changes to legislation that impact or regulate businesses.”
Time: Two days per week.
Remuneration: £500 per diem.
Closes: 25 October
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Transport – Non-Executive Director
“This is an exciting time to join the Department for Transport. We are responsible for the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. We work across all modes of transport – roads, rail, aviation, maritime – to improve journeys, boost economic growth, work towards a low carbon future and build a One Nation Britain. We are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join the Department’s Board. The successful candidate, through their membership of the Board, will provide challenge and support to a wide variety of management and operational issues and contribute to the effective strategic and operational leadership of the Department.”
Time: 15 days per annum.
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 01 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – Chair
“The role of the Chair is to lead and direct the work of the Cafcass Board (including its various sub-committees), the purpose of which is to ensure probity in the conduct of Cafcass’ affairs, and that Cafcass’ policies and its strategic vision are compatible with those of the Secretary of State. The Board is specifically responsible for: establishing and taking forward the strategic aims and objectives of Cafcass consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework determined by the Secretary of State; ensuring that the responsible minister is kept informed of any changes or risks that are likely to impact on the strategic direction of Cafcass or on the attainability of its targets, and determining the steps needed to deal with such changes or risks; ensuring that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Department, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds…”
Time: 80 days per annum.
Remuneration: £400 per diem.
Closes: 03 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Director of Labour Market Enforcement
“The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board. The primary role of CCW’s Independent Board Members is to contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board. Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW’s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area. Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication, vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers. The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘additional expertise’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board’s existing strengths. CCW’s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members.”
Time: 1-2 days per week.
Remuneration: £100,000 – £130,000 per annum (FTE).
Closes: 08 November
– – – – – – – – – –
Consumer Council for Water – Independent Board Members
“The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint four Independent Members to the CCW Board. The primary role of CCW’s Independent Board Members is to contribute to the good governance of the organisation by bringing wide experience and critical detachment to the work of the Board. Board Members take a lead role in an area of CCW’s strategic work or its campaigns and work closely with members of the Executive Team and employees in this area. Examples of lead areas include engagement and communication, vulnerable consumers and improving water regulation for consumers. The Essential Criteria section later in this document includes the ‘additional expertise’ that CCW is looking for from successful candidates to enhance and complement the Board’s existing strengths. CCW’s Code of Governance sets out more details on the operation of the Board and its Committees and includes more detail on the role of Board Members.”
Time: Three days per month.
Remuneration: £11,718 per annum.
Closes: 16 November


conservativehome--2020-10-12--WATCH: “We don’t want to go back to another national lockdown”, says Johnson as he unveils tiered re

WATCH: “We don’t want to go back to another national lockdown”, says Johnson as he unveils tiered restrictions

WATCH : “ We don ’ t want to go back to another national lockdown ” , says Johnson as @ @ @ @

WATCH LIVE: Prime Minister @BorisJohnson makes a statement on coronavirus in the @HouseOfCommons (12 October 2020) https://t.co/5hQ17zkNFq
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) October 12, 2020


conservativehome--2020-10-12--WATCH: “The narrow path we have to tread.” The Prime Minister’s Commons statement. Full text.

“ Mr Speaker , with your permission , I will make a statement on our continuing fight against coronavirus and how we intend to fulfil our simultaneous objectives while keeping our children in school and our economy running , This morning the Deputy Chief Medical Officer set out the stark reality of the second wave of this virus the number of cases has quadrupled in the last three weeks there are now more people in hospital with Covid than when we went into lockdown on March 23 and deaths are already rising and of course there are those who say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into a full national lockdown telling people again to stay at home as we did in march once again shuttering our lives and our society I do not believe that would be the right course , We would not only be depriving our children of their education we would do such damage to our economy as to erode our long term ability to fund the NHS and other crucial public services And on the other side of the argument there are those who think that the patience of the public is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against Covid stand aside , let nature take her course , and call a halt to these repressions of liberty and of course I understand those emotions I understand the frustration of those who have been chafing under the restrictions , the sacrifices they have made But if we were to follow that course Mr Speaker , and let the virus rip , then the bleak mathematics dictate that we would suffer not only an intolerable death toll from Covid , We would put such huge strain on our NHS , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nurses would be simply unable to devote themselves to the other treatments for cancer , for heart disease and hundreds more that have already been delayed and that would be delayed again with serious long term damage to the health of the nation and I am afraid it is no answer to say that we could let the virus take hold among the young and fit while shielding the elderly and vulnerable because the virus would then spread with such velocity in the general population that there would be no way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even if the virus is less lethal for the under 60s there will still be many younger people for whom , alas , it remains lethal So Mr Speaker , we don ’ t want to go back to another national lockdown We can ’ t let the virus rip and so we have followed since June a balanced approach with the support of many Members across the House to keeping the R down while keeping schools and the economy going and controlling the virus by changing our behaviour so as to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the Rule of Six , and why we have restrictions such as a 10pm closing time on our hospitality sector .
Mr Speaker , I take no pleasure whatsoever in imposing restrictions on these businesses , many of which have gone to great lengths to reopen as safely as possible .
Nor do I want to stop people enjoying themselves , but we must act to save lives .
And the evidence shows that in restricting transmission between us our actions are saving lives .
Left unchecked each person with the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 others but SAGE assess that the current R nationally is between 1.2 and 1.5 .
So we are already suppressing that R to well below its natural level which is why the virus is not spreading as quickly as it did in March .
But we need to go further .
In recent months , we have worked with local leaders to counter local spikes with targeted restrictions .
But this local approach has inevitably produced different sets of rules in different parts of the country that are now complex to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simplified our national rules with the Rule of Six , we will now simplify and standardise our local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local Covid Alert Levels in England – set at medium , high , and very high .
The “ medium ” alert level , which will cover most of the country , and will consist of the current national measures .
This includes the Rule of Six and the closure of hospitality at 10pm .
The “ high ” alert level reflects the interventions in many local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aims to reduce household to household transmission , by preventing all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors .
In these areas , the Rule of Six will continue to apply outdoors , where it is harder for the virus to spread , in public spaces as well as private gardens .
Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into the “ high ” alert level .
As a result of rising infection rates , Nottinghamshire , East and West Cheshire and a small area of High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high ” alert level .
The “ very high ” alert level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly and where the NHS could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions .
In these areas the Government will set a baseline of prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens and , I ’ m sorry to say , closing pubs and bars , We want to create the maximum possible local consensus behind this more severe local action , so in each area , we will work with local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be taken .
This could lead to further restrictions on the hospitality , leisure , entertainment or personal care sectors .
But retail , schools and universities will remain open .
As my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor has set out , the government will expand its unprecedented economic support to assist those affected by these decisions , extending our Job Support Scheme to cover two-thirds of the wages of those in any business that is required to close , and providing those businesses with a cash grant of up to £3,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks .
We will also provide Local Authorities across England with around £1 billion of new financial support , on top of our £3.6 billion Towns Fund .
And for very high areas , we will give further financial support for local test and trace , and local enforcement and assistance from the armed forces – not for enforcement but rather to support local services , if desired in the local area .
Mr Speaker , I can report that we have been able to reach agreement with leaders in Merseyside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will move into the “ very high ” alert level from Wednesday .
In addition to the baseline I have outlined , that is as well as pubs and bars , in Merseyside gyms and leisure centres , betting shops , adult gaming centres and casinos will also close .
I would like to put on record my thanks to Steve Rotheram and his colleagues for their cooperation in very difficult circumstances .
Engagement with other leaders in the North West , the North East and Yorkshire & Humber is continuing .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , like everyone in the House , us are grappling with very real dilemmas – but we can not let the NHS fall over when lives are at stake .
so let me repeat the offer that we are making to those local authorities – work with us on these difficult but necessary measures in the areas that are rated very high areas , in return for : – more support for local test and trace – more funding for local enforcement – the offer of help from the armed services – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor I believe not to act would be unforgivable , so I hope that rapid progress can be made in the coming days .
Regulations for all three Covid local alert levels are being laid today .
They will be debated and voted on tomorrow , before coming into force on Wednesday .
We will also keep these measures under constant review , including a four-week sunset clause for interventions in “ very high ” areas .
A postcode search on gov.uk , as well as the NHS Covid-19 app , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each area and we are also publishing updated guidance to explain what the Covid alert levels mean for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable .
And while these levels specifically apply to England , we continue work closely with the Devolved Administrations to tackle this virus across the whole of United Kingdom .
This is not how we want to live our lives , but this is the narrow path we have to tread between the social and economic trauma of a full lockdown and the massive human and indeed economic cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and national government coming together to deliver ever better testing and tracing , ever more efficient enforcement of the rules and with ever improving therapies , with the mountains of PPE and the ventilators that we have stockpiled With all the lessons we have learned in the last few months we are becoming better and better at fighting this virus and though I must warn the House again that the weeks and months ahead will continue to be difficult and will test the mettle of this country I have no doubt at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commend this statement to the House .
”

“Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will make a statement on our continuing fight against coronavirus
and how we intend to fulfil our simultaneous objectives
saving lives, protecting the NHS
while keeping our children in school and our economy running,
and protecting jobs and livelihoods
This morning the Deputy Chief Medical Officer set out the stark reality of the second wave of this virus
the number of cases has quadrupled in the last three weeks
there are now more people in hospital with Covid
than when we went into lockdown on March 23
and deaths are already rising
and of course there are those who say that on that logic we should go back into a full national lockdown
of indefinite duration
closing schools and businesses
telling people again to stay at home as we did in march
once again shuttering our lives and our society
I do not believe that would be the right course,
We would not only be depriving our children of their education
we would do such damage to our economy as to erode our long term ability to fund the NHS and other crucial public services
And on the other side of the argument there are those who think that the patience of the public is now exhausted
and that we should abandon the fight against Covid
stand aside, let nature take her course, and call a halt to these repressions of liberty
and of course I understand those emotions
I understand the frustration of those who have been chafing under the restrictions, the sacrifices they have made
But if we were to follow that course Mr Speaker, and let the virus rip,
then the bleak mathematics dictate that we would suffer not only an intolerable death toll from Covid,
We would put such huge strain on our NHS, with an uncontrolled second spike
that our doctors and nurses would be simply unable to devote themselves to the other treatments
for cancer, for heart disease and hundreds more
that have already been delayed and that would be delayed again
with serious long term damage to the health of the nation
and I am afraid it is no answer to say that we could let the virus take hold among the young and fit
while shielding the elderly and vulnerable
because the virus would then spread with such velocity in the general population that there would be no way of stopping it from spreading among the elderly
and even if the virus is less lethal for the under 60s
there will still be many younger people for whom, alas, it remains lethal
So Mr Speaker, we don’t want to go back to another national lockdown
We can’t let the virus rip
and so we have followed since June a balanced approach with the support of many Members across the House
to keeping the R down
while keeping schools and the economy going
and controlling the virus by changing our behaviour so as to restrict its spread
That is why we have the Rule of Six,
and why we have restrictions such as a 10pm closing time on our hospitality sector.
Mr Speaker, I take no pleasure whatsoever in imposing restrictions on these businesses, many of which have gone to great lengths to reopen as safely as possible.
Nor do I want to stop people enjoying themselves,
but we must act to save lives.
And the evidence shows that
in changing our behaviour
in restricting transmission between us our actions are saving lives.
Left unchecked each person with the virus will infect on average between 2.7 and 3 others
but SAGE assess that the current R nationally is between 1.2 and 1.5.
So we are already suppressing that R to well below its natural level
which is why the virus is not spreading as quickly as it did in March.
But we need to go further.
In recent months, we have worked with local leaders to counter local spikes with targeted restrictions.
But this local approach has inevitably produced different sets of rules in different parts of the country
that are now complex to understand and enforce.
So just as we simplified our national rules with the Rule of Six,
we will now simplify and standardise our local rules
by introducing a three tiered system of local Covid Alert Levels in England – set at medium, high, and very high.
The “medium” alert level, which will cover most of the country, and will consist of the current national measures.
This includes the Rule of Six and the closure of hospitality at 10pm.
The “high” alert level reflects the interventions in many local areas at the moment.
This primarily aims to reduce household to household transmission, by preventing all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors.
In these areas, the Rule of Six will continue to apply outdoors, where it is harder for the virus to spread, in public spaces as well as private gardens.
Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into the “high” alert level.
As a result of rising infection rates, Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak will also move into the “high” alert level.
The “very high” alert level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly and where the NHS could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions.
In these areas the Government will set a baseline of prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens
and, I’m sorry to say, closing pubs and bars,
We want to create the maximum possible local consensus behind this more severe local action,
so in each area, we will work with local government leaders on the additional measures which should be taken.
This could lead to further restrictions on the hospitality, leisure, entertainment or personal care sectors.
But retail, schools and universities will remain open.
As my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor has set out, the government will expand its unprecedented economic support to assist those affected by these decisions,
extending our Job Support Scheme to cover two-thirds of the wages of those in any business that is required to close,
and providing those businesses with a cash grant of up to £3,000 a month, instead of £1500 every three weeks.
We will also provide Local Authorities across England with around £1 billion of new financial support, on top of our £3.6 billion Towns Fund.
And for very high areas, we will give further financial support for local test and trace, and local enforcement
and assistance from the armed forces – not for enforcement but rather to support local services, if desired in the local area.
Mr Speaker, I can report that we have been able to reach agreement with leaders in Merseyside.
Local Authorities in the Liverpool City Region will move into the “very high” alert level from Wednesday.
In addition to the baseline I have outlined, that is as well as pubs and bars, in Merseyside gyms and leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will also close.
I would like to put on record my thanks to Steve Rotheram and his colleagues for their cooperation in very difficult circumstances.
Engagement with other leaders in the North West, the North East and Yorkshire & Humber is continuing.
I know how difficult this is – they like, like everyone in the House, us are grappling with very real dilemmas – but we cannot let the NHS fall over when lives are at stake.
so let me repeat the offer that we are making to those local authorities – work with us on these difficult but necessary measures in the areas that are rated very high areas, in return for:
– more support for local test and trace
– more funding for local enforcement
– the offer of help from the armed services
– the job support scheme as announced by the Chancellor
I believe not to act would be unforgivable, so I hope that rapid progress can be made in the coming days.
Regulations for all three Covid local alert levels are being laid today. They will be debated and voted on tomorrow, before coming into force on Wednesday.
We will also keep these measures under constant review, including a four-week sunset clause for interventions in “very high” areas.
A postcode search on gov.uk, as well as the NHS Covid-19 app, will show which local alert level applies in each area
and we are also publishing updated guidance to explain what the Covid alert levels mean for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
And while these levels specifically apply to England, we continue work closely with the Devolved Administrations to tackle this virus across the whole of United Kingdom.
Mr Speaker
This is not how we want to live our lives,
but this is the narrow path we have to tread
between the social and economic trauma of a full lockdown
and the massive human and indeed economic cost of an uncontained epidemic
With local and regional and national government coming together
in a shared responsibility
and a shared effort
to deliver ever better testing and tracing, ever more efficient enforcement of the rules
and with ever improving therapies, with the mountains of PPE and the ventilators that we have stockpiled
With all the lessons we have learned in the last few months we are becoming better and better at fighting this virus
and though I must warn the House again that the weeks and months ahead will continue to be difficult
and will test the mettle of this country
I have no doubt at all that together we will succeed
And I commend this statement to the House.”


conservativehome--2020-10-13--James Frayne: Coastal towns – next for the Conservatives after the Red Wall seats. And essential for

James Frayne: Coastal towns – next for the Conservatives after the Red Wall seats. And essential for a shore-to-shore majority.

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People , a guide to moving public opinion .
The Conservatives risk taking their 80 seat majority for granted ; doubly so , with their domination of provincial England and Wales .
There ’ s a sense that Labour has been devastated in their own backyard – with no way back in the near-term .
But England and Wales aren ’ t in the bag and the Conservatives ’ hold over the working class is precarious .
The pivot to it is in name only ; it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious action .
Jeremy Corbyn was a clown , but Keir Starmer isn ’ t .
The English working class came to despise Corbyn , but don ’ t despise Starmer and never will .
He ’ s an entirely familiar English politician : a bit awkward and dull ; a bit professional posh .
But so what ?
That ’ s most people in politics .
Working class people would vote for him without hesitation .
He ’ s basically competent ; he ’ s not afraid to say he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the lunatic fringe in his Parliamentary Party ; he looks the part .
The Conservatives urgently need to narrow Starmer ’ s path to No 10 .
How should they go about this ?
This column has long focused on the need to appeal to voters in the the Midlands and North .
This has been the main battleground for the last two or three elections ; but there are signs Conservative ambition should be extended on a large scale geographically .
It ’ s becoming increasingly clear that English and Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same way the Midlands and North have been .
In this way , the Conservatives should seek to establish a mainstream majority from coast to coast .
Over the last couple of years I ’ ve been conducting more and more research in coastal areas – mostly in the form of focus groups , but via quantitative research too – and have been increasingly struck by the cultural , economic and , ultimately , political similarities between them in different areas .
It ’ s also become clear that cities like , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in common with , say , Derby .
And places like , say , Great Yarmouth have a lot in common with , say , Rochdale .
The smaller towns are strikingly similar .
New quantitative research that Public First has conducted as part of our work for the UK Major Ports Group – the representative body for the country ’ s largest port operators – confirms me in this view .
It should be perfectly possible for the Conservatives to create a message that resonates equally for the working class in coastal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be a strategic priority for the Conservatives for the rest of this Parliament .
You can read the full tables of the coastal poll here and the accompanying England and Wales nationally representative poll here .
( I should say at this point that UKMPG is entirely apolitical ; this reflects my reading of a poll I ’ ve done for them ; Labour-leaning colleagues are writing their own analyses from a Labour perspective ) .
Coastal towns have their own particular challenges , of course , and residents favour policies specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastal residents favour awarding coastal areas “ special category ” status in the same way that some rural areas have been awarded something similar ; they also favour improving transport links between coastal areas and the rest of the country .
The Government will need to address these particular issues .
But the more you look at the data and the more you listen to coastal town residents in focus groups , the more similarities there appear to be people in with less affluent towns in the English and Welsh heartlands .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic and social decline of their towns .
In coastal areas , as in less affluent Northern and Midlands towns , not only do very many people think their local areas have got worse , but they ’ re also pessimistic for the future .
They are particularly concerned about the state of their local high streets and how small businesses have suffered ( made worse , of course , by the Covid-19 emergency and the downturn that ’ s followed ) .
As in the Midlands and North , coastal town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on regeneration .
Many believe their children would be better off moving away to pursue better opportunities elsewhere .
In towns on the coast and inland , you hear this mix of local civic pride with a belief that things are getting worse all the time ( especially in the West Midlands ) .
For voters in coastal towns and in the heartlands , the Conservatives ’ manifesto focus on improving life in provincial Britain was the right one ; it obviously chimed in towns across the country .
So politically and culturally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives should consider coastal voters to be potential long-term Conservatives .
Coastal town residents are more likely than the national average to be eurosceptic , and seem more conventionally patriotic than the average .
But , as we ’ ve seen in Labour ’ s former working class areas , they ’ re hardly classically Conservative .
For example , they ’ re keen on raising taxes on the highest earners and on increasing benefit provision ( the latter , likely a reflection of the downturn ) .
They also associate the Conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primarily for “ the rich ” .
In short , coastal town residents are superficially Conservative , but many are now peeling off to the “ don ’ t know ” line when asked about their voting intention , which is only a step away from taking a good look at Labour .
More worryingly , when we probed voters ’ values , coastal residents , as well as those across the rest of England and Wales , said the values they held most dear were family , fairness , hard work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to associate Labour with these values than the Conservatives .
Over the next several months , I will be returning regularly to this theme : the need to create a mainstream English and Welsh majority from coast to coast .
The research I ’ ve been doing is an interesting first step ; it requires more analysis and more thought .
However , my strong sense is this : • Politicians are wrong to consider coastal areas as being radically different from the rest of the country , and indeed too different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While coastal areas require some specific attention , their problems are similar to those in the Midlands and North etc .
• The heart of the policy response should focus on civic regeneration , small business growth and new technologies ; • As with the rest of the country , there are major differences between the cities and the towns on the coast .
And , bringing it all together – • The Conservatives should seek to create a unified offer which ties together mainstream England and Wales .
With Brexit finally coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other , and with new trade deals emerging , it ’ s likely that British port towns and cities are going to start receiving greater political attention .
We ’ re going to suddenly remember that we ’ re an island which demands an industrial strategy to match a new trade strategy .
As this all takes place , the Conservatives should begin to prioritise the voters of these coastal areas in the way they ’ ve prioritised those in the Midlands and North .

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion.
The Conservatives risk taking their 80 seat majority for granted; doubly so, with their domination of provincial England and Wales. There’s a sense that Labour has been devastated in their own backyard – with no way back in the near-term.
But England and Wales aren’t in the bag and the Conservatives’ hold over the working class is precarious. The pivot to it is in name only; it can be made real, but only with serious action.
Jeremy Corbyn was a clown, but Keir Starmer isn’t. The English working class came to despise Corbyn, but don’t despise Starmer and never will. He’s an entirely familiar English politician: a bit awkward and dull; a bit professional posh.
But so what? That’s most people in politics. Working class people would vote for him without hesitation. He’s basically competent; he’s not afraid to say he’s patriotic; he stands against the excesses of the lunatic fringe in his Parliamentary Party; he looks the part.
The Conservatives urgently need to narrow Starmer’s path to No 10. How should they go about this?
This column has long focused on the need to appeal to voters in the the Midlands and North. This has been the main battleground for the last two or three elections; but there are signs Conservative ambition should be extended on a large scale geographically.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that English and Welsh coastal areas should become a priority in the same way the Midlands and North have been. In this way, the Conservatives should seek to establish a mainstream majority from coast to coast.
Over the last couple of years I’ve been conducting more and more research in coastal areas – mostly in the form of focus groups, but via quantitative research too – and have been increasingly struck by the cultural, economic and, ultimately, political similarities between them in different areas.
It’s also become clear that cities like, say, Portsmouth, have a lot in common with, say, Derby. And places like, say, Great Yarmouth have a lot in common with, say, Rochdale. The smaller towns are strikingly similar.
New quantitative research that Public First has conducted as part of our work for the UK Major Ports Group – the representative body for the country’s largest port operators – confirms me in this view. It should be perfectly possible for the Conservatives to create a message that resonates equally for the working class in coastal and inland areas.
Indeed, this should be a strategic priority for the Conservatives for the rest of this Parliament. You can read the full tables of the coastal poll here and the accompanying England and Wales nationally representative poll here.
(I should say at this point that UKMPG is entirely apolitical; this reflects my reading of a poll I’ve done for them; Labour-leaning colleagues are writing their own analyses from a Labour perspective).
Coastal towns have their own particular challenges, of course, and residents favour policies specific to coastal areas. For example, coastal residents favour awarding coastal areas “special category” status in the same way that some rural areas have been awarded something similar; they also favour improving transport links between coastal areas and the rest of the country.
The Government will need to address these particular issues. But the more you look at the data and the more you listen to coastal town residents in focus groups, the more similarities there appear to be people in with less affluent towns in the English and Welsh heartlands.
Most obviously, there are huge concerns about the economic and social decline of their towns. In coastal areas, as in less affluent Northern and Midlands towns, not only do very many people think their local areas have got worse, but they’re also pessimistic for the future. They are particularly concerned about the state of their local high streets and how small businesses have suffered (made worse, of course, by the Covid-19 emergency and the downturn that’s followed).
As in the Midlands and North, coastal town residents are desperate for policies that focus on regeneration. Many believe their children would be better off moving away to pursue better opportunities elsewhere. In towns on the coast and inland, you hear this mix of local civic pride with a belief that things are getting worse all the time (especially in the West Midlands).
For voters in coastal towns and in the heartlands, the Conservatives’ manifesto focus on improving life in provincial Britain was the right one; it obviously chimed in towns across the country.
So politically and culturally speaking, there are reasons why the Conservatives should consider coastal voters to be potential long-term Conservatives. Coastal town residents are more likely than the national average to be eurosceptic, and seem more conventionally patriotic than the average.
But, as we’ve seen in Labour’s former working class areas, they’re hardly classically Conservative. For example, they’re keen on raising taxes on the highest earners and on increasing benefit provision (the latter, likely a reflection of the downturn).
They also associate the Conservatives, as many do, with being primarily for “the rich”. In short, coastal town residents are superficially Conservative, but many are now peeling off to the “don’t know” line when asked about their voting intention, which is only a step away from taking a good look at Labour.
More worryingly, when we probed voters’ values, coastal residents, as well as those across the rest of England and Wales, said the values they held most dear were family, fairness, hard work and decency; but they were much more likely to associate Labour with these values than the Conservatives.
Over the next several months, I will be returning regularly to this theme: the need to create a mainstream English and Welsh majority from coast to coast. The research I’ve been doing is an interesting first step; it requires more analysis and more thought.
However, my strong sense is this:
Politicians are wrong to consider coastal areas as being radically different from the rest of the country, and indeed too different to help through conventional politics.
While coastal areas require some specific attention, their problems are similar to those in the Midlands and North etc.
The heart of the policy response should focus on civic regeneration, small business growth and new technologies;
As with the rest of the country, there are major differences between the cities and the towns on the coast. And, bringing it all together –
The Conservatives should seek to create a unified offer which ties together mainstream England and Wales.
With Brexit finally coming to a conclusion one way or the other, and with new trade deals emerging, it’s likely that British port towns and cities are going to start receiving greater political attention.
We’re going to suddenly remember that we’re an island which demands an industrial strategy to match a new trade strategy. As this all takes place, the Conservatives should begin to prioritise the voters of these coastal areas in the way they’ve prioritised those in the Midlands and North.


conservativehome--2020-10-13--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Director of Labour Market Enforcement – an