I’ll finish with what a good strategy by Erdogan.👏 With sky reporters reporting inside Idlib for a while now, and the world watches and does nothing,that was a mighty fine move. Well thought out. So Idlib gets flattened, more refugees enter Turkey. Then after a while you send them back to nothing?
The crisis exacerbated by the US pulling out from middle eastern conflicts. And with certain ties from Europe. Which then allows Russia to flex their muscles, standard practice.
You probably think Tony Blair is to blame.
Try to think Brexit.
There’s not much to say on Brexit, as the details of negotiations are with the negotiators. I’m not into cartoons or hearsay. I’ll get me coat.👋
There is plenty going on.
EU tells UK to respect its independence
Britain must respect the EU's "independence" and accept that the bloc has its own red-lines in trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has warned Boris Johnson. Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels at the close of the first round of Brexit trade negotiations, where he warned that "very, very difficult" differences were emerging between both sides with the clock ticking down. "Let’s avoid any misunderstandings: the UK has spent a lot of time this week insisting on its independence: ladies and gentlemen, nobody contests the UK’s independence. We also ask the UK to respect our own independence," Mr Barnier said. "Of course, we respect the UK’s sovereignty, and just as the UK sets its own conditions for opening up its market, the EU sets its own conditions for opening up its markets for goods and services. The real question is not about our reciprocal independence: the real question is what we do with our respective independence. "Our common challenge now is as two independent entities to agree together on ground rules that makes it possible for us to cooperate, to trade, and to travel."
Giving a review of the first week's talks, the chief negotiator said the UK was refusing to sign a commitment to stay in the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as rejecting an agreement tying it to "high standards" for labour, environmental, and state aid regulations.
"The United Kingdom informs us that they do not wish to commit formally to applying the European Convention on Human Rights," Mr Barnier said.
On the "level playingfield" for regulations, Mr Barnier said the UK said it wanted to maintain high standards, but would not legally commit to them.
"Whilst we agree on preserving high standards, my question is why not commit to them formally? It's a question of trust," he said.
Both sides in negotiations keenly aware that talks, which involve between 200 and 300 officials, could be hit by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Asked whether talks would definitely continue Mr Barnier said he did not want to "commit to anything", but said "there's no ban on meetings". "We’re talking maximum 200 people in one room... We will be taking all necessary precautions so that we can continue," he said. A senior EU official involved in negotiations downplayed the suggestion there could be an effect: "We haven't discussed the possible measures to take with the British. We'll see how the situation will evolve."
Mr Barnier said he thought the degree of change that Brexit would bring on 1 January 2021, when the transition period ends, has been "very much underestimated". He added that the UK could still extend the transition period if it decided too – though Boris Johnson has ruled out doing so.
I’ll finish with what a good strategy by Erdogan.👏 With sky reporters reporting inside Idlib for a while now, and the world watches and does nothing,that was a mighty fine move. Well thought out. So Idlib gets flattened, more refugees enter Turkey. Then after a while you send them back to nothing?
I’ll finish with what a good strategy by Erdogan.👏 With sky reporters reporting inside Idlib for a while now, and the world watches and does nothing,that was a mighty fine move. Well thought out. So Idlib gets flattened, more refugees enter Turkey. Then after a while you send them back to nothing?
He could become a good PM. Obv. Who would your choice be for PM if you had the choice of the whole house?
Beth Rigby.
Strange choice. I’ve never heard her ask a question that even I couldn’t give the expected reply to. Not exactly rhetorical questions, but close. I presume you would like her to stand for the Labour Party then. She’s female though, I’m not sure Labour want to be that radical.
He could become a good PM. Obv. Who would your choice be for PM if you had the choice of the whole house?
Most of the time he just tells half a story.
The other day he was making a big fuss about the tampon tax. Making the point that once we leave the EU, this could be stopped. The EU are forcing us to do it.
Yet the full story is as follows. The European Commission says it is aiming to bring in a zero rate for sanitary products. The tax is 5%. It makes a difference of 3 pence to a 60 pence pack of tampons. This will make little difference to the poorest women in our society. If they are unable to afford 60 pence, it is unlikely that they will be able to afford 57 pence.
In July this year, supermarket Tesco cut prices on nearly 100 menstrual protection products in order to shoulder the 5% VAT cost. Competitors Waitrose and Morrisons followed suit in August and other retailers have pledged to pass on a price cut if VAT becomes zero-rated.
The revenue produced by this tax was around £65 million last year. The whole amount is spent on womens charities, including shelters for battered women. All worthwhile causes. Where will they get their funding from now. Brilliant Boris.
Why are the EU not helping Greece with their border problem? It’s a Union after all. Maybe it’s like the build up over the years from Calais. Turn a blind eye, unless they’re under our control?
It may surprise you to find out that each EU member is an independent country.
I don't believe that there is a build up in Calais.
I don't think anyone turns a blind eye, although we have been pretty bad on controls in this country.
It is a pity that some people can only criticise families attempting to escape wars, and persecution, in a number of places throughout the world.
Losing the plot there a bit Haysie, as I’m criticizing the powers.
Pots and kettles.
The EU have an arrangement with Turkey to look after the Syrian refugees, and make a financial contribution to Turkey for doing so.
The Turks have got the hump for a minute, but I am sure it will be resolved.
They seem to be just making a point.
This would seem preferable to many of them killing themselves at sea, trying to reach Europe.
Although it would seem that many people wouldn't care what happens to them.
The EU have a rule that migrants are dealt with by the first member country they enter.
Although some members have helped out other member countries, by accepting migrants that have landed elsewhere.
Calais doesn't have a build up.
There was a camp in Calais, but not anymore.
There are a number of refugees that try to access the UK, to join their families, etc.
What have migrants in Greece or Calais got to do with Brexit?
Or are you daft enough to think that Brexit will stop migrants from attempting to access the UK?
This is the Brexit thread.
Why don't you start a moaning about migrants thread?
Glaringly obvious. Part of the election and Brexit was to do with our borders, was it not? Think so.
We had borders before Brexit. We just didn't look after them very well.
It’s not only migrants that our border forces should keep a close eye on, it’s many things.
Leaving the EU will not stop migrants.
That Lorry that contained the deceased could have been full of arms, drugs, radical terrorists, gold, diamonds etc.
True, but leaving the EU, does not automatically stop a repeat.
When the investigations are over, you’ll find out how many corrupt drivers there are. If they publish them , that is.
I don't think you will. How will an investigation into one particular incident do that?
If you want borders, then have them. Beef them up.
We have always had borders. We could have beefed them up while being members of the EU.
I couldn’t care less if there are delays. It’s tough.
You don't matter very much. People running big businesses do care.
Better to act responsibly than to focus on commerce all the time.
We had illegal immigration before we joined the EU.
Some folk will suffer,that’s life.
Who will suffer?
One of the biggest problems in this country is drugs. We had drugs before we joined the EU, and leaving will make no difference to drugs.
It only gets a mention every now and then.
I worry about you on times.
You do know that this is the Brexit thread not the flooding thread?
You are producing arguments that will be unaffected by Brexit.
As EU members we have freedom of movement which allows EU citizens to come here to legally live and work.
Therefore the asylum seekers don't come from other EU member countries.
When we leave, freedom of movement will stop, but the asylum seekers wont.
They estimate that we may have one and a half million illegal immigrants living and working in this country.
Boris wanted to give them an amnesty.
Well how did they get here?
They are not from within the EU.
We currently have record immigration figures from outside the EU, while immigration from inside the EU is falling.
So immigration is increasing.
Leaving the EU will not necessarily decrease immigration, legal or otherwise, or put a stop to smuggling.
Nor will it reduce the number of refugees trying to reach the UK.
There’s no possible way you could know the outcome of a far stronger border, more checking, more bodies available.
I never suggested I did. I was just making the point that nothing that is occurring now is likely to stop just because we will leave the EU. The other point I was making is that some of the measures that we are being forced into because we are leaving, could have been implemented long ago. For instance, had the Government been really concerned about illegal immigration, drug, and people smuggling, etc, they could have beefed up the borders long ago. Yet they haven't bothered. We are being forced into increasing staffing levels massively just to process the increased paperwork because of Brexit. Try getting into the US. We could have adopted similar measures. The US have a trade deal with Mexico, but have the latest technology stopping smuggling etc deployed at their borders. We are amateurs in comparison. We will be employing extra people just to deal with the implementation of millions of Customs Declarations etc.
Personally I’ve always been self employed, looked after myself. So I struggle to cope with the ‘ job for life’ mob, that tend to get bailed out so often. Goes for individual businesses too.Its a jungle out there for some.
Don't understand the point.
History teaches that nearly all people who had a buisness that failed, or had lost their job in the past, went out a started again or got another job.Its surprising how many businesses fail per year,but life goes on.So I’m not bothered about each individual at all.
Boris is clearly making decisions that will harm businesses. This is a first.
I’ve said somewhere else, there are a lot of businesses that barely turn a profit, if at all, and are saddled with debt.Theyre not really viable imo,we’ll see in the coming months.
That is completely irrelevant to this argument. There is a huge difference between a business failing because they weren't very good, and one that fails because of decisions made by the PM, that could have been avoided.
I think that you are waiting for some tremendous thriving economy to emerge from negotiations. I don’t think everybody in the UIt .K. thinks that they are going to be greatly better off after Brexit is done, if it ever gets done. You put up quotes from Boris, yet you know he lies a lot. I can’t see the point in doing that, it’s hardly a relevation.
Did you mean revelation?
Having a liar for a PM is nothing to be proud of.
Its a disgrace.
You completely miss the point yet again.
I am not sure whether you do it on purpose.
This is a fact.
It is absolutely clear that if we wish to get a good deal from the EU, and do the least damage to our economy, we would have to remain closely aligned. The more we diverge, the more damage will be caused to our economy. Boris wants to completely diverge. He has no mandate for this. It is an act of self harm.
When it comes to the certain epidemic, and the NHS gets brought up, it’s no different than any other country that has an epidemic. Your health service will get swamped, as all countries with an epidemic will suffer the same fate. When governments tell the populations not to panic, that’s their job. Just take that with a pinch of salt. And relax.
I don't understand the point you are trying to make in yet another post.
The point that many people are making is that the NHS is in terrible shape after 10 years of the Tories being in charge. Ridiculous staff shortages, and the worst A&E waiting times since records began. This makes an epidemic much more difficult to deal with.
Give me a few numbers then. How many more doctors and nurses do we need? How many more hospitals do we need? How many more surgeons,midwives ,Carers, etc, etc. Bare in mind it’s a service,and patient numbers can rise and fall.
Why are the EU not helping Greece with their border problem? It’s a Union after all. Maybe it’s like the build up over the years from Calais. Turn a blind eye, unless they’re under our control?
It may surprise you to find out that each EU member is an independent country.
I don't believe that there is a build up in Calais.
I don't think anyone turns a blind eye, although we have been pretty bad on controls in this country.
It is a pity that some people can only criticise families attempting to escape wars, and persecution, in a number of places throughout the world.
Losing the plot there a bit Haysie, as I’m criticizing the powers.
Pots and kettles.
The EU have an arrangement with Turkey to look after the Syrian refugees, and make a financial contribution to Turkey for doing so.
The Turks have got the hump for a minute, but I am sure it will be resolved.
They seem to be just making a point.
This would seem preferable to many of them killing themselves at sea, trying to reach Europe.
Although it would seem that many people wouldn't care what happens to them.
The EU have a rule that migrants are dealt with by the first member country they enter.
Although some members have helped out other member countries, by accepting migrants that have landed elsewhere.
Calais doesn't have a build up.
There was a camp in Calais, but not anymore.
There are a number of refugees that try to access the UK, to join their families, etc.
What have migrants in Greece or Calais got to do with Brexit?
Or are you daft enough to think that Brexit will stop migrants from attempting to access the UK?
This is the Brexit thread.
Why don't you start a moaning about migrants thread?
Glaringly obvious. Part of the election and Brexit was to do with our borders, was it not? Think so.
We had borders before Brexit. We just didn't look after them very well.
It’s not only migrants that our border forces should keep a close eye on, it’s many things.
Leaving the EU will not stop migrants.
That Lorry that contained the deceased could have been full of arms, drugs, radical terrorists, gold, diamonds etc.
True, but leaving the EU, does not automatically stop a repeat.
When the investigations are over, you’ll find out how many corrupt drivers there are. If they publish them , that is.
I don't think you will. How will an investigation into one particular incident do that?
If you want borders, then have them. Beef them up.
We have always had borders. We could have beefed them up while being members of the EU.
I couldn’t care less if there are delays. It’s tough.
You don't matter very much. People running big businesses do care.
Better to act responsibly than to focus on commerce all the time.
We had illegal immigration before we joined the EU.
Some folk will suffer,that’s life.
Who will suffer?
One of the biggest problems in this country is drugs. We had drugs before we joined the EU, and leaving will make no difference to drugs.
It only gets a mention every now and then.
I worry about you on times.
You do know that this is the Brexit thread not the flooding thread?
You are producing arguments that will be unaffected by Brexit.
As EU members we have freedom of movement which allows EU citizens to come here to legally live and work.
Therefore the asylum seekers don't come from other EU member countries.
When we leave, freedom of movement will stop, but the asylum seekers wont.
They estimate that we may have one and a half million illegal immigrants living and working in this country.
Boris wanted to give them an amnesty.
Well how did they get here?
They are not from within the EU.
We currently have record immigration figures from outside the EU, while immigration from inside the EU is falling.
So immigration is increasing.
Leaving the EU will not necessarily decrease immigration, legal or otherwise, or put a stop to smuggling.
Nor will it reduce the number of refugees trying to reach the UK.
There’s no possible way you could know the outcome of a far stronger border, more checking, more bodies available.
I never suggested I did. I was just making the point that nothing that is occurring now is likely to stop just because we will leave the EU. The other point I was making is that some of the measures that we are being forced into because we are leaving, could have been implemented long ago. For instance, had the Government been really concerned about illegal immigration, drug, and people smuggling, etc, they could have beefed up the borders long ago. Yet they haven't bothered. We are being forced into increasing staffing levels massively just to process the increased paperwork because of Brexit. Try getting into the US. We could have adopted similar measures. The US have a trade deal with Mexico, but have the latest technology stopping smuggling etc deployed at their borders. We are amateurs in comparison. We will be employing extra people just to deal with the implementation of millions of Customs Declarations etc.
Personally I’ve always been self employed, looked after myself. So I struggle to cope with the ‘ job for life’ mob, that tend to get bailed out so often. Goes for individual businesses too.Its a jungle out there for some.
Don't understand the point.
History teaches that nearly all people who had a buisness that failed, or had lost their job in the past, went out a started again or got another job.Its surprising how many businesses fail per year,but life goes on.So I’m not bothered about each individual at all.
Boris is clearly making decisions that will harm businesses. This is a first.
I’ve said somewhere else, there are a lot of businesses that barely turn a profit, if at all, and are saddled with debt.Theyre not really viable imo,we’ll see in the coming months.
That is completely irrelevant to this argument. There is a huge difference between a business failing because they weren't very good, and one that fails because of decisions made by the PM, that could have been avoided.
Better include the ones that fold through the effects of the virus.
Coronavirus, and in particular, the government's response to the outbreak dominates the front pages.
"Whitehall plans for the worst" is the main headline on the front of the Sunday Times. A source involved in contingency plans is quoted as saying that "experts" believe 100,000 people could die from coronavirus across the UK - a figure that was not reportedly challenged by Downing Street.
The paper says that ministers are considering delaying GCSE and A-Level exams, giving "special consideration" grades to pupils affected by the virus and releasing thousands of low-risk prisoners should there be a shortage of jail staff. The Observer describes the measures being considered by the government as "drastic". The paper highlights how courts could be forced to use telephone and video links to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It adds that ministers are also considering lifting controls on when delivery vans can operate and easing restrictions on driver hours in a bid to prevent any food shortages.
"I will not let the virus cripple the economy" is the vow from the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on the front of the Sunday Telegraph. As he prepares to deliver his first budget later this week, he tells the paper of plans to allow companies additional time to pay tax if staff were unable to work and shoppers were not spending "in the normal way". Mr Sunak also warns that the economy would suffer a "supply shock" if "lots of people" were off because of coronavirus. The Sunday Mirror reports that the country's 430,000 civil servants could be forced to work from home if the UK falls into what is described as the "clutches of a pandemic". And the Sun on Sunday says that the England football team's friendlies against Italy and Denmark will be called off because of the virus. But as part of an attempt by Number 10 to purvey a sense of calm, the Sunday Express reveals Boris Johnson attended yesterday's England versus Wales Six Nations rugby match - to demonstrate he doesn't want to become "draconian" about cancelling mass gatherings. "The Queen will not spark public panic" is the headline on page six of the Mail on Sunday, as the paper considers the impact the virus could have on the royal family.
And finally, researchers believe they have found Britain's most cancelled train. Analysis published in the Sunday Times shows the 07:13 Harrogate to Leeds has been cancelled twenty-eight times since new timetables were introduced in December. An evening service between Liverpool Lime Street and Preston was second, with a morning service between Peterborough and Ipswich third.
Coronavirus: Supermarkets say Matt Hancock’s promise on food supplies is ‘totally made up’ ‘I’m not sure the government can guarantee all food supply in all instances,’ executive says
Supermarkets have said Matt Hancock’s claim they will deliver food to those who are self-isolating over coronavirus fears was “totally made up”. The health secretary said during a Question Time appearance on Thursday that the government was in talks with retailers about home deliveries.
“We are working with the supermarkets to make sure that, if people are self-isolating, then we will be able to get the food and supplies that they need,” he said.
However, supermarket sources have said they have not been involved in discussions. “Matt Hancock has totally made up what he said about working with supermarkets,” one executive told the BBC. “We haven’t heard anything from government directly.”
The supermarket exec added: “While I think people don’t need to panic buy and should just shop normally, I’m not sure the government can guarantee all food supply in all instances.”
One senior executive accused Mr Hancock of lying and told The Times: “I am really angry about it.” Another said the Department of Health had got in touch with his company for the first time on Friday.
UK still divided over Brexit with almost half country wanting to rejoin EU, poll finds Deep generational divide over Europe, as young favour EU membership and old want to stay outside
Boris Johnson’s pleas for the UK to unite following Brexit have fallen on deaf ears, with the country still deeply split over the decision to leave the European Union, a new poll has suggested. Some 46 per cent of those polled by BMG for The Independent said they would like to rejoin the EU, against 54 per cent who believe the UK should stay out.
And there was a deep generational divide, with 63 per cent of 18-24 year-olds, 60 per cent of 25-34 year-olds and 51 per cent of 35-44 year-olds wanting a return to Europe, while 69 per cent of over-65s want to stay out.
Mark Steel: 'Truth is the first victim of the virus of Boris Johnson' When it comes to the coronavirus, it’s lucky that in Britain we’re led by Boris Johnson, with his famous truthful attention to detail.
I’ll finish with what a good strategy by Erdogan.👏 With sky reporters reporting inside Idlib for a while now, and the world watches and does nothing,that was a mighty fine move. Well thought out. So Idlib gets flattened, more refugees enter Turkey. Then after a while you send them back to nothing?
He could become a good PM. Obv. Who would your choice be for PM if you had the choice of the whole house?
Beth Rigby.
Strange choice. I’ve never heard her ask a question that even I couldn’t give the expected reply to. Not exactly rhetorical questions, but close. I presume you would like her to stand for the Labour Party then. She’s female though, I’m not sure Labour want to be that radical.
I wasn't aware that you were a Beth Rigby expert. As I have pointed out a number of times before, I have not ever voted Labour. I think that any Political Party should choose the best candidate as their leader rather than perhaps just picking a woman for the sake of it.
After googling for Brexit news, there’s still nothing to see. Nothing we don’t already know. Exciting times!
Do you think we should remain closely aligned and protect the economy, or diverge and purposely damage it?
And why?
Do you think Boris has a mandate to diverge?
If so where from?
Does leaving with a Norway plus deal, still amount to leaving?
As we already conduct some checks between NI, and UK, which are done on the ferries to avoid delays. Do you think that in the light of the fact that we are about to employ 50,000 staff to process the additional post Brexit paperwork, in addition to a large number of extra Customs Officers. That we may have chosen to employ extra staff to carry out checks on the ferries, and therefore avoid delays, in order to avoid drug, and people smuggling, that this could have been implemented many years ago, and avoided any dead bodies turning up in trucks?
Do you agree that we didn't need to leave the EU, to provide more protection for our borders?
The Tory Party was fairly recently conducting an ABB campaign. This stood for anyone but Boris. What changed?
Boris has made it clear that he will not extend the EU trade negotiations past the end of December. Do you agree with this?
Or do you think he should focus on the best deal for the UK, however long that takes?
Do you think we will attract many foreign manufacturers to the UK, post Brexit. Or do you think that they will be more likely to set up in Europe, to access a bigger market?
I’ll finish with what a good strategy by Erdogan.👏 With sky reporters reporting inside Idlib for a while now, and the world watches and does nothing,that was a mighty fine move. Well thought out. So Idlib gets flattened, more refugees enter Turkey. Then after a while you send them back to nothing?
Comments
I’ve never heard her ask a question that even I couldn’t give the expected reply to.
Not exactly rhetorical questions, but close.
I presume you would like her to stand for the Labour Party then.
She’s female though, I’m not sure Labour want to be that radical.
Nothing we don’t already know. Exciting times!
The other day he was making a big fuss about the tampon tax.
Making the point that once we leave the EU, this could be stopped.
The EU are forcing us to do it.
Yet the full story is as follows.
The European Commission says it is aiming to bring in a zero rate for sanitary products.
The tax is 5%.
It makes a difference of 3 pence to a 60 pence pack of tampons.
This will make little difference to the poorest women in our society.
If they are unable to afford 60 pence, it is unlikely that they will be able to afford 57 pence.
In July this year, supermarket Tesco cut prices on nearly 100 menstrual protection products in order to shoulder the 5% VAT cost.
Competitors Waitrose and Morrisons followed suit in August and other retailers have pledged to pass on a price cut if VAT becomes zero-rated.
The revenue produced by this tax was around £65 million last year.
The whole amount is spent on womens charities, including shelters for battered women.
All worthwhile causes.
Where will they get their funding from now.
Brilliant Boris.
The governments mandate is to take the U.K. out of the EU.
Whatever happens after that is yet to be decided.
How many more doctors and nurses do we need?
How many more hospitals do we need?
How many more surgeons,midwives ,Carers, etc, etc.
Bare in mind it’s a service,and patient numbers can rise and fall.
Dread the thought😱
Coronavirus, and in particular, the government's response to the outbreak dominates the front pages.
"Whitehall plans for the worst" is the main headline on the front of the Sunday Times. A source involved in contingency plans is quoted as saying that "experts" believe 100,000 people could die from coronavirus across the UK - a figure that was not reportedly challenged by Downing Street.
The paper says that ministers are considering delaying GCSE and A-Level exams, giving "special consideration" grades to pupils affected by the virus and releasing thousands of low-risk prisoners should there be a shortage of jail staff.
The Observer describes the measures being considered by the government as "drastic". The paper highlights how courts could be forced to use telephone and video links to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
It adds that ministers are also considering lifting controls on when delivery vans can operate and easing restrictions on driver hours in a bid to prevent any food shortages.
"I will not let the virus cripple the economy" is the vow from the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on the front of the Sunday Telegraph.
As he prepares to deliver his first budget later this week, he tells the paper of plans to allow companies additional time to pay tax if staff were unable to work and shoppers were not spending "in the normal way".
Mr Sunak also warns that the economy would suffer a "supply shock" if "lots of people" were off because of coronavirus.
The Sunday Mirror reports that the country's 430,000 civil servants could be forced to work from home if the UK falls into what is described as the "clutches of a pandemic".
And the Sun on Sunday says that the England football team's friendlies against Italy and Denmark will be called off because of the virus.
But as part of an attempt by Number 10 to purvey a sense of calm, the Sunday Express reveals Boris Johnson attended yesterday's England versus Wales Six Nations rugby match - to demonstrate he doesn't want to become "draconian" about cancelling mass gatherings.
"The Queen will not spark public panic" is the headline on page six of the Mail on Sunday, as the paper considers the impact the virus could have on the royal family.
And finally, researchers believe they have found Britain's most cancelled train.
Analysis published in the Sunday Times shows the 07:13 Harrogate to Leeds has been cancelled twenty-eight times since new timetables were introduced in December.
An evening service between Liverpool Lime Street and Preston was second, with a morning service between Peterborough and Ipswich third.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-the-papers-51787141
Coronavirus: Supermarkets say Matt Hancock’s promise on food supplies is ‘totally made up’
‘I’m not sure the government can guarantee all food supply in all instances,’ executive says
Supermarkets have said Matt Hancock’s claim they will deliver food to those who are self-isolating over coronavirus fears was “totally made up”.
The health secretary said during a Question Time appearance on Thursday that the government was in talks with retailers about home deliveries.
“We are working with the supermarkets to make sure that, if people are self-isolating, then we will be able to get the food and supplies that they need,” he said.
However, supermarket sources have said they have not been involved in discussions.
“Matt Hancock has totally made up what he said about working with supermarkets,” one executive told the BBC. “We haven’t heard anything from government directly.”
The supermarket exec added: “While I think people don’t need to panic buy and should just shop normally, I’m not sure the government can guarantee all food supply in all instances.”
One senior executive accused Mr Hancock of lying and told The Times: “I am really angry about it.”
Another said the Department of Health had got in touch with his company for the first time on Friday.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-uk-supermarkets-supply-food-delivery-matt-hancock-a9384366.html
UK still divided over Brexit with almost half country wanting to rejoin EU, poll finds
Deep generational divide over Europe, as young favour EU membership and old want to stay outside
Boris Johnson’s pleas for the UK to unite following Brexit have fallen on deaf ears, with the country still deeply split over the decision to leave the European Union, a new poll has suggested.
Some 46 per cent of those polled by BMG for The Independent said they would like to rejoin the EU, against 54 per cent who believe the UK should stay out.
And there was a deep generational divide, with 63 per cent of 18-24 year-olds, 60 per cent of 25-34 year-olds and 51 per cent of 35-44 year-olds wanting a return to Europe, while 69 per cent of over-65s want to stay out.
Mark Steel: 'Truth is the first victim of the virus of Boris Johnson'
When it comes to the coronavirus, it’s lucky that in Britain we’re led by Boris Johnson, with his famous truthful attention to detail.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mark-steel-truth-first-victim-21651526
As I have pointed out a number of times before, I have not ever voted Labour.
I think that any Political Party should choose the best candidate as their leader rather than perhaps just picking a woman for the sake of it.
And why?
Do you think Boris has a mandate to diverge?
If so where from?
Does leaving with a Norway plus deal, still amount to leaving?
As we already conduct some checks between NI, and UK, which are done on the ferries to avoid delays. Do you think that in the light of the fact that we are about to employ 50,000 staff to process the additional post Brexit paperwork, in addition to a large number of extra Customs Officers. That we may have chosen to employ extra staff to carry out checks on the ferries, and therefore avoid delays, in order to avoid drug, and people smuggling, that this could have been implemented many years ago, and avoided any dead bodies turning up in trucks?
Do you agree that we didn't need to leave the EU, to provide more protection for our borders?
The Tory Party was fairly recently conducting an ABB campaign. This stood for anyone but Boris. What changed?
Boris has made it clear that he will not extend the EU trade negotiations past the end of December. Do you agree with this?
Or do you think he should focus on the best deal for the UK, however long that takes?
Do you think we will attract many foreign manufacturers to the UK, post Brexit. Or do you think that they will be more likely to set up in Europe, to access a bigger market?
I agree that there is a mandate for us to leave.
Boris has decided the manner of leaving, for which he has no mandate.
A lot can change in 5 years.
“Shakespearean sh it show..”