thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Labour civil war: ANOTHER Corbyn ally gone as Keir Starmer braces for explosive stand off

Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for furious backlash from the labour Left We will use your email address only for @ @ @ @ @ see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights .
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Just days after the labour Party leader sacked his shadow education @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca Long-Bailey , another close ally of his predecessor is to be replaced .
Thomas @ @ @ @ @ of compliance by Jeremy Corbyn two years ago .
He sparked controversy in 2018 after @ @ @ @ @ Bibby should not be suspended from the party after she shared an anti-Semitic picture online @ @ @ @ @ a message to directors , the Labour Party said : `` An update .
Thomas @ @ @ @ @ on to new opportunities .
`` An acting Director of GLU will be announced shortly @ @

Rebecca Long-Bailey: Kuenssberg says unity is 'blown apart'
Sir Keir Starmer could face an explosive standoff after Thomas Gardiner has resigned from his position in the Labour Party. Mr Gradiner has faced allegations of bullying and approving of anti-Semitism since he was appointed in the position two years ago by Jeremy Corbyn.
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Just days after the Labour Party leader sacked his shadow education secretary and former leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey, another close ally of his predecessor is to be replaced. Thomas Gardiner was appointed as head of compliance by Jeremy Corbyn two years ago. He sparked controversy in 2018 after he ruled Labour activist Kayla Bibby should not be suspended from the party after she shared an anti-Semitic picture online. Announcing his departure in a message to directors, the Labour Party said: "An update. Thomas Gardiner has decided to move on to new opportunities. "An acting Director of GLU will be announced shortly."
Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for furious backlash from the labour Left
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
Mr Corbyn's top tier group often battled accusations of nepotism after it was revealed Mr Corbyn’s son Seb worked for shadow chancellor John McDonnell, John Prescott’s son David ran events for the leader’s office and Corbyn adviser Andrew Murray’s daughter Laura worked as “stakeholder manager” in the leader’s office. Maryam Eslamdoust, the wife of Mr Gardiner, was also hired by Labour’s head office. A senior Labour source told the Evening Standard last year: “Laura Murray has now gone to be head of complaints at the Labour Party and is reporting to the senior lawyer in the party, a man called Thomas Gardiner. "It’s a small circle of trust. And that’s no different to the way Gordon Brown or Tony Blair ran their private offices, except nobody thought this leader would do it.” READ MORE: Piers Morgan shut down by Sir Keir Starmer over coronavirus response
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Thomas Gardiner leaves Labour Party position
Last year, leaked emails revealed Mr Gardiner chose not to sanction a Corbyn supporter who allegedly said Labour MPs had a phone app that sent instructions from the Israeli government. The individual allegedly described the former Labour MP Chuka Umunna as “black on the outside, blue on the inside”, before responding to an objection from a mixed-race staffer by saying: “You would say that, wouldn’t you?” Mr Gardiner faced backlash after did not respond to a complaint about the incident for five months, citing an admin error. In an email dated January 2 last year, one of Gardiner’s aides wrote: “Thomas made a decision for a notice of investigation to be issued rather than a suspension. So this means the respondent is able to attend party meetings etc.” DON'T MISS
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A further email stated: “Your comments below about anticipating further abuse will be passed on to the investigating officer.” Mr Gardiner and his wife both faced accusations of bullying and controlling behaviour by Sorin Floti, a former vice-chairman of Hampstead and Kilburn Labour Party. Mr Floti wrote on Twitter last year: “I have allowed Cllrs Estamdoust and Gardiner to bully me, fearing that speaking out would damage my electoral prospects and hurt the reputation of my party.” He explained how the couple had attaced his character and good intentions behind his back.
Jeremy Corbyn and Rebecca Long-Bailey
Claims of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party were heightened after Jeremy Corbyn was elected the party leader back in 2015. High-profile suspensions over alleged anti-Semitic comments included MP Naz Shah, the ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone and MP Chris Williamson, an ally and friend of Mr Corbyn. Sir Starmer was praised for his decisive action when he sacked Rebecca Long-Bailey last week. The Jewish Labour Movement welcomed Sir Starmer's decision and issued a statement which read: "Keir Starmer’s decision to ask Rebecca Long-Bailey to step down from the front bench should be welcomed.
Keir Starmer praised for decisive action


thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Brexit LIVE: Big guns out as trade talks begin today with MAJOR changes - deadline looms

Four rounds of talks led by Boris Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost and the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier , which have been taking place remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic , have led to little progress .
But the two sides are set to meet face-to-face today in Brussels after agreeing to `` intensify '' negotiations .
There will be greater involvement from Mr Frost and his EU counterpart in the latest round of talks .
And negotiating teams will be smaller than in the video conferences with just 20 British officials heading to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU on January 31 and is in a transition period until the end of the year .
2pm update : Barnier takes to Twitter as latest round of talks kick off The EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said : “ Negotiations resumed this morning with David Frost & team , in a restricted format .
We will make the most of our intensified talks over the coming weeks & months .
“ Our goal : a comprehensive future relationship [ with the UK ] .
The [ EU ] remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values.
” 1pm update : EU chief says ‘ overall message is to intensify negotiations to get deal ’ As face-to-face talks kicked off for the first time since the coronavirus crisis forced negotiations to be held remotely , European Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said : `` Our overall message this week , but also for the coming weeks and coming months , is to intensify our negotiations in order to make progress in order to get a deal . ''
12.05pm update : Merkel warns Britons must ‘ live with consequences ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has warned Britons will have to `` live with the consequences '' of Boris Johnson rejecting Theresa May 's plan to keep close ties with Brussels after Brexit .
The German chancellor spoke with six European newspapers on Friday ahead of Germany assuming the rotating presidency of the EU council on July 1 .
In comments carried by The Guardian , Mrs Merkel said : `` With Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the British Government wants to define for itself what relationship it will have with us after the country leaves .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the consequences , of course , that is to say with a less closely interconnected economy .
`` If Britain does not want to have rules on the environment and the labour market or social standards that compare with those of the EU , our relations will be less close . ''
Boris Johnson has played down the prospect that he would insist on a Brexiteer replacing Sir Mark Sedwill at the top of the civil service .
On a visit in west London the Prime Minister said : `` The great thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should know , least of all me .
`` We have a wonderful civil service , they are impartial , they are the best in the world .
`` Who knows what his or her views will be ? ''
10am update : Frost arrives in Brussels for latest round of talks Boris Johnson 's Europe adviser has arrived at the European Commission 's headquarters in the Belgian capital for the first face-to-face negotiations since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
9.45am update : Williamson does not deny Sedwill will be replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not deny that Boris Johnson would seek a Brexiteer to replace Sir Mark Sedwill as Cabinet Secretary when asked on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
Mr Williamson said : `` The Prime Minister 's search is to get the very best person into that role and applications will be opening from next month to get someone of the very highest calibre to step into some big shoes . ''
A majority of Scots back an extension to the Brexit transition period , a new poll has found .
A survey of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research - found 63 percent were in favour of extending the deadline .
A UK-wide survey that ran alongside the poll found 52 percent of Britons were against delaying the transition date .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted that the UK will not extend the transition period beyond the end of the year .
The surveys were commissioned by a new campaign group , Starting up in Scotland .
9.15am update : UK fishing industry could be one of the finest in the world – former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one of the finest in the world if Boris Johnson refuses to bow to pressure from the EU , former Brexit Party MEP June Mummery has predicted .
The ex-MEP called on the Prime Minister to “ hold firm ” on fishing , which has been a major stumbling block in trade talks with Brussels .
Ms Mummery predicted the UK ’ s fishing industry , which has been decimated by the EU ’ s Common Fisheries Policy , would be “ buoyant ” in just five years if Mr Johnson takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The former MEP told Express.co.uk : “ Boris has the chance to put all of the wrongs right .
We will be one of the finest fishing industries in the world if Boris gets this right.
” 9am update : Johnson repeats threat of walking away from talks Boris Johnson repeated his threat of walking away from trade talks with the EU during a conversation on Saturday with Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki .
A Downing Street spokeswoman said : `` On the UK 's future relationship with the EU , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides to an intensified process of negotiations in July .
`` He said the UK would negotiate constructively but equally would be ready to leave the transition period on Australia terms if agreement could not be reached . ''

Brexit: Francois slams ‘ludicrous’ Barnier for extension demands
Mr Francois's letter was tweeted by party colleague Andrea Jenkyns on the day face-to-face trade talks between the UK and the EU kicked off today in Brussels, with both sides agreeing to "intensify" negotiations in July. The Tory MP for Rayleigh and Wickford said "certain EU demands are simply not going to work". He added: "I hope that you find this letter and the points that I have set out above useful - and that it spurs you to change some of the unreasonable demands that the EU is currently making." THIS BLOG IS CLOSED. CLUCK HERE FOR TODAY'S LIVE UPDATES:
Four rounds of talks led by Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier, which have been taking place remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic, have led to little progress. However, the two sides are set to meet face-to-face today in Brussels after agreeing to "intensify" negotiations. There will be greater involvement from Mr Frost and his EU counterpart in the latest round of talks. And negotiating teams will be smaller than in the video conferences with just 20 British officials heading to the Belgian capital. The UK formally left the EU on January 31 and is in a transition period until the end of the year. FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Mark Francois has told Michel Barnier to drop his "unreasonable demands"
9.35pm update: Don't waste my time! Frost hits Barnier with HARD deadline after bombshell announcement Boris Johnson's chief negotiator warned the European Union must not drag out Brexit talks into the autumn after being promoted to the Prime Minister's National Security Adviser. David Frost, who leads the UK’s Taskforce Europe negotiating team, stressed the future relationship talks remained his top priority despite being handed the significant promotion. He will succeed departing Civil Service chief Sir Mark Sedwill in August, but Downing Street has already announced plans for a “transition period” to allow Mr Frost time to conclude a post-Brexit deal with Brussels. In their first face-to-face meeting since March, he told Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, a deal must be wrapped up quickly to allow him to start his new job. 9.31pm update: Brexiteers rejoice as Britain on track to leave EU with no delay - 'We did it!' Brexiteers are preparing to celebrate another milestone in the process of quitting the EU tomorrow - with the end of the month marking any lingering possibility of an extension to the transition period beyond 2020. In accordance with the Brexit withdrawal agreement thrashed out between the UK and EU last year, and enshrined in the EU Withdrawal Act, the deadline for a UK request to any further delay beyond the end of the year is July 1. Pro-Brexit think tank the Bruges Group underlined their belief that an extension is now impossible, tweeting: "Well folks, it’s nearly the end of June, which means we did it. 9.02pm update: Angry French vow to break law to get UK fish 'You better warn your police!' Britain has been warned French boats may still choose to fish in British waters regardless of what Brexit trade deal is agreed with the EU. Sky News' Adam Parsons accompanied French fishermen as they sailed in British waters to catch fish. Mr Parsons spoke with some members of France's fishing industry and exposed their fears regarding the future of their trade and the impact Brexit could have on their sector. Mr Parsons spoke to Emilie, a lobster seller whose husband catches fish in UK waters who detailed plans to continue seeking catch around Britain regardless of whether the UK Government agrees to it or not. 7.47pm update: Britain trying to rewrite the rules, claims Coveney Britain is trying to "rewrite the rulebook" with ongoing trade deal negotiations, Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney has claimed. Mr Coveney, asked during an interview on Irish radio station Newstalk why four rounds of talks have seen little in the way of progress, said: "It's effectively because they're looking for completely different things. "It's very hard to make progress when that is the background. "Unfortunately, the British government has moved away from the political declaration that they signed only six months ago. Predicting the situation would come to a head in October, Mr Coveney, who has retained his job after the shake-up which has seen Micheal Martin replaced Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach, added: "As ever during the Brexit negotiations, it will probably involve a huge amount of pressure and probably a standoff. "It will require good politics to find a way through that will be acceptable to all sides."
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Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney
7.36pm update: Bloc rebels could scupper Brexit trade deal 'They want to show their TEETH!' The EU is at risk of having to contend with its own governments in the fight for a Brexit deal as the deadline for reaching an agreement with the UK starts to tighten. Face-to-face Brexit talks took place in Brussels today for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Although Boris Johnson's aim for negotiations to be completed by the end of summer was deemed "wishful thinking" by Adam Parsons, the Sky News Europe Correspondent still warned that a deal needed to be done by the end of October latest. The reporter explained the haste was necessary to allow time for each Government of the 27 other nations of the European Union to ratify the agreement. 7.28pm update: No deal Brexit analysis - How UK could push for WTO overhaul and champion free trade Britain's new role at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) after Brexit could help drive the much-needed progress to facilitate global trade, unearthed reports suggest. On Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson once again repeated his readiness to go ahead with a no deal Brexit if the talks with the EU continue to be deadlocked. Speaking by phone to his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki, Mr Johnson promised Britain would negotiate “constructively” in face to face talks that resumed today. However, he reiterated his position that the UK is ready to leave on what he referred to as “Australia terms”, meaning without a trade deal. 6.39pm update: EU tactics laid bare - US trade expert reveals why bloc is 'exaggerating' in Brexit talks THe EU's position in the Brexit trade talks is untenable as it is exaggerating fears in order to keep Britain tied to its regulations, a US trade expert has claimed. Last week, Brussels said it was willing to hammer out a compromise with Britain on the sensitive issue of “level playing field” rules for business. Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said his team was willing to work with the UK on a “credible and operational” framework for so-called level playing field commitments. These aim to ensure close alignment between the two sides’ state-aid, environmental and employment regulations. In a recent podcast by the CATO institute, US trade expert Simon Lester analysed Brussels' tactics in the negotiations and dubbed its position untenable. He said: "The EU is expressing concerns about the UK deregulating or offering new subsidies in a way that gives them an unfair advantage and they want rules to deal with that. "I think the Europeans are exaggerating those fears a bit.
David Frost arrives in Brussels for Brexit negotiations
6.24pm update: No EU/Swiss deal this year, says Oettinger Switzerland and the European Union are unlikely to agree a deal on a new treaty regulating their relations until next year, when the outcome of Brexit talks is known, former EU Commissioner Guenther Oettinger has said - because Brussels is terrified it might give the UK an edge. Switzerland, which is not part of the EU, has a patchwork of 120 sectoral accords with the bloc, and the two sides have spent years negotiating a framework agreement. However, officials have said a Swiss-EU accord is unlikely to emerge until the terms of Britain's future relationship with the bloc have been settled, because Brussels has been loathe to give the Swiss concessions which Britain might seize on. Britain, which quit the EU at the end of January, has until the end of this year to reach an agreement with the EU on their future relationship but the talks are at an impasse. Mr Oettinger told the Neue Zuercher Zeitung newspaper: "I don't think that an (EU-Swiss) agreement will be reached in the second half of the year before the exact course of Brexit is clear." 6.22pm update: "We want to live in a free country," says Francois Mr Francois added: "In summary, all I and my colleagues in the ERG have ever really wanted, is to live in a free country, which elects its own Government and makes its own laws and then lives under them in peace. "We have come a very long way in securing this objective and we have no intention of abandoning it, either now or in the future." 6.16pm update: "Change your unreasonable demands," ERG chief Francois tells Barnier Michel Barnier must change his "unreasonable demands" with respect to a post-Brexit trade deal, Mark Francois, chairman of the eurosceptic European Research Group has said in a letter to the EU's chief negotiator. The Tory MP for Rayleigh and Wickford said "certain EU demands are simply not going to work". He added: "I hope that you find this letter and the points that I have set out above useful - and that it spurs you to change some of the unreasonable demands that the EU is currently making."
An excerpt from Mark Francois's letter
6.10pm update: Farmers welcome Government's food safety pledge Farming leaders have welcomed the Government's pledge to set up an independent trade and agriculture commission amid calls to protect UK food standards. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has been calling for an independent commission which reviews trade policy and makes sure that all food imports are held to the same standards expected of British farmers. The organisation's call comes amid ongoing fears that post-Brexit trade deals could undermine the UK's food, animal welfare and environmental standards. Organisations from the NFU to conservation groups have warned against allowing imports of food that would be illegal to produce here, with fears that farmers and standards could be undermined by products such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef. 5.25pm update: Khan calls for Brexit extension - again London Mayor Sadiq Khan has once again called on Boris Johnson to seek a Brexit extension, with just one day to go before it will be impossible for the Prime Minister to do so even if he wanted to. In accordance with the withdrawal agreement, neither side will be able to ask for a delay to the process after the end of June. However, Mr Khan, a persistent Brexit critic, tweeted: "No one anticipated that crucial Brexit deal trade negotiations would take place in the middle of a global pandemic. "Asking for an extension would show that the government is willing to put the national interest ahead of political dogma.
Sadiq Khan 's tweet today
5.10pm update: Frost will stay on to see Brexit through, says Number 10 David Frost, Britain's chief negotiator with the European Union, will complete the Brexit talks even if he takes up his new position as National Security Adviser (NSA) before they have finished, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. Frost's appointment as the new NSA was announced on Sunday, when Britain's most senior civil servant said he was stepping down from both his roles after reports of clashes with Johnson's top political adviser. The spokesman said: "He is taking up his role around the end of August and there'll be a short transition period so if there is a small overlap with the Brexit negotiations that is possible. David has said he will of course remain chief negotiator while the talks are being concluded one way or another. "We have been very clear with the EU that the talks need to be concluded sooner rather than later. We need to make sure businesses can prepare properly for what will happen at the end of the year. If the negotiations go on too long, into the autumn, then they will not know what to prepare for." 5.01pm update: Brexit backlash - David Frost furious with ‘inflammatory’ demand from Barnier - ‘NO WAY!’ The EU's bid to continue involvement in the UK has been shut down by Chief Negotiator David Frost who warned the Commission that there was "no way" Britain could acquiesce. Face-to-face Brexit talks are taking place in Brussels today for the first time since the start of the pandemic. With a deadline of July 1 for the UK to ask for an extension, there is much for chief negotiators, David Frost and Michel Barnier, to wrangle over. Sky News Europe Correspondent Adam Parsons revealed that the continued involvement of the European Court of Justice in UK matters has struck a nerve in the negotiations.
Mark Sedwill is stepping down
4.56pm update: 'Frost holds all the cards!' UK poised for huge Brexit breakthrough as Barnier on brink David Frost "holds all the cards" in the delicately-poised talks with Michel Barnier - meaning the UK could be on the brink of a Brexit breakthrough, a Tory MP claims. Tory Brexiteer Andrew Bridgen believes the EU has to afford the UK more leniency in Brexit trade talks, and that this could play into Mr Frost's hands as he meets with Mr Barnier today. Today marks the first day of a five-day long negotiation between Brussels and London, and is also the first face to face meeting between Mr Barnier and Mr Frost since March. So far little progress has been made as deadlock persists over fisheries and regulatory alignment, even after Prime Minister Boris Johnson held talks with Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission – earlier this month. 3.24pm update: No 10 defends Frost’s appointment to key national security role David Frost, who is currently heading the UK’s Brexit negotiations, has been appointed to the key post of national security adviser. The move has been criticised as unlike previous holders of the post, Mr Frost is a political adviser rather than a career civil servant, and lacks security experience. But Downing Street have defended the appointment and insisted such appointments were not unusual in other countries and that Mr Frost - who has the status of an ambassador - had spent 25 years as a diplomat in the Foreign Office before leaving in 2013. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "The appointment of the NSA is always a decision for the Prime Minister. "It is not unusual in other countries for ambassadors to serve as national security advisers and ambassadors can be political appointees. David Frost has the status of an ambassador. "The First Civil Service Commissioner has agreed the appointment. That is consistent with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act." Ciaran McGrath is taking over live reporting from Katie Harris 2pm update: Barnier takes to Twitter as latest round of talks kick off The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said: “Negotiations resumed this morning with David Frost & team, in a restricted format. We will make the most of our intensified talks over the coming weeks & months. “Our goal: a comprehensive future relationship [with the UK]. The [EU] remains calm & united in its principles and values.”
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1pm update: EU chief says ‘overall message is to intensify negotiations to get deal’ As face-to-face talks kicked off for the first time since the coronavirus crisis forced negotiations to be held remotely, European Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said: "Our overall message this week, but also for the coming weeks and coming months, is to intensify our negotiations in order to make progress in order to get a deal." 12.05pm update: Merkel warns Britons must ‘live with consequences’ of looser ties with EU Angela Merkel has warned Britons will have to "live with the consequences" of Boris Johnson rejecting Theresa May's plan to keep close ties with Brussels after Brexit. The German chancellor spoke with six European newspapers on Friday ahead of Germany assuming the rotating presidency of the EU council on July 1. In comments carried by The Guardian, Mrs Merkel said: "With Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the British Government wants to define for itself what relationship it will have with us after the country leaves. "It will then have to live with the consequences, of course, that is to say with a less closely interconnected economy. "If Britain does not want to have rules on the environment and the labour market or social standards that compare with those of the EU, our relations will be less close."
Boris Johnson's Europe adviser has arrived at the European Commission's headquarters in the Belgian capital for the first face-to-face negotiations since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic
Mr Frost's EU counterpart Michel Barnier
11am update: Johnson plays down prospect of Brexiteer replacing Sedwill Boris Johnson has played down the prospect that he would insist on a Brexiteer replacing Sir Mark Sedwill at the top of the civil service. On a visit in west London the Prime Minister said: "The great thing about the civil service is that nobody should know, least of all me. "We have a wonderful civil service, they are impartial, they are the best in the world. "Who knows what his or her views will be?" 10am update: Frost arrives in Brussels for latest round of talks Boris Johnson's Europe adviser has arrived at the European Commission's headquarters in the Belgian capital for the first face-to-face negotiations since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson did not deny that Boris Johnson would seek a Brexiteer to replace Sir Mark Sedwill as Cabinet Secretary
9.45am update: Williamson does not deny Sedwill will be replaced with Brexiteer Education Secretary Gavin Williamson did not deny that Boris Johnson would seek a Brexiteer to replace Sir Mark Sedwill as Cabinet Secretary when asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Mr Williamson said: "The Prime Minister's search is to get the very best person into that role and applications will be opening from next month to get someone of the very highest calibre to step into some big shoes." 9.30am update: Majority of Scots want Brexit extension, poll finds A majority of Scots back an extension to the Brexit transition period, a new poll has found. A survey of 1,100 people - by Survation on behalf of Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research - found 63 percent were in favour of extending the deadline. A UK-wide survey that ran alongside the poll found 52 percent of Britons were against delaying the transition date. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted that the UK will not extend the transition period beyond the end of the year. The surveys were commissioned by a new campaign group, Starting up in Scotland.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Sturgeon crisis: SNP leader challenged by OWN MP over transphobia allegations in party

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The SNP MP challenged the party after Teddy Hope , the Trans Officer for the LGBTQ+ division of the SNP called Out For Indy , shared their experiences of their treatment by the party .
Posting an open account in a letter on Twitter , Hope said that they were subject to transphobic abuse during party gatherings and on social media .
Targeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angus MacLeod as well as Ms Sturgeon , Ms Black tweeted : “ Are we going to continue to pretend transphobia isn ’ t a problem in this party @ NicolaSturgeon @ Ianblackford_MP @ AonghasMacLeoid ?
” Teddy decided to speak out following recent events in the party , and wrote : “ I lost hope long ago with the party HQ addressing these issues , and after seeing complaints being raised time and time again by trans friends and allies in the SNP regarding rampant transphobia amongst our ranks , and receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If SNP HQ fails to address any of the several complaints raised with their institution , then headquarters is complicit in normalising a transphobic culture that has abused trans members countless times , and let our voices fall silent.
” However , responding on Twitter , Mr Blackford , said : “ There can not be any place for transphobia in @ theSNP or in society .

Nicola Sturgeon requests ‘greater financial power’ for Scotland
The SNP MP challenged the party after Teddy Hope, the Trans Officer for the LGBTQ+ division of the SNP called Out For Indy, shared their experiences of their treatment by the party. Posting an open account in a letter on Twitter, Hope said that they were subject to transphobic abuse during party gatherings and on social media.
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Targeting Westminster leader Ian Blackford and National Secretary Angus MacLeod as well as Ms Sturgeon, Ms Black tweeted: “Are we going to continue to pretend transphobia isn’t a problem in this party @NicolaSturgeon @Ianblackford_MP @AonghasMacLeoid?” Teddy decided to speak out following recent events in the party, and wrote: “I lost hope long ago with the party HQ addressing these issues, and after seeing complaints being raised time and time again by trans friends and allies in the SNP regarding rampant transphobia amongst our ranks, and receiving no response, that feeling was justified. “If SNP HQ fails to address any of the several complaints raised with their institution, then headquarters is complicit in normalising a transphobic culture that has abused trans members countless times, and let our voices fall silent.” However, responding on Twitter, Mr Blackford, said: “There cannot be any place for transphobia in @theSNP or in society.
SNP MP Mhairi Black called out her own party on Twitter.
Mhairi made the comments on Twitter.
“We as a country have come a long way in delivering equality and we must not be diverted from this journey. “Mutual respect and tolerance must be at the heart of who we are. “Yes debate issues openly but with grace.” But Hope stressed: “My body has been reduced to an object of public ownership by anti-trans activists. READ MORE: Sturgeon under fire: SNP accused of 'lacking experience'
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Ian Blackford was quick to respond.
“In this party, which I have been a member of for just over a year now, I’m just a trans person with a small insignificant platform.” Referring to one case, Hope claimed anti-trans activists turned up to an SNP meeting in Bearsden, Dunbartonshire to “pass out images of trans women” to mock their appearance. It was claimed that activists were “shouting and bellowing” transphobic abuse but it was stressed that no action was taken. They concluded that feeling “dehumanised” was a normal part of being in the SNP.
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Mhairi Black.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Brian Cox hits out at 'Cummings' revolution' after Sedwill quits - CIVIL WAR in Whitehall

Brian Cox has questioned the point of Dominic Cummings ’ plans to shake-up the civil service We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters .
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The physicist took to Twitter to ask the purpose of Boris Johnson ’ s top aide ’ s “ revolution ” of the civil service .
He said : “ Could someone who supports the government tell me what the Cummings vision for the country actually is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the civil service etc .
etc .
But I don ’ t know what it ’ s for .
( Don ’ t mention Brexit btw because that ’ s been done so it ’ s no longer an aim ) .
” It comes as Sir Mark is standing down from his roles as Cabinet Secretary and the UK ’ s national security adviser as part of an alleged wider overhaul of the civil service amid reports Mr Cummings played a role in his departure .
The Prime Minister ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult relationship with Sir Mark , who was appointed Cabinet Secretary in 2018 by Theresa May .
The former prime minister allowed him to unite the role with his national security adviser job .
Mr Johnson paid tribute to Sir Mark following his resignation .
He told Times Radio : `` Sir Mark has given incredible service to this country .
He came in at a very difficult time .
`` He has seen the Government through all sorts of very tough stuff - changes in the premiership , an election , Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid crisis .
He has got a lot more to offer and I am sure he will . ''
The Prime Minister played down suggestions that Sir Mark had been the subject of a series of negative briefings in the media .
`` I try not to read too much of the negative briefing .
There is an awful lot of stuff that comes out in the papers to which I would n't automatically attach the utmost credence .
`` People brief all kinds of things into the newspapers .
All I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outstanding servant to this country and will continue to be so . ''
He told Sky News : `` It seems to me obvious that the Prime Minister wanted to move the Cabinet Secretary and was determined to do so .
`` Why you do so in the middle of a pandemic and a crisis instead of actually focusing on the crisis , is a question the Prime Minister needs to answer . ''

Sir Mark Sedwill to step down from role as UK's top civil servant
The physicist took to Twitter to ask why Boris Johnson’s top aide was planning a “revolution” of the civil service. He said: “Could someone who supports the government tell me what the Cummings vision for the country actually is? I understand he wants a revolution in the civil service etc. etc. But I don’t know what it’s for. (Don’t mention Brexit btw because that’s been done so it’s no longer an aim).”
It comes after it was announced Sir Mark was standing down from his roles as Cabinet Secretary and the UK’s national security adviser as part of an alleged wider overhaul of the civil service. Reports indicate Mr Cummings played a role in his departure. The Prime Minister’s chief adviser is rumoured to have a difficult relationship with Sir Mark. Mr Johnson praised Sir Mark following his resignation as head of the civil service. He told Times Radio: "Sir Mark has given incredible service to this country. He came in at a very difficult time.
Brian Cox has questioned the point of Dominic Cummings’ plans to shake-up the civil service
The physicist took to Twitter to ask what the purpose of Boris Johnson’s top aide’s “revolution” of the civil service is
"He has seen the Government through all sorts of very tough stuff - changes in the premiership, an election, Brexit, dealing with the worst bits of the Covid crisis. “He has got a lot more to offer and I am sure he will." In response to the reports surrounding Sir Mark's exit, he added: "I try not to read too much of the negative briefing. “There is an awful lot of stuff that comes out in the papers to which I wouldn't automatically attach the utmost credence. READ MORE: Brexit chief praised as EU member states finally 'get the message'
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Sir Mark is standing down from his roles as Cabinet Secretary and the UK’s national security adviser as part of an alleged wider overhaul of the civil service amid reports Mr Cummings played a role in his departure
"People brief all kinds of things into the newspapers. All I can tell you is Mark is an outstanding servant to this country and will continue to be so." But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer blasted the shake-up of the civil service. He told Sky News: "It seems to me obvious that the Prime Minister wanted to move the Cabinet Secretary and was determined to do so. "Why you do so in the middle of a pandemic and a crisis instead of actually focusing on the crisis, is a question the Prime Minister needs to answer." DON'T MISS
Sedwill’s exit shows Brexit was just beginning for Boris and Cummings [COMMENT]
Brexit LIVE: Trade talks begin today with MAJOR changes [LIVE BLOG]
Brexit ULTIMATUM: Frost in final warning to 'unrealistic' Barnier [ANALYSIS]
David Frost is set to fill Sir Mark’s national security adviser role – a political appointment rather than an impartial civil servant
Mr Cummings is said to have told a meeting of political aides last week that a "hard rain is going to fall" after insisting Whitehall's shortcomings had been uncovered during the coronavirus crisis. Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost is set to fill Sir Mark’s national security adviser role – a political appointment rather than an impartial civil servant. Former Cabinet Secretary Lord O'Donnell warned political appointees were "more likely to be yes-men" rather than "speaking truth to power". He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm worried about the appointment of David Frost as national security adviser because I'm not quite sure how putting a special adviser in that role works."
Sir Mark’s exit comes after a number of changes at the top of the Civil Service in recent months
But Downing Street has defended the appointment of Mr Frost to the position. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "The appointment of the NSA is always a decision for the Prime Minister. "It is not unusual in other countries for ambassadors to serve as national security advisers and ambassadors can be political appointees. David Frost has the status of an ambassador. "The First Civil Service Commissioner has agreed the appointment. That is consistent with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act."
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Brexit chaos: Scotland DEMANDS Brexit extension - shock poll sends warning to Westminster

Brexit talks get underway this week as David Frost and Michel Barnier take to the table in Brussels , with pressure mounting to finalise a trade deal before December .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain will be ready to quit its transitional arrangements with the European Union `` on Australia terms '' if no deal on their future relationship is reached he told his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki on Saturday .
Australia does not have a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU as much of EU-Australia trade follows default World Trade Organisation rules , though specific agreements are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also continually insisted the UK would reject any EU offer to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of the year .
But the survey of 1,100 Scots commissioned by campaign group Starting up in Scotland found 63 percent were in favour of extending the period .
The poll also ran alongside a UK-wide survey , which found 48 percent were in favour of extending the transition period and 52 percent were opposed .
Fergus Mutch , acting director of Starting Up in Scotland , said : `` The next few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and practical thing to do would be for the UK Government to agree an extension to the transition period beyond the end of the year .
`` Failing to do so leaves open the very real risk of a No Deal outcome , and significant damage to our future relationship with the EU . ''
`` In the next few weeks we 'll launch an exciting new campaign to join the EU .
READ MORE : EU ’ s shock fisheries U-turn exposed as Brexit trade talks heat up '' This will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ core . ''
Michael Russell MSP , the Scottish Government 's Constitution Secretary , said the poll `` reflects the continuing worry about Brexit and its disastrous consequences '' .
He added : `` Regardless of your view on Brexit , it 's painfully apparent that now is not the time to drag us over the cliff edge to a potential No Deal Brexit .
`` The global economy is facing an unprecedented crisis and the last thing we need is to pile on yet more damage by ending the transition period this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sedwill ’ s exit shows Brexit was just beginning for Boris and Cummings [ REVEAL ] No way !
Boris told in NO uncertain terms what to sacrifice to Brussels [ REVEAL ] Norway 's brutal verdict on Scotland 's EFTA entry revealed [ REVEAL ] Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also written to Boris Johnson begging him to extend the transition period over fears that the Scottish economy could fall into financial ruin .
A UK government spokesman said in response : `` The UK has left the EU , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This Government was elected with a clear manifesto commitment not to extend the transition and this position was endorsed by Parliament and reconfirmed by ministers in discussion with the devolved administrations .

Nicola Sturgeon: Brexit is making Scottish population angry
Brexit talks get underway this week as David Frost and Michel Barnier take to the table in Brussels, with pressure mounting to finalise a trade deal before December. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain will be ready to quit its transitional arrangements with the European Union "on Australia terms" if no deal on their future relationship is reached he told his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki on Saturday.
Trending
Australia does not have a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU as much of EU-Australia trade follows default World Trade Organisation rules, though specific agreements are in place for certain goods. Mr Johnson has also continually insisted the UK would reject any EU offer to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of the year. But the survey of 1,100 Scots commissioned by Fergus Mutch and a group of Pro-EU campaigners found 63 percent were in favour of extending the period. The poll also ran alongside a UK-wide survey, which found 48 percent were in favour of extending the transition period and 52 percent were opposed.
Nicola Sturgeon has made her position clear on Brexit.
Barnier and Frost are set to have heated discussions from Monday,
Pro-EU campaigner Fergus Mutch said: "The next few days are crucial. “The sensible and practical thing to do would be for the UK Government to agree an extension to the transition period beyond the end of the year. "Failing to do so leaves open the very real risk of a No Deal outcome, and significant damage to our future relationship with the EU." "In the next few weeks we'll launch an exciting new campaign to join the EU. READ MORE: EU’s shock fisheries U-turn exposed as Brexit trade talks heat up
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Nicola Sturgeon has warned about the future of the Scottish economy.
"This will be a grassroots movement with people at its core." Michael Russell MSP, the Scottish Government's Constitution Secretary, said the poll "reflects the continuing worry about Brexit and its disastrous consequences". He added: "Regardless of your view on Brexit, it's painfully apparent that now is not the time to drag us over the cliff edge to a potential No Deal Brexit. "The global economy is facing an unprecedented crisis and the last thing we need is to pile on yet more damage by ending the transition period this year." DON'T MISS:
Sedwill’s exit shows Brexit was just beginning for Boris and Cummings [REVEAL]
No way! Boris told in NO uncertain terms what to sacrifice to Brussels [REVEAL]
Norway's brutal verdict on Scotland's EFTA entry revealed [REVEAL]
The EU is remaining firm during trade talks.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also written to Boris Johnson begging him to extend the transition period over fears that the Scottish economy could fall into financial ruin. A UK government spokesman said in response: "The UK has left the EU, and the transition period ends on 31 December. "This Government was elected with a clear manifesto commitment not to extend the transition and this position was endorsed by Parliament and reconfirmed by ministers in discussion with the devolved administrations.
Michael Gove warned MSPs about extending the transition period.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Sturgeon under fire: SNP accused of 'lacking experience' - major coronavirus warning

The philanthropist , wrote in The Herald today : “ If there was ever a time for the Scottish Government to acknowledge their lack of business experience in the civil service , their agencies and in Cabinet it is now .
“ Not as an admission of guilt but a recognition of what you do best and we do best .
“ And , to be clear , so the same is true of us in business .
“ Many of us , me included , don ’ t understand how the government works and that ’ s a recognition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to come together respecting each other ’ s skill sets , harness them and accelerate them.
” Sir Tom also referred to the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery , which released its economic report on how Scotland should recover from COVID-19 earlier this month .
The report , put together by a team led by economic adviser Benny Higgins , said Scotland would need £6bn in stimulus funding to recover from the economy whilst GDP would fall by more than a third .
It also called for a full review of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost during lockdown as well additional protections for cash-strapped colleges and universities .
READ MORE : Sturgeon travel controls : English may be forced to quarantine Ms Sturgeon said during a daily briefing at St Andrews House they would respond to the report by the end of July .
But Sir Tom claims the report fails to set out a plan on how the Scottish economy would recover .
He stressed it “ misses the vital role of small to medium-sized businesses in job creation – more or less all of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years ” .
Addressing Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , he said : “ So First Minister and Fiona let the customer , let business come together and write your answer guided by a lead civil servant who understands business and your budgets ; but with no sacred cows .
DO N'T MISS : Glasgow attack : Police cordon off street after man 'covered in blood ' [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon faces angry backlash as she threatens to close parks [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon 's plot to ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] “ Do not have the civil service or your agencies write an implementation plan for a customer they don ’ t really understand ; let us in business take this on , trust business to do it and work with you on this .
“ I know we can engage the best brains from around the world on this and the best in Scotland.
” But the Scottish Government quickly hit back at Sir Tom ’ s comments , claiming they were supporting thousands of businesses .
A Scottish Government spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and work through recovery needs as the report from the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery , led by Benny Higgins , sets out , we will need all of Scotland to step up to the mark and that will require a new partnership between business and government , as well as civic Scotland .
“ We will set out our response by the end of the July but action has to start before then and will most definitely need partnership between business and Government .
“ The Scottish Government recognises the extensive business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , contributions from the Hunter Foundation and the need for all of Scotland to pull together to steer us to recovery .
“ The Scottish Government will respond by the end of July but will be taking action to start delivering on recommendations now in advance of that – action which will certainly involve Scotland ’ s business talent.
” The government also announced a £230 million Return to Work package to help support Scots to get back in work and £2.3bn of response support .

Nicola Sturgeon grilled about ‘losing control’ as lockdown eases
Sir Tom Hunter, who gained the reputation of being Scotland’s richest man, took a rare swipe at Nicola Sturgeon as he warned £6bn will be needed to recover the Scottish economy. He said Ms Sturgeon’s administration should acknowledge it’s “lack of business experience”.
Trending
The philanthropist, wrote in The Herald today: “If there was ever a time for the Scottish Government to acknowledge their lack of business experience in the civil service, their agencies and in Cabinet it is now. “Not as an admission of guilt but a recognition of what you do best and we do best. “And, to be clear, so the same is true of us in business. “Many of us, me included, don’t understand how the government works and that’s a recognition of what you do best.
The Scottish Government commissioned report was published last month.
Concerns have been raised over Scotland's economy.
“We need to come together respecting each other’s skill sets, harness them and accelerate them.” Sir Tom also referred to the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, which released its economic report on how Scotland should recover from COVID-19 earlier this month. The report, put together by a team led by economic adviser Benny Higgins, said Scotland would need £6bn in stimulus funding to recover from the economy whilst GDP would fall by more than a third. It also called for a full review of the three months of education which Children have lost during lockdown as well additional protections for cash-strapped colleges and universities. READ MORE: Sturgeon travel controls: English may be forced to quarantine
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Sir Tom Hunter (R) hit out at Nicola Sturgeon.
Ms Sturgeon said during a daily briefing at St Andrews House they would respond to the report by the end of July. But Sir Tom claims the report fails to set out a plan on how the Scottish economy would recover. He stressed it “misses the vital role of small to medium-sized businesses in job creation – more or less all of it will come from them in the next five years”. Addressing Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, he said: “So First Minister and Fiona let the customer, let business come together and write your answer guided by a lead civil servant who understands business and your budgets; but with no sacred cows. DON'T MISS:
Glasgow attack: Police cordon off street after man 'covered in blood' [REVEAL]
Sturgeon faces angry backlash as she threatens to close parks [REVEAL]
Sturgeon's plot to ignore Westminster and force independence revealed [REVEAL]
Sir Tom Hunter responded to a recent report by Benny Higgins.
“Do not have the civil service or your agencies write an implementation plan for a customer they don’t really understand; let us in business take this on, trust business to do it and work with you on this. “I know we can engage the best brains from around the world on this and the best in Scotland.” But the Scottish Government quickly hit back at Sir Tom’s comments, claiming they were supporting thousands of businesses. A Scottish Government spokesman said: “As we restart the economy and work through recovery needs as the report from the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, led by Benny Higgins, sets out, we will need all of Scotland to step up to the mark and that will require a new partnership between business and government, as well as civic Scotland.
The SNP leader will respond to the reports findings by July.
“We will set out our response by the end of the July but action has to start before then and will most definitely need partnership between business and Government. “The Scottish Government recognises the extensive business contributions to the advisory group’s report, contributions from the Hunter Foundation and the need for all of Scotland to pull together to steer us to recovery. “The Scottish Government will respond by the end of July but will be taking action to start delivering on recommendations now in advance of that – action which will certainly involve Scotland’s business talent.” The government also announced a £230 million Return to Work package to help support Scots to get back in work and £2.3bn of response support.
Support for 16-25 year old's was seen as a key part of the report.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-29--Former Brexit Party MEP exposes cunning EU deception it tried to hide 'It's just a lie!'

Eurosceptic Jake Pugh attacked the European Union for their cunning attitudes regarding making the bloc more federalist .
While speaking to Brexit Watch on Youtube , Mr Pugh explained how the EU would tactfully move closer to becoming the United States of Europe while denying it had this long-term goal planned .
The former Brexit Party MEP insisted Brussels has also attempted to compare itself to the US as a way of covertly moving towards a more federalist system , despite there being no real comparison .
Mr Pugh said : `` I do actually think , a federalist position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arrive at that position by deceit .
`` Personally I think that is where a lot of people are at . ''
Mr Pugh commended Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt for his dedication to wanting a United States of Europe despite firmly disagreeing with him .
Mr Pugh said : `` With Verhofstadt , I do n't agree with anything he says , but at least he is taking a position of principle .
`` I think one of the fundamental deceptions of the EU is it has always been represented as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America .
`` This is because there is no comparison between the two , it is just a straight-up lie to say there are parallels . ''
Mr Pugh added he believed the inherent structure of the EU allowed it to continuously fail and then transition to a more federalist state .
He argued this was a clear deception as the EU was not being forthcoming with their overall longterm intentions .
He continued : `` I 'm reading a brilliant book by Ashoka Modi called the Eurotragedy and there is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU never actually being honest about federalist aims and put those to the test via an election or whatever it happens to be .
NASA 'wiped archives ' of mysterious UFO sighting - social media frenzy [ VIDEO ] London violence : Sadiq Khan urged 'to get a grip ' amid police chaos [ VIDEO ] BBC 's Marr raises fears that violence is 'spreading ' across UK [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Former MEP Jake Pugh exposes EU’s ‘deception’
Eurosceptic Jake Pugh attacked the European Union for their cunning attitudes regarding making the bloc more federalist. While speaking to Brexit Watch on Youtube, Mr Pugh explained how the EU would tactfully move closer to becoming the United States of Europe while denying it had this long-term goal planned. The former Brexit Party MEP insisted Brussels has also attempted to compare itself to the US as a way of covertly moving towards a more federalist system, despite there being no real comparison.
Trending
Mr Pugh said: "I do actually think, a federalist position is a more honourable position than trying to arrive at that position by deceit. "Personally I think that is where a lot of people are at." Mr Pugh commended Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt for his dedication to wanting a United States of Europe despite firmly disagreeing with him. Mr Pugh said: "With Verhofstadt, I don't agree with anything he says, but at least he is taking a position of principle. DON'T MISS: EU facing devastating new challenge after coronavirus exposes flaws
Former Brexit Party MEP exposes cunning EU deception it tried to hide 'It's just a lie!'
Mr Pugh then commended Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt for his dedication to wanting a United States of Europe, despite firmly disagreeing with him.
"I think one of the fundamental deceptions of the EU is it has always been represented as being exactly the same as the United States of America. "It is clever, albeit simplistic, deception. "This is because there is no comparison between the two, it is just a straight-up lie to say there are parallels." Mr Pugh added he believed the inherent structure of the EU allowed it to continuously fail and then transition to a more federalist state.
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Mr Pugh explained how the EU would tactfully move closer to becoming the United States of Europe, while denying it had this long-term goal planned.
EU: Poll reveals public opinion of pandemic handling
Mr Pugh added he believed the inherent structure of the EU allowed it to continuously fail and then transition to a more federalist state.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Boris erupts at Sturgeon's threat of Scotland border closure - 'Absolutely SHAMEFUL!'

Boris Johnson hit out at Nicola Sturgeon as he was challenged to condemn Holyrood proposals to institute a virtual border with England to keep the coronavirus pandemic under control in Scotland .
First Minister Sturgeon signalled she would be willing to impose checks on tourists travelling to England who do not comply with current lockdown measures in place across the nation .
But addressing the issue during PMQs on Wednesday , the Prime Minister issued a fiery rebuttal of the threat .
Mr Johnson said : `` I must say I find the suggestion absolutely astonishing and shameful .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Scottish Administration about that .
`` But I will point out to my Honourable Friend , there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland . ''
Scotland and England have been managing the health crisis at different speeds as health remains a devolved issue mostly in the hands of the Scottish First Minister .
JUST IN : Angela Merkel storms into UK-EU trade talks with warning for Boris Johnson The fiery response came after Conservative MP Andrew Bowie expressed his “ anger ” at the stance the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowie said : `` Does my Right Honourable Friend not share my anger and the frustration of the Scottish tourist sector , just as it ’ s getting back on its feet , that it ’ s getting its legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible , damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closure and quarantining of visitors from the rest of the United Kingdom ? ''
Nicola Sturgeon said she is not “ ruling anything out ” when asked during Monday ’ s daily coronavirus press conference whether she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The statement came a day after a spike in COVID-19 cases were reported in Sunderland and Gateshead , just 50 miles from dividing line between Scotland and England .
READ MORE : Commons in stitches as Boris Johnson humiliates SNP 's Ian Blackford in PMQs row Scotland has recorded a steadily decreasing number of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks and reopened several of its businesses this week .
As of July 1 , 18,259 people have contracted the coronavirus across Scotland as 785 people remain in hospital being treated with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ devastating ” financial black holes with Highland Council being the worst figures .
Figures show the authority faces a £96.6million gap in its finances due to lost revenues which represents the equivalent of £411 for every resident , the worst in the UK .
Sturgeon beaten to the punch ?
Brexit 'could spark Welsh independence ' [ INSIGHT ] Scotland lockdown : Is Scotland still in lockdown ?
[ EXPLAINER ] Sturgeon ’ s £6.8 billion miscalculation would have ‘ BANKRUPT ’ Scotland [ ANALYSIS ]

PMQs: Boris Johnson slams Sturgeon for talks of ‘border closure’
Boris Johnson hit out at Nicola Sturgeon as he was challenged to condemn Holyrood proposals to institute a virtual border with England to keep the coronavirus pandemic under control in Scotland. First Minister Sturgeon signalled she would be willing to impose checks on tourists travelling to England who do not comply with current lockdown measures in place across the nation. But addressing the issue during PMQs on Wednesday, the Prime Minister issued a fiery rebuttal of the threat.
Trending
Mr Johnson said: "I must say I find the suggestion absolutely astonishing and shameful. "There will be no such discussion with the Scottish Administration about that. "But I will point out to my Honourable Friend, there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland." Scotland and England have been managing the health crisis at different speeds as health remains a devolved issue mostly in the hands of the Scottish First Minister. JUST IN: Angela Merkel storms into UK-EU trade talks with warning for Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson said he will not discuss the imposition of check when entering Scotland with Sturgeon
Boris Johnson reminded Nicola Sturgeon "there is no border" between Scotland and England
The fiery response came after Conservative MP Andrew Bowie expressed his “anger” at the stance the Scottish Government adopted during the lockdown. Mr Bowie said: "Does my Right Honourable Friend not share my anger and the frustration of the Scottish tourist sector, just as it’s getting back on its feet, that it’s getting its legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible, damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closure and quarantining of visitors from the rest of the United Kingdom?" Nicola Sturgeon said she is not “ruling anything out” when asked during Monday’s daily coronavirus press conference whether she would consider restrictions on cross-Border travel. The statement came a day after a spike in COVID-19 cases were reported in Sunderland and Gateshead, just 50 miles from dividing line between Scotland and England. READ MORE: Commons in stitches as Boris Johnson humiliates SNP's Ian Blackford in PMQs row
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PMQs: Johnson tells Blackford he is 'mistaken' over benefits
Nicola Sturgeon said she is not "ruling anything out" to contain the virus
Scotland has recorded a steadily decreasing number of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks and reopened several of its businesses this week. As of July 1, 18,259 people have contracted the coronavirus across Scotland as 785 people remain in hospital being treated with COVID-19. Scottish authorities have warned they face “devastating” financial black holes with Highland Council being the worst figures. Figures show the authority faces a £96.6million gap in its finances due to lost revenues which represents the equivalent of £411 for every resident, the worst in the UK. DON'T MISS: Sturgeon beaten to the punch? Brexit 'could spark Welsh independence' [INSIGHT]
Scotland lockdown: Is Scotland still in lockdown? [EXPLAINER]
Sturgeon’s £6.8 billion miscalculation would have ‘BANKRUPT’ Scotland [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus outbreak have sparked concerns of lockdown being reinstated in some areas


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Commons in stitches as Boris Johnson humiliates SNP's Ian Blackford in PMQs row

The SNP Westminster leader claimed the UK Government is `` heartlessly and cruelly '' denying extra funds to Scotland to ensure its election promise of levelling up the country is kept .
But Boris Johnson wittily dismantled his claim causing MPs in the Commons to laugh .
He said : `` Mr Speaker , I beseech the right honourable gentleman just to think that he may be mistaken .
`` The UK Government is absolutely dedicated to supporting people of all people across the country .
`` That 's why we 've actually increased spending on benefits by £7 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do more .
`` But I can tell him that there will be plenty of wonderful things that we want to do working with him , working with the Scottish administration to improve transport and other infrastructure across the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland . ''
Boris Johnson also said he found suggestions that people going to Scotland from other parts of the UK would have to be quarantined `` astonishing '' .
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie ( West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine ) said : `` Does ( Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration of the Scottish tourist sector , just as it 's getting back on its feet , that it 's having the legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible , damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closures and quarantining of visitors from across the United Kingdom ? ''
`` I must say I found the suggestion absolutely astonishing , '' Mr Johnson responded .
`` There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that but I would point out to ( Mr Bowie ) what he knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing as a border between England and Scotland . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked `` why was the Government so slow to act '' to implement a lockdown in Leicester after it knew of a spike in virus cases .
During PMQs , he told the Commons : `` At the daily press conference on June 18 the Health Secretary said 'there 's an outbreak of Covid-19 right now in parts of Leicester ' .
`` Yet it was only on Monday evening this week that the Government introduced restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days during which the virus was spreading in Leicester .
`` Why was the Government so slow to act ? ''
But the Prime Minister said the Government `` acted decisively '' and `` put on the breaks '' in Leicester .
DO N'T MISS : Nicola Sturgeon warning : Scotland in a ‘ worse position than Greece ’ [ ANALYSIS ] Sturgeon 's 'embarrassing ' plan to keep Scotland in single market [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon scolded for criticising Johnson 's new deal 'Did n't even ask ! '
[ VIDEO ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government first took notice and acted that was going on in Leicester on June 8 because we could see there was an issue there .
`` We sent mobile testing units shortly thereafter .
`` We engaged actively with the authorities in Leicester , with public health in Leicester , with everyone responsible in Leicester , in the way we have done with other areas that have had similar issues .
`` Unfortunately in Leicester , it did not prove possible to get the results that we have seen elsewhere so on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope the right honourable gentleman approves of , to go into lockdown in Leicester .
`` Because I have been absolutely clear with the House and with the country we are going forward , we have made huge progress but where necessary we will put on the breaks .
We acted decisively and I think it was the right thing to do . ''

PMQs: Johnson tells Blackford he is 'mistaken' over benefits
The SNP Westminster leader claimed the UK Government is "heartlessly and cruelly" denying extra funds to Scotland to ensure its election promise of levelling up the country is kept. But Boris Johnson wittily dismantled his claim causing MPs in the Commons to laugh. He said: "Mr Speaker, I beseech the right honourable gentleman just to think that he may be mistaken.
Trending
"The UK Government is absolutely dedicated to supporting people of all people across the country. "That's why we've actually increased spending on benefits by £7 billion with Universal Credit and we stand ready to do more. "But I can tell him that there will be plenty of wonderful things that we want to do working with him, working with the Scottish administration to improve transport and other infrastructure across the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland." Boris Johnson also said he found suggestions that people going to Scotland from other parts of the UK would have to be quarantined "astonishing". READ MORE: Sturgeon crisis: Scotland faces eye-watering 50% rise in council tax
SNP Ian Blackford humiliated by Boris Johnson during PMQs
Boris Johnson sparked laughter in the Commons as he responded to Ian Blackford
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) said: "Does (Mr Johnson) not share my anger and the frustration of the Scottish tourist sector, just as it's getting back on its feet, that it's having the legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible, damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closures and quarantining of visitors from across the United Kingdom?" "I must say I found the suggestion absolutely astonishing," Mr Johnson responded. "There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that but I would point out to (Mr Bowie) what he knows very well - there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked "why was the Government so slow to act" to implement a lockdown in Leicester after it knew of a spike in virus cases.
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PMQs: Boris Johnson slams Sturgeon for talks of ‘border closure’


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--PMQs LIVE: ‘Pay attention!’ Boris rages at Starmer - ‘Labour are the DITHERERS’ on COVID

The Labour leader has quizzed the Prime Minister on why there was a delay in putting the Midlands city into lockdown when there was evidence of a spike in cases 11 days earlier .
However , Mr Johnson has been unapologetic about his response .
Responding to Sir Keir 's criticism , he said mobile testing kits were sent into Leicester way before the lockdown was implemented .
The Prime Minister told the Labour leader to `` pay attention '' to the efforts being made by the Government when making criticisms .
Attacking his opposite number for refusing to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` dithering '' .
He said : `` The best thing Labour could do is stop equivocating and doing one thing one week and another the next and decide that they emphatically support ending lockdown , emphatically support kids being black in school rather than being bossed around by the unions .
`` We are the builders , they 're the blockers , we are the do-ers , they 're the ditherers . ''
This is a liveblog .
Please see below for the latest updates and check back soon .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn PMQs to a close .
Most questions asked today by backbench MPs focused on the Prime Minister 's investment announcement made yesterday .
Meanwhile , Sir Keir Starmer chose the local Leicester lockdown as his line of attack .
Scott Mann MP has asked the PM if he will agree with him that `` we want people to come and have a fantastic holiday in Cornwall , we just want them to be sensible when they do so '' .
There are fears tourism hotspots will be overwhelmed by Brits travelling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British staycation ' gets underway .
Mr Johnson says Mr Mann `` brilliantly sums up the approach we want people to take '' .
Stephen Doughty , MP for Cardiff South and Penarth , has accused the Prime Minister of not doing enough to save jobs .
He has accused yesterday 's spending announcement of being too focused on or and spin and no enough on providing funding .
He says : `` Workers do n't want to hear slogans .
They do n't want to hear bluff and bluster .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs ? ''
Reiterating his spending plan , the Conservative leader says : `` We have a plan to build build build by introducing £600million of investment . ''
He says this will lead to `` jobs , jobs , jobs '' .
12.25pm update : Johnson stands up to China as he vows to help Hong Kong citizens Alliance MP Stephen Farry has asked the Prime Minister what Britain intends to do following CHina 's introduction of the new national security law in Hong Kong .
Mr Johnson responds by saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations '' .
He adds : `` The enactment of this national security law represents clear and serious breach of the Sino-British declaration . ''
Giving a preview of the Foreign Secretary 's statement to the Commons after PMQs , the Prime Minister confirms Hong Kong citizens will be allowed to apply to live in the UK .
The Cities and Westminster MP has warned of the impact coronavirus is having on theatres .
She 's asked the PM to agree with her that `` the show must go on '' .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going as soon as you possibly can and we want life for theatres and theatre-goers to get back to normal as soon as we possibly can .
`` To do that we must defeat this virus . ''
After the Prime minister 's speech on more funding , the SNP leader in the House of Commons , Ian Blackford , has demanded more funding Scotland .
In response to his complaints , Mr Johnson says : `` I really do hope that he and all his SNP colleagues go around brandishing the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British Army absolutely invaluable in Scotland but has also seen the Treasury get up the plate and get that furlough funding across all four parts of the UK . ''
Sir Keir Starmer has attacked the Prime Minister 's spending plans and accused him of not going far enough .
He has warned millions risk losing their jobs due to cronavirus after the furlough scheme ends .
He asks : `` Next weeks financial statement could be the last chance to save millions of jobs .
Will the Prime Minister start now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hitting back , Mr Johnson says the Labour leader should support the spending plan .
Criticising his opposite number 's respond to coronavirus , he says : `` The best thing Labour could do is stop equivocating and doing one thing one week and another the next and decide that they emphatically support ending lockdown , emphatically support kids being black in school rather than being bossed around by the unions .
`` We are the builders , they 're the blockers , we are the do-ers , they 're the ditherers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister of failing seaside areas by not giving them the help they needed when they feared an influx of Brits on beaches .
Attacking his question , the Prime Minister retaliates : `` I really think that the Right Honourable Gentleman does not distinguish himself by his question .
`` I will make it absolutely clear that as we go forward with our cautious plan to reopen the economy that it is very important for people who represent seaside areas should be as welcoming as could be .
But it is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If people are going to travel to the seaside then they must observe social distancing . ''
Sir Keir Starmer has said there was a `` lost week while the virus was spreading '' due to delay in giving local authorities full data .
Responding , the Prime Minister says : `` The Right Honourable Gentleman is mistaken .
Both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 data have been shared , not just in Leicester but in all authorities across the country . ''
However , the answer has failed to satisfy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The PM ca n't just bat away challenge .
These are matters of life and death , other people 's livelihoods . ''
A hint at things to come later ?
Last night Sir Keir posted a Tweet demanding schools reopen with safe , temporary classrooms .
He said : `` I want all our children safely back in school as soon as possible .
`` All schools could be open had there been a plan and leadership from the Prime Minister .
`` If we can build Nightingale Hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Keir may also pressure Mr Johnson on the method of measuring coronavirus cases in the UK , afrer a report by the Financial Times .
It has emerged figures released by the Government as part of its regular updates include only hospital-based or private laboratory-tested cases of coronavirus .
A second metric , dubbed 'pillar 2 ' , including the testing of the public at drive-through facilities , for example , are not included in total released figures .

PMQs: Johnson hits out at Starmer after being called 'flippant'
With pubs, restaurants, cafes and other businesses set to reopen at the weekend, the UK was stunned this week when Leicester re-entered full lockdown after a surge in cases. Schools and non-essential shops have closed again in a bid to contain the outbreak, and fears are growing more towns and cities could follow suit.
Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer's PMQs clashes are regularly feisty affairs
The Labour leader has quizzed the Prime Minister on why there was a delay in putting the Midlands city into lockdown when there was evidence of a spike in cases 11 days earlier. However, Mr Johnson has been unapologetic about his response. Responding to Sir Keir's criticism, he said mobile testing kits were sent into Leicester way before the lockdown was implemented. The Prime Minister told the Labour leader to "pay attention" to the efforts being made by the Government when making criticisms. Attacking his opposite number for refusing to support him, he accused the Labour Party of "dithering". He said: "The best thing Labour could do is stop equivocating and doing one thing one week and another the next and decide that they emphatically support ending lockdown, emphatically support kids being black in school rather than being bossed around by the unions. "We are the builders, they're the blockers, we are the do-ers, they're the ditherers." This is a liveblog. Please see below for the latest updates and check back soon.
Trending
12.40pm update: Another week over That's it! Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has drawn PMQs to a close. Most questions asked today by backbench MPs focused on the Prime Minister's investment announcement made yesterday. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer chose the local Leicester lockdown as his line of attack. 12.37pm update: North Cornwall MP raises fears of coastal towns Scott Mann MP has asked the PM if he will agree with him that "we want people to come and have a fantastic holiday in Cornwall, we just want them to be sensible when they do so". There are fears tourism hotspots will be overwhelmed by Brits travelling to beaches and coastal towns as the 'Great British staycation' gets underway. Mr Johnson says Mr Mann "brilliantly sums up the approach we want people to take". 12.28pm update: Labour MP attacks Government's spending plan as "bluff and bluster" Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, has accused the Prime Minister of not doing enough to save jobs. He has accused yesterday's spending announcement of being too focused on or and spin and no enough on providing funding. He says: "Workers don't want to hear slogans. They don't want to hear bluff and bluster. "What's he going to do to protect their jobs?" Reiterating his spending plan, the Conservative leader says: "We have a plan to build build build by introducing £600million of investment." He says this will lead to "jobs, jobs, jobs".
Boris Johnson says his investment plan will lead to 'jobs, jobs, jobs'
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12.25pm update: Johnson stands up to China as he vows to help Hong Kong citizens Alliance MP Stephen Farry has asked the Prime Minister what Britain intends to do following CHina's introduction of the new national security law in Hong Kong. Mr Johnson responds by saying the UK stands for "rules and obligations". He adds: "The enactment of this national security law represents clear and serious breach of the Sino-British declaration." Giving a preview of the Foreign Secretary's statement to the Commons after PMQs, the Prime Minister confirms Hong Kong citizens will be allowed to apply to live in the UK.
PMQs: China has 'violated' Hong Kong's autonomy says Johnson
12.22pm update: Tory MP Nickie Aiken calls for theatres to open The Cities and Westminster MP has warned of the impact coronavirus is having on theatres. She's asked the PM to agree with her that "the show must go on". Mr johnson replies: "We want you going as soon as you possibly can and we want life for theatres and theatre-goers to get back to normal as soon as we possibly can. "To do that we must defeat this virus." 12.18pm update: SNP demands more funding from Westminster After the Prime minister's speech on more funding, the SNP leader in the House of Commons, Ian Blackford, has demanded more funding Scotland. In response to his complaints, Mr Johnson says: "I really do hope that he and all his SNP colleagues go around brandishing the fact that not only has this crisis seen the British Army absolutely invaluable in Scotland but has also seen the Treasury get up the plate and get that furlough funding across all four parts of the UK."
SNP leader in the Commons, Ian Blackford, has demanded more funding for Scotland
12.14pm update: Boris Johnson demands Labour stop "dithering" and support the Government Sir Keir Starmer has attacked the Prime Minister's spending plans and accused him of not going far enough. He has warned millions risk losing their jobs due to cronavirus after the furlough scheme ends. He asks: "Next weeks financial statement could be the last chance to save millions of jobs. Will the Prime Minister start now by extending the furlough scheme?" Hitting back, Mr Johnson says the Labour leader should support the spending plan. Criticising his opposite number's respond to coronavirus, he says: "The best thing Labour could do is stop equivocating and doing one thing one week and another the next and decide that they emphatically support ending lockdown, emphatically support kids being black in school rather than being bossed around by the unions. "We are the builders, they're the blockers, we are the do-ers, they're the ditherers."
Starmer has been accused of 'dithering' on coronavirus
Sir Keir Starmer said Leicester did not have the necessary data to react to the local COVID outbreak
12.10pm update: Boris Johnson loses his temper with Starmer's questions The Labour leader has accused the Prime Minister of failing seaside areas by not giving them the help they needed when they feared an influx of Brits on beaches. Attacking his question, the Prime Minister retaliates: "I really think that the Right Honourable Gentleman does not distinguish himself by his question. "I will make it absolutely clear that as we go forward with our cautious plan to reopen the economy that it is very important for people who represent seaside areas should be as welcoming as could be. But it is also vital that people have to behave responsibly. "If people are going to travel to the seaside then they must observe social distancing." 12.07pm update: Labour leader criticises PM on data sharing Sir Keir Starmer has said there was a "lost week while the virus was spreading" due to delay in giving local authorities full data. Responding, the Prime Minister says: "The Right Honourable Gentleman is mistaken. Both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 data have been shared, not just in Leicester but in all authorities across the country." However, the answer has failed to satisfy the Labour leader. He hits back: "The PM can't just bat away challenge. These are matters of life and death, other people's livelihoods."
Boris Johnson is facing criticism over the Leicester lockdown
12.03pm update: Starmer goes for Johnson on Leicester Sir Keir Starmer has attacked the Government for being slow to act on the local Leicester lockdown. He says the outbreak was known about almost two weeks ago. The labour leader has asked the PM: "It was only on Monday evening this week the Government introduced restrictions that is a delay of 11 days. "Why was the Government os slow to act?" Mr Johnson has responded saying he took action on June 8, saying" "We sent mobile testing unit there shortly thereafter. We engaged with coal authorities in Leicester and public Health in Leicester." However, he adds the efforts "did not prove possible to get the results". 12.00pm update: Boris Johnson has entered the chamber Both the Prime Minister and the Labour Party leader have taken their places on the front benches of the House of Commons. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has called the chamber to order, time for PMQs to begin. 11.30am update: List of MPs asking questions announced The following MPs will ask Mr Johnson at question at today's session: Richard Graham (Gloucester), Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine), Nickie Aiken (Cities of London and Westminster), Stephen Farry (North Down), James Sunderland (Bracknell), Claire Hanna (Belfast South), Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich West), Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West), James Daly (Bury North), Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate), Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and The Border), Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth), Jason McCartney (Colne Valley), Ian Paisley (North Antrim), Duncan Baker (North Norfolk), Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden), Greg Smith (Buckingham), Stephen Timms (East Ham), William Wragg (Hazel Grove), Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock), Scott Mann (North Cornwall), John Spellar (Warley), Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) and Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland West). They will be joined by Sir Keir Starmer and Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Sturgeon crisis: Scotland faces eye-watering 50% rise in council tax - dire warning

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ( COSLA ) said a change in the law was required to address council deficits and avoid significant tax rises .
COSLA said £739m of additional funding would be needed to help prop up Scottish councils .
Scottish authorities have warned they face “ devastating ” financial black holes with Highland Council being the worst figures .
Figures show the authority faces a £96.6million gap in its finances due to lost revenues which represents the equivalent of £411 for every resident , the worst in the UK .
The COSLA paper added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would require a Council Tax increase in 2021/22 in excess of 50 percent.
” It also claims current laws will mean council deficits would have to be met through a council tax increase .
COSLA continued that council tax legislation “ should be amended ” to allow a “ financial deficit attributed to COVID-19 ” to be repaid over a period of time .
It comes after the Scottish Government said that it needed to borrow up to £500 million more to deal with the impact of coronavirus as well as having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A formal request was sent to the Treasury last week , ahead of a meeting of UK finance ministers .
But Scottish Finance Minister Kate Forbes MSP said her request for more financial powers has been `` kicked into the long grass '' by the Treasury today .
READ MORE : 'Stop being divisive ' Sturgeon backlash over threat quarantine threat Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Scotland radio programme this morning , she said she hoped the request would be taken seriously .
She said : `` I last spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the issues once again .
`` Unfortunately it keeps getting kicked into the long grass and my hope is that at some point they will deal with the issue seriously and enable us to have those powers . ''
The Scottish Government is also calling for an £80 billion UK-wide stimulus package , which would be the equivalent of 4 percent of GDP .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon beaten to the punch ?
Brexit 'could spark Welsh independence ' [ REVEAL ] Scotland lockdown : Is Scotland still in lockdown ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion miscalculation would have ‘ BANKRUPT ’ Scotland [ REVEAL ] She said : `` My job is to set out persuasively what we need right now to reboot the economy .
`` This is one of the most significant economic crises of our generation and we desperately need the powers and the investment to reboot it . ''
`` I 'm not waiting for those powers to be passed over , we 're using the powers that we have and we 're using the resources that we have .
`` But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these ambitious ideas come down to the need for the UK Government to be a little bit more relaxed in working with us to pass on those flexibilities in powers . ''
In response , a Scottish Government spokesman , said : `` The Scottish Government have committed almost £330 million of additional funding to local government for COVID-19 measures and Scotland ’ s councils have received £405 million in advanced payments so far this financial year to assist them with their cash flow , and by the end of July this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Nicola Sturgeon calls for ‘continued support’ from UK government
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) said a change in the law was required to address council deficits and avoid significant tax rises. COSLA said £739m of additional funding would be needed to help prop up Scottish councils.
Trending
Scottish authorities have warned they face “devastating” financial black holes with Highland Council being the worst figures. Figures show the authority faces a £96.6million gap in its finances due to lost revenues which represents the equivalent of £411 for every resident, the worst in the UK. The COSLA paper added: “Given the initial forecasts from Local Authorities it would require a Council Tax increase in 2021/22 in excess of 50 percent.” It also claims current laws will mean council deficits would have to be met through a council tax increase.
Nicola Sturgeon is facing pressure to give extra funding to councils.
Councils across Scotland are suffering.
COSLA continued that council tax legislation “should be amended” to allow a “financial deficit attributed to COVID-19” to be repaid over a period of time. It comes after the Scottish Government said that it needed to borrow up to £500 million more to deal with the impact of coronavirus as well as having greater flexibility over its capital budget. A formal request was sent to the Treasury last week, ahead of a meeting of UK finance ministers. But Scottish Finance Minister Kate Forbes MSP said her request for more financial powers has been "kicked into the long grass" by the Treasury today. READ MORE: 'Stop being divisive' Sturgeon backlash over threat quarantine threat
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Pressure is mounting on Holyrood to provide more funding for Scottish councils.
Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Scotland radio programme this morning, she said she hoped the request would be taken seriously. She said: "I last spoke to the Treasury on Friday and we went through the issues once again. "Unfortunately it keeps getting kicked into the long grass and my hope is that at some point they will deal with the issue seriously and enable us to have those powers." The Scottish Government is also calling for an £80 billion UK-wide stimulus package, which would be the equivalent of 4 percent of GDP. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon beaten to the punch? Brexit 'could spark Welsh independence' [REVEAL]
Scotland lockdown: Is Scotland still in lockdown? [REVEAL]
Sturgeon’s £6.8 billion miscalculation would have ‘BANKRUPT’ Scotland [REVEAL]
COSLA is warning of a large shortfall.