thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Dominic Raab urges Beijing to reassess Hong Kong’s national security law

Mr Raab wrote a statement in the preamble of a six-monthly document that covered events in Hong Kong from July to December last year .
In the document ’ s introduction he argued the proposed law could put at risk the “ one country , two systems ” system and increased the chanced of prosecution in Hong Kong over political crimes .
But in a statement published on Friday morning , the Hong Kong government called the document “ inaccurate and biased ” , and a government spokesman said conjecture that the legislation would undermine Hong Kong ’ s assets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firmly oppose and express deep regret over the report ’ s inaccurate and biased remarks on the national security law and the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region , ” the statement read .
The government said it was “ absolutely wrong and totally groundless ” for the report to imply the implementation of the national security legislation was directly contradictory with Article 23 of the Basic Law , in which Hong Kong was allowed to constitute national security law .
“ It does not preclude the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level for national security , ” the spokesman said .
“ Any allegation that the law will undermine Hong Kong people ’ s freedoms and ‘ one country , two systems ’ is no more than alarmist speculation and simply fallacious.
” Speaking about the anti-government demonstrations that arose in Hong Kong a year ago , Mr Raab said : “ The UK has been consistently clear that violence and vandalism from protesters is unacceptable .
“ The way through the current situation in Hong Kong is clear : all sides must invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a robust , independent inquiry.
” READ MORE : Ukraine 's President reveals plan to be infected with COVID Mr Raab ’ s document came as the Law Society , the professional organisation for some 10,000 lawyers in Hong Kong , published a statement to demand Beijing to execute restraint .
“ The Law Society respectfully requests transparency in the legislative process , ” it read .
“ It is vital that the legislation should be formulated in compliance with common law principles.
” However the society did not question the lawfulness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Congress ( NPC ) , as with the Hong Kong Bar Association , the territory ’ s professional barrister organisation .
DO N'T MISS : Trump hit with major blow as Washington rules in favour of police r ... [ UPDATES ] Royal embarrassment : One picture Royal Family did not want published [ REVEALED ] Spain holiday airfares to soar as airlines forced to pay for tests [ INSIGHT ] Last month , the NPC , China ’ s top lawmaking body , authorised a motion allowing its standing committee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban activities related to secession , subversion , terrorism and foreign infusion in the Hong Kong ’ s affairs .
Since China outlined the move on May 21 , Mr Raab and his American , Canadian and Australian counterparts have issued two joint statements .
The papers argued that the direct implementation of national security laws would curb the city ’ s residents ’ freedoms .
China and Hong Kong authorities said the new legislation would help calming the unrest the territory and would not breach the freedoms of the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report on Thursday that the solution to the city ’ s discord and its fundamental roots must come from Hong Kong and “ can not be imposed from mainland China ” .

Hong Kong: Chinese official warns against Boris Johnson plan
Mr Raab wrote a statement in the preamble of a six-monthly document that covered events in Hong Kong from July to December last year. In the document’s introduction he argued the proposed law could put at risk the “one country, two systems” system and increased the chanced of prosecution in Hong Kong over political crimes.
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But in a statement published on Friday morning, the Hong Kong government called the document “inaccurate and biased”, and a government spokesman said conjecture that the legislation would undermine Hong Kong’s assets was “alarmist”.
“We firmly oppose and express deep regret over the report’s inaccurate and biased remarks on the national security law and the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” the statement read. The government said it was “absolutely wrong and totally groundless” for the report to imply the implementation of the national security legislation was directly contradictory with Article 23 of the Basic Law, in which Hong Kong was allowed to constitute national security law.
Dominic Raab urges Beijing to reassess Hong Kong’s national security law
“It does not preclude the central authorities from legislating at a state level for national security,” the spokesman said.
“Any allegation that the law will undermine Hong Kong people’s freedoms and ‘one country, two systems’ is no more than alarmist speculation and simply fallacious.”
Speaking about the anti-government demonstrations that arose in Hong Kong a year ago, Mr Raab said: “The UK has been consistently clear that violence and vandalism from protesters is unacceptable.
“The way through the current situation in Hong Kong is clear: all sides must invest in dialogue and reconciliation, underpinned by a robust, independent inquiry.” READ MORE: Ukraine's President reveals plan to be infected with COVID
Two reports argued that the direct implementation of national security laws would curb the city’s residents’ freedoms
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Mr Raab’s document came as the Law Society, the professional organisation for some 10,000 lawyers in Hong Kong, published a statement to demand Beijing to execute restraint.
“The Law Society respectfully requests transparency in the legislative process,” it read.
“It is vital that the legislation should be formulated in compliance with common law principles.”
However the society did not question the lawfulness of the plans by the National People’s Congress (NPC), as with the Hong Kong Bar Association, the territory’s professional barrister organisation. DON'T MISS:
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Xi Jinping, president of China and leader of the ruling Communist Party
Last month, the NPC, China’s top lawmaking body, authorised a motion allowing its standing committee to create new laws for Hong Kong to ban activities related to secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign infusion in the Hong Kong’s affairs.
Since China outlined the move on May 21, Mr Raab and his American, Canadian and Australian counterparts have issued two joint statements.
The papers argued that the direct implementation of national security laws would curb the city’s residents’ freedoms.
China and Hong Kong authorities said the new legislation would help calming the unrest the territory and would not breach the freedoms of the vast majority of citizens.
But Mr Raab stated in the report on Thursday that the solution to the city’s discord and its fundamental roots must come from Hong Kong and “cannot be imposed from mainland China”.
China and Hong Kong authorities said the new legislation would help calming the unrest the territory


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Extensive Brexit trade deal off table as EU finally scramble after running down clock

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Downing Street said the Prime Minister will take part in a “ high-level ” summit with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen , European Council president Charles Michel and the president of the European Parliament , David-Maria Sassoli on Monday .
Mr Johnson hopes to inject political momentum into the stalled process following weeks of stalemate .
As it stands , Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of the year with nothing to replace it - unless a deal is agreed .
Brexit talks on brink as fishing hurdle may ‘ derail whole negotiation' Talks have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic , with little progress being made since Britain officially left the EU on January 31 .
The UK has rejected the EU 's demand for a detailed “ level playing field ” , arguing it goes far beyond the scope of a normal free trade agreement and would tie Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fishing rights and agricultural tariffs are other sticking points that need to be resolved if a deal is to be agreed .
A No .
10 spokesman said : `` The high level meeting between the Prime Minister and President von der Leyen and President Michel will take place by video conference on the afternoon of Monday June 15 . ''
It is understood that Mrs von der Leyen will use the meeting to “ reset talks ” with the UK and herald a new push towards a “ bare minimum Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The baseline has moved down significantly , we ’ re no longer talking about a broad and comprehensive trade agreement .
“ At this end the trajectory for the best case scenario is a minimum trade agreement .
”

Katya Adler says there are 'real clashes' in UK and EU Brexit talks
Downing Street said the Prime Minister will take part in a “high-level” summit with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council president Charles Michel and the president of the European Parliament, David-Maria Sassoli on Monday. Mr Johnson hopes to inject political momentum into the stalled process following weeks of stalemate. As it stands, Britain will leave the EU single market when the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of the year with nothing to replace it - unless a deal is agreed.
Talks have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, with little progress being made since Britain officially left the EU on January 31. The UK has rejected the EU's demand for a detailed “level playing field”, arguing it goes far beyond the scope of a normal free trade agreement and would tie Britain into following the bloc's laws indefinitely. Fishing rights and agricultural tariffs are other sticking points that need to be resolved if a deal is to be agreed. A No. 10 spokesman said: "The high level meeting between the Prime Minister and President von der Leyen and President Michel will take place by video conference on the afternoon of Monday June 15." It is understood that Mrs von der Leyen will use the meeting to “reset talks” with the UK and herald a new push towards a “bare minimum Brexit”. An EU diplomat said: “The baseline has moved down significantly, we’re no longer talking about a broad and comprehensive trade agreement. “At this end the trajectory for the best case scenario is a minimum trade agreement.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The trade-talks are now expected to intensify throughout July. A UK spokesperson said: “The UK and the EU have agreed an intensified timetable for FTA negotiations in July. “This new process will involve a mix of formal negotiating rounds and smaller group meetings, both in London and Brussels assuming public health guidelines enable this. “There will be talks each week of the 5 weeks between 29 June and 27 July.” Michael Gove yesterday said that the EU's chief negotiator is ready to budge on key areas in the trade talks. The Cabinet Office minister told MPs Michel Barnier has indicated progress can be made on fisheries and state aid, among other issues. But some EU member states have been a "little more reluctant", Mr Gove added.
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Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief negotiator
The minister also insisted Britain will "under no circumstances" accept an extension to the Brexit transition and played down reports of a rift between himself and Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Speaking in the Commons Mr Gove said “progress has been made” in the trade talks. "And Michel Barnier, on a number of issues, on fisheries and on state aid, has indicated that he is inclined to move,” he said. "Some EU member states have been a little more reluctant. "I think it would be in everyone's interests, EU member states, the Commission, and of course the UK Government, if Michel Barnier were able to use the flexibility that he has deployed in the past in order to secure an arrangement that would work in everyone's interests."
Michael Gove also made clear the Government's refusal to extend the transition period


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Scottish parliament passes motion to halt US arms exports amid George Floyd protests

The successful proposal was supported by 52 votes to 0 with 11 abstentions in a move to back the Black Lives Matter movement .
It says the parliament `` stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and considers that the UK government must immediately suspend all export licences for tear gas , rubber bullets and riot gear to the US '' .
Patrick Harvie , the Green MSP who put forward the successful motion , said the `` weapons of oppression '' , which the UK government has allocated active export certificates for , were being used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutalise marginalise communities '' .
The same amendment also called for the creation of a slavery museum in Scotland `` to address our historic links with the slave trade '' .
Protesters in the US have seen police cars ploughing into crowds , use of teargas and baton rounds against peaceful gatherings .
International journalists and reporters were also targeted in arrests as well as being shot at while working on the field covering the demonstrations .
After the vote , MSP Mr Harvie said : `` In the weeks since George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching the appalling systematically racist police brutality and the systematically racist political establishment in the US that underpins that inequality .
`` The Black Lives Matter movement has been inspiring and it needs to be heard right around the world : that racism exists in this country as well .
`` I 'm delighted that today the Scottish Parliament agreed a Green amendment in an anti-racism debate calling for an establishment of a Museum of Slavery to really shine a light on this country 's grim past connections with slavery and how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But our amendment also called for an immediate halt of UK exports of tear gas , rubber bullets , and riots gear to the US .
READ MORE : Ukraine 's President reveals plan to be infected with COVID “ Those weapons of oppression are being used by a racist state and it is unacceptable for us to be exporting them , putting those weapons into the hands of people who will brutalise marginalised communities .
“ It 's important that we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s largest consumer of UK arms , with almost £6bn worth certified for export since 2010 , according to government export license records .
The licences involve £18m worth of ammunition , including “ rubber bullets ” , smoke and pyrotechnic rounds , CS gas grenades , and teargas .
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In total three separate licences were authorised for this provision .
Since 2010 , Britain has licensed £800m of small arms to the United States with campaigners arguing a portion of which has possibly been destined toward police forces .
Assault rifles , sniper rifles and other guns were included in the transactions .
Around £2m in security goods such as riot shields were also included in licenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said : “ This is a welcome and important statement of leadership from the Scottish Parliament .

George Floyd: Virginia protester recalls man getting hit by statue
The successful proposal was supported by 52 votes to 0 with 11 abstentions in a move to back the Black Lives Matter movement. It says the parliament "stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and considers that the UK government must immediately suspend all export licences for tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear to the US".
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Patrick Harvie, the Green MSP who put forward the successful motion, said the "weapons of oppression", which the UK government has allocated active export certificates for, were being used by a "racist state" to "brutalise marginalise communities".
The same amendment also called for the creation of a slavery museum in Scotland "to address our historic links with the slave trade".
Protesters in the US have seen police cars ploughing into crowds, use of teargas and baton rounds against peaceful gatherings.
International journalists and reporters were also targeted in arrests as well as being shot at while working on the field covering the demonstrations.
Scottish parliament passes motion to halt US arms exports amid George Floyd protests
After the vote, MSP Mr Harvie said: "In the weeks since George Floyd's brutal murder the world has been watching the appalling systematically racist police brutality and the systematically racist political establishment in the US that underpins that inequality.
"The Black Lives Matter movement has been inspiring and it needs to be heard right around the world: that racism exists in this country as well.
"I'm delighted that today the Scottish Parliament agreed a Green amendment in an anti-racism debate calling for an establishment of a Museum of Slavery to really shine a light on this country's grim past connections with slavery and how the inequality of that history perpetuates even now. "But our amendment also called for an immediate halt of UK exports of tear gas, rubber bullets, and riots gear to the US.
READ MORE: Ukraine's President reveals plan to be infected with COVID
Green MSP Patrick Harvie put forward the successful motion
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“Those weapons of oppression are being used by a racist state and it is unacceptable for us to be exporting them, putting those weapons into the hands of people who will brutalise marginalised communities.
“It's important that we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement."
US is one of the world’s largest consumer of UK arms, with almost £6bn worth certified for export since 2010, according to government export license records.
The licences involve £18m worth of ammunition, including “rubber bullets”, smoke and pyrotechnic rounds, CS gas grenades, and teargas. DON'T MISS:
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US is one of the world’s largest consumer of UK arms, with almost £6bn worth certified for export since 2010
Teargas and rubber bullets are sold via an “open licence” procedure meaning the value of exports is not publicly declared. In total three separate licences were authorised for this provision.
Since 2010, Britain has licensed £800m of small arms to the United States with campaigners arguing a portion of which has possibly been destined toward police forces.
Assault rifles, sniper rifles and other guns were included in the transactions.
Around £2m in security goods such as riot shields were also included in licenses.
Speaking of the Scottish Parliament vote, Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said: “This is a welcome and important statement of leadership from the Scottish Parliament.
Since 2010, Britain has licensed £800m of small arms to the United States


thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--Brexit threat: Panicking EU must convince Barnier to compromise NOW 'before it's too late'

And Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski has said the loss of Britain as a trading partner would cause colossal damage to the bloc .
Mr Kawczynski , MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham , was commenting after Geert Bourgeois , trade spokesman with European Conservatives and Reformists ( ECR ) group in the European Parliament , warned fellow MEPs not to patronise Britain .
Belgian Mr Bourgeois also voiced his concern at the prospect of the UK becoming a low tax-driven tiger economy analogous to Singapore .
Mr Kawczynski said Mr Bourgeois 's remarks indicated the penny was beginning to drop on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UK posed to the economies of individual countries .
He added : `` Many on the continent now realise how an unrealistic and poorly managed approach by Commission could severely hurt their economies .
`` For such a large trading partner as Britain to recalibrate its global trading policy away from EU towards America and fast growing economies around world would be very damaging for them . ''
The consequences for the EU should not be underestimated , Mr Kawczynski said .
He stressed : `` They need to convince Barnier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s too late for them . ''
Writing on the Conservative Home website yesterday , Stephen Booth , head of Britain in the World Project at Policy Exchange , made a similar point , saying : “ In Brussels , the penny may be dropping for Barnier that , if the EU wants a trade deal with the UK , the current strategy is bound to fail .
“ It was notable that at last week ’ s press conference he appeared to implicitly concede that the EU might need to be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are state aid and fishing .
`` Technical compromises and fudges can no doubt be found that will require compromise on both sides .
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[ UPDATES ] China warning : Scientist says coronavirus 'just tip of the iceberg ' [ REVEALED ] Coronavirus warning : How your tears could reveal your risk of COVID-19 [ INSIGHT ] '' But , ultimately , the path to a deal now depends on the EU ’ s willingness to change the tone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is out on EU leaders ’ ability or inclination to do this . ''
Mr Bourgeois , who was elected as an MEP in 2019 , said : “ The European Parliament should take extreme care so as not to patronise the British Government .
`` The UK is a highly developed country with high standards .
`` Therefore , a high level of confidence and flexibility during the negotiations is in order . ''
He added : `` We need to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring a level-playing field and dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteeing UK sovereignty on the other .

Brexit: ‘We will not accept this backtracking’ warns Barnier
And Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski has said the loss of Britain as a trading partner would cause colossal damage to the bloc. Mr Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, was commenting after Geert Bourgeois, trade spokesman with European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament, warned fellow MEPs not to patronise Britain.
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Belgian Mr Bourgeois also voiced his concern at the prospect of the UK becoming a low tax-driven tiger economy analogous to Singapore. Mr Kawczynski told Express.co.uk Mr Bourgeois's remarks indicated the penny was beginning to drop on the continent about the risk the loss of the UK posed to the economies of individual countries. He added: "Many on the continent now realise how an unrealistic and poorly managed approach by Commission could severely hurt their economies.
Michel Barnier has been told he must be "realistic"
Geert Bourgeois has warned MEPs not to patronise Britain
They need to convince Barnier to be more realistic before it’s too late for them Daniel Kawczynski MP
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"For such a large trading partner as Britain to recalibrate its global trading policy away from EU towards America and fast growing economies around world would be very damaging for them." The consequences for the EU should not be underestimated, Mr Kawczynski said. He stressed: "They need to convince Barnier to be more realistic before it’s too late for them." JUST IN: EU panic: MEP issues Brexit warning - 'Don't patronise Britain'
Daniel Kawczynski MP
MEPs in the European Parliament
Mr Bourgeois is alarmed at the idea of the UK being a "Singapore-on-the-North-Sea"
"But, ultimately, the path to a deal now depends on the EU’s willingness to change the tone of the negotiations. "The jury is out on EU leaders’ ability or inclination to do this." Mr Bourgeois, who was elected as an MEP in 2019, said: “The European Parliament should take extreme care so as not to patronise the British Government.
The impact of a hard Brexit
"The UK is a highly developed country with high standards. "Therefore, a high level of confidence and flexibility during the negotiations is in order." He added: "We need to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring a level-playing field and dynamic alignment on the one hand, and guaranteeing UK sovereignty on the other.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Guy Verhofstadt sparks huge backlash after ‘silver lining’ swipe at Farage -'Keep crying!'

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The MEP retweeted @ @ @ @ @ Party leader leaving LBC .
Mr Verhofstadt said : “ One of the few silver @ @ @ @ @ no longer has a platform to spread his vitriol.
” Nigel Farage 's contract with @ @ @ @ @ immediate effect The tweet prompted a backlash from Brexiteers , with one commenting : “ @ @ @ @ @ salty tears Guy.
” Another wrote : “ He did what he set out to @ @ @ @ @ Doubt he 's too worried about appearing on a talk show .
“ Free up @ @ @ @ @ to politics most likely lol .
You 'll never get it Guy.
” A third @ @ @ @ @ still has the backing of the rest of the UK , bye bye EU ... @ @ @ @ @ crying .
”

Nigel Farage discusses future plans after LBC split
The MEP retweeted an article about the Brexit Party leader leaving LBC. Mr Verhofstadt said: “One of the few silver linings of Brexit is Farage no longer has a platform to spread his vitriol.”
The tweet prompted a backlash from Brexiteers, with one commenting: “Keep crying those bitter, salty tears Guy.” Another wrote: “He did what he set out to do, get Brexit. Doubt he's too worried about appearing on a talk show. “Free up some time for his return to politics most likely lol. You'll never get it Guy.” A third said: “But he still has the backing of the rest of the UK, bye bye EU... You lost, carry on crying.”
Guy Verhofstadt sparked fury from Brexiteers after celebrating Nigel Farage quitting his radio show
The MEP retweeted an article about the Brexit Party leader leaving LBC
Another commented: “The best silver lining will be watching your organisations decline.” One more added: “Ah poor Guy, still can’t accept we left thanks to Hero @Nigel_Farage.” LBC announced on Thursday that Mr Farage was leaving his show with immediate effect. READ MORE: Nigel Farage makes brilliant point in defence of Baden-Powell statue
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Mr Verhofstadt’s tweet prompted a backlash from Brexiteers
One of the few silver linings of Brexit is Farage no longer has a platform to spread his vitriol. Glad Londoners have said enough is enough! ������������������������������https://t.co/O35dvlqrgx — Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) June 12, 2020
The Nigel Farage Show was broadcast on LBC five days a week. Mr Farage presented the show Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 7pm and on Sunday from 10am to 12pm. The Brexit Party leader last hosted his radio show on Wednesday evening. Mr Farage has courted controversy as a politician and a presenter over the years.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--EU panic: MEP issues Brexit warning to Brussels colleagues - 'Don't patronise Britain'

Geert Bourgeois , trade spokesman with European Conservatives and Reformists ( ECR ) group in the assembly , was speaking at a time when the nature of UK/EU relations remains uncertain .
EU negotiator Michel Barnier and UK opposite number David Frost have now completed a fourth round of talks aimed at thrashing out a post-Brexit trade deal , with no indication of a breakthrough in the offing .
Mr Bourgeois 's group is advocating a pragmatic approach , and is calling for `` level-headed discussions '' rather than `` hysteria and the desire for political retribution '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Parliament last year , said : “ The European Parliament should take extreme care so as not to patronise the British Government .
`` The UK is a highly developed country with high standards .
`` Therefore , a high level of confidence and flexibility during the negotiations is in order . ''
He added : `` We need to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring a level-playing field and dynamic alignment on the one hand , and guaranteeing UK sovereignty on the other .
`` We should , however , absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JUST IN : 'Nightmare ' North Korea 's dire assessment after nuclear talks stall '' Both parties must maintain high standards for this level-playing field and in so doing we must , therefore , ensure that it does indeed become a deep and comprehensive future agreement with zero-tariffs and zero-quotas . ''
The so-called Singapore model envisages an ultra-business-friendly environment with low or zero corporation tax aimed at attracting businesses to relocate to the UK .
Writing in The Daily Telegraph in 2017 , Brexiteer Tory MP Owen Paterson said : `` President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will break away from the slow-moving European caravan and seek to emulate the Asian tigers .
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`` As the Government has cut the main rate , now just 19 percent , revenues have surged , up 21 percent in 2016-17 on the previous year .
`` Even allowing for changes to the reporting date , this still represents a 12.6 per cent increase on a purely cash basis . ''
In a message aimed at then-Chancellor Philip Hammond , Mr Paterson added : `` As we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare to say goodbye to Brussels , the Chancellor should recognise that Brexit means bravery and boldness .
Let Singapore be our model . ''
Mr Barnier and Mr Frost 's relationship has been characterised by tetchy exchanges in recent weeks .
Mr Frost wrote to Mr Barnier last month describing Brussels ’ trade deal offer as a “ low quality trade agreement ” .

Jeremy Hunt: UK can learn from Singapore's economic model
Geert Bourgeois, trade spokesman with European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the assembly, was speaking at a time when the nature of UK/EU relations remains uncertain. EU negotiator Michel Barnier and UK opposite number David Frost have now completed a fourth round of talks aimed at thrashing out a post-Brexit trade deal, with no indication of a breakthrough in the offing.
Trending
Mr Bourgeois's group is advocating a pragmatic approach, and is calling for "level-headed discussions" rather than "hysteria and the desire for political retribution". The Belgian, who was elected to the European Parliament last year, said: “The European Parliament should take extreme care so as not to patronise the British Government. "The UK is a highly developed country with high standards.
MEPs Brussels Brexit Boris Johnson
Belgian MEP Geert Bourgeois
"Therefore, a high level of confidence and flexibility during the negotiations is in order." He added: "We need to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring a level-playing field and dynamic alignment on the one hand, and guaranteeing UK sovereignty on the other. "We should, however, absolutely avoid a ‘Singapore-on-the-North Sea’. JUST IN: 'Nightmare' North Korea's dire assessment after nuclear talks stall
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David Frost and Michel Barnier have exchanged tetchy letters in recent weeks
Mr Bourgeois said a "Singapore in the North Sea" needed to be avoided
"Both parties must maintain high standards for this level-playing field and in so doing we must, therefore, ensure that it does indeed become a deep and comprehensive future agreement with zero-tariffs and zero-quotas." The so-called Singapore model envisages an ultra-business-friendly environment with low or zero corporation tax aimed at attracting businesses to relocate to the UK. Writing in The Daily Telegraph in 2017, Brexiteer Tory MP Owen Paterson said: "President Macron in France is terrified that Britain will break away from the slow-moving European caravan and seek to emulate the Asian tigers. DON'T MISS
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Brexiteer Owen Paterson
Mr Paterson said Emmanuel Macron was "terrified" of the Singapore model
"He wants all European horses in the race saddled with equal top weight, but if we are to reap Brexit’s full rewards, we must carry the lightest weight. "To take one example: the EU is opposed to tax competition, yet it is well established that lowering the rate of corporation tax increases revenues. "As the Government has cut the main rate, now just 19 percent, revenues have surged, up 21 percent in 2016-17 on the previous year.
Five key moments leading to Brexit
"Even allowing for changes to the reporting date, this still represents a 12.6 per cent increase on a purely cash basis." In a message aimed at then-Chancellor Philip Hammond, Mr Paterson added: "As we battle our way to the door and prepare to say goodbye to Brussels, the Chancellor should recognise that Brexit means bravery and boldness. Let Singapore be our model." Mr Barnier and Mr Frost's relationship has been characterised by tetchy exchanges in recent weeks. Mr Frost wrote to Mr Barnier last month describing Brussels’ trade deal offer as a “low quality trade agreement”.
Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Rishi Sunak to give HMRC ‘draconian’ powers to reclaim millions in COVID support payments

The Chancellor is set to add legislation to the Finance Bill next week that will allow Her Majesty ’ s Revenue & Customs ( HMRC ) to go after businesses who did not follow coronavirus support payment rules .
Under the new scheme revealed today , if HMRC believes a company has broken the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme rules , then it will impose a 100 percent tax rate on the payments .
The furlough scheme currently does not allow furloughed staff to work while receiving up to £2,500 a month to stay at home .
HMRC are also expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who received money from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme ( SEISS ) and Treasury Grants of up to £25,000 to help them through the pandemic .
Alongside this , if HMRC suspects that a business did not need a loan because their trading position was much better than they stated or if a self-employed person ceased trading soon after receiving money from the SEISS scheme , then they will investigate .
HMRC said that once a business or individual has received money from the JRS or SEISS schemes then they will have 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by mistake and pay the furlough cash or loan back without penalty .
However , if HMRC finds out that an undeclared mistake was made after considering filed business accounts for the last two financial years , then an investigation will be launched which will ask those businesses accused to show they did not break any COVID-19 support payment rules .
The authority said that they would seek steps to prosecute any business or individuals who fail to pay 100 percent of any wrongly obtained government support cash back to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ already refuse to pay claims that they think are fraudulent or abusive , but these measures will ensure we can properly investigate and recover overpayments and penalise deliberate abuse of the schemes.
” Recent government figures show that the furlough scheme has supported more than 6.4 million staff in England .
In addition , it has supported more than 628,000 jobs in Scotland , 316,500 in Wales and nearly 212,000 in Northern Ireland .
Meanwhile , the self-employment income support scheme ( SEISS ) , which paid up to £2,500 to self employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosted the incomes of 146,000 people in Scotland at a cost of £425m .
In Wales , 102,000 claims were made for £273m , while 69,000 self employed workers in Northern Ireland and 2m in England made claims for £198m and nearly £6bn respectively .
Rishi Sunak said that across the whole of the UK , 70 per cent of those eligible for support through the self-employment scheme made a claim , with the average value of claims amounting to £2,900 from a maximum £7,500 to cover three months .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra money [ REVEAL ] Britons prepared to pay more income tax to fund government borrowing [ REVEAL ] Furlough latest : Sunak to cut taxpayers fund as COVID-19 costs soar [ REVEAL ]

Furlough: BBC host grills Anneliese Dodds on extension demands
The i reports that the Chancellor is set to introduce new rules next week that will allow Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to target businesses who did not follow coronavirus support payment rules. As part of the new powers, HMRC will impose a 100 percent tax rate on payments which have been made to businesses under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
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The scheme which supports more than seven million employees does not allow furloughed staff to work and pays staff up to £2,500 of their salary. Alongside this, businesses who received money from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme as well as Treasury Grants of up to £25,000 to help them through the pandemic will be targeted by HMRC. If a business receives money from the schemes because of a mistaken application, then the tax authority will give them upto 30 days to declare this and repay any finance given without any penalty. However, HMRC will launch an investigation if it discovers that a mistake made by a business was not declared voluntarily.
HMRC revealed the plans today.
The government COVID support schemes have been taken advantage of.
It will ask those businesses accused to show they did not break any COVID-19 support payment rules after considering two years worth of financial business accounts which have been filed. The authority stressed that they would seek steps to prosecute any business or individuals who fail to pay 100 percent of any wrongly obtained government support cash back to them. A spokesman added: “HMRC can already refuse to pay claims that they think are fraudulent or abusive, but these measures will ensure we can properly investigate and recover overpayments and penalise deliberate abuse of the schemes.” Recent government figures show that the furlough scheme has supported more than 6.4 million staff in England. READ MORE: PIP payments: Personal Independence Payment claim process has changed
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HMRC are expected to receive the powers next week.
In addition, it has supported more than 628,000 jobs in Scotland, 316,500 in Wales and nearly 212,000 in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the self-employment income support scheme (SEISS), which paid up to £2,500 to self employed workers unable to earn a living, boosted the incomes of 146,000 people in Scotland at a cost of £425m. In Wales, 102,000 claims were made for £273m, while 69,000 self employed workers in Northern Ireland and 2m in England made claims for £198m and nearly £6bn respectively. Rishi Sunak said that across the whole of the UK, 70 per cent of those eligible for support through the self-employment scheme made a claim, with the average value of claims amounting to £2,900 from a maximum £7,500 to cover three months. DON'T MISS:
Nicola Sturgeon begs Boris Johnson for extra money [REVEAL]
Britons prepared to pay more income tax to fund government borrowing [REVEAL]
Furlough latest: Sunak to cut taxpayers fund as COVID-19 costs soar [REVEAL]
The furlough and income support schemes will end in October.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Frost details UK’s plan to intensify Brexit talks after Barnier rejected 'tunnel' approach

The publishing of the UK 's detailed plan for `` intensified talks '' over the summer with the European Union comes after Mr Barnier this week accused the UK of rolling back on key Withdrawal Agreement commitments .
Talks aimed at striking a free trade deal remain in deadlock after the conclusion of the fourth round last week .
Meetings will be held in Brussels and London in July , August and September as the December 31 Brexit transition period deadline draws closer .
These include two further week-long rounds of discussions and a `` restricted round '' between Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 .
The two negotiators will be joined by their respective teams for a further three weeks of talks in July .
Speaking to EU ambassadors on Wednesday , Mr Barnier dismissed the notion of `` tunnel '' talks over the summer .
The Brussels jargon refers to talks which the media have not been informed of .
The secrecy element is key to encourage negotiators to break taboos and make the push for a breakthrough .
The EU and the UK remain locked in a dispute over fishing .
Last week a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the topic of fishing rights .
READ MORE : Coronavirus WARNING : R-rate could be at 1 or above in these 7 regions Many hardcore Brexiteers see fishing as one of the central areas in which the UK can make huge gains after the Brexit transition period ends by freeing itself from the much-hated Common Fisheries Policy .
And the Europeans are well aware that being denied access to the the UK 's rich fishing waters would deal a heavy blow to the bloc .
A leading figure in the industry this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal by next month .
Barrie Deas , the chief executive of the National Federation of Fisherman ’ s Organisations , told an event hosted by the Institute for Government think tank that “ July looks like a goner for a deal ” .
Meanwhile , Mr Barnier has accused the UK of trying to use access to British waters as leverage to get major concessions .
Speaking to ambassadors from the 27 member states on Wednesday , Mr Barnier said the proposals tabled by the British team would turn the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU .

Grant Shapps says UK 'will not extend Brexit transition period'
The publishing of the UK's detailed plan for "intensified talks" over the summer with the European Union comes after Mr Barnier this week accused the UK of rolling back on key Withdrawal Agreement commitments. Talks aimed at striking a free trade deal remain in deadlock after the conclusion of the fourth round last week.
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Meetings will be held in Brussels and London in July, August and September as the December 31 Brexit transition period deadline draws closer. These include two further week-long rounds of discussions and a "restricted round" between Mr Barnier and Mr Frost beginning on June 29. The two negotiators will be joined by their respective teams for a further three weeks of talks in July. Speaking to EU ambassadors on Wednesday, Mr Barnier dismissed the notion of "tunnel" talks over the summer.
Brexit: The UK and the EU negotiating teams will meet for 'intensified talks' over the summer
Michel Barnier slapped down the idea of holding 'tunnel' talks on post-Brexit trade
The Brussels jargon refers to talks which the media have not been informed of. The secrecy element is key to encourage negotiators to break taboos and make the push for a breakthrough. The EU and the UK remain locked in a dispute over fishing. Last week a total of four negotiating sessions were dedicated to the topic of fishing rights. READ MORE: Coronavirus WARNING: R-rate could be at 1 or above in these 7 regions
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Boris Johnson has ruled out an extension to the Brexit transition period
Michel Barnier accused the UK of backtracking on key Withdrawal Agreement pledges
Fishing remains the main hurdle in the way of striking a trade deal
Many hardcore Brexiteers see fishing as one of the central areas in which the UK can make huge gains after the Brexit transition period ends by freeing itself from the much-hated Common Fisheries Policy. And the Europeans are well aware that being denied access to the the UK's rich fishing waters would deal a heavy blow to the bloc. A leading figure in the industry this week cautioned against hopeful expectations of a trade deal by next month.
Brexit timeline
Barrie Deas, the chief executive of the National Federation of Fisherman’s Organisations, told an event hosted by the Institute for Government think tank that “July looks like a goner for a deal”. Meanwhile, Mr Barnier has accused the UK of trying to use access to British waters as leverage to get major concessions. Speaking to ambassadors from the 27 member states on Wednesday, Mr Barnier said the proposals tabled by the British team would turn the country into a serious manufacturing rival to the EU.
Many Brexiteers want to see EU boats kicked out of British waters


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Brexit border control: What will UK borders look like after Brexit?

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The British Government has formally ruled out seeking an extension to the Brexit transition period .
The UK left the EU on January 31 this year , but existing train rules and membership of the single market and customs union will apply until the end of 2020 .
This means , that from January 1 , 2021 , new rules when crossing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gove backtracked on plans to introduce full border checks with the EU when the Brexit transition period ends .
Britain had originally planned to impose full border controls on imports coming into Britain from the EU from next year .
However the Government said it would introduce the changes in stages up until July 1 , 2021 , giving firms more time to deal with paperwork .
Mr Gove defied warnings it would be `` extraordinarily reckless '' not to request an extension .
READ MORE : Brexit latest : What is happening @ @ @

Brexit: Francois slams ‘ludicrous’ Barnier for extension demands
The British Government has formally ruled out seeking an extension to the Brexit transition period. The UK left the EU on January 31 this year, but existing train rules and membership of the single market and customs union will apply until the end of 2020. This means, that from January 1, 2021, new rules when crossing the borders will apply.
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Today, Michael Gove backtracked on plans to introduce full border checks with the EU when the Brexit transition period ends. Britain had originally planned to impose full border controls on imports coming into Britain from the EU from next year. However the Government said it would introduce the changes in stages up until July 1, 2021, giving firms more time to deal with paperwork. Mr Gove defied warnings it would be "extraordinarily reckless" not to request an extension. READ MORE: Brexit latest: What is happening with Brexit?
Brexit border control: Britain will not seek an extension to its transition period
Brexit border control: Changes will be introduced from January 1
READ MORE Germany and France must do THIS for EU ‘survival’ or nations will exit After Mr Gove met with European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic, the Cabinet Office said a "flexible and pragmatic approach" would now see border checks between Britain and the EU introduced in three stages. Mr Gove said: ”We have informed the EU today that we will not extend the transition period. The moment for extension has now passed. "At the end of this year, we will control our own laws and borders, which is why we are able to take the sovereign decision to introduce arrangements in a way that gives businesses impacted by coronavirus time to adjust." Opposition MPs have been pushing for the transition period to be extended, with the Scottish and Welsh first ministers writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon and Wales's Mark Drakeford wrote to the Prime Minister calling for an extension past January 1. They wrote: "We believe that exiting the transition period at the end of the year would be extraordinarily reckless.
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Brexit border control: Boris Johnson did not want to extend the transition period despite coronavirus
"It would pile a further very significant economic and social shock on top of the COVID-19 crisis, hitting businesses whose reserves in many cases have already been exhausted, leading to more business closures and redundancies. "But in this case, the shock would be avoidable." Mr Gove said import controls were "necessary" to keep UK borders "safe and secure" and to collect the appropriate taxes. Under the new plan, checks on goods entering Britain will be phased-in in three stages up to the summer of 2021. DON'T MISS
Germany and France must do THIS for EU ‘survival’ or nations will exit [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon begs Boris Johnson for extra money [VIDEO]
Britain means business as Brexit myths are shattered, says ROSS CLARK [COMMENT]
READ MORE Francois unleashes fury at meddling SNP and 'ludicrous' Barnier What will border controls look like post-Brexit? From January 1 From the start of the year, controlled substances such as alcohol and tobacco will be checked at the border. Clothes and electronics and other standard goods will be subject to basic customs procedures. Firms will have up to six months to complete customs declarations and pay relevant tariffs. From April 1 Import of products of animal origin such as milk, meat or egg, will have to pre-notify officials and provide relevant health paperwork.
Brexit: Top food imports to Britain by country


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Brexit transition period: What is the transition period? When is deadline?

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The UK officially @ @ @ @ @ 31 this year .
However , this is still not the end of the line @ @ @ @ @ remaining EU member states .
The UK has now formally confirmed it will not extend @ @ @ @ @ a deal must be agreed to stop the UK exiting without a deal .
`` @ @ @ @ @ has now passed , '' Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said .
The Government has @ @ @ @ @ scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year @ @ @ @ @ would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the @ @ @ @ @ .
The EU has said it is open to any extension of the transition period @ @ @ @ @ possible for both sides .

The UK officially left the bloc on January 31 this year. However, this is still not the end of the line for the UK and the remaining EU member states. The UK has now formally confirmed it will not extend the transition period, meaning a deal must be agreed to stop the UK exiting without a deal.
"The moment for an extension has now passed," Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said.
The Government has also confirmed that it has scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year.
Mr Gove said Britain would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the "time to adjust".
The EU has said it is open to any extension of the transition period to ensure the best deal possible for both sides.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-12--Brexit latest: What is happening with Brexit?

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Brexit has been sidelined as the coronavirus pandemic and anti-racism protests have dominated the news agenda .
Government minister Michael Gove reminded the nation of Brexit “ formally ” confirming the EU will not extend the Brexit transition period because the time “ has now passed ” .
What is the latest news on Brexit ?
Michael Gove confirmed the Brexit transition will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for an extension has now passed .
“ On January 1 , 2021 , we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence.
” Mr Gove ’ s words came after the first ministers of Scotland and Wales wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking for an extension beyond December .
In their letter , Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said ending the arrangement would be `` extraordinarily reckless '' amid the effects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is happening in December as UK offically rejects extension

Brexit: Francois slams ‘ludicrous’ Barnier for extension demands
Brexit has been sidelined as the coronavirus pandemic and anti-racism protests have dominated the news agenda. Government minister Michael Gove reminded the nation of Brexit “formally” confirming the EU will not extend the Brexit transition period because the time “has now passed”. What is the latest news on Brexit?
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Michael Gove confirmed the Brexit transition will not be extended. He said: “I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for an extension has now passed. “On January 1, 2021, we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence.” Mr Gove’s words came after the first ministers of Scotland and Wales wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking for an extension beyond December. In their letter, Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said ending the arrangement would be "extraordinarily reckless" amid the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. READ MORE: Brexit is happening in December as UK offically rejects extension
Brexit explained: What is the latest news on Brexit?
Brexit explained: Britain formally left the EU on January 31
READ MORE Francois unleashes fury at meddling SNP and 'ludicrous' Barnier Now is a crucial moment in the Brexit timetable as the end of this month is the deadline to extend the transition period. This deadline has been written into law via the Withdrawal Agreement Act which was passed by Mr Johnson’s Government at the beginning of this year. The Brexit transition period deadline can be extended for one to two years, but this must be agreed to this month or cannot be altered. However, any extension is highly unlikely given the Government’s repeated refusals to consider any extensions.
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Brexit explained: The PM will speak to EU officials on June 15
But the Government has insisted these Brexit meetings are “constructive”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to hold crunch talks with senior EU figures next week amid stalling negotiations on a post-Brexit trade deal Mr Johnson is due to hold a “high level” meeting with the European Council President Charles Michael, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President David Sassoli. The talks are aimed at progressing negotiations between the UK and EU and will take place via video calls on Monday, June 15. DON'T MISS
How Gove's border checks 'betrayal' shows UK caving to Merkel demands [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon begs Boris Johnson for extra money [EXPLAINER]
EU confirms Boris Johnson will NOT apply for extension [ANALYSIS]
READ MORE EU states could push for no deal as they 'make an example' of Brexit Downing Street said the UK and EU’s timetable had “intensified”. Number 10 said: “This new process will involve a mix of formal negotiating rounds and smaller group meetings, both in London and Brussels assuming public health guidelines enable this.” Negotiations will be held in each of the five weeks between the week beginning June 29 and week beginning July 27. The latest round of talks between the two sides concluded last Friday, with a breakthrough continuing to prove elusive involving four days of discussions taking place via video link.
Brexit explained: The Brexit transition can only be extended before the end of the month
The EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has told Britain he will not permit “cherry picking” in the future trade deal talks. Mr Barnier said the UK is seeking a future relationship with Brussels that is very close to that of an EU member, which is unpalatable for the bloc. He said: “Britain is demanding a lot more from the EU than Canada, Japan or other partners. “We cannot and we will not allow this cherry picking.”


thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--'Absolute dread' Nicola Sturgeon faces HUGE backlash amid plans to delay exams

MSP John Swinney said work is under way for exams in Scotland which were cancelled this year to be held in spring 2021 .
But he warned the `` ongoing impacts '' of COVID-19 meant he couldn ’ t say `` with absolute certainty '' that they would be able to take place , meaning they could be pushed back to a later date .
His comments provoked a backlash from opposition members claiming that the move would have a “ severe impact on learning ” .
Mr Swinney told MSPs on Holyrood 's Education Committee yesterday : `` Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can not say with absolute certainty that it will be able to take place .
`` So we are asking schools to gather evidence on an ongoing basis to support judgments that may be required to be made in the spring of 2021 .
“ The current model for the delivery of education is not as effective as the model we had prior to COVID . ''
He also admitted that the Scottish government 's blended learning model which will see pupils returning to classes part-time in August with some learning also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educational outcomes will be jeopardised '' .
The Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) is making preparations for next year but Mr Swinney said that they have been in touch with schools to make staff aware of the back up measures .
Sutherland MSP Gail Ross told the Education Secretary a `` lot of parents are absolutely dreading '' the blended learning system after `` struggling '' with homeschooling .
Green MSP Ross Greer said that `` inevitably '' the blended learning will have an impact on learning .
The Scottish Greens education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` conducted in a normal manner , at the end of a very abnormal [ school ] year '' .
In response , Mr Swinney told Mr Greer : `` We are planning on the basis of the SQA diet taking place in the spring of 2021 but I am not impervious to the issues that he raises , which I recognise are significant issues we have to consider and judge . ''
He added : `` The last thing I want is young people are not in any way able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the learning activity they have undertaken .
`` We 're trying to approach the school year from a perspective of minimising disruption , of maximising the opportunities for assistance in learning.
” DO N'T MISS : Francois unleashes fury at meddling SNP and 'ludicrous ' Barnier [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon begs Boris Johnson for extra money [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon ordered to act now to save Scottish economy [ REVEAL ] He stressed that going against the scientific advice on this will be a `` recipe for anarchy in the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Swinney said he wants children to be in school `` for as close to 50 percent '' as is possible but acknowledged that in some circumstances this will not be possible because of the two-metre social distancing rule .
But he stressed : `` I do n't want the blended learning model to go on for a minute longer than is required .

Nicola Sturgeon calls for extension of Treasury support
MSP John Swinney said work is under way for exams in Scotland which were cancelled this year to be held in spring 2021. But he warned the "ongoing impacts" of COVID-19 meant he couldn’t say "with absolute certainty" that they would be able to take place, meaning they could be pushed back to a later date.
Trending
His comments provoked a backlash from opposition members claiming that the move would have a “severe impact on learning”. Mr Swinney told MSPs on Holyrood's Education Committee yesterday: "Although we are planning for an exam diet I cannot say with absolute certainty that it will be able to take place. "So we are asking schools to gather evidence on an ongoing basis to support judgments that may be required to be made in the spring of 2021. “The current model for the delivery of education is not as effective as the model we had prior to COVID."
Nicola Sturgeon plans to reopen schools on August 11th.
The Scottish government is facing a backlash from critics.
He also admitted that the Scottish government's blended learning model which will see pupils returning to classes part-time in August with some learning also being done from home will mean "educational outcomes will be jeopardised". The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is making preparations for next year but Mr Swinney said that they have been in touch with schools to make staff aware of the back up measures. Sutherland MSP Gail Ross told the Education Secretary a "lot of parents are absolutely dreading" the blended learning system after "struggling" with homeschooling. Green MSP Ross Greer said that "inevitably" the blended learning will have an impact on learning. READ MORE: Crushing verdict on independent Scotland's NATO entry revealed
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Many students are learning at home.
The Scottish Greens education spokesman also questioned why exams could still be "conducted in a normal manner, at the end of a very abnormal [school] year". In response, Mr Swinney told Mr Greer: "We are planning on the basis of the SQA diet taking place in the spring of 2021 but I am not impervious to the issues that he raises, which I recognise are significant issues we have to consider and judge." He added: "The last thing I want is young people are not in any way able to properly realise their potential and the benefit of the learning activity they have undertaken. "We're trying to approach the school year from a perspective of minimising disruption, of maximising the opportunities for assistance in learning.” DON'T MISS:
Francois unleashes fury at meddling SNP and 'ludicrous' Barnier [REVEAL]
Nicola Sturgeon begs Boris Johnson for extra money [REVEAL]
Sturgeon ordered to act now to save Scottish economy [REVEAL]
John Swinney expressed his concerns during Holyrood's Education Committee yesterday.
He stressed that going against the scientific advice on this will be a "recipe for anarchy in the way in which we pursue our approach”. Mr Swinney said he wants children to be in school "for as close to 50 percent" as is possible but acknowledged that in some circumstances this will not be possible because of the two-metre social distancing rule. But he stressed: "I don't want the blended learning model to go on for a minute longer than is required.
Many final year secondary pupils said their final goodbye's to friends in March.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--Former minister says radical Government action is needed to support high street traders

Tory MP Jake Berry said retail owners needed extra help to be able to open up from Monday when the ban on nonessential shopping imposed under the coronavirus lockdown lifts .
Mr Berry suggested the big moment should be rebranded `` Bounce Back Monday '' to make clear city and town centres around the country can start to flourish again after nearly three months of closure .
He said : `` It 's a hugely important day for the high street .
We 've got a real opportunity to create certainty and longevity for retail and high street businesses with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berry , who was minister for the Northern Powerhouse and local growth until February , proposed a package of measures to help high street shops .
His four-point plan includes an extension of the business rates holiday declared by Chancellor Rishi Sunak for this year for an extra two years for all businesses with a rateable value of less than £50,000 .
He wants a temporary scrapping of parking charges in town and city centres while local economies recover from the lockdown and the suspension of planning rules governing business purposes so shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers .
He has also called for abolishing business rates on free-to-use cash machines .
Mr Berry said : `` These measures would be a really powerful message to urge shopkeepers to get out on Bounce Back Monday to bring the people back . ''
Several of the proposals were being studied in Whitehall during his spell on the Government frontbench , the MP said .
But the urgent need for local economic recovery after weeks of lockdown meant the changes should be a top priority for the Treasury and other Government departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time to be really bold .
In a world where everyone has been isolated , there is no better place to reconnect with society than down your local high street .
They are the original social network .
`` You do n't have to go onto Facebook to find friends , you can go to your high street .
`` When we want our society to get back to a new normal , a vibrant , flourishing high street is going to be absolutely key to improving people 's mental health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really would call on people to get out and support their local high street for those reasons .
`` Spend local and support local businesses who have been doing things like deliveries and takeaway services to support their communities through the epidemic . ''
Setting out his proposals , Mr Berry said : `` The existing business rate holiday has been welcomed by businesses up and down the land in leisure , retail and other traditional high street businesses .
`` We need to give longer-term security to those businesses as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Government should be looking at extending that rate holiday for an additional two years with businesses with a rateable value under £50,000 , which is about nine out of every 10 high street businesses .
`` Giving them that certainty and long-term support will give both shoppers and the people that own and love those businesses the confidence to come and pull their shutters up on Monday . ''
Mr Berry said that scrapping parking charges had helped Salisbury 's city centre recover following a local shutdown in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` As a minister , I was involved in the recovery programme .
One of the things that really gave people confidence to come back into that extraordinary city was the abolition of parking charges .
`` If we 're really serious about getting people back on the high street , clearly people have some concerns about public transport , so now is the time to think about temporarily abolishing those parking charges .
`` We want to give people the confidence to get in their car , get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Berry argued that a temporary relaxation of the `` Use Classes Order '' rules governing what shops can sell could help businesses react swiftly to the drastically changed economic landscape .
He added : `` We will see a rapidly changing retail environment as we come out of the lockdown .
`` In far too many high streets the planning system is a real clog on the ability of businesses to change rapidly .
`` To match the business rate holiday , we should have rapid reform of the Use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their businesses without the need for planning permission to meet the swiftly changing economy .
`` Shops should be free to offer anything that is usual to high streets in the post-lockdown period without the need to get the permission of the local authority .
If you 're running a bookshop but people are n't coming in and buying books , you should be able to open a cafe in the shop .
`` If you 're running a cafe and people are n't coming in to sit down and have a coffee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then change some of the cafe over to food retail .
`` What we need is a free-market , fluid system for the post-Covid era .
The Government and local authorities are not going to be light enough on their feet to react to the retail market as it bounces back .
`` If we 're serious about having a healthy , vibrant high street we urgently need to give retailers this flexibility . ''

Alok Sharma confirms retail shops can reopen on June 15th
Tory MP Jake Berry said retail owners needed extra help to be able to open up from Monday when the ban on nonessential shopping imposed under the coronavirus lockdown lifts. Mr Berry suggested the big moment should be rebranded "Bounce Back Monday" to make clear city and town centres around the country can start to flourish again after nearly three months of closure. He said: "It's a hugely important day for the high street. We've got a real opportunity to create certainty and longevity for retail and high street businesses with some radical Government action."
Mr Berry, who was minister for the Northern Powerhouse and local growth until February, proposed a package of measures to help high street shops. His four-point plan includes an extension of the business rates holiday declared by Chancellor Rishi Sunak for this year for an extra two years for all businesses with a rateable value of less than £50,000. He wants a temporary scrapping of parking charges in town and city centres while local economies recover from the lockdown and the suspension of planning rules governing business purposes so shop owners can switch services on offer to customers. He has also called for abolishing business rates on free-to-use cash machines. Mr Berry said: "These measures would be a really powerful message to urge shopkeepers to get out on Bounce Back Monday to bring the people back." Several of the proposals were being studied in Whitehall during his spell on the Government frontbench, the MP said. But the urgent need for local economic recovery after weeks of lockdown meant the changes should be a top priority for the Treasury and other Government departments.
Tory MP Jake Berry said retail owners needed extra help to be able to open up from Monday
He added: "Now is the time to be really bold. In a world where everyone has been isolated, there is no better place to reconnect with society than down your local high street. They are the original social network. "You don't have to go onto Facebook to find friends, you can go to your high street. "When we want our society to get back to a new normal, a vibrant, flourishing high street is going to be absolutely key to improving people's mental health, breaking down social isolation through lockdown. I really would call on people to get out and support their local high street for those reasons. "Spend local and support local businesses who have been doing things like deliveries and takeaway services to support their communities through the epidemic." Setting out his proposals, Mr Berry said: "The existing business rate holiday has been welcomed by businesses up and down the land in leisure, retail and other traditional high street businesses. "We need to give longer-term security to those businesses as they come out of the Covid lockdown.
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A member of staff prepares a Next store ready for reopening
"The Government should be looking at extending that rate holiday for an additional two years with businesses with a rateable value under £50,000, which is about nine out of every 10 high street businesses. "Giving them that certainty and long-term support will give both shoppers and the people that own and love those businesses the confidence to come and pull their shutters up on Monday." Mr Berry said that scrapping parking charges had helped Salisbury's city centre recover following a local shutdown in the wake of the chemical weapon attack two years ago. He added: "As a minister, I was involved in the recovery programme. One of the things that really gave people confidence to come back into that extraordinary city was the abolition of parking charges.
Primark workers prepare a shop window as they plan to reopen on Monday
"If we're really serious about getting people back on the high street, clearly people have some concerns about public transport, so now is the time to think about temporarily abolishing those parking charges. "We want to give people the confidence to get in their car, get into towns and shop till they drop." Mr Berry argued that a temporary relaxation of the "Use Classes Order" rules governing what shops can sell could help businesses react swiftly to the drastically changed economic landscape. He added: "We will see a rapidly changing retail environment as we come out of the lockdown. "In far too many high streets the planning system is a real clog on the ability of businesses to change rapidly. "To match the business rate holiday, we should have rapid reform of the Use Classes Order to retail entrepreneurs to repurpose their businesses without the need for planning permission to meet the swiftly changing economy.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--Brexit news: EU loses fight to delay UK's Brexit transition

They gave up trying to delay the country 's departure from Brussels after being told by Michael Gove that the Government will not request an extension in any circumstances .
With talks about a future UK-EU trade deal still deadlocked , the Cabinet Office Minister yesterday ordered an acceleration in border preparations .
Mr Gove said : `` We have informed the EU today that we will not extend the transition period .
`` The moment for extension has now passed .
At the end of this year we will control our laws and borders which is why we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduce arrangements in a way that gives businesses impacted by coronavirus time to adjust . ''
Urging businesses to prepare for new border arrangements with the EU from January 1 , he added : `` There is still more work to be done by Government and industry to ensure we are ready to seize the opportunities of being a fully independent United Kingdom . ''
Mr Gove made the announcement after chairing a `` constructive '' meeting of a joint EU-UK committee set up to oversee the withdrawal agreement .
Following the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's vice-president , said : `` I think that when it comes to this issue Gove could n't be clearer .
`` He referred to the very clear position of not asking for the extension even .
`` He explained this was the promise given to British citizens in the electoral campaign . ''
Later , the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier conceded that the bloc 's hopes of extending the Brexit transition had been dashed .
`` The EU has always been open to an extension of the transition period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ note of the UK 's decision not to extend , '' he said .
Looking to the next round of trade talks , Mr Barnier added : `` We must now make progress on substance .
To give every chance to the negotiations , we agreed to intensify talks in the next weeks and months . ''
Whitehall said new rules at UK borders will be phased in during the first six months of 2021 to give businesses time to adjust .
Ministers yesterday pledged an extra £50 million towards building new customs @ @

Grant Shapps says UK 'will not extend Brexit transition period'
They gave up trying to delay the country's departure from Brussels after being told by Michael Gove that the Government will not request an extension in any circumstances. With talks about a future UK-EU trade deal still deadlocked, the Cabinet Office Minister yesterday ordered an acceleration in border preparations.
Mr Gove said: "We have informed the EU today that we will not extend the transition period. "The moment for extension has now passed. At the end of this year we will control our laws and borders which is why we are able to take the sovereign decision to introduce arrangements in a way that gives businesses impacted by coronavirus time to adjust." Urging businesses to prepare for new border arrangements with the EU from January 1, he added: "There is still more work to be done by Government and industry to ensure we are ready to seize the opportunities of being a fully independent United Kingdom."
Brexit news: EU loses fight to delay UK's Brexit transition
Michael Gove said the Government will not request an extension in any circumstances
Mr Gove made the announcement after chairing a "constructive" meeting of a joint EU-UK committee set up to oversee the withdrawal agreement. Following the meeting, Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission's vice-president, said: "I think that when it comes to this issue Gove couldn't be clearer. "He referred to the very clear position of not asking for the extension even. "He explained this was the promise given to British citizens in the electoral campaign." Later, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier conceded that the bloc's hopes of extending the Brexit transition had been dashed.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--MPs urge travellers to boycott British Airways over axing 12,000 jobs

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They slammed its plan to axe 12,000 jobs and cut the terms and conditions of 35,000 staff as an `` attempt to take advantage of the pandemic '' .
The transport select committee urged passengers to boycott the national carrier .
BA was savaged for the cuts while receiving a subsidy to protect jobs , under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its controversial 14-day quarantine for all arrivals from abroad as BA , easyJet and Ryanair launched legal action to halt the `` flawed '' policy .
The airlines claimed the measure will have a `` devastating effect on British tourism and the wider economy '' - and was harsher than the curbs on those with Covid-19 .
The MPs also joined with the industry in demanding air bridges to low-risk countries .
The Government was rebuked for taking too long to help the sector , which could lose more than £20billion in revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing `` additional stress and hardship '' by delaying ticket refunds .

They slammed its plan to axe 12,000 jobs and cut the terms and conditions of 35,000 staff as an "attempt to take advantage of the pandemic". The transport select committee urged passengers to boycott the national carrier. BA was savaged for the cuts while receiving a subsidy to protect jobs, under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The report also urged the Government to axe its controversial 14-day quarantine for all arrivals from abroad as BA, easyJet and Ryanair launched legal action to halt the "flawed" policy.
The airlines claimed the measure will have a "devastating effect on British tourism and the wider economy" - and was harsher than the curbs on those with Covid-19.
The MPs also joined with the industry in demanding air bridges to low-risk countries. The Government was rebuked for taking too long to help the sector, which could lose more than £20billion in revenue this year.
Airlines were accused of causing "additional stress and hardship" by delaying ticket refunds.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--Boris Johnson defends Sir Winston Churchill after his statue is hidden from public view

The Prime Minister waded in amid fury that his predecessor ’ s image was hidden behind wooden hoardings for its own protection .
London ’ s Mayor Sadiq Khan took the controversial decision to cover up Sir Winston over fears that he may be targeted by anti-racism activists today .
Earlier this week vandals daubed the bronze sculpture with graffiti , while other famous busts that are linked to historical racism or the slave trade featured on a “ hit-list ” drawn up by activists .
The threat to them was heightened when Black Lives Matter , which is behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , planned a protest in central London today .
It has been called off but other groups – including far-Right thugs – still plan to take to the streets .
As fears of violence and vandalism grew , Mr Johnson hit out at the “ absurd and shameful ” bid to tarnish Sir Winston ’ s legacy of triumph over fascism because of his outdated views .
The Prime Minister pointed out that Sir Winston saved democracy by protecting Europe from the Nazis in the Second World War .
Mr Johnson tweeted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny .
“ It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protesters .
“ Yes , he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today , but he was a hero , and he fully deserves his memorial .
“ We can not now try to edit or censor our past .
We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The statues in our cities and towns were put up by previous generations .
They had different perspectives , different understandings of right and wrong .
“ But those statues teach us about our past , with all its faults .
“ To tear them down would be to lie about our history and impoverish the education of generations to come.
” Later in the day , Mr Johnson urged people not to join the protests or to use their anger as an excuse to the target the police .
The global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of George Floyd , an African-American , while he was in US custody last month .
Mr Johnson said of the UK protests : “ You ’ ve got a situation in which the statue of Winston Churchill , who is a national hero , has had to be boarded up for fear of violent attack .
That to me is both absurd and wrong .
“ You should not have a situation in which people , who are protesting on one basis , are violently attacking the police or public property.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened with these demonstrations is that a tiny minority – actually it is a growing minority , unfortunately – have hijacked them .
“ They are using them as a pretext to attack the police , to cause violence and to cause damage to public property .
“ So , unfortunately , my message to everybody is that , for all sorts of reasons , they should not go to these demonstrations.
” Meanwhile , Tory MP Andrew Bridgen called for Mr Khan ’ s resignation and accused him of giving in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s memorial to be covered .
Mr Bridgen tweeted : “ Churchill ’ s famous words ‘ we will never surrender ’ is completely undermined by London Mayor Sadiq Khan ’ s appeasement of the mob .
“ It ’ s a national humiliation .
How on earth can he justify this cowardice in face of a mob.
” Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice said of the covering-up : “ This is wrong , wrong , wrong .
Winston Churchill must reappear here in Parliament square , the mother of democracy , immediately.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boarding up of statues an “ absolute disgrace ” and branded Mr Khan the “ do nothing Mayor ” who “ lost control of our streets ” .
Other MPs expressed dismay that the Cenotaph – a war memorial erected in Whitehall after the First World War – was also boarded up .
Statues of King James II and Nelson Mandela have been hidden from public view too .
Jacob Young , Conservative MP for Redcar , said on Twitter it was “ so sad that rioters can ’ t be trusted not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that they now feel the need to board it up ” .
Alexander Stafford , Tory MP for Rother Valley , said it was a “ sad day ” that “ those that want to attack this symbol of freedom and liberty make me deeply ashamed ” .
Sir Winston ’ s statue came into the firing line after weeks of outrage over Mr Floyd ’ s death at the hands of white Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin .
Mr Floyd , 46 , was filmed gasping “ I can ’ t breathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Chauvin has since been charged with murder .
In the furore that followed in the UK , activists from pressure group Black Lives Matter toppled a statue of slave merchant Edward Colston into Bristol ’ s city harbour .
Historians accept Sir Winston had outdated views .
Controversies include defending the idea of a “ higher grade race ” and advocating poison gas against Kurds and Afghans .
But academics stress that Churchill ’ s views were not “ particularly unique ” for his time or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born in 1874 to one of Britain ’ s most aristocratic families .

Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square bordered up
The Prime Minister waded in amid fury that his predecessor’s image was hidden behind wooden hoardings for its own protection. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan took the controversial decision to cover up Sir Winston over fears that he may be targeted by anti-racism activists today. Earlier this week vandals daubed the bronze sculpture with graffiti, while other famous busts that are linked to historical racism or the slave trade featured on a “hit-list” drawn up by activists.
The threat to them was heightened when Black Lives Matter, which is behind the surge in protests across the world, planned a protest in central London today. It has been called off but other groups – including far-Right thugs – still plan to take to the streets. As fears of violence and vandalism grew, Mr Johnson hit out at the “absurd and shameful” bid to tarnish Sir Winston’s legacy of triumph over fascism because of his outdated views. The Prime Minister pointed out that Sir Winston saved democracy by protecting Europe from the Nazis in the Second World War. Mr Johnson tweeted: “The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. “It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protesters. “Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial. “We cannot now try to edit or censor our past. We cannot pretend to have a different history. “The statues in our cities and towns were put up by previous generations. They had different perspectives, different understandings of right and wrong.
The statue of Winston Churchill has been hidden from public view
“But those statues teach us about our past, with all its faults. “To tear them down would be to lie about our history and impoverish the education of generations to come.” Later in the day, Mr Johnson urged people not to join the protests or to use their anger as an excuse to the target the police. The global wave of protests was sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African-American, while he was in US custody last month. Mr Johnson said of the UK protests: “You’ve got a situation in which the statue of Winston Churchill, who is a national hero, has had to be boarded up for fear of violent attack. That to me is both absurd and wrong. “You should not have a situation in which people, who are protesting on one basis, are violently attacking the police or public property.” He added: “What has happened with these demonstrations is that a tiny minority – actually it is a growing minority, unfortunately – have hijacked them. “They are using them as a pretext to attack the police, to cause violence and to cause damage to public property.
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“So, unfortunately, my message to everybody is that, for all sorts of reasons, they should not go to these demonstrations.” Meanwhile, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen called for Mr Khan’s resignation and accused him of giving in to the mob by ordering Sir Winston’s memorial to be covered. Mr Bridgen tweeted: “Churchill’s famous words ‘we will never surrender’ is completely undermined by London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s appeasement of the mob. “It’s a national humiliation. How on earth can he justify this cowardice in face of a mob.” Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice said of the covering-up: “This is wrong, wrong, wrong. Winston Churchill must reappear here in Parliament square, the mother of democracy, immediately.” Tory MP Bob Blackman called the boarding up of statues an “absolute disgrace” and branded Mr Khan the “do nothing Mayor” who “lost control of our streets”. Other MPs expressed dismay that the Cenotaph – a war memorial erected in Whitehall after the First World War – was also boarded up. Statues of King James II and Nelson Mandela have been hidden from public view too. Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said on Twitter it was “so sad that rioters can’t be trusted not to attack the Cenotaph, so much so that they now feel the need to board it up”. Alexander Stafford, Tory MP for Rother Valley, said it was a “sad day” that “those that want to attack this symbol of freedom and liberty make me deeply ashamed”.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan
Sir Winston’s statue came into the firing line after weeks of outrage over Mr Floyd’s death at the hands of white Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin. Mr Floyd, 46, was filmed gasping “I can’t breathe” as Chauvin pushed a knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes. Chauvin has since been charged with murder. In the furore that followed in the UK, activists from pressure group Black Lives Matter toppled a statue of slave merchant Edward Colston into Bristol’s city harbour. Historians accept Sir Winston had outdated views. Controversies include defending the idea of a “higher grade race” and advocating poison gas against Kurds and Afghans. But academics stress that Churchill’s views were not “particularly unique” for his time or class, bearing in mind he was born in 1874 to one of Britain’s most aristocratic families.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-13--Face coverings on transport compulsory from NEXT WEEK with fines for those not complying

Ahead of face coverings becoming mandatory on trains and buses in England from Monday , the Transport Secretary suggested carrying the garments should become as routine as picking up a purse , wallet or mobile phone .
He also warned travellers could be fined for not wearing face coverings on public transport but promised staff will be “ gentle ” for the first days of the new rules .
“ From Monday , it becomes mandatory in England to wear a face covering on public transport - that includes trains , buses , trams , ferries and planes , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Downing Street coronavirus briefing .
“ Remembering your face covering should be the same as picking up your phone , wallet or purse when you leave home .
“ Please read the guidance , ensure you have a face covering and protect your fellow commuters .
“ As we become more mobile , we must not forget that this insidious virus is still a threat.
” Mr Shapps said travellers should not wear surgical masks , which the Government wants restricted to healthcare and care home staff .
Advice on making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s website .
“ As we remove to recovery , it ’ s more important than ever to protect each other , preventing those showing no symptoms from infecting others .
“ I know there is huge public support for compulsory face coverings .
They show respect for our fellow travellers , ” the Cabinet minister said .
“ But for clarity , transport operators will be able to refuse permission to travel where someone isn ’ t using a face covering .
“ And , this weekend , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act leading to fines for non-compliance too .
“ We ’ ll take a gentle approach to enforcement during the first couple of days .
Help will be at hand.
” Mr Shapps said transport advisers - known as “ journey makers ” - will be deployed to remind commuters of the need to wear face coverings .
He added that people should continue to avoid using public transport where possible .
“ If you can work from home , you should continue to do so .
If you can not work from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport .
“ If you must use public transport , you should travel at quieter times of day .
“ And if you are an employer , you should do everything in your power to prevent staff from travelling unless it ’ s absolutely vital .
And please , do allow staff to travel at quieter times , ” the Transport Secretary said .
Mr Shapps also appealed to members of the public to continue to avoid gatherings of more than six people including joining protest marches .
“ I understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues that they care deeply about .
“ And we must never be complacent about stamping out racism and discrimination in this country .

Grant Shapps: Commuters not wearing a face mask will be fined
Ahead of face coverings becoming mandatory on trains and buses in England from Monday, the Transport Secretary suggested carrying the garments should become as routine as picking up a purse, wallet or mobile phone. He also warned travellers could be fined for not wearing face coverings on public transport but promised staff will be “gentle” for the first days of the new rules.
“From Monday, it becomes mandatory in England to wear a face covering on public transport - that includes trains, buses, trams, ferries and planes,” the Transport Secretary said at last night’s Downing Street coronavirus briefing. “Remembering your face covering should be the same as picking up your phone, wallet or purse when you leave home. “Please read the guidance, ensure you have a face covering and protect your fellow commuters. “As we become more mobile, we must not forget that this insidious virus is still a threat.” Mr Shapps said travellers should not wear surgical masks, which the Government wants restricted to healthcare and care home staff. Advice on making face coverings was available on the Government’s website.
Face coverings on transport will be compulsory from next week
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested carrying face masks should become a routine
“As we remove to recovery, it’s more important than ever to protect each other, preventing those showing no symptoms from infecting others. “I know there is huge public support for compulsory face coverings. They show respect for our fellow travellers,” the Cabinet minister said. “But for clarity, transport operators will be able to refuse permission to travel where someone isn’t using a face covering. “And, this weekend, I’m taking powers from through the Public Health Act leading to fines for non-compliance too. “We’ll take a gentle approach to enforcement during the first couple of days. Help will be at hand.” Mr Shapps said transport advisers - known as “journey makers” - will be deployed to remind commuters of the need to wear face coverings.
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Mr Shapps said transport advisers will be deployed to remind commuters of the need to wear face coverings
He added that people should continue to avoid using public transport where possible. “If you can work from home, you should continue to do so. If you cannot work from home, you should try to avoid public transport. “If you must use public transport, you should travel at quieter times of day. “And if you are an employer, you should do everything in your power to prevent staff from travelling unless it’s absolutely vital. And please, do allow staff to travel at quieter times,” the Transport Secretary said. Mr Shapps also appealed to members of the public to continue to avoid gatherings of more than six people including joining protest marches. “I understand that people want to show their passion for issues that they care deeply about. “And we must never be complacent about stamping out racism and discrimination in this country.