thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Hope for high streets as towns see biggest bounceback ever – DURING lockdown

Official data from the Office for National Statistics showed retail sales jumping 12 percent between April and May .
It offers a glimmer of hope that the economy is beginning to recover following the coronavirus lockdown which has crippled many shops and businesses .
Analysts said the real test of the retail sector 's recovery will only be when figures are published covering the reopenings of stores this week and beyond .
Online sales took up a record proportion of shopping , hitting 33.4 percent of all shops ' takings , up from 30.8 percent in April .
Supermarkets remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent month-on-month surge in household goods sales as DIY shops reopened .
The ONS said while there was a strong increase in petrol sales in May as travel restrictions began to be eased , it still remained some 42.5 percent lower than in February .
Most stores closed from 23 March after official government guidance and the majority only resumed trading this week , although those deemed essential were allowed to open their doors earlier .
Some garden centres and hardware stores were allowed to reopen in mid-May .
Economists welcomed the figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr Howard Archer , chief economic adviser to the EY Item Club said : `` While the retail sector will clearly benefit markedly from the progressive opening up of the sector in June , it is highly uncertain just how much the sector will bounce back . ''
The upbeat figures came as new data showed the UK 's debt is now worth more than its economy after the government borrowed a record amount in May .
The £55.2 billion figure was nine times higher than in May last year and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It sent total government debt surging to £1.95 trillion , exceeding the size of the economy for the first time in more than 50 years .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the figures confirmed the severe impact the virus was having on public finances .
`` The best way to restore our public finances to a more sustainable footing is to safely reopen our economy so people can return to work , ” he said .

Coronavirus: Expert on 'new ways' retailers can attract buyers
Official data from the Office for National Statistics showed retail sales jumping 12 percent between April and May. It offers a glimmer of hope that the economy is beginning to recover following the coronavirus lockdown which has crippled many shops and businesses.
Analysts said the real test of the retail sector's recovery will only be when figures are published covering the reopenings of stores this week and beyond.
Online sales took up a record proportion of shopping, hitting 33.4 percent of all shops' takings, up from 30.8 percent in April.
Supermarkets remained relatively steady but there was a 42 percent month-on-month surge in household goods sales as DIY shops reopened.
The ONS said while there was a strong increase in petrol sales in May as travel restrictions began to be eased, it still remained some 42.5 percent lower than in February.
Hope for high streets as towns see biggest bounceback ever
Official data from the Office for National Statistics showed retail sales jumping 12 percent between April and May
Most stores closed from 23 March after official government guidance and the majority only resumed trading this week, although those deemed essential were allowed to open their doors earlier. Some garden centres and hardware stores were allowed to reopen in mid-May.
Economists welcomed the figures which were better than most had expected.
Dr Howard Archer, chief economic adviser to the EY Item Club said: "While the retail sector will clearly benefit markedly from the progressive opening up of the sector in June, it is highly uncertain just how much the sector will bounce back."
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The upbeat figures came as new data showed the UK's debt is now worth more than its economy after the government borrowed a record amount in May. The £55.2 billion figure was nine times higher than in May last year and the highest since records began in 1993.
It sent total government debt surging to £1.95 trillion, exceeding the size of the economy for the first time in more than 50 years.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the figures confirmed the severe impact the virus was having on public finances.
"The best way to restore our public finances to a more sustainable footing is to safely reopen our economy so people can return to work,” he said.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the figures confirmed the severe impact the virus was having on public finances


thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Brexit shock: Michael Gove to help Northern Irish businesses if Brexit talks fail

This comes after Mr Gove received heavy criticism from MP ’ s about being unprepared for the region of Northern Ireland .
The Chancellor of the Lancaster of Duchy told the Northern Ireland affairs committee that : “ We want to make sure that in the event of there not being a free trade agreement of whatever kind with the EU that we are in a position to indemnify and reimburse companies for tariffs.
” When we talk about a ‘ No-Deal ’ that would mean a particular arrangement for Northern Ireland .
It would see EU tariffs payable on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then for goods that they don ’ t venture into the Republic of Ireland , you ’ d see rebates being granted .
In order for these tariffs arrangements to be able to be put in place before January , there would need to be some kind of secondary legislation .
Those in the business sector have described the move as “ significant ” but have still expressed concern over the lack of detail .
The Director of the Northern Ireland retail consortium , Aodhan Connolly , has said : “ What paperwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it be for reimbursement as that is a huge cash flow problem ?
” He further picked up on the fact that EU state-aid rules would make the scheme problematic for big companies .
In terms of the motoring industry , imports on cars would experience a 10 per cent additional levy on purchases from Nissan in the UK .
This is while having no knowledge of when they ’ d be getting a rebate .
READ MORE : Are you listening Mr Barnier ?
Gove issues EU warning Moreover , state aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed anything more than €200,000 over three years .
This would limit the number of cars they ’ d be able to buy from Great Britain .
It seems to all be a part of Michael Gove ’ s “ command paper ” which many are saying is surprisingly low on detail , which is strange considering Mr Gove usually has a great capacity for such precision .
Labour MP , Hilary Benn , tried questioning Michael Gove numerous times over whether or not declaration forms would be needed for British businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MISS : Michael Gove gives Brussels LAST CHANCE for Brexit deal [ INSIGHT ] Brexit transition HAD to end , says MICHAEL GOVE [ REVEALED ] Brexit fury : EU gears up to challenge Gove 's Northern Ireland plan [ EXPLAINED ] As these are currently needed for goods brought into the UK from outside the EU .
Mr Gove was unable to provide concrete answers on that particular question .
The Cabinet Office Minister , also mentioned that new safety and security information , that would be required for the operational detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in summer .
At a Labour webinar , unions , farmers and businesses expressed their anger with lack of detail coming from the government .

Brexit: UK won't 'accept jurisdiction' of ECJ says Michael Gove
This comes after Mr Gove received heavy criticism from MP’s about being unprepared for the region of Northern Ireland. The Chancellor of the Lancaster of Duchy told the Northern Ireland affairs committee that: “We want to make sure that in the event of there not being a free trade agreement of whatever kind with the EU that we are in a position to indemnify and reimburse companies for tariffs.” When we talk about a ‘No-Deal’ that would mean a particular arrangement for Northern Ireland.
Related articles Are you listening Mr Barnier? Gove issues EU warning
It would see EU tariffs payable on goods operating within the region, but then for goods that they don’t venture into the Republic of Ireland, you’d see rebates being granted. In order for these tariffs arrangements to be able to be put in place before January, there would need to be some kind of secondary legislation. Those in the business sector have described the move as “significant” but have still expressed concern over the lack of detail. The Director of the Northern Ireland retail consortium, Aodhan Connolly, has said: “What paperwork would be needed? How long would it be for reimbursement as that is a huge cash flow problem?”
Britain's Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove
He further picked up on the fact that EU state-aid rules would make the scheme problematic for big companies. In terms of the motoring industry, imports on cars would experience a 10 per cent additional levy on purchases from Nissan in the UK. This is while having no knowledge of when they’d be getting a rebate. READ MORE: Are you listening Mr Barnier? Gove issues EU warning
ursula von der leyen
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Moreover, state aid rules would mean they wouldn’t be allowed anything more than €200,000 over three years. This would limit the number of cars they’d be able to buy from Great Britain. It seems to all be a part of Michael Gove’s “command paper” which many are saying is surprisingly low on detail, which is strange considering Mr Gove usually has a great capacity for such precision. Labour MP, Hilary Benn, tried questioning Michael Gove numerous times over whether or not declaration forms would be needed for British businesses selling into Northern Ireland. DON'T MISS:
Michael Gove gives Brussels LAST CHANCE for Brexit deal [INSIGHT]
Brexit transition HAD to end, says MICHAEL GOVE [REVEALED]
Brexit fury: EU gears up to challenge Gove's Northern Ireland plan [EXPLAINED]
As these are currently needed for goods brought into the UK from outside the EU. Mr Gove was unable to provide concrete answers on that particular question. The Cabinet Office Minister, also mentioned that new safety and security information, that would be required for the operational detail, wouldn’t be available till later in summer. At a Labour webinar, unions, farmers and businesses expressed their anger with lack of detail coming from the government.
EU Brexit Negotiations not done till end of July.
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-06-21--Nicola Sturgeon mocked for 'eye-watering' plan to hand every Scot £11,000 a year

UBI which has been backed by Nicola Sturgeon would see every citizen provided with guaranteed payments no matter what their circumstances are .
A study commissioned by the First Minister recommended that Scots are paid £11,000 a year as part of a £186 million experiment .
It suggests that this could be co-delivered in a three year pilot by the Scottish and UK Governments alongside local authorities .
Councils in Edinburgh , Glasgow , Fife and North Ayrshire worked on the research for two years with NHS Health Scotland , now part of Public Health Scotland , and the Improvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Scottish government provided £250,000 for the project and have said that a three-year pilot will provide a better understanding of how an income could impact on poverty , unemployment , health and financial wellbeing .
But Holyrood does not have the powers to introduce a universal basic income on its own because the majority of welfare and tax responsibilities are still reserved to Westminster .
The Scottish Conservatives said that the plans would be “ unworkable ” and have questioned the £186m cost .
Councillor Tony Miklinski , leader of the Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courier : “ This is going to cost £186m in a post-covid environment so unless we can identify a realistic option of paying for it , presumably through taxation , the level of finance needed… if you scale it up to Scotland , the numbers are eye-watering .
“ If we as politicians can ’ t see a way of affording the costs then we are disingenuous at the very best to be taking a pilot forward.
” Chancellor Rishi Sunak also told MPs that the UK government was `` not in favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had `` strengthened the safety net for the most vulnerable '' by investing in the existing welfare system .
READ MORE : Sturgeon urged to SACK Scottish education secretary as SNP grilled But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said of UBI : “ I am a supporter of [ UBI ] , I have long been interested in the concept , I think the case for it has been immeasurably strengthened by the crisis we ’ re living through .
The calls to fund UBI however comes after Scottish ministers warned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run out of money .
Ms Sturgeon called on the Treasury to extend financial support for workers and businesses , saying the alternative risks a surge in coronavirus cases or more job losses .
She warned that a UK drop in GDP of more than 20 percent in April “ confirms the scale of the economic crisis that has inevitably been caused by the health crisis we face ” .
DO N'T MISS : UK coronavirus blunder : Expert attacks devolution [ REVEAL ] How Nicola Sturgeon 's independence push was dashed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronted on coronavirus record - 'Too slow ' [ REVEAL ]

Nicola Sturgeon calls for ‘continued support’ from UK government
UBI which has been backed by Nicola Sturgeon would see every citizen provided with guaranteed payments no matter what their circumstances are. A study commissioned by the First Minister recommended that Scots are paid £11,000 a year as part of a £186 million experiment.
Trending
It suggests that this could be co-delivered in a three year pilot by the Scottish and UK Governments alongside local authorities. Councils in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife and North Ayrshire worked on the research for two years with NHS Health Scotland, now part of Public Health Scotland, and the Improvement Service, which supports local authorities. The Scottish government provided £250,000 for the project and have said that a three-year pilot will provide a better understanding of how an income could impact on poverty, unemployment, health and financial wellbeing. But Holyrood does not have the powers to introduce a universal basic income on its own because the majority of welfare and tax responsibilities are still reserved to Westminster.
Nicola Sturgeon has warned about the future of the Scottish economy.
Nicola Sturgeon has backed calls for UBI.
The Scottish Conservatives said that the plans would be “unworkable” and have questioned the £186m cost. Councillor Tony Miklinski, leader of the Conservative group on Fife Council, told The Courier: “This is going to cost £186m in a post-covid environment so unless we can identify a realistic option of paying for it, presumably through taxation, the level of finance needed… if you scale it up to Scotland, the numbers are eye-watering. “If we as politicians can’t see a way of affording the costs then we are disingenuous at the very best to be taking a pilot forward.” Chancellor Rishi Sunak also told MPs that the UK government was "not in favour of a universal basic income", and had "strengthened the safety net for the most vulnerable" by investing in the existing welfare system. READ MORE: Sturgeon urged to SACK Scottish education secretary as SNP grilled
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Rishi Sunak has rejected calls for UBI.
But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said of UBI: “I am a supporter of [UBI], I have long been interested in the concept, I think the case for it has been immeasurably strengthened by the crisis we’re living through. The calls to fund UBI however comes after Scottish ministers warned that the economy faces financial ruin fearing they could run out of money. Ms Sturgeon called on the Treasury to extend financial support for workers and businesses, saying the alternative risks a surge in coronavirus cases or more job losses. She warned that a UK drop in GDP of more than 20 percent in April “confirms the scale of the economic crisis that has inevitably been caused by the health crisis we face”. DON'T MISS:
UK coronavirus blunder: Expert attacks devolution [REVEAL]
How Nicola Sturgeon's independence push was dashed by economic stats [REVEAL]
Sturgeon furiously confronted on coronavirus record - 'Too slow' [REVEAL]
Working age Scots could soon be given £11,000 a year.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Brexit battle: UK negotiators ON THE CHARGE as secret trade talks weapon finally deployed

Negotiations between Britain and the EU have been hindered by the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through the continent , triggering strict lockdowns that have prevented the respective leaders thrashing out a deal face-to-face .
The UK team , lead by the Prime Minister 's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost , began talks with the Brussels counterpart Michel Barnier in March , but since then , they have been limited to negotiating via video conference calls .
But talks soon hit a stalemate and turned bitter as the two sides quickly traded brutal blows over each other 's negotiating positions and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any trade deal .
Mr Barnier has lashed out at the UK 's negotiators , lamenting the lack of progress being made in talks , while Mr Frost has warned Britain is prepared to walk away without a deal in place .
Any attempts from the Prime Minister to become involved in talks with the EU have also been hindered by his own coronavirus diagnosis , which saw him admitted to hospital and away from the top job for several weeks .
But he took a significant lead in a video conference call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ der Leyen - last Monday , where Brussels finally accepted the UK 's demand to leave the bloc at the end of the transition period on December 31 , 2020 .
Mr Johnson also held Brexit talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street on Thursday - the first time he has met a major world leader face-to-face since the coronavirus lockdown was enforced .
Political experts have hailed the return of Mr Johnson to negotiations as a much-needed morale boost '' as hopes increase the two sides can come to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
John Macdonald , Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute think tank , told Express.co.uk : `` Coronavirus has undoubtedly hindered Brexit talks .
`` Boris Johnson has been unable to negotiate with his usual vim and vigour , and not just due to technological limitations .
`` His focus has been shifted towards dealing with the pandemic , and his personal experience with COVID-19 will have sapped his usual gusto in taking on the challenges of Brexit . ''
READ MORE : EU MUST cave : Expert hits out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fortunately , we have seen a recent resurgence of 'BoJo ’ s mojo ' as he negotiates face to face for the first time since lockdown with Emmanuel Macron .
`` This is a much needed morale boost for hopes that progress can be made on key areas . ''
Patrick Sullivan , chief executive of the Westminster think tank Parliament Street , also hailed the return of Mr Johnson to negotiations .
He claimed the Prime Minister 's influence has now swung the momentum in the UK 's favour , increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the end of this year .
DO N'T MISS Disaster looms for Brussels as chaos threatens euro [ POLL ] Brexit shots fired as France warns 'we wo n't be squeezed ' into deal [ COMMENT ] Finnish MEP erupts as she demands euro ABOLISHED in fiery tirade [ VIDEO ] Mr Sullivan told this website : “ Personal battles with the virus have unquestionable taken its toll on the Prime Minister .
`` It was inevitably going to take Boris some time to readjust and get back into the swing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent virtual press conference with Ursula von der Leyen , the UK ’ s hand in the negotiations appears to be stronger than ever .
`` There is now broad consensus among the member states that a Canada style free trade agreement is the most likely outcome .
”

Brexit: Barnier ‘losing charm’ in negations says Richard Tice
Negotiations between Britain and the EU have been hindered by the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through the continent, triggering strict lockdowns that have prevented the respective leaders thrashing out a deal face-to-face. The UK team, lead by the Prime Minister's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost, began talks with the Brussels counterpart Michel Barnier in March, but since then, they have been limited to negotiating via video conference calls. But talks soon hit a stalemate and turned bitter as the two sides quickly traded brutal blows over each other's negotiating positions and around demands about what should be included in any trade deal.
Trending
Mr Barnier has lashed out at the UK's negotiators, lamenting the lack of progress being made in talks, while Mr Frost has warned Britain is prepared to walk away without a deal in place. Any attempts from the Prime Minister to become involved in talks with the EU have also been hindered by his own coronavirus diagnosis, which saw him admitted to hospital and away from the top job for several weeks. But he took a significant lead in a video conference call with EU leaders - including Ursula von der Leyen - last Monday, where Brussels finally accepted the UK's demand to leave the bloc at the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020. Mr Johnson also held Brexit talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street on Thursday - the first time he has met a major world leader face-to-face since the coronavirus lockdown was enforced.
Brexit news: The return of Boris Johnson to frontline talks has raised hopes a deal can be agreed
Brexit news: Boris Johnson was involved in crunch talks with the EU last Monday
Political experts have hailed the return of Mr Johnson to negotiations as a much-needed morale boost" as hopes increase the two sides can come to an agreement on a number of key areas. John Macdonald, Head of Government Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute think tank, told Express.co.uk: "Coronavirus has undoubtedly hindered Brexit talks. "Boris Johnson has been unable to negotiate with his usual vim and vigour, and not just due to technological limitations. "His focus has been shifted towards dealing with the pandemic, and his personal experience with COVID-19 will have sapped his usual gusto in taking on the challenges of Brexit." READ MORE: EU MUST cave: Expert hits out at Brussels 'extreme' stance on fishing
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Brexit news: The Prime Minister met Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street for talks
"Fortunately, we have seen a recent resurgence of 'BoJo’s mojo' as he negotiates face to face for the first time since lockdown with Emmanuel Macron. "This is a much needed morale boost for hopes that progress can be made on key areas." Patrick Sullivan, chief executive of the Westminster think tank Parliament Street, also hailed the return of Mr Johnson to negotiations. He claimed the Prime Minister's influence has now swung the momentum in the UK's favour, increasing hopes a Canada-style deal can be agreed before the end of this year. DON'T MISS
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Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen was involved in talks with the UK last monday
Mr Sullivan told this website: “Personal battles with the virus have unquestionable taken its toll on the Prime Minister. "It was inevitably going to take Boris some time to readjust and get back into the swing of things. "But based on the recent virtual press conference with Ursula von der Leyen, the UK’s hand in the negotiations appears to be stronger than ever. "There is now broad consensus among the member states that a Canada style free trade agreement is the most likely outcome.”
Brexit news: The UK will leave the EU at the end of the transition period on December 31


thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Labour SLAMMED over school closures during COVID-19 pandemic

The controversy over Knowsley Council in Merseyside comes despite Labour attacking the government for failing to get children back to school .
But , according to one of the Redwall Tory MPs elected in December , it is part of a pattern of Labour councils taking the side of trade unions over the needs of children in delaying reopening schools .
However , the council has hit back describing the criticism as `` unfair '' and showing a `` complete lack of empathy '' for the reality of coronavirus in Merseyside .
But the criticism stems from a decision reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` pause '' in reopening despite Cllr Margaret Harvey , Knowsley ’ s cabinet member for children ’ s services , admitting she was `` reassured that new confirmed cases in Knowsley are very low , and have been low for a number of weeks . ''
Andy Carter Conservative MP for Warrington South and a school governor said he had been struggling to get schools to be reopened in his constituency because of council foot dragging .
He said that one of the reasons voters in former Labour heartlands like his have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they support aspiration .
He said : “ I was at an Cobbs infant school in Warrington on Friday morning meeting the brilliant Head Teacher Mrs Glass and her team of teachers and TAs , they ’ ve worked really hard to create class bubbles so that children are as safe as possible , her number one focus has been getting children back into school so they ’ re learning again .
“ We know it ’ s the most vulnerable kids in our towns and cities who are impacted the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases they ’ ve had no teaching for almost three months and we risk longer term consequences if we don ’ t now work through a plan to make sure they can catch up .
“ Overwhelmingly when I speak to parents they tell me they see the positive social benefits to children after just a few days back in the classroom , I know there have been worries about safety but the risk are very small and with sensible steps we can get even more children back in the coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the unions have put lots of pressure on heads to hold off opening and seeing Labour councils like Knowsley put the demands of the NEU ahead of children means children are being held back . ''
North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said : `` Knowsley is a classic example of a Labour council enthralled to the teaching unions and badly letting down vulnerable children whose futures will be harmed . ''
But a Knowsley Council spokeswoman said : “ This absolutely unfair criticism shows a complete lack of understanding , awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our part of the country .
Throughout the pandemic , ALL of Knowsley ’ s school have stayed open for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers .
A number of our schools have also re-opened to more pupils during June .
“ Not a single Knowsley school has closed its doors , and this is despite the fact that COVID-19 has hit Merseyside harder than anywhere else in the country .
Only two weeks ago , Public Heath England published data which showed that the R rate in the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than any other parts of the country .
This is the reality in the North West , and it is disgraceful that anybody should criticise schools in the region for extending their offer more slowly than has been the case in areas of the country which have been more fortunate .
“ We will continue to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of children and school staff come first , and we expect the Government to take the time to appreciate the extent of the work which our schools and our Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into education as quickly as we can .
“ Knowsley Council has never asked schools to close and we have never advised them not to re-open .
We have worked positively and constructively in collaboration with schools , their governing bodies , parents and trade unions to ensure that all of our schools extend their offers when it is safe to do – they should not be asked to meet a particular date just to achieve a political objective.
” Department for Education figures on Knowsley seen by the Sunday Express shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underperforming under Labour ’ s leadership .
In Knowsley , 81 per cent of schools are rated good or outstanding – lower than England ’ s average of 87 per cent and there are more requiring improvement or inadequate than outstanding schools .
Of the council ’ s 61 schools , 7 are outstanding , 43 are good , 8 require improvement and 3 schools are rated as inadequate .
Knowsley is also below the national average for Key Stage 2 with 63 per cent of children reaching the expected standard for KS2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent .
At Key Stage 4 , Knowsley has an extremely low progress score .
This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4 , compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2 .
A score below zero means pupils made less progress , on average , than pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2 .
Knowsley ’ s score was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

School ‘catch up fund’ is ‘good news’ says education expert
The controversy over Knowsley Council in Merseyside comes despite Labour attacking the government for failing to get children back to school. But, according to one of the Redwall Tory MPs elected in December, it is part of a pattern of Labour councils taking the side of trade unions over the needs of children in delaying reopening schools. However, the council has hit back describing the criticism as "unfair" and showing a "complete lack of empathy" for the reality of coronavirus in Merseyside.
But the criticism stems from a decision reported on June 10 to allow schools to "pause" in reopening despite Cllr Margaret Harvey, Knowsley’s cabinet member for children’s services, admitting she was "reassured that new confirmed cases in Knowsley are very low, and have been low for a number of weeks." Andy Carter Conservative MP for Warrington South and a school governor said he had been struggling to get schools to be reopened in his constituency because of council foot dragging. He said that one of the reasons voters in former Labour heartlands like his have switched to blue collar Conservative MPs is because they support aspiration. He said: “I was at an Cobbs infant school in Warrington on Friday morning meeting the brilliant Head Teacher Mrs Glass and her team of teachers and TAs, they’ve worked really hard to create class bubbles so that children are as safe as possible, her number one focus has been getting children back into school so they’re learning again. “We know it’s the most vulnerable kids in our towns and cities who are impacted the most by not going to school, in some cases they’ve had no teaching for almost three months and we risk longer term consequences if we don’t now work through a plan to make sure they can catch up. “Overwhelmingly when I speak to parents they tell me they see the positive social benefits to children after just a few days back in the classroom, I know there have been worries about safety but the risk are very small and with sensible steps we can get even more children back in the coming weeks”.
Andy Carter MP for Warrington South
North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen
He added: "I know the unions have put lots of pressure on heads to hold off opening and seeing Labour councils like Knowsley put the demands of the NEU ahead of children means children are being held back." North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen said: "Knowsley is a classic example of a Labour council enthralled to the teaching unions and badly letting down vulnerable children whose futures will be harmed." But a Knowsley Council spokeswoman said: “This absolutely unfair criticism shows a complete lack of understanding, awareness and empathy in terms of the reality in our part of the country. Throughout the pandemic, ALL of Knowsley’s school have stayed open for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers. A number of our schools have also re-opened to more pupils during June. “Not a single Knowsley school has closed its doors, and this is despite the fact that COVID-19 has hit Merseyside harder than anywhere else in the country. Only two weeks ago, Public Heath England published data which showed that the R rate in the North West was still above 1, and higher than any other parts of the country. This is the reality in the North West, and it is disgraceful that anybody should criticise schools in the region for extending their offer more slowly than has been the case in areas of the country which have been more fortunate. “We will continue to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of children and school staff come first, and we expect the Government to take the time to appreciate the extent of the work which our schools and our Council teams are doing to welcome pupils safely back into education as quickly as we can. “Knowsley Council has never asked schools to close and we have never advised them not to re-open. We have worked positively and constructively in collaboration with schools, their governing bodies, parents and trade unions to ensure that all of our schools extend their offers when it is safe to do – they should not be asked to meet a particular date just to achieve a political objective.”
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Labour leader Keir Starmer
Department for Education figures on Knowsley seen by the Sunday Express shows that children in the area were already underperforming under Labour’s leadership. In Knowsley, 81 per cent of schools are rated good or outstanding – lower than England’s average of 87 per cent and there are more requiring improvement or inadequate than outstanding schools. Of the council’s 61 schools, 7 are outstanding, 43 are good, 8 require improvement and 3 schools are rated as inadequate. Knowsley is also below the national average for Key Stage 2 with 63 per cent of children reaching the expected standard for KS2, below the national average of 65 per cent. At Key Stage 4, Knowsley has an extremely low progress score. This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. A score below zero means pupils made less progress, on average, than pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. Knowsley’s score was ‘well below average’ at -0.81.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Stop wasting BILLIONS of taxpayers' cash on worthless foreign aid, Boris told

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The Centre of Brexit Policy ( CBP ) has pointed out at that 10 percent of the £13 billion spent by the UK on foreign aid was handed to the EU for their overseas projects .
That money was spent on items which had the EU flag branded on them but gave no credit to the UK taxpayer even though it was the biggest donor to the EU aid budget and previously the only EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of GDP spent on aid .
The chairman of the CBP , former cabinet minister Owen Paterson , said that in the week that the Department for International Development and Foreign Office were merged , more can now be done to focus aid spending .
He pointed out that the EU has come under fire for indirectly funding terrorist groups with aid including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ( PFLP ) .
The EU has also been heavily criticised for its aid spending after last month a senior EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who heads the EU mission to the West Bank and Gaza Strip , said that Brussels will not withhold funds from supporters of terrorist groups .
There has been widespread criticism of how the UK aid budget has been spent .
In 2018 , the UK gave China £55m in 2018 , which funded projects including a £1.1 million awareness campaign aimed at reducing salt intake in China , a £984,000 study into air pollution , a £43,112 teacher training programme and a £55,392 scheme to reform China ’ s animal testing laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Boris Johnson clashes with Keir Starmer on foreign aid statement
The Centre of Brexit Policy (CBP) has pointed out at that 10 percent of the £13 billion spent by the UK on foreign aid was handed to the EU for their overseas projects. That money was spent on items which had the EU flag branded on them but gave no credit to the UK taxpayer even though it was the biggest donor to the EU aid budget and previously the only EU member to meet the target of 0.7 percent of GDP spent on aid.
The chairman of the CBP, former cabinet minister Owen Paterson, said that in the week that the Department for International Development and Foreign Office were merged, more can now be done to focus aid spending. He pointed out that the EU has come under fire for indirectly funding terrorist groups with aid including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). The EU has also been heavily criticised for its aid spending after last month a senior EU official, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, who heads the EU mission to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, said that Brussels will not withhold funds from supporters of terrorist groups. There has been widespread criticism of how the UK aid budget has been spent. In 2018, the UK gave China £55m in 2018, which funded projects including a £1.1 million awareness campaign aimed at reducing salt intake in China, a £984,000 study into air pollution, a £43,112 teacher training programme and a £55,392 scheme to reform China’s animal testing laws to bring them into line with international standards.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Mr Paterson MP said: “The merger of the FCO and DfID combined with Britain leaving the EU provides a fantastic opportunity to draw a line under the wasteful spending of the past. “Both the EU and previous UK Governments have squandered hardworking taxpayers’ money funding bizarre projects. “With 10 percent extra to spend on aid when we leave the EU, the Government must look carefully and ensure every single penny of our overseas aid budget is spent on worthwhile causes aligned with our diplomatic strategy and national security.” Meanwhile, Ayo Adedoyin, Chief Executive of PSJ UK, a humanitarian organisation campaigning against the persecution of Christians and religious minorities in Nigeria, has also called for change.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--UK should have been MUCH tougher on BLM protestors, say Tory faithful

In the wake of two weekends where the country was scarred by riots , police took the knee with protesters and statues were pulled down or threatened , Boris Johnson ’ s core support have said that his government ’ s response was “ poor ” .
The results in a survey carried out by Conservative Progress showed that from 4,013 respondents , 52.6 percent were unhappy with the government ’ s handling of the protests which also saw protesters able to break strict social distancing rules and potentially threaten a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic .
The results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy by suggesting that the act of taking a knee looked like subjugation .
While Labour and leftwing activists criticised him , the foreign secretary received backing from Conservative members .
The poll also found that 96.1 percent thought media coverage was biassed in favour of the protests .
A total of 64.6 percent also thought counter demonstrations were justified to protect statues even though they were also marred by violence from rightwing thugs .
In a sign that they want law and order enforced , 96 percent wanted jail terms for violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent do not think there is institutional racism in the UK and 84.7 percent disagree with the removal of statues with possible historical links to the slave trade .
Respondents were split between 40 percent party members and 60 percent Conservative supporters .
Jack Rydeheard , Editor for Conservative Progress said : `` The results of our survey show that there is a big appetite in the registered and non-registered Conservative base for the government to get a handle on the protests , give more power to the police to help them deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The public mistrust of the mainstream coverage is clear , and the opinions of an overwhelming majority vehemently reinforce allegations of bias in the media . ''

Dominic Raab says he wouldn't take a knee for Black Lives Matter
In the wake of two weekends where the country was scarred by riots, police took the knee with protesters and statues were pulled down or threatened, Boris Johnson’s core support have said that his government’s response was “poor”. The results in a survey carried out by Conservative Progress showed that from 4,013 respondents, 52.6 percent were unhappy with the government’s handling of the protests which also saw protesters able to break strict social distancing rules and potentially threaten a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The results came before foreign secretary Dominic Raab caused controversy by suggesting that the act of taking a knee looked like subjugation. While Labour and leftwing activists criticised him, the foreign secretary received backing from Conservative members. The poll also found that 96.1 percent thought media coverage was biassed in favour of the protests. A total of 64.6 percent also thought counter demonstrations were justified to protect statues even though they were also marred by violence from rightwing thugs.
Demonstrators from Black Lives Matter in Trafalgar Square, London
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab
In a sign that they want law and order enforced, 96 percent wanted jail terms for violent protesters. The poll showed that 73 percent do not think there is institutional racism in the UK and 84.7 percent disagree with the removal of statues with possible historical links to the slave trade. Respondents were split between 40 percent party members and 60 percent Conservative supporters. Jack Rydeheard, Editor for Conservative Progress said: "The results of our survey show that there is a big appetite in the registered and non-registered Conservative base for the government to get a handle on the protests, give more power to the police to help them deal with the violence and take decisive action. “The public mistrust of the mainstream coverage is clear, and the opinions of an overwhelming majority vehemently reinforce allegations of bias in the media."


thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Police veteran slams Boris Johnson's ‘confusing’ coronavirus advice

Graham Wettonne , who spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Force including the public order branch , said that there was a lack of joined up thinking and a confused message in the early stages of the pandemic .
Mr Wettone , whose book takes the reader “ from those first thoughts about joining through to the training itself and to the real work involved in policing ” , was speaking to former Tory cabinet minister and GMTV host Esther McVey in her latest Blue Collar Conservative Conversation .
His comments come after criticism of the police for being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including times when drones and road blocks were used .
Mr Wettone said : “ I thought it was confusing .
The advice and guidance from the government was unhelpful and the public tended to listen to the guidelines and the press briefings from Downing Street .
“ That didn ’ t match the regulations or the laws , offences the police could actually enforce .
“ People were ringing up the police for not keeping 2 metres etc , going out for longer than an hour .
“ They were guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So the police were having to come out to deal with stuff that they can ’ t enforce and then say to someone ‘ well actually we can ’ t enforce that , thanks for ringing us.
’ “ That erodes trust and confidence because people responded ‘ well I heard the health secretary and the prime minister saying you can ’ t do this.
’ ” However , he added : “ It was very challenging and difficult but there needed to be more of a joined up approach from government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police service largely got it absolutely spot on.
” Mr Wettone , a former sergeant in the Met , was also critical of the handling of the black lives matter protests which descended into violence .
He suggested that the tactic of liaising with protest groups had failed and the police service was not being intelligence led any more .
He said : “ I don ’ t know why [ statues ] weren ’ t identified as potential targets I have no idea .
For me that was almost the first paragraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cenotaph I have always been told is one of the most vulnerable points , as was Churchill .
My understanding is that Westminster Council and the GLA have responsibility overall which is why you saw Churchill boarded up and the cenotaph .
Maybe there was a breakdown in communications .
“ Why they didn ’ t have a police unit ready to protect them ?
” He claimed that the outbreak of violence by rightwing thugs was a direct consequence of a failure to properly enforce the law the week before .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of action in the first weekend was key to what happened last Saturday .
Other groups turn up , maybe not to just protect the statues and the monuments but then to use it to become involved in violence and disorder .
It ’ s almost like cause and effect.
” And he warned against the police becoming political with actions like taking the knee .
“ You have officers at a public order event who are being required by the crowd and been shouted at by people do this for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee .
You police by public consent not at the public ’ s behest .
We don ’ t want robots as police officers .
“ They are politicising the police which I think is wrong.
” Ms McVey also interviewed former police inspector Kash Singh who has founded the One Nation One Britain group to bring people together .
Mr Singh , who also served in the police for 30 years , was credited with giving David Cameron the slogan , “ we ’ re all in this together.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police there was a motto : we have got to be firm , positive but not provocative .
“ When it gets to violence , throwing bricks , bike bottles etc that is the time we need to send a firm positive message that that will not be accepted .
“ Sadly I did not see that .
It was a weakness and people were laughing at the police service.
” LISTEN TO THE BLUE COLLAR CONVERSATIONS PODCAST HERE

Police veteran slams Boris Johnson's ‘confusing’ coronavirus advice
Graham Wettonne, who spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Force including the public order branch, said that there was a lack of joined up thinking and a confused message in the early stages of the pandemic. Mr Wettone, whose book takes the reader “from those first thoughts about joining through to the training itself and to the real work involved in policing”, was speaking to former Tory cabinet minister and GMTV host Esther McVey in her latest Blue Collar Conservative Conversation.
His comments come after criticism of the police for being too heavy handed in enforcing the lockdown including times when drones and road blocks were used. Mr Wettone said: “I thought it was confusing. The advice and guidance from the government was unhelpful and the public tended to listen to the guidelines and the press briefings from Downing Street. “That didn’t match the regulations or the laws, offences the police could actually enforce. “People were ringing up the police for not keeping 2 metres etc, going out for longer than an hour. “They were guidelines, not part of the regulations as such. So the police were having to come out to deal with stuff that they can’t enforce and then say to someone ‘well actually we can’t enforce that, thanks for ringing us.’ “That erodes trust and confidence because people responded ‘well I heard the health secretary and the prime minister saying you can’t do this.’”
Graham Wettonne said that there was a lack of joined up thinking and a confused message in the early stages of the pandemic
However, he added: “It was very challenging and difficult but there needed to be more of a joined up approach from government and police chiefs. I thought the police service largely got it absolutely spot on.” Mr Wettone, a former sergeant in the Met, was also critical of the handling of the black lives matter protests which descended into violence. He suggested that the tactic of liaising with protest groups had failed and the police service was not being intelligence led any more. He said: “I don’t know why [statues] weren’t identified as potential targets I have no idea. For me that was almost the first paragraph in every intelligence report. “The Cenotaph I have always been told is one of the most vulnerable points, as was Churchill. My understanding is that Westminster Council and the GLA have responsibility overall which is why you saw Churchill boarded up and the cenotaph. Maybe there was a breakdown in communications.
Police have faced criticism for being too heavy handed in enforcing the lockdown
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“Why they didn’t have a police unit ready to protect them?” He claimed that the outbreak of violence by rightwing thugs was a direct consequence of a failure to properly enforce the law the week before. “It was no surprise to me the lack of action in the first weekend was key to what happened last Saturday. Other groups turn up, maybe not to just protect the statues and the monuments but then to use it to become involved in violence and disorder. It’s almost like cause and effect.” And he warned against the police becoming political with actions like taking the knee. “You have officers at a public order event who are being required by the crowd and been shouted at by people do this for us. I wouldn’t take the knee. You police by public consent not at the public’s behest. We don’t want robots as police officers.
“They are politicising the police which I think is wrong.” Ms McVey also interviewed former police inspector Kash Singh who has founded the One Nation One Britain group to bring people together. Mr Singh, who also served in the police for 30 years, was credited with giving David Cameron the slogan, “we’re all in this together.” He said: “In my days in the police there was a motto: we have got to be firm, positive but not provocative. “When it gets to violence, throwing bricks, bike bottles etc that is the time we need to send a firm positive message that that will not be accepted. “Sadly I did not see that. It was a weakness and people were laughing at the police service.” LISTEN TO THE BLUE COLLAR CONVERSATIONS PODCAST HERE
Mr Wetton was critical of the handling of the black lives matter protests


thedailyexpress--2020-06-20--Now Labour peer demands iconic statue of CROMWELL is torn down

Lord Adonis , the former Transport Secretary who became a leading Remainer , argues that Cromwell is responsible for “ genocide ” .
Cromwell ’ s conquest of Ireland ( 1649-53 ) is notorious for a series of massacres and the campaigns – coupled with famine and an outbreak of plague – devastated the Irish population .
Lord Adonis ’ s call comes as students in Oxford push for the removal of a statue of Cecil Rhodes from Oriel College , and in the wake of uproar at the vandalism of Winston Churchill ’ s plinth in Parliament Square .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cromwell ’ s statue should be removed from outside Parliament and put in a museum .
Cromwell was a military dictator who ended up abolishing Parliament and committing genocide in Ireland .
He has no place outside Parliament - unlike Churchill , who led the successful national and international resistance to Hitler and Nazi dictatorship.
” The call to remove the statue has met with strong Tory opposition .
Ashfield Conservative MP Lee Anderson said : “ I walk past the Cromwell statue every single day to work and he is a daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good and bad .
I would strongly suggest he stays there and that it should be Lord Adonis who is removed from the House of Lords and put in a museum.
” Former Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson also insisted the statue should stay , saying : “ The suggestion that the statue of Cromwell should be removed from Parliament Square is completely absurd ... Cromwell is undoubtedly a significant figure in our history and in the history of parliamentary democracy .
“ Equally undoubtedly , he committed grave sins .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imperfect in his own time – and still less perfect by the standards of today – is not a great revelation , and should not be a cause for anger and destruction .
The current ‘ woke ’ doctrine is entirely destructive , however , and would leave us with no statues , no paintings and no memorials at all .
“ After all , such a juvenile , one-dimensional view of history could hardly support the survival of the UK ’ s memorials to Marx , Engels and Lenin , whose ideas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people.
” Mansfield Conservative MP Ben Bradley opposes the toppling of statues around Parliament .
He said : “ Cromwell was an incredibly controversial character , clearly .
He ’ s been considered to be a genocidal maniac by some and a hero of liberty by others .
“ The point though is that his actions are a huge part of our history .
He has his place outside Parliament , facing off against Charles I who is staring at him from the church across the road .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s worthy of our time and effort to remember it and teach it to future generations .
We shouldn ’ t be removing statues around Parliament .
Full stop.
” Richard Warren of the Cromwell Association also made the case for it staying in place .
He said : “ The charitable aims of the Cromwell Association , in promoting our understanding of the 17th century , include commemorating the life and the achievements of Oliver Cromwell .
We would therefore be opposed in principle to the removal of any statues , memorials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Whilst we recognise there are problematic aspects of his career these are subjects for debate and discussion based on the interpretation of evidence .
”

Statue of Oliver Cromwell in front of the Houses of Parliament
Lord Adonis, the former Transport Secretary who became a leading Remainer, argues that Cromwell is responsible for “genocide”. Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland (1649-53) is notorious for a series of massacres and the campaigns – coupled with famine and an outbreak of plague – devastated the Irish population. Lord Adonis’s call comes as students in Oxford push for the removal of a statue of Cecil Rhodes from Oriel College, and in the wake of uproar at the vandalism of Winston Churchill’s plinth in Parliament Square.
The peer said: “I think Cromwell’s statue should be removed from outside Parliament and put in a museum. Cromwell was a military dictator who ended up abolishing Parliament and committing genocide in Ireland. He has no place outside Parliament - unlike Churchill, who led the successful national and international resistance to Hitler and Nazi dictatorship.” The call to remove the statue has met with strong Tory opposition. Ashfield Conservative MP Lee Anderson said: “I walk past the Cromwell statue every single day to work and he is a daily reminder to me of our history, good and bad. I would strongly suggest he stays there and that it should be Lord Adonis who is removed from the House of Lords and put in a museum.” Former Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson also insisted the statue should stay, saying: “The suggestion that the statue of Cromwell should be removed from Parliament Square is completely absurd... Cromwell is undoubtedly a significant figure in our history and in the history of parliamentary democracy.
Lord Adonis argues that Cromwell is responsible for 'genocide'
“Equally undoubtedly, he committed grave sins. But the fact [is] that he was imperfect in his own time – and still less perfect by the standards of today – is not a great revelation, and should not be a cause for anger and destruction. The current ‘woke’ doctrine is entirely destructive, however, and would leave us with no statues, no paintings and no memorials at all. “After all, such a juvenile, one-dimensional view of history could hardly support the survival of the UK’s memorials to Marx, Engels and Lenin, whose ideas led to the deaths of some 100 million people.” Mansfield Conservative MP Ben Bradley opposes the toppling of statues around Parliament. He said: “Cromwell was an incredibly controversial character, clearly. He’s been considered to be a genocidal maniac by some and a hero of liberty by others.
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The Cromwell Association also made the case for the statue staying in place


thedailyexpress--2020-06-21--End of UK? Sturgeon DELIGHT as shock poll sets alarm bells ringing in Westminster

A survey carried for Business for Scotland by Panelbase found 54 percent of people wanted another referendum with an increasing number of Scottish Labour followers turning to support the SNP ’ s plea .
Of Scottish Labour voters , support for a second referendum from them increased from 35 percent to 37 percent in the latest survey .
This spike occurred shortly after leader Richard Leonard said the party would oppose another referendum earlier this month .
The party said it is committed to Scotland remaining in the union , with a plan for further devolution for the whole of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted renewed partnership between all its nations based on a `` progressive federal structure '' .
Leaders said that following Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic , the last thing Scotland needs was `` more constitutional turmoil and economic instability '' .
The First Minister has paused her party 's independence campaign while the Scottish Government focuses its attention on fighting the coronavirus pandemic .
But Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly said that Scotland should be offered another say on independence in the wake of the Brexit referendum which saw the UK vote in favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also revealed that 13 percent of those people who voted Labour in December ’ s general election said they were unsure as to how they would vote if IndyRef2 was granted .
Alongside this , seven percent of voters said they were undecided following the responses of 1070 Scots over the age of 16 .
READ MORE : How Nicola Sturgeon 'descended into chaos ' with Scotland-EU claim The survey revealed that this amounted to 338,000 additional Yes voters compared with 2014 , assuming similar turnout levels .
Rob Aberdein , chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Future polls will paint a clearer picture , but this may suggest that its leader ’ s fundamentalist stance against a second referendum is driving voters away from the party and into the arms of the Yes movement .
“ In the two weeks since the last poll , we have had Labour hardening its opposition to a second referendum , the Scottish First Minister being seen as a safe pair of hands on the Scottish Government ’ s COVID-19 response compared with Westminster ’ s response and the Conservatives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open up the economy more quickly than the First Minister believes is safe.
” Reaffirming the position on IndyRef2 , Mr Leonard said : “ The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the terms of the constitutional debate in Scotland .
DO N'T MISS : SNP blunder as more than £500k spent on coronavirus leaflets [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon in 'eye-watering ' plan to hand every Scot £11,000 pa [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon crisis : Scotland 's 'stay safe ' coronavirus slogan rejected [ REVEAL ]

Nicola Sturgeon's Indyref2 bid is ‘absurd’ says Galloway
A survey carried for Business for Scotland by Panelbase found 54 percent of people wanted another referendum with an increasing number of Scottish Labour followers turning to support the SNP’s plea. Of Scottish Labour voters, support for a second referendum from them increased from 35 percent to 37 percent in the latest survey.
Trending
This spike occurred shortly after leader Richard Leonard said the party would oppose another referendum earlier this month. The party said it is committed to Scotland remaining in the union, with a plan for further devolution for the whole of the UK. It added that it wanted renewed partnership between all its nations based on a "progressive federal structure". Leaders said that following Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, the last thing Scotland needs was "more constitutional turmoil and economic instability".
Pressure is growing on Boris Johnson for IndyRef2.
Scottish Labour voters are turning to support the SNP.
The First Minister has paused her party's independence campaign while the Scottish Government focuses its attention on fighting the coronavirus pandemic. But Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly said that Scotland should be offered another say on independence in the wake of the Brexit referendum which saw the UK vote in favour of leaving the EU. The survey also revealed that 13 percent of those people who voted Labour in December’s general election said they were unsure as to how they would vote if IndyRef2 was granted. Alongside this, seven percent of voters said they were undecided following the responses of 1070 Scots over the age of 16. READ MORE: How Nicola Sturgeon 'descended into chaos' with Scotland-EU claim
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Support for Scottish independence has risen.
The survey revealed that this amounted to 338,000 additional Yes voters compared with 2014, assuming similar turnout levels. Rob Aberdein, chairman of Business for Scotland told The Sunday National: “Future polls will paint a clearer picture, but this may suggest that its leader’s fundamentalist stance against a second referendum is driving voters away from the party and into the arms of the Yes movement. “In the two weeks since the last poll, we have had Labour hardening its opposition to a second referendum, the Scottish First Minister being seen as a safe pair of hands on the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 response compared with Westminster’s response and the Conservatives in Scotland trying to force the First Minister to open up the economy more quickly than the First Minister believes is safe.” Reaffirming the position on IndyRef2, Mr Leonard said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the terms of the constitutional debate in Scotland. DON'T MISS:
SNP blunder as more than £500k spent on coronavirus leaflets [REVEAL]
Nicola Sturgeon in 'eye-watering' plan to hand every Scot £11,000 pa [REVEAL]
Sturgeon crisis: Scotland's 'stay safe' coronavirus slogan rejected [REVEAL]
The SNP leader is taking a more cautious approach to easing lockdown.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-21--Varadkar crisis: Disaster looms as shock opposition threatens to DEMOLISH hopes for power

Recently the leaders of Fianna Fail , The Green Party , and Leo Varadkar 's Fine Gael decided to form a coalition government four months after the general election that saw Sinn Fein take the majority of votes but not enough to rule without support from another party and independents .
The Irish Dáil Éireann is a 160 seat assembly , and current Taoiseach Mr Varadkar hopes to seal a deal that will ensure his party maintains power .
Currently , opposition leader Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil has agreed to the coalition , but Mr Varadkar also needs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Ryan has agreed to the plan , but the proposed coalition needs to be ratified by Green Party members in Northern Ireland .
A two-thirds majority of Greens who are registered to vote is required to ratify the deal .
Ms Bailey has announced that she can not support the arrangement .
In an open letter , Ms Bailey said : “ It ’ s a deal that was negotiated in good faith but fails to deliver on our promise to tackle homelessness and provide better healthcare .
It sets out an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Ms Bailey is not the only Green Party member from Northern Ireland with reservations about the plan .
Other members of the Green Party in Northern Ireland have expressed concerns about certain aspects of Mr Varadkar 's plan .
Former Ards and North Down councillor John Barry , who remains a party member , had already said he would be urging the Greens to reject it .
READ MORE : Michel Barnier ’ s fury at EU meddling in French politics exposed A ballot of all three parties will take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Green Party had 12 representatives elected to the Dáil , Irish Parliament , in February 's election .
Many have called for the Green 's and Ms Bailey to not block the formation of this government .
They site the urgent need for stable governance , especially during the coronavirus pandemic .
DO N'T MISS How Emmanuel Macron 's party 'mobilised against Angela Merkel ' [ INSIGHT ] How secret SNP papers exposed idiocy of Sturgeon 's Indyref pursuit [ ANALYSIS ] EU confession : How Michel Barnier warned of 'failing @ @ @ @ @ @

Leo Varadkar confirms Ireland to have ‘rotating taoiseach’ role
Recently the leaders of Fianna Fail, The Green Party, and Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael decided to form a coalition government four months after the general election that saw Sinn Fein take the majority of votes but not enough to rule without support from another party and independents. The Irish Dáil Éireann is a 160 seat assembly, and current Taoiseach Mr Varadkar hopes to seal a deal that will ensure his party maintains power. Currently, opposition leader Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil has agreed to the coalition, but Mr Varadkar also needs the Green Party under leader Eamon Ryan.
Mr Ryan has agreed to the plan, but the proposed coalition needs to be ratified by Green Party members in Northern Ireland. A two-thirds majority of Greens who are registered to vote is required to ratify the deal. Frustrating Mr Varadkar's designs is the Northern Ireland Green Party leader, Ms Claire Bailey. Ms Bailey has announced that she cannot support the arrangement.
Leo Varadkar's coalition plans in jeopardy
Claire Bailey of the Northern Ireland Green Party
In an open letter, Ms Bailey said: “It’s a deal that was negotiated in good faith but fails to deliver on our promise to tackle homelessness and provide better healthcare. It sets out an inadequate and vague pathway towards climate action". Ms Bailey is not the only Green Party member from Northern Ireland with reservations about the plan. Other members of the Green Party in Northern Ireland have expressed concerns about certain aspects of Mr Varadkar's plan. Former Ards and North Down councillor John Barry, who remains a party member, had already said he would be urging the Greens to reject it. READ MORE: Michel Barnier’s fury at EU meddling in French politics exposed
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Leo Varadkar wants to form a coalition with the Green Party
Leo Varadkar leaves the GPO in Dublin
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-21--Really, Nicola? SNP blunder as more than £500k spent on bizarre move - 'Horse has bolted!'

Households across Scotland started receiving the coronavirus leaflets in mid May , despite lockdown beginning on March 23rd .
Officials say the leaflets provide a wide variety of support and help to guide people through the pandemic as well as reinforce the changes that the Scottish Government is asking people to make to their lives .
But it was pointed out that large amounts of information have already been given out on the news as well as through television adverts , government briefings , newspaper adverts , the internet and emails .
Figures seen by Express.co.uk show that Nicola Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leaflet to every household , a cost of 20p per home .
One surprised Scot , who raised the issue , said : “ I have just received my mail today and in it was an envelope from The Scottish Government .
“ Whilst I commend you [ The Government ] for sending out the letter and leaflet , I feel that after five weeks of the lockdown where there has been information given out on the news , television adverts , government briefings , newspaper adverts , internet and emails , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters/leaflets not be better spent on more urgent requirements to help those in separate need at this time ?
” MSP Jackie Baillie , Scottish Labour ’ s finance spokesman , told Express.co.uk : “ The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest public health emergency in living memory .
“ It is only right that the Scottish Government uses funds to promote and disseminate important public health warnings but spending so much on leaflets , after the radio and television campaigns had begun , seems an ill-advised use of public funds .
“ With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnitude and the NHS and Local Authorities under increasing strain it is imperative that the Scottish Government is both tactical and prudent with its finances .
“ In this event it seems that the SNP government has frittered away public money on unessential leaflets long after the horse had bolted.
” Jeremy Hutton , Policy Analyst at the TaxPayers ' Alliance , added : “ If the Scottish government could n't deliver these leaflets on time when they might have made a difference , they should n't have produced them at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy bodies getting involved and eventually closing the door after the horse has bolted .
“ As soon as it became clear these leaflets would arrive too late to be of use , the Scottish government should have halted the project and redirected the funds towards front line services .
“ This money could have , for example , purchased hundreds of thousands of items of much-needed PPE for medical and care staff.
” DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon furiously confronted on coronavirus record - 'Too slow ' [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are failing ’ [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon FINALLY lifts lockdown three weeks after Boris [ REVEAL ]

Nicola Sturgeon introduces new ’stay safe’ slogan to Scotland
Households across Scotland started receiving the coronavirus leaflets in mid May, despite lockdown beginning on March 23rd. Officials say the leaflets provide a wide variety of support and help to guide people through the pandemic as well as reinforce the changes that the Scottish Government is asking people to make to their lives.
Trending
But it was pointed out that large amounts of information have already been given out on the news as well as through television adverts, government briefings, newspaper adverts, the internet and emails. Figures seen by Express.co.uk show that Nicola Sturgeon's administration spent £513,467 printing and distributing the leaflet to every household, a cost of 20p per home. One surprised Scot, who raised the issue, said: “I have just received my mail today and in it was an envelope from The Scottish Government. “Whilst I commend you [The Government] for sending out the letter and leaflet, I feel that after five weeks of the lockdown where there has been information given out on the news, television adverts, government briefings, newspaper adverts, internet and emails, could the cash spent on producing these letters/leaflets not be better spent on more urgent requirements to help those in separate need at this time?”
Nicola Sturgeon is facing a backlash because of the spending.
The SNP leader is taking a more cautious approach to easing lockdown.
MSP Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s finance spokesman, told Express.co.uk: “The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest public health emergency in living memory. “It is only right that the Scottish Government uses funds to promote and disseminate important public health warnings but spending so much on leaflets, after the radio and television campaigns had begun, seems an ill-advised use of public funds. “With the economy in a crisis of unparalleled magnitude and the NHS and Local Authorities under increasing strain it is imperative that the Scottish Government is both tactical and prudent with its finances. “In this event it seems that the SNP government has frittered away public money on unessential leaflets long after the horse had bolted.” READ MORE: UK coronavirus blunder: Expert attacks devolution
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The leaflets were sent out after lockdown started.
Jeremy Hutton, Policy Analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance, added: “If the Scottish government couldn't deliver these leaflets on time when they might have made a difference, they shouldn't have produced them at all. “This reeks of too many bureaucratic busy bodies getting involved and eventually closing the door after the horse has bolted. “As soon as it became clear these leaflets would arrive too late to be of use, the Scottish government should have halted the project and redirected the funds towards front line services. “This money could have, for example, purchased hundreds of thousands of items of much-needed PPE for medical and care staff.” DON'T MISS:
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Jackie Baillie MSP slammed the SNP's spending.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-21--Boris Johnson's plan to 'keep quiet' about Brexit compromises with the EU will be EXPOSED

The Prime Minister has repeatedly ruled out an extension to the Brexit transition period , despite the disruption caused to negotiations by the coronavirus pandemic .
This leaves only two options on the table - strike a free trade deal with possible compromises or brace for a hard Brexit on December 31 .
The UK and the bloc remain at loggerheads over contentious issues including fishing access and the so-called `` level playing field '' which would prevent UK businesses from undercutting their rivals abroad .
Former Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy said the disappointing lack of preparations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the water means Brussels is not taking Mr Johnson 's threat seriously .
She believes the prospect of Nigel Farage relaunching the Brexit Party - which he is said to be seriously considering - could be just what the Tories need to push their no-deal threat harder .
She told Express.co.uk : `` The question is are the Tories really serious about a no-deal ?
`` There are a lot of people who are just not sure whether they 've got the bottle for that and so further compromises to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Brexit Party will be there to expose any of the compromises in a way that perhaps the Tory Party would rather we kept quiet . ''
She warned against any hopes of the bloc caving to the UK 's key demands in trade talks .
Ms de Lucy served as an MEP for South East England from May 2019 to January 2020 when the UK left the bloc .
She said the EU is a `` very project-focused force '' and its own ambitions remain `` their priority far more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Brexit POLL : Should Boris Johnson walk away from trade talks ?
She added : `` So for them to give us a good trade deal , they really have to believe that no deal is an option and no deal is on the table .
`` And I 've not seen a huge amount of preparation for it in the press , maybe it 's being done secretly - who knows ?
`` But I think it needs to be a Tory commitment that they are considering no-deal because otherwise it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then we get back to the Theresa May-style soft Brexit and we just ca n't have that .
DO N'T MISS Brexit outrage : Emmanuel Macron 's demand to 'overhaul deal ' exposed [ INSIGHT ] Brexit fury : EU rejects UK 's border transition plan [ ANALYSIS ] EU 'terrified ' of prosperous UK 'on its doorstep ' says Ann Widdecombe [ COMMENT ] '' I would love to think that Boris and Gove were really serious about a WTO [ World Trade Organisation exit ] .
`` I 've not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope perhaps with more Brexit Party pressure they will .
I just ca n't see the EU backing down .
`` If they think that we 're not going to walk away , they 'll just push for more compromises .
We will be right back where we were a year and a half ago . ''
The Sunday Express reported that plans to relaunch the Brexit Party have been in the pipeline for months .
A source close to Mr Farage said the party 's phones have been `` buzzing '' recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' urging them to relaunch .
Last week the German Government urged fellow EU member states to prepare for a no-deal Brexit , according to an internal document seen by Reuters .

Brexit: Hilary Benn urges EU to ‘drop level playing field’ demand
The Prime Minister has repeatedly ruled out an extension to the Brexit transition period, despite the disruption caused to negotiations by the coronavirus pandemic. This leaves only two options on the table - strike a free trade deal with possible compromises or brace for a hard Brexit on December 31. The UK and the bloc remain at loggerheads over contentious issues including fishing access and the so-called "level playing field" which would prevent UK businesses from undercutting their rivals abroad.
Trending
Former Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy said the disappointing lack of preparations for a possible hard Brexit on this side of the water means Brussels is not taking Mr Johnson's threat seriously. She believes the prospect of Nigel Farage relaunching the Brexit Party - which he is said to be seriously considering - could be just what the Tories need to push their no-deal threat harder. She told Express.co.uk: "The question is are the Tories really serious about a no-deal? "There are a lot of people who are just not sure whether they've got the bottle for that and so further compromises to get a deal done are possibly in the air and the Brexit Party will be there to expose any of the compromises in a way that perhaps the Tory Party would rather we kept quiet."
Boris Johnson has been warned against caving to EU demands for compromise in a trade deal
Boris Johnson is keen to wrap up trade talks with the EU before the end of the summer
She warned against any hopes of the bloc caving to the UK's key demands in trade talks. Ms de Lucy served as an MEP for South East England from May 2019 to January 2020 when the UK left the bloc. She said the EU is a "very project-focused force" and its own ambitions remain "their priority far more than a trade deal". READ MORE: Brexit POLL: Should Boris Johnson walk away from trade talks?
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Michel Barnier pictured wearing a mask
She added: "So for them to give us a good trade deal, they really have to believe that no deal is an option and no deal is on the table. "And I've not seen a huge amount of preparation for it in the press, maybe it's being done secretly - who knows? "But I think it needs to be a Tory commitment that they are considering no-deal because otherwise it's just a whole set of compromises and then we get back to the Theresa May-style soft Brexit and we just can't have that. DON'T MISS
Brexit outrage: Emmanuel Macron's demand to 'overhaul deal' exposed [INSIGHT]
Brexit fury: EU rejects UK's border transition plan [ANALYSIS]
EU 'terrified' of prosperous UK 'on its doorstep' says Ann Widdecombe [COMMENT]
Boris Johnson visits a school on Friday
Belinda de Lucy said the EU is more focused on its own project than on a trade deal
"I would love to think that Boris and Gove were really serious about a WTO [World Trade Organisation exit]. "I've not seen much evidence for it but I hope perhaps with more Brexit Party pressure they will. I just can't see the EU backing down. "If they think that we're not going to walk away, they'll just push for more compromises. We will be right back where we were a year and a half ago."
Brexit timeline
The Sunday Express reported that plans to relaunch the Brexit Party have been in the pipeline for months. A source close to Mr Farage said the party's phones have been "buzzing" recently with calls from "furious Tory voters" urging them to relaunch. Last week the German Government urged fellow EU member states to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.
Belinda de Lucy is congratulated on her election victory


thedailyexpress--2020-06-21--No more kid gloves! Vandals who desecrate churches or graves face tough prison sentences

The move was decided this week after Conservative North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen raised the idea with Home Secretary Priti Patel .
It followed confirmation that prison sentences will be meted out to people who vandalise war memorials in the wake of the riots by leftwing activists linked to the black lives matter protests .
In a letter to Ms Patel , Mr Bridgen appealed for strict prison sentences for attacks on places of worship including churches , synagogues , mosques , mandirs , gurdwaras and temples as well as burial grounds .
He said : “ To my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decent thinking people , acts of desecration and vandalism against religious buildings or burial plots are both equally indecent and deeply offensive and can undermine community cohesion.
” Within five hours of receiving his letter it is understood that Ms Patel replied to Mr Bridgen saying : “ It ’ s going in the sentencing bill and will cover places of worship and cemeteries.
” The move has been welcomed by leading religious groups .
A rise in antisemitism in the last few years partly linked to a massive increase in antisemitism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen a sharp rise in the number of attacks on Jewish synagogues .
As recently as December synagogues in London were targeted with antisemitic grafitti .
A spokesman for Campaign Against Antisemitism said : “ Vandalism and attacks on British synagogues over the past several years underscore the urgency of increasing sentences for these hate crimes .
The rise in hate crime can not be deterred without harsh penalties for offenders.
” In the last 24 hours a number of mosques were daubed with anti-muslim grafitti in Stockton in the north east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK .
Harun Khan , Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain , said : “ Attacks on places of worship are deeply unsettling for faith communities , and we welcome the UK Government ’ s consideration to impose tougher new sentences on this to show this is unacceptable and will not be tolerated .
“ It is important that this comes alongside wider changes in the approach for security of places of worship .
For example , the funding currently available is insufficient and hasn ’ t been effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurdles places of worship have go through to access .
The UK Government should genuinely engage with a broader range of faith groups to understand what is needed and support keeping places of worship and worshippers safe.
” Meanwhile , Christian churches have also been subject to anti-Christian attacks and thieves breaking in to steal from the churches and lead from old roofs .
A Church of England spokesman said that many of their buildings had received extra protection already as historic buildings .
He said : “ Our buildings team aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , but we welcome the fact that heritage crime is already recognised in law and from October 2019 sentencing guidelines can specifically consider the impact on heritage .
”

Priti Patel vows to empower police officers
The move was decided this week after Conservative North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen raised the idea with Home Secretary Priti Patel. It followed confirmation that prison sentences will be meted out to people who vandalise war memorials in the wake of the riots by leftwing activists linked to the black lives matter protests.
In a letter to Ms Patel, Mr Bridgen appealed for strict prison sentences for attacks on places of worship including churches, synagogues, mosques, mandirs, gurdwaras and temples as well as burial grounds. He said: “To my mind and I am sure of all decent thinking people, acts of desecration and vandalism against religious buildings or burial plots are both equally indecent and deeply offensive and can undermine community cohesion.” Within five hours of receiving his letter it is understood that Ms Patel replied to Mr Bridgen saying: “It’s going in the sentencing bill and will cover places of worship and cemeteries.” The move has been welcomed by leading religious groups. A rise in antisemitism in the last few years partly linked to a massive increase in antisemitism in Labour under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership has seen a sharp rise in the number of attacks on Jewish synagogues.
Vandals who desecrate churches or graves face tough prison sentences
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen raised the idea with Home Secretary Priti Patel
As recently as December synagogues in London were targeted with antisemitic grafitti. A spokesman for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “Vandalism and attacks on British synagogues over the past several years underscore the urgency of increasing sentences for these hate crimes. The rise in hate crime cannot be deterred without harsh penalties for offenders.” In the last 24 hours a number of mosques were daubed with anti-muslim grafitti in Stockton in the north east. The incidents highlighted a recurring problem across the UK. Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “Attacks on places of worship are deeply unsettling for faith communities, and we welcome the UK Government’s consideration to impose tougher new sentences on this to show this is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
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