thedailyexpress--2020-03-09--Labour attacked for ‘astonishing’ decision to suspend Trevor Phillips for Islamophobia

The Shadow Europe minister said the move to discipline the former ex-chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission had brought `` disrepute '' on the party .
Ex-Cabinet minister Lord Falconer and senior backbencher Ben Bradshaw also hit out .
Mr Phillips – who ruled out voting for Jeremy Corbyn 's outfit at the last election over its failure to deal with anti-Semitism – is being investigated over past comments , including remarks on Pakistani Muslim men sexually abusing children in northern British towns .
It is understood that Labour ’ s general secretary , Jennie Formby , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` protect the party 's reputation '' .
Mr Phillips told Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I 'm surprised about what is and always has been an open and democratic party deciding that its members can not have healthy debate about how we address differences of values and outlooks .
`` Let us be clear about this .
They say I 'm accusing Muslims of being different .
`` Well , actually , that 's true .
Muslims are different and , in many ways , I think that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` nonsense '' to define being anti-Islam as racist , arguing that Muslims do not identify as a race .
He has in the past rallied against the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims ’ move to define Islamophobia – a definition adopted by the Labour Party .
The anti-racism campaigner told the BBC : `` My objection is very simple .
That definition said , to words of the effect , that Islamophobia is rooted in a kind of racism – expressions of hostility towards Muslimness .
`` First of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My personal hero was Muhammad Ali , before that Malcolm X .
`` They became Muslims largely because it is a pan-racial faith .
This is not a racial grouping , so describing hostility to them as racial is nonsense . ''
The move has also drawn anger from several Labour figures , with Mr Mahmood saying : `` It was with no small measure of astonishment that I learnt that my own party , the Labour Party , had initiated proceedings against Trevor Phillips on grounds of ‘ racism ’ and ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Policy Exchange think tank , he said : `` The charges are so outlandish as to bring disrepute on all involved in making them ; and I fear they further add to the sense that we , as a party , have badly lost our way . ''
Ex-justice secretary Lord Falconer said Mr Phillips had been suspended on `` laughable grounds '' , and drew parallels with the expulsion of Tony Blair 's ex-communications chief Alastair Campbell , a fellow critic of Jeremy Corbyn .
And former Secretary of State for Culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This swift action against Trevor Phillips is in stark contrast to the complete lack of action against anti-semites I and many other Labour MPs have reported repeatedly to Jennie Formby . ''
A Labour Party spokesman said : `` The Labour Party takes all complaints about Islamophobia extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken . ''

Trevor Phillips has been suspended from the Labour Party for 'Islamophobia'
Mr Phillips said Labour was in danger of collapsing into a "brutish, authoritarian cult". Labour frontbencher Khalid Mahmood also launched a bitter attack on party bosses over the "astonishing" decision to suspend Mr Phillips.
The Shadow Europe minister said the move to discipline the former ex-chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission had brought "disrepute" on the party. Ex-Cabinet minister Lord Falconer and senior backbencher Ben Bradshaw also hit out. Mr Phillips – who ruled out voting for Jeremy Corbyn's outfit at the last election over its failure to deal with anti-Semitism – is being investigated over past comments, including remarks on Pakistani Muslim men sexually abusing children in northern British towns. It is understood that Labour’s general secretary, Jennie Formby, had suspended him as a matter of urgency to "protect the party's reputation".
Trevor Philiips's hero Malcolm X meets Fidel Castro
Mr Phillips told Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm surprised about what is and always has been an open and democratic party deciding that its members cannot have healthy debate about how we address differences of values and outlooks. "Let us be clear about this. They say I'm accusing Muslims of being different. "Well, actually, that's true. Muslims are different and, in many ways, I think that's admirable."
The 66-year-old said it was "nonsense" to define being anti-Islam as racist, arguing that Muslims do not identify as a race. He has in the past rallied against the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ move to define Islamophobia – a definition adopted by the Labour Party. The anti-racism campaigner told the BBC: "My objection is very simple. That definition said, to words of the effect, that Islamophobia is rooted in a kind of racism – expressions of hostility towards Muslimness. "First of all, Muslims are not a race. My personal hero was Muhammad Ali, before that Malcolm X.
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"They became Muslims largely because it is a pan-racial faith. This is not a racial grouping, so describing hostility to them as racial is nonsense." The move has also drawn anger from several Labour figures, with Mr Mahmood saying: "It was with no small measure of astonishment that I learnt that my own party, the Labour Party, had initiated proceedings against Trevor Phillips on grounds of ‘racism’ and ‘Islamophobia’." Writing for the Policy Exchange think tank, he said: "The charges are so outlandish as to bring disrepute on all involved in making them; and I fear they further add to the sense that we, as a party, have badly lost our way."
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thedailyexpress--2020-03-09--Labour news: John McDonnell’s coronavirus speech IN FULL - ‘You need to act fast’

• John McDonnell furious as he is confronted on waging 'Labour war ' Mr McDonnell highlighted the flaws in NHS funding and the inadequacies of the UK ’ s social security system while also addressing the problems of overpopulation in prison and the slow growth of Britain ’ s economy .
The Labour Chancellor went on to urge Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak to reassure both the general public and financial markets on the uncertainty of the situation .
He added that the immediate challenge facing the Budget - to be released on Wednesday - was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resources to defeat COVID-19 .
The speech comes as a total of 319 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been declared in the UK , as the death toll reaches 3 , and 23,500 have people have been tested for the virus .
This is the last pre-budget speech that I will do as Shadow Chancellor before I return to the backbenches – hopefully to play the role of an elder statesman .
It does give me maybe a bit more of a wider and longer perspective , released from some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So this morning I wish to set the scene for the budget on Wednesday .
This should be one of the most significant budgets in our peacetime history .
Why ?
Well because we are facing three of the most serious emergencies that coming together our country has ever faced .
Immediately , we face the crisis of coronavirus as it impacts upon our country , with potentially immensely dangerous and , already for some , with tragic consequences .
After ten years of harsh and unnecessary austerity , we also face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty and inequality and crises in every one of our core public services .
And , of course , we are confronted by the overall existential threat of climate change and the growing , deeply troubling realisation that we are rapidly running out of time to avert a climate crisis .
Let me be clear on the question of coronavirus ; this is not the time for any party politics or partisan behaviour .
I want to thank and pay tribute to the work , the professionalism and the dedication of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief scientific adviser .
I also want to express my thanks and , as always , my admiration to our NHS staff , who once again , as always , are rising to the challenge of providing us with the care and treatment we need , despite being under existing , huge pressures .
As an opposition , we will support the government in implementing plans needed to keep our people safe and out of harm ’ s way .
Anything we say or do will be to support constructively the policies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this health emergency .
In that spirit , let me say that there are lessons to be learnt already .
The first is speed of action .
Of course , the Prime Minister should have called COBRA sooner .
Days and hours matter when you are dealing with a crisis of this significance and urgency .
The Chancellor also should have made clear immediately , ten days ago , in a major public statement and to parliament that the government stood ready to do everything necessary to support our economy and to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In these circumstances , you need to be fast in demonstrating that there is a clear plan of action nationally and internationally .
Attempting to let out assuring noises in dribs and drabs is not enough and has proved to be not enough .
The government ’ s delaying of any statement of an economic plan to the budget date doesn ’ t seem to appreciate the urgency of action needed to promote confidence and reassurance amongst investors , businesses , consumers , workers and their families .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , last Monday I published my advice to the government on the basics of a five point action point plan for the Chancellor .
The action plan simply brings together the basic steps any government would take in dealing with the potential economic impacts of an emergency of this scale .
Naturally , it starts with a call for the coordination by the Treasury with the Bank of England , the OBR and the business bodies and TUC of an overall and regular ongoing assessment of the potential impacts of the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly the consequences for production , consumption , and GDP and the resilience of the financial system .
We have heard some assessments by individual bodies , such as the Bank of England , but no assuring , authoritative , coordinated assessment dialogue amongst our national institutions .
Just as the chief medical officer has been able to reassure people with his openness in reporting , so the Chancellor should also be on the economic progress of this situation .
The treasury should also take responsibility for coordinating departmental impact assessments and resource @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for increased resourcing for agencies and departments , using a variety of scenarios reflecting different possible levels of the severity of the outbreak .
What concerned me and still does , is the tardiness by the Chancellor in seeking to reassure the public and markets more comprehensively that the government stands ready to intervene in the economy .
It is best to be straight with people now and acknowledge the limited effectiveness of monetary policy and make it absolutely clear that the government will back fiscal measures to overcome short-term demand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide the detail of those measures .
Of course , attention needs to be given to the impact on vulnerable groups likely to be particularly affected by any outbreak , including families of individuals who have contracted the virus , and households where self-isolation and sick leave are required .
The vague statements from the Chancellor so far , lack the detail to give confidence to many very financially vulnerable people , often in precarious work , that the will be supported and protected .
Immediately we need the details of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick leave guarantees for all workers of whatever status from day one and sick pay for self-isolation .
The gig economy , zero-hours contracts , and earning thresholds means around two million workers are ineligible for statutory sick pay .
It ’ s unacceptable that some of the lowest-paid workers who need to self-isolate will be forced to make a choice between their health and financial hardship .
The government ’ s emergency legislation and actions must guarantee that the right to sick pay from day one will include those people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that no one on social security will be sanctioned if they miss appointments .
The Prime Minister appears to be particularly out of touch on this issue .
He stated last week that anyone who does not qualify for statutory sick pay can claim universal credit .
Apart from the five-week wait for payment , you can ’ t make a claim for universal credit online because you have to meet a work coach and that means you have to go to a job centre at the start of the claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in universal credit , which is a loan , you have to go to the job centre to have your ID-verified .
So people will not be able to get money at the start of their claim .
The key issue is that no one should have to choose between health and hardship .
This is a matter of public health concern for everybody .
The Prime Minister clearly does not understand how the system works .
So someone in government urgently needs to take an active lead on this and consult with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are necessary as this emergency develops .
International coordination was critical during the financial crisis of 2007/8 .
Although it has been reported that there has been some communication between finance ministers , it ’ s certainly not clear that it is of the scale or depth of coordination of 2007/8 .
As a result , whatever statements have been made have not had the effect of steadying markets or reassuring people more generally that there is an internationally agreed strategy to address this emergency .
Whatever criticisms people may have of Gordon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banking crisis , nobody can question the international leadership he showed and the focus and determination he brought to dealing with those events globally .
I regret that we have not seen that leadership , commitment , indeed political , diplomatic and indeed managerial ability from either the Prime Minister or the Chancellor .
I just say gently , someone needs to get a grip .
As in the past , the UK could and should play a critical role in mobilising the international bodies we have , in particular the UN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just with the current wave of this pandemic but the possible subsequent waves .
The coronavirus infection has exposed the social emergency that we face in our public services after ten years of austerity .
Ten years of cuts and failure to invest in our public services has meant that we are extremely ill-prepared for dealing with this type of large scale health risk to our community .
Our dedicated and professional NHS workers will always do their utmost to rise to whatever health challenge is thrown at them .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments refusing to provide the resources needed to deal with a growing and ageing population .
The NHS is already under intense pressure after years underfunding and understaffing .
17,000 beds have been cut .
Bed occupancy levels were at 94 % last week .
Critical care bed occupancy was 80 % .
These are the beds we rely upon in episodes like the coronavirus .
The NHS is also short of 100,000 staff – including over 40,000 nurses and thousands of doctors .
Of course , an emergency cash injection for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help to deal with coronavirus .
The Chancellor has said that the NHS will get what it needs .
The expression a blank cheque has been used .
But we also have to recognise that the NHS needs putting on a long term stable footing with secure financial backing from the government in this budget .
Just as we have over the coronavirus outbreak , we must listen to the clinicians and experts when it comes to what is needed for the long term .
Worryingly , directors of public health still don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next financial year starting next month which means they could be cutting nurse workloads , at a time when those very nurses may be needed to deal with Covid-19 cases .
My only hope is that the announcement of the public health allocations has been held back by Dominic Cummings for a publicity splash on budget day .
Whatever is announced on public health spending , it needs to recognise that public health budgets have been cut by £1bn in recent years and if we are to have sustained control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health needs of our population , we need an investment of that quantum at least .
We know that staff in the NHS will do the absolute best job they possibly can in the difficult circumstances they are facing , during its busiest period .
Our NHS has previously navigated similar outbreaks of flu , monkey pox and ebola and everyone in the NHS has our full support .
If there is to be any good that comes out of the tragedy of the coronavirus outbreak my hope is that it is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure the long term resources our NHS needs .
• Budget 2020 : what can we expect from the new Chancellor ?
Just as the coronavirus outbreak has exposed the vulnerability of the NHS due to a decade of Conservative austerity , the impact of Conservative austerity on our social care services is potentially even starker and more dangerous .
Social care in our country is already in crisis .
87 people die each day before they receive the care they need .
There are over 122,000 staff vacancies in social care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive social care support are older , disabled or vulnerable people .
These are the people most at risk from the coronavirus infection .
Since 2010 a £4.3bn funding gap in social care budgets has been brought about by Conservative austerity .
As a result , providers and local authorities are already stretched to near breaking point .
Any further pressure – as a result of widespread infection and/or major outbreaks in care homes – has the potential of fracturing our fragile social care system .
A large section of our care workforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s recently announced immigration policy .
The GMB union ’ s research calculates that the government ’ s immigration policy will cost the care sector 500,000 staff .
Without foreign care workers , our care system would collapse .
The message is clear to the Home Secretary – do not put our social care system at risk .
Pragmatism must override ideology .
Social care in this country also still often falls on the shoulders of family members .
Usually , it still falls to the older women in families .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pension age was increased without proper consultation or notification , who were effectively robbed of many years of their pension and who this government , despite all of Boris Johnson ’ s pre-election promises , has refused to compensate .
When I met the WASPI women last week , it ’ s no wonder that they were angry still .
It is clear that we need more in this week ’ s budget than another round of prevaricating consultation on social care .
We need concrete plans backed up with both immediately available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear that there has been some discussion in government about the potential of social disorder associated with the coronavirus outbreak .
No matter how distant , this prospect should force the government to take an objective look at our justice system .
It is also in crisis .
The justice select committee calculated a £1.2bn funding gap .
In prisons , the Institute for government has reported a “ sharp rise in deaths , violence , self-harm , poor behaviour and drug use – as well as a drop-off in efforts to rehabilitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ be linked to the cuts in government spending on prisons , and a fall in the number of prison officers ” .
Prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and self-harm have more than doubled from since 2010 .
Police numbers have been cut by 23,000 .
The mismanagement of our economy over the last decade has made us especially vulnerable to shocks to the system like the coronavirus outbreak .
The UK economy has experienced the slowest recovery from a downturn in over a century .
Productivity growth has averaged a dismal 0.3 % , putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chains are disrupted .
Business investment is flatlining .
And we now have almost four million people in insecure work with nearly a million on zero-hours contracts , meaning millions of workers do not have guaranteed sick pay or other protections .
According to the New Economics Foundation , ten years of austerity cuts to our public services have drained £100bn from our economy .
It has caused a social emergency combining both crises in our public services with high levels of poverty and insecurity .
Universal credit continues to be rolled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1000 a year .
750,000 households losing an average £3,600 a year from the two-child limit .
4 million of our children now live in poverty .
Over two thirds of them in a household where someone is at work .
The recent Marmot report showed that life expectancy has failed to increase for the first time in a hundred years and for the poorest 10 % of women life expectancy has declined .
To tackle this social emergency , we need a fair taxation system that reverses many of the Tories ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tackles the current industrial scale of tax avoidance and evasion .
Instead , all that is hinted at so far is a lift in the National Insurance threshold , the bulk of which will go to the better off , various relatively minor tax relief reforms and the introduction of free ports , which have a notorious reputation as tax havens and displacing existing investment and jobs .
The government is set to continue to ignore the hardship caused by universal credit , the two-child limit , bedroom tax and PIP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the so-called levelling up , especially in infrastructure investment outside of London and the South East .
£100bn over five years has been proposed .
To put that in context , had the Tories invested what was needed on infrastructure over the last ten years – at least 3 % of GDP – £192bn more would have been spent .
What investment the government has made has disproportionately favoured the capital .
IPPR North has calculated that transport investment has increased by 2.5 more per person in London than in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government ’ s much-vaunted additional infrastructure spending fails to go anywhere near filling the hole in investment the Conservatives created or what is needed .
And even more disappointingly we learnt last Thursday that the publication of the government ’ s much-vaunted national infrastructure strategy has been delayed again .
Four years ago , I launched Labour ’ s campaign to tackle regional inequality and then called for a rewrite of the treasury green book , consideration of a Barnett type funding arrangement for the regions , the move of large sections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a National Investment Bank outside of London .
We have seen a lot of kites being flown by the Chancellor this weekend attempting to plagiarise these ideas , but nobody is holding their breath in anticipation of them happening on the scale needed .
Far from levelling up , the IFS has made it clear that austerity is baked into the government ’ s plans .
Their assessment is that £54bn of current spending is needed just to get back to departmental spending per head of 2009/2010 levels .
The government holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone reversing its austerity .
For those that believed Johnson ’ s promises of change , they face the risk of five years of disappointment .
Of course , addressing coronavirus and the social emergency in our country are the immediate issues but hanging over all our heads is the ever-present existential threat of climate change .
Despite warm words from the government on prioritising the environment in this budget , there is little evidence that the seriousness and the imminence of the climate emergency has penetrated government thinking .
The IPPR ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report arguing that the government needs to spend an additional £33bn a year on measures to tackle climate change if it is to achieve its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
Various capital projects have been listed by the government on decarbonisation of housing , public buildings , carbon capture , electric vehicles and flood defence but the sums are very slight and judged inadequate to address the system-wide shifts needed .
Nothing that the Conservatives have said suggests that they have a sense of the urgency and ambition required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the UK is to have any credibility as hosts of COP 26 we need to be seen to be leading in the implementation of a green new deal backed with sufficient funds to decarbonise our economy .
That also means addressing the role of the finance sector in financing fossils fuels and contributing to climate change .
In conclusion , I can not overstate the significance of this budget .
Of course , the immediate and pressing challenge of this week ’ s budget is to ensure that the necessary resources are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care services to meet this health risk head-on , to contain it and defeat it .
Resources are needed to ensure members of our community are protected from both the medical harm but also the financial hardship that threatens them from this outbreak .
However , the natural focus on the coronavirus should not be a reason or an excuse for not addressing the equally serious and dangerous threats from the social emergency created by a decade of decline and the climate change crisis we also face .
The scale of government intervention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fails to recognise the significance of the threats we face from the rundown of our public services and from the running out of time to halt the climate crisis .
I hope that the government has woken up to the state of our public services and the poverty and insecurity in which so many of our people live .
I can only hope that fires in Australia , the burning of the Amazon forest and the flooding hitting even our own country has so chastened the government to act this week .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be a further fiscal event later this year .
We will need then all of us to join with others to mobilise a social movement on a scale that forces action .
It will be for a new Shadow Chancellor to support us in that campaign .
And I am sure that he or she will .
Thank you .

Budget 2020: McDonnell struggles to defend Labour's policies
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell delivered a speech on Monday morning in central London in which he announced that the UK “needs to get a grip” in the face of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. McDonnell was delivering his last ever budget speech before stepping down as shadow chancellor to return to the backbenchers with current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of the leadership contest.
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READ MORE John McDonnell squirms as he is grilled on losing core Labour voters Mr McDonnell highlighted the flaws in NHS funding and the inadequacies of the UK’s social security system while also addressing the problems of overpopulation in prison and the slow growth of Britain’s economy. The Labour Chancellor went on to urge Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak to reassure both the general public and financial markets on the uncertainty of the situation. He added that the immediate challenge facing the Budget - to be released on Wednesday - was to make sure the NHS has sufficient funds and resources to defeat COVID-19. The speech comes as a total of 319 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been declared in the UK, as the death toll reaches 4, and 23,500 have people have been tested for the virus. READ MORE: ‘You’re the bully!’ BBC guest explodes at Owen Jones' state demand [VIDEO]
John McDonnell delivered his last ever pre-budget speech today
READ MORE John McDonnell speechless as Andrew Neil confronts him with two polls John McDonnell’s speech - in full This is the last pre-budget speech that I will do as Shadow Chancellor before I return to the backbenches – hopefully to play the role of an elder statesman. It does give me maybe a bit more of a wider and longer perspective, released from some of the usual knockabout of day to day politics. So this morning I wish to set the scene for the budget on Wednesday. This should be one of the most significant budgets in our peacetime history. Why? Well because we are facing three of the most serious emergencies that coming together our country has ever faced. Immediately, we face the crisis of coronavirus as it impacts upon our country, with potentially immensely dangerous and, already for some, with tragic consequences. After ten years of harsh and unnecessary austerity, we also face a social emergency, with extremes of poverty and inequality and crises in every one of our core public services. And, of course, we are confronted by the overall existential threat of climate change and the growing, deeply troubling realisation that we are rapidly running out of time to avert a climate crisis. Let me be clear on the question of coronavirus; this is not the time for any party politics or partisan behaviour. I want to thank and pay tribute to the work, the professionalism and the dedication of the country’s chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser. I also want to express my thanks and, as always, my admiration to our NHS staff, who once again, as always, are rising to the challenge of providing us with the care and treatment we need, despite being under existing, huge pressures. As an opposition, we will support the government in implementing plans needed to keep our people safe and out of harm’s way. Anything we say or do will be to support constructively the policies and programmes we believe are needed to tackle this health emergency. In that spirit, let me say that there are lessons to be learnt already. The first is speed of action. Of course, the Prime Minister should have called COBRA sooner. Days and hours matter when you are dealing with a crisis of this significance and urgency. DON'T MISS: Jeremy Corbyn ally admits he has no regrets at using leaked trade doc [INSIGHT]
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McDonnell urged the Prime Minister to reassure the public in the face of coronavirus
READ MORE Andrew Neil savages Labour over bumper Government's 'tank' Budget The Chancellor also should have made clear immediately, ten days ago, in a major public statement and to parliament that the government stood ready to do everything necessary to support our economy and to participate in global action to maintain market confidence. In these circumstances, you need to be fast in demonstrating that there is a clear plan of action nationally and internationally. Attempting to let out assuring noises in dribs and drabs is not enough and has proved to be not enough. The government’s delaying of any statement of an economic plan to the budget date doesn’t seem to appreciate the urgency of action needed to promote confidence and reassurance amongst investors, businesses, consumers, workers and their families. That’s why, in the absence of any announcements, last Monday I published my advice to the government on the basics of a five point action point plan for the Chancellor. The action plan simply brings together the basic steps any government would take in dealing with the potential economic impacts of an emergency of this scale. Naturally, it starts with a call for the coordination by the Treasury with the Bank of England, the OBR and the business bodies and TUC of an overall and regular ongoing assessment of the potential impacts of the spread of the virus. We need to monitor constantly the consequences for production, consumption, and GDP and the resilience of the financial system. We have heard some assessments by individual bodies, such as the Bank of England, but no assuring, authoritative, coordinated assessment dialogue amongst our national institutions. Just as the chief medical officer has been able to reassure people with his openness in reporting, so the Chancellor should also be on the economic progress of this situation. The treasury should also take responsibility for coordinating departmental impact assessments and resource planning in order to prepare a funding plan for increased resourcing for agencies and departments, using a variety of scenarios reflecting different possible levels of the severity of the outbreak. What concerned me and still does, is the tardiness by the Chancellor in seeking to reassure the public and markets more comprehensively that the government stands ready to intervene in the economy. It is best to be straight with people now and acknowledge the limited effectiveness of monetary policy and make it absolutely clear that the government will back fiscal measures to overcome short-term demand and supply issues, including liquidity challenges and to provide the detail of those measures. Of course, attention needs to be given to the impact on vulnerable groups likely to be particularly affected by any outbreak, including families of individuals who have contracted the virus, and households where self-isolation and sick leave are required.
Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell are both set to step down from their positions
The vague statements from the Chancellor so far, lack the detail to give confidence to many very financially vulnerable people, often in precarious work, that the will be supported and protected. Immediately we need the details of the protections planned for workers, including paid sick leave guarantees for all workers of whatever status from day one and sick pay for self-isolation. The gig economy, zero-hours contracts, and earning thresholds means around two million workers are ineligible for statutory sick pay. It’s unacceptable that some of the lowest-paid workers who need to self-isolate will be forced to make a choice between their health and financial hardship. The government’s emergency legislation and actions must guarantee that the right to sick pay from day one will include those people who are not currently eligible for statutory sick pay, and that no one on social security will be sanctioned if they miss appointments. The Prime Minister appears to be particularly out of touch on this issue. He stated last week that anyone who does not qualify for statutory sick pay can claim universal credit. Apart from the five-week wait for payment, you can’t make a claim for universal credit online because you have to meet a work coach and that means you have to go to a job centre at the start of the claim. Also, to get an advance in universal credit, which is a loan, you have to go to the job centre to have your ID-verified. So people will not be able to get money at the start of their claim. The key issue is that no one should have to choose between health and hardship. This is a matter of public health concern for everybody. The Prime Minister clearly does not understand how the system works. So someone in government urgently needs to take an active lead on this and consult with the trade unions on the measures that are necessary as this emergency develops. International coordination was critical during the financial crisis of 2007/8. Although it has been reported that there has been some communication between finance ministers, it’s certainly not clear that it is of the scale or depth of coordination of 2007/8. As a result, whatever statements have been made have not had the effect of steadying markets or reassuring people more generally that there is an internationally agreed strategy to address this emergency. Whatever criticisms people may have of Gordon Brown’s policy strategy in the banking crisis, nobody can question the international leadership he showed and the focus and determination he brought to dealing with those events globally.
I regret that we have not seen that leadership, commitment, indeed political, diplomatic and indeed managerial ability from either the Prime Minister or the Chancellor. I just say gently, someone needs to get a grip. As in the past, the UK could and should play a critical role in mobilising the international bodies we have, in particular the UN, to agree a global response to deal not just with the current wave of this pandemic but the possible subsequent waves. The coronavirus infection has exposed the social emergency that we face in our public services after ten years of austerity. Ten years of cuts and failure to invest in our public services has meant that we are extremely ill-prepared for dealing with this type of large scale health risk to our community. Our dedicated and professional NHS workers will always do their utmost to rise to whatever health challenge is thrown at them. But they are hampered by ten years of Conservative-led governments refusing to provide the resources needed to deal with a growing and ageing population. The NHS is already under intense pressure after years underfunding and understaffing. 17,000 beds have been cut. Bed occupancy levels were at 94% last week. Critical care bed occupancy was 80%. These are the beds we rely upon in episodes like the coronavirus. The NHS is also short of 100,000 staff – including over 40,000 nurses and thousands of doctors. Of course, an emergency cash injection for the NHS is needed in the budget to help to deal with coronavirus. The Chancellor has said that the NHS will get what it needs. The expression a blank cheque has been used. But we also have to recognise that the NHS needs putting on a long term stable footing with secure financial backing from the government in this budget. Just as we have over the coronavirus outbreak, we must listen to the clinicians and experts when it comes to what is needed for the long term. Worryingly, directors of public health still don’t know their public health allocation for the next financial year starting next month which means they could be cutting nurse workloads, at a time when those very nurses may be needed to deal with Covid-19 cases. My only hope is that the announcement of the public health allocations has been held back by Dominic Cummings for a publicity splash on budget day. Whatever is announced on public health spending, it needs to recognise that public health budgets have been cut by £1bn in recent years and if we are to have sustained control of the coronavirus and cope with the growing health needs of our population, we need an investment of that quantum at least. We know that staff in the NHS will do the absolute best job they possibly can in the difficult circumstances they are facing, during its busiest period. Our NHS has previously navigated similar outbreaks of flu, monkey pox and ebola and everyone in the NHS has our full support. If there is to be any good that comes out of the tragedy of the coronavirus outbreak my hope is that it is that it serves as the wakeup call needed to secure the long term resources our NHS needs.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak
READ MORE Labour leader warning to stop party being ‘safe haven for extremism’ Just as the coronavirus outbreak has exposed the vulnerability of the NHS due to a decade of Conservative austerity, the impact of Conservative austerity on our social care services is potentially even starker and more dangerous. Social care in our country is already in crisis. 87 people die each day before they receive the care they need. There are over 122,000 staff vacancies in social care. The majority of people who do receive social care support are older, disabled or vulnerable people. These are the people most at risk from the coronavirus infection. Since 2010 a £4.3bn funding gap in social care budgets has been brought about by Conservative austerity. As a result, providers and local authorities are already stretched to near breaking point. Any further pressure – as a result of widespread infection and/or major outbreaks in care homes – has the potential of fracturing our fragile social care system. A large section of our care workforce is now also under threat from the government’s recently announced immigration policy. The GMB union’s research calculates that the government’s immigration policy will cost the care sector 500,000 staff. Without foreign care workers, our care system would collapse. The message is clear to the Home Secretary – do not put our social care system at risk. Pragmatism must override ideology. Social care in this country also still often falls on the shoulders of family members. Usually, it still falls to the older women in families. It is many of these women whose pension age was increased without proper consultation or notification, who were effectively robbed of many years of their pension and who this government, despite all of Boris Johnson’s pre-election promises, has refused to compensate. When I met the WASPI women last week, it’s no wonder that they were angry still. It is clear that we need more in this week’s budget than another round of prevaricating consultation on social care. We need concrete plans backed up with both immediately available and long term solid finances. We hear that there has been some discussion in government about the potential of social disorder associated with the coronavirus outbreak. No matter how distant, this prospect should force the government to take an objective look at our justice system. It is also in crisis. The justice select committee calculated a £1.2bn funding gap. In prisons, the Institute for government has reported a “sharp rise in deaths, violence, self-harm, poor behaviour and drug use – as well as a drop-off in efforts to rehabilitate prisoners”, all of which could “be linked to the cuts in government spending on prisons, and a fall in the number of prison officers”. Prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and self-harm have more than doubled from since 2010. Police numbers have been cut by 23,000. The mismanagement of our economy over the last decade has made us especially vulnerable to shocks to the system like the coronavirus outbreak.
Home Secretary Priti Patel
The UK economy has experienced the slowest recovery from a downturn in over a century. Productivity growth has averaged a dismal 0.3%, putting firms in a precarious position when supply chains are disrupted. Business investment is flatlining. And we now have almost four million people in insecure work with nearly a million on zero-hours contracts, meaning millions of workers do not have guaranteed sick pay or other protections. According to the New Economics Foundation, ten years of austerity cuts to our public services have drained £100bn from our economy. It has caused a social emergency combining both crises in our public services with high levels of poverty and insecurity. Universal credit continues to be rolled out with 2 million families losing more than £1000 a year. 750,000 households losing an average £3,600 a year from the two-child limit. 4 million of our children now live in poverty. Over two thirds of them in a household where someone is at work. The recent Marmot report showed that life expectancy has failed to increase for the first time in a hundred years and for the poorest 10% of women life expectancy has declined. To tackle this social emergency, we need a fair taxation system that reverses many of the Tories’ tax cuts to the rich and corporations and tackles the current industrial scale of tax avoidance and evasion. Instead, all that is hinted at so far is a lift in the National Insurance threshold, the bulk of which will go to the better off, various relatively minor tax relief reforms and the introduction of free ports, which have a notorious reputation as tax havens and displacing existing investment and jobs. The government is set to continue to ignore the hardship caused by universal credit, the two-child limit, bedroom tax and PIP. The budget has been much hyped for the start of the so-called levelling up, especially in infrastructure investment outside of London and the South East. £100bn over five years has been proposed. To put that in context, had the Tories invested what was needed on infrastructure over the last ten years – at least 3% of GDP – £192bn more would have been spent. What investment the government has made has disproportionately favoured the capital. IPPR North has calculated that transport investment has increased by 2.5 more per person in London than in the North in the last decade. The government’s much-vaunted additional infrastructure spending fails to go anywhere near filling the hole in investment the Conservatives created or what is needed. And even more disappointingly we learnt last Thursday that the publication of the government’s much-vaunted national infrastructure strategy has been delayed again. Four years ago, I launched Labour’s campaign to tackle regional inequality and then called for a rewrite of the treasury green book, consideration of a Barnett type funding arrangement for the regions, the move of large sections of the Bank of England, treasury and a National Investment Bank outside of London. We have seen a lot of kites being flown by the Chancellor this weekend attempting to plagiarise these ideas, but nobody is holding their breath in anticipation of them happening on the scale needed. Far from levelling up, the IFS has made it clear that austerity is baked into the government’s plans.


thedailyexpress--2020-03-10--Brexit LIVE: Boris plays EU at their own game with perfect response to von der Leyen

The Prime Minister has presented the EU chief with a detailed report of the first round of trade negotiations which took place in Brussels last week .
The published document also references the mandate for talks on the future relationship and the 11 core topics including trade , fisheries and law .
In a statement released by Number 10 , Michael Gove made it clear to the bloc the UK would “ regain its economic and political independence in full ” .
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said : “ Discussions in some areas identified a degree of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks could cover .
“ In other areas , notably fisheries , governance and dispute settlement , and the so-called ‘ level playing field ’ , there were , as expected , significant differences.
” David Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , also pointed the bloc towards the statement and insisted the UK would publish a legal text before the second round of talks on March 18-20 .
The response from Downing Street comes after Ms von der Leyen acknowledged there were `` differences in the approach ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the UK for the lack of progress and insisted Britain must decide whether it wanted access to the EU single market .
She said : `` We are are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to .
`` So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules that are the rules of the single market .
`` If this is not the UK 's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market .
`` So I think it 's up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account . ''
10.45am update : Trade minister in US for talks with business leaders Greg Hands , Minister for Trade policy is the the US ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US .
Mr Hands will meet business and industry leaders and Government representatives in New York , Pennsylvania and Washington .
He said : “ From Harrisburg to Harrogate , this deal will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic .
It will scrap unnecessary red tape , bring more opportunities for businesses , lower prices and create better jobs in the UK and the US .
“ Securing free trade deals will be a key driver in levelling up the UK , and a trade deal with our largest single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nation .
“ I am delighted to be on the East coast this week to discuss our objectives ahead of the negotiations.
” London ’ s stock exchange has made gains following ‘ black Monday ’ which saw shares plummet across the world .
The FTSE 100 was up by around 2 percent in early trading this morning .
British Businessman John Mills has outlined the benefits of Brexit to UK firms following the launch of a pro-Brexit lobby group .
Mr Mills , the founder of consumer products company JML , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director general of the British Chambers of Commerce , have formed an Independent Foundation to provide an “ alternative post-Brexit voice ” .
Mr Mills wrote on Twitter : “ Brexit is great for business .
“ Entrepreneurs see Brexit as a radical opportunity to expand and grow !
“ This group is an antidote to the gloomy cynics !
” 8.50am update : Iain Duncan Smith outlines why the UK has the ‘ power ’ over the EU in trade talks Iain Duncan Smith has brilliantly outlined why the UK now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union .
The former Tory leader told TalkRADIO : “ Before the election under Theresa May and more laterally under Boris Johnson no majority , the EU was always able to smile to itself because it knew that parliament would stymie the Government at almost every turn because they didn ’ t have a majority .
“ So they would make demands and bare in mind also in the negotiations we went always to Brussels , you know we had to go over to them which was always a sign of weakness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is different , having got the 80 majority it is suddenly dawning on the EU that actually the Government will for the most part get whatever it wants done , which means it has no fallback to parliament and therefore its all the negotiations .
“ And point two now and that is they have to come to London and that is the key bit they are doing turn and turn about which puts the power back in London ’ s hands , back in our hands . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to export firms to £8 billion in a major boost to post-Brexit trade .
Mr Sunak said : “ This decade will provide even more opportunities for British businesses to export and trade with new partners across the world .
“ This package , which is the highest level of export lending the Government has ever made available , will provide support to industries and regions across the country .
”

Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen urges UK to 'make up' its mind
Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a stern response to Ursula von der Leyen after the EU Commission President ordered the UK to "make up its mind" on what it wants from Brexit talks. Speaking at the European Parliament after a meeting with MPs, Mr Barnier was questioned about the UK's plans to present a draft treaty text. In a strong hint the EU would do likewise, he said: "“It’s always useful, in this very short time, to work on legal text - on both sides. On both sides, on both sides.”
Mr Johnson has presented the EU chief with a detailed report of the first round of trade negotiations which took place in Brussels last week. The published document also references the mandate for talks on the future relationship and the 11 core topics including trade, fisheries and law. In a statement released by Number 10, Michael Gove made it clear to the bloc the UK would “regain its economic and political independence in full”. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said: “Discussions in some areas identified a degree of common understanding of the ground that future talks could cover. “In other areas, notably fisheries, governance and dispute settlement, and the so-called ‘level playing field’, there were, as expected, significant differences.”
Michel Barnier is scrambling to get a legal text together for next week's meeting
David Frost, the Prime Minister’s chief Brexit negotiator, also pointed the bloc towards the statement and insisted the UK would publish a legal text before the second round of talks on March 18-20. The response from Downing Street comes after Ms von der Leyen acknowledged there were "differences in the approach”. The EU chief shifted the blame towards the UK for the lack of progress and insisted Britain must decide whether it wanted access to the EU single market. She said: "We are are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to.
Brexit news: David Frost and Michel Barnier in Brussels last week
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"So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market, the more they have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market. "If this is not the UK's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market. "So I think it's up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account." This live blog is no longer being updated. See below for yesterday's Brexit updates:
Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen has called on the UK to 'make up its mind'
9.56pm update: Furious French urge Macron to block Brexit deal if UK sticks to red lines ‘No deal!’ France's President Emmanuel Macron should pull the plug on trade negotiations and walk away unless the UK agrees to align with EU rules and regulations, a French farmer has said - with the subject of chlorinated chicken at the top of the agenda. The UK is pushing for a wide-ranging, post-Brexit free trade deal with the USA – but Washington wants Britain to change food hygiene rules to allow chicken carcasses to be disinfected with chemicals such as chlorine. However, EU standards require washing with water, which the bloc’s farmers say means they have to maintain stricter standards, which are consequently more costly. French poultry farmer Isabelle Leballeur is angry at European trade agreements which she said allowed low-cost chicken into France and voiced her determination to stop post-Brexit Britain getting such a kind of deal. 9.22pm update: Ian Blackford slaps down rebels over independence ‘We can’t break the law’ Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, has delivered a withering rebuke to party colleagues pushing for Scotland to break away from the rest of the UK next year - and exposing the divisions at the heart of the party in the process. Party colleague Angus MacNeil MP is one of those arguing an SNP majority victory in next year’s Holyrood election should be seen as a mandate for independence if Boris Johnson continues to block a second referendum. However, speaking about Scottish independence at a London School of Economics (LSE) debate society event, Mr Blackford stressed to “see this through” the party would have to adopt a “legitimate and legal route”. Mr Blackford pointedly observed the “path and destination of Scotland’s independence can only ever be found through the democratic will of our people”. 7.50pm update: Francois is new ERG chairman BREXITEER Mark Francois is the new chairman of the Eurosceptic European Research Group, Steve Baker MP has announced. Mr Baker, who stepped down from the role himself, having himself replaced previous chairman Jacob Rees Mogg, tweeted: "I'm delighted to announce that the ERG has approved Mark Francois as Chair and former Brexit minister David Jones as Deputy Chair. "Congratulations to you both. We can look forward to robust and capable leadership?
Steve Baker's tweet
7.13pm update: Davis tells Sunak: "Ignore whinging European Commission" Former Brexit Secretary David Davis has told Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ignore the "whinging" European Commission - and deliver a Brexit which gets Britain "match-fit" for Brexit. Writing on the Politics Home website, Mr Davis said of Mr Sunak, who replaced Sajid Javid last month: "He has to help get the country match-fit for Brexit. New deals to encourage research and tax breaks to encourage exports, should be high on the agenda. "We are still one of the best places in the world to do business, and he should reinforce that reputation. "In doing so, he should ignore the whinging of the European Commission. It always struck me as amusing that the Commission complained about “unfair competition” when their President, Jean-Claude Juncker, had been both Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Luxembourg, which has long been one of the EU’s leading tax havens, with Ireland and the Netherlands. "So we should ignore them and do what is squarely in the national interest." 7.10pm update: Barnier pushes for legal text prior to next week's meeting EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has admitted the bloc is scrambling to put together a legal text in advance of next week's crunch talks after it was revealed UK negotiators were ahead of the game Speaking at the European Parliament after a meeting with MPs, Mr Barnier was questioned about the UK's plans to present a draft treaty text. In a strong hint the EU would do likewise, he said: "“It’s always useful, in this very short time, to work on legal text - on both sides. On both sides, on both sides.” 5.40pm update: Devolved regions demand voice in EU trade talks The UK Government must implement a "meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process" for the devolved administrations to influence Brexit talks. A joint statement aimed at Downing Street was issued after a meeting in London. Attendees included Scotland's Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell and Europe minister Jenny Gilruth, her Welsh counterpart Jeremy Miles, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Michelle O'Neill. They said they had not been given the role they hoped for in the first round of talks. With the next round of discussions with the EU taking place next week, the devolved administrations called on Westminster to listen to the needs and interests of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The statement said: "Before the next round of negotiations later this month we agreed there must be a meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process for the devolved Governments to influence the UK's negotiating position - something that has clearly not happened so far. 5.20pm update: How GMB host dubbed Keir Starmer Brexit policy a ‘threat to democracy' Piers Morgan has clashed with Remainers on a number of occasions - this included Labour leadership hopeful Keir Starmer as the ITV Good Morning Britain host dubbed his policy on Brexit a "threat to democracy". The row came as MPs backed a bill aimed at blocking Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without a Brexit deal and potentially scuppering his Brexit plans. But Piers Morgan took issue with this, hinting that a “Remainer Parliament" could be attempting to stop Brexit from happening at all. In September, the GMB host put his questions to Labour Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer, who campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU. 4.48pm update: Sacked minister threatens Tory revenge at 2020 budget announcement over Brexit masterplan Conservative MP George Freeman warned he will be voicing his concerns over Boris Johnson's Brexit "masterplan" at the 2020 budget announcement on Wednesday, after being sacked as a minister by the Prime Minister's team. The former transport minister claimed to have been let go with two other members of the team after the decision of Boris Johnson's special adviser Dominic Cummings to push away anyone that could jeopardise his Brexit masterplan. Speaking on BBC Politics Live, Mr Freeman claimed to be a big supporter of the Prime Minister's Brexit vision but that he feared Mr Cummings would backtrack on the UK's promise to "take back control" after leaving the EU. The Tory MP said: “Three of us at the department of transport were moved out and I think that’s because Dominic Cummings and the team have got a masterplan, much of which I support actually, which is about infrastructure, science and treasury and fiscal stimuli to level up."
Brexit: Piers Morgan warns of 'threat to democracy' in 2019
4.46pm update: Dan Wootton lashes out at ‘Remoaners’ demanding Brexit be stopped to deal with coronavirus Dan Wootton unleashed his frustration at "London liberal elites" attempting to stop Brexit from going ahead due to the coronavirus epidemic. TalkRADIO host Dan Wootton took aim at author Jemma Forte who suggested the British Government should consider putting a hold on Brexit to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. While on the Jeremy Vine Show, Dan Wootton broke into a furious rant criticising another attempt from "Remoaners" to stop Brexit at any costs. Mr Wootton argued Remainers were hoping to use coronavirus as the next plot to prevent Brexit from happening. 3.45pm update: Why coronavirus could force PM to STOP exit but UK would still pay into EU Boris Johnson could be forced to delay Brexit as he steps up his fight against the coronavirus outbreak, a political expert has warned. Mujtaba Rahman warned of three reasons why the Prime Minister will have to trigger a Brexit extension – a move which would see Britain still bound to paying into the EU coffers. Mr Rahman, managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm, said Boris Johnson was under pressure over how the deadly coronavirus could affect UK-EU trade negotiations. The political expert said the “tight timetable” for Brexit negotiations had been “aggravated” by the coronavirus outbreak.
Brexit: Iain Duncan Smith claims EU is ‘more weak’ than UK
3.30pm update: "Even more opportunities to trade with new partners" Mr Sunak, who delivers his first Budget tomorrow, said: "This decade will provide even more opportunities for British businesses to export and trade with new partners across the world. "The Government will support business to seize these opportunities and thrive on the world stage. "This package - which is the highest level of export lending the Government has ever made available - will provide support to industries and regions across the country." From the £5 billion pot being made available, £2 billion will be offered for exports that encourage green growth while £1 billion will be set aside for defence industry purchases, Number 11 confirmed. As part of the extra funding, foreign investors hoping to start a business in the UK are also expected to have their visa applications supported by the Department for International Trade. Mr Sunak will also look closer to home as well during his Budget, announcing £50 million worth of investment to improve accessibility to train stations. 3.20pm update: Sunak will use Budget to boost post-Brexit exports Chancellor Rishi Sunak is aiming to boost post-Brexit exports for UK businesses by making £5billion of loans available in his forthcoming Budget. Mr Sunak is set to hand over £5 billion to UK Export Finance (Ukef), the Government's export credit agency that provides loans to overseas buyers of British goods and services. The Treasury said the money would help UK exporters to increase their global sales as Britain prepares for life outside the EU, with Mr Sunak helping to top up the purchasing power of those abroad by providing a competitive loan rate through Ukef. The agency's role is to ensure exports do not fail due to a lack of available finance or insurance for those looking to buy up Britain's export offers. It will be the largest increase ever handed to the Ukef, taking its lending power up from £3billion to £8billion. 1.30pm update: Brexit POLL: Should Brexit be delayed to focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak? Coronavirus has caused a global health crisis and focused the minds of Government’s around the world to try and contain the deadly virus, but should Brexit be delayed to focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak? VOTE NOW.
Brexit in covers
11.40am update: Boris say the UK will not extend Brexit deadline due to coronavirus Boris Johnson has dismissed the proposition of the Brexit transition period being extended in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak across the world. The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: "The talks are progressing exactly as planned. “Both sides are very aware of the timetable that they are working to." 11.15am update: David Lammy claims it's national interest to stop Brexit due to coronavirus David Lammy has called on Boris Johnson to "swallow his pride and put the national interest first" by delaying Brexit amid the coronavirus outbreak. The MP for Tottenham wrote on Twitter: “The government can't negotiate the future of Britain's trade with the EU in a few months during what could well become a global coronavirus pandemic. “Boris Johnson needs to swallow his pride and put the national interest first. That means agreeing an extension with the EU.” READ MORE: Brexit DELAY: David Lammy claims it's national interest to stop Brexit due to coronavirus
10.45am update: Trade minister in US for talks with business leaders Greg Hands, Minister for Trade policy is the the US ahead of trade talks between the UK and the US. Mr Hands will meet business and industry leaders and Government representatives in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. He said: “From Harrisburg to Harrogate, this deal will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic. It will scrap unnecessary red tape, bring more opportunities for businesses, lower prices and create better jobs in the UK and the US. “Securing free trade deals will be a key driver in levelling up the UK, and a trade deal with our largest single trading partner will benefit every UK region and nation. “I am delighted to be on the East coast this week to discuss our objectives ahead of the negotiations.” 10.00am update: FTSE makes gains this morning London’s stock exchange has made gains following ‘black Monday’ which saw shares plummet across the world. The FTSE 100 was up by around 2 percent in early trading this morning. 9.15am update: Brexiteers set up rival pro-Brexit lobby group British Businessman John Mills has outlined the benefits of Brexit to UK firms following the launch of a pro-Brexit lobby group. Mr Mills, the founder of consumer products company JML, along with John Longworth, the former director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, have formed an Independent Foundation to provide an “alternative post-Brexit voice”. Mr Mills wrote on Twitter: “Brexit is great for business. “UK business is innovative, entrepreneurial and dynamic. “Entrepreneurs see Brexit as a radical opportunity to expand and grow! “This group is an antidote to the gloomy cynics!”
Brexit news: A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-03-10--Labour leader warning to stop party being ‘safe haven for extremism’ over anti-semitism

Former Labour MP Ian Austin said that the scourge of extremism and antisemitism was allowed to fester under Jeremy Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ warned that the problem would not end when Mr Corbyn is replaced on April 4 @ @ @ @ @ years to clean up the party .
Mr Austin , who heads the cross-party anti-extremism @ @ @ @ @ said that the next leader must get to grips with anti-Semitism within the party immediately @ @ @ @ @ the favourite to win the leadership race ahead of Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy .
@ @ @ @ @ anti-Semitism within the party .
Mr Austin said : “ Under Jeremy Corbyn 's leadership @ @ @ @ @ haven for extremists and the poison of antisemitism was allowed to fester and grow within @ @ @ @ @ scourge of extremism and antisemitism within Labour does not disappear with the departure of Jeremy @ @ @ @ @

Former Labour MP Ian Austin said that the scourge of extremism and antisemitism was allowed to fester under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. And he warned that the problem would not end when Mr Corbyn is replaced on April 4, warning it would take years to clean up the party.
Mr Austin, who heads the cross-party anti-extremism campaign group Mainstream UK, said that the next leader must get to grips with anti-Semitism within the party immediately.
Sir Keir Starmer is the favourite to win the leadership race ahead of Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.
All have vowed to tackle anti-Semitism within the party.
Mr Austin said: “Under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, Labour became a safe haven for extremists and the poison of antisemitism was allowed to fester and grow within the party. “The scourge of extremism and antisemitism within Labour does not disappear with the departure of Jeremy Corbyn next month.”


thedailyexpress--2020-03-10--Boris hits back at EU: No10 insists ‘UK has made up its mind’ after von der Leyen’s attack

Boris Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost said he would publish a draft free trade deal before next week ’ s round of talks with Brussels kicks off .
It comes after Ms von der Leyen ’ s comments earlier on Monday drew widespread criticism .
Speaking after the first round of meetings concluded , she said the EU needed their British partners to establish clear ground rules on its approach .
She told reporters in the Belgian capital : “ We are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to .
“ So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market , the more they have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market .
“ If this is not the UK ’ s choice then , of course , they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account.
” Downing Street was quick to hit back at Ms von der Leyen to defend itself .
The official spokesman for Mr Johnson insisted the government has clearly laid out its position .
He said : “ The UK has made up its mind very decisively and has been very clear about what it wants from its future relationship with the EU.
” The Prime Minister had said he favoured a Canada-style trade agreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Budget 2020 : what can we expect from the new Chancellor ?
But critics have pointed out such a deal took seven years of talks before it was eventually signed .
And Stefaan De Rynck , an adviser to the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier , dismissed the idea .
Mr Rynck said the UK faces “ a different ball game ” when it comes to trade negotiations .
Mr Gove also wasted no time in responding to Ms von der Leyen ’ s speech .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ We need UK trade !
’ [ INTERVIEW ] Boris Johnson 's stunning Sunak plan exposed by Vote Leave insiders [ VIDEO ] Brexit LIVE : Von der Leyen left red faced after 'gibberish ' answer [ BLOG ] The Cabinet minister said : “ The UK ’ s team made clear that on January 1 2021 , the UK would regain its economic and political independence in full , and that the future relationship would need to reflect that reality .
“ Discussions in some areas identified a degree of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks could cover .
“ In other areas , notably fisheries , governance and dispute settlement , and the so-called ‘ level playing field ’ , there were , as expected , significant differences .
“ The next negotiating round will take place on 18-20 March in London .
The tit-for-tat words came as Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell questioned if the current Brexit timetable was “ realistic ” given the outbreak of coronavirus on the continent .
He said : “ Is there enough bandwidth within government to deal with this crisis as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing in terms of climate change as well as the crisis in our public services and Brexit too ?

Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak discusses 'Brexit transition period'
Boris Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost said he would publish a draft free trade deal before next week’s round of talks with Brussels kicks off. It comes after Ms von der Leyen’s comments earlier on Monday drew widespread criticism. Speaking after the first round of meetings concluded, she said the EU needed their British partners to establish clear ground rules on its approach.
She told reporters in the Belgian capital: “We are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to. “So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market, the more they have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market. “If this is not the UK’s choice then, of course, they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market. “So I think it’s up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account.”
Boris Johnson's spokesman insisted the UK has been clear on Brexit after criticism from the EU
Boris Johnson's spokesman responded to Ms von der Leyen's call for clarity
Downing Street was quick to hit back at Ms von der Leyen to defend itself. The official spokesman for Mr Johnson insisted the government has clearly laid out its position. He said: “The UK has made up its mind very decisively and has been very clear about what it wants from its future relationship with the EU.” The Prime Minister had said he favoured a Canada-style trade agreement with the EU after Brexit. READ MORE: Budget 2020: what can we expect from the new Chancellor?
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Ursula von der Leyen urged the UK to 'make up its mind' on what it wanted
Mr Gove said the UK had been 'very clear' on what it wanted out of negotiations
David Frost is leading the Brexit negotiations for Britain
The Cabinet minister said: “The UK’s team made clear that on January 1 2021, the UK would regain its economic and political independence in full, and that the future relationship would need to reflect that reality. “Discussions in some areas identified a degree of common understanding of the ground that future talks could cover. “In other areas, notably fisheries, governance and dispute settlement, and the so-called ‘level playing field’, there were, as expected, significant differences. “The next negotiating round will take place on 18-20 March in London.
The Brexit transition period will expire on December 31
“The UK expects to table a number of legal texts, including a draft FTA, beforehand.” The tit-for-tat words came as Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell questioned if the current Brexit timetable was “realistic” given the outbreak of coronavirus on the continent. He said: “Is there enough bandwidth within government to deal with this crisis as well as the crisis that we are facing in terms of climate change as well as the crisis in our public services and Brexit too?
Michael Gove was quick to hit back at Brussels over Ms von der Leyen's criticism
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