Rabu, 26 Januari 2022

Downing Street parties: Number 10 yet to receive Sue Gray's partygate report, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss confirms - Sky News

Downing Street has yet to receive a report into lockdown parties in Downing Street and across Whitehall, the foreign secretary has confirmed to Sky News.

Speaking to Kay Burley, Liz Truss said the government would release the "findings" from the Cabinet Office inquiry, which is being led by senior civil servant Sue Gray.

PM braces for release of 'partygate' report - politics live

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PM welcomes police inquiry

There have been calls for Number 10 to release the document in full.

However, the foreign secretary said there could be "security issues" which mean parts of it are "problematic to publish".

"But we will absolutely publish the findings of the report," she pledged.

Ms Truss also said Boris Johnson has her "100% support" as the prime minister faces calls, including from some of his Conservative MPs, to resign over the partygate revelations.

More on Downing Street Parties

The crisis engulfing the PM deepened on Tuesday when the Metropolitan Police announced it is investigating a "number of events" in Downing Street and across Whitehall for potential breaches of COVID-19 regulations.

Expectations had been raised that Mr Johnson would address the Gray report's findings in the Commons this lunchtime.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was understood that Number 10 would publish the report compiled around midday today and then the PM would make a statement in the Commons after PMQs.

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Met launches investigation into a number of Downing Street events

But it is now believed the document will not be released for publication until later this afternoon at the earliest, with the chances of this being delayed until Thursday growing.

Uncertainty has been cast over its publication as Ms Gray's team hold discussions with the Met.

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2022-01-26 07:41:15Z
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Senin, 24 Januari 2022

Boris Johnson orders inquiry into Nusrat Ghani's Islamophobia claims - The Times

Boris Johnson has launched an inquiry into claims that a Conservative minister was told she was sacked because of her “Muslimness”, but faces pressure from Labour to hand the matter to his independent ethics adviser.

After being accused by Nusrat Ghani of not taking her allegations seriously, the prime minister announced this morning that the Cabinet Office would look into her claims. A spokeswoman said that Johnson had asked officials to “establish the facts about what happened”.

Ghani, 49, who was sacked as a transport minister in early 2020, claimed she was told that her “Muslimness was raised as an issue” at a meeting in Downing Street and that her “Muslim woman minister status was making colleagues feel uncomfortable”. In a statement to The Sunday

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2022-01-24 07:50:00Z
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UK weather: Met Office snow and 'severe frost' forecast as Arctic blast continues - Gloucestershire Live

The UK is set for more cold weather this week after temperatures plummeted to as low as -7C over the weekend.

The Met Office is warning of 'severe frost' and ice from the start of this week as the Arctic blast continues to sweep across the nation.

Tomorrow morning is set to be the coldest time of the week in Gloucestershire, with temperatures reaching 0C and below in Cheltenham, Stroud and the Cotswolds.

READ MORE: Police appeal to trace missing boy Jayden, 16

Forecasters predict that the weather will remain cold but the skies will be mostly clear with some bright intervals.

Forecasters say snow could fall in Scotland as well as parts of northern England from Thursday (January 27), the Mirror reports.

Long range predictions by the Met Office also state that snow might fall in northern regions from early February as the freezing temperatures continue.

Before then, on Monday, forecasters predict that in the south it will remain cold but with the promise of brighter intervals, with similar conditions in the north, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Although snow is not expected this week, the Met Office's long range predictions state that we could see a white flurry in early February as the freezing temperatures continue.

The Met Office says in its long range forecast for February 7-21: "Early February is likely to see a continuation of a north/south split with more settled and cloudy weather expected in the south, and generally drier than average, while the north will be more changeable, milder, with some spells of rain.

"There is an increased likelihood of more unsettled conditions becoming established, with the northwest likely to be the wettest area, but showers or longer spells of rain may spread to most areas at times, but with the southeast likely to be the driest. Spells of strong winds are likely to develop more widely at times.

"Temperatures likely to be near or slightly above average although short lived colder interludes are possible. Any snow likely to be restricted to high ground in the north."

South West England weather forecast:

Today: A widely cloudy day with only isolated brighter spells. A small chance of some drizzle under the thickest cloud. Feeling rather cold due to the continued lack of warming sunshine. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Tonight: Any cloud breaks largely filling in overnight as the cloud lowers, giving some hill fog. A patchy frost where breaks last the longest, but temperatures staying above freezing for most. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

Tuesday: Another grey day on Tuesday with cloud remaining widespread and minimal brightness poking through. Thus, feeling rather cold. Mostly dry but the potential for the odd spot of drizzle remains. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Similar on Wednesday but turning breezier later ahead of a band of rain pushing through on Thursday. Brighter skies follow into Friday; though the risk of further rain later.

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

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2022-01-24 07:18:15Z
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Minggu, 23 Januari 2022

Murder probe launched after teenage boy, 16, stabbed to death in Manchester as family left ‘devastated’... - The Sun

COPS have launched a murder probe after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Manchester, leaving his family "devastated".

Paramedics rushed to the scene in Stretford, Greater Manchester, shortly before 7pm on Saturday night.

A 16-year-old boy has died after a stabbing in Manchester
A 16-year-old boy has died after a stabbing in ManchesterCredit: LNP
Cops have launched a murder probe following the tragedy in Stretford last night
Cops have launched a murder probe following the tragedy in Stretford last nightCredit: LNP
The youngster, who has not yet been named, died in hospital
The youngster, who has not yet been named, died in hospitalCredit: LNP

The boy - who has not been named - was taken to hospital where he tragically died, Manchester Evening News reports.

His family have been left "devastated" by the loss and are being supported by specially-trained cops.

A murder investigation has been launched.

Superintendent John Harris added: "Tonight a family has been left devastated by this tragic news and our thoughts go out to them at this most shocking and upsetting time.

"Specially-trained officers will be there to support the boy's loved ones, and extra patrols will remain in the area of this fatal attack so that the local community can speak to us about any concerns or information they may have.

"These are the very early stages of what is now a murder investigation, and a team of detectives will be working throughout the night and into tomorrow, and we will be following-up a number of different lines of enquiry we have to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."

Most read in The Sun

A post shared to Greater Manchester Police's Twitter page read: "We currently have a large scene in place close to Thirlmere Avenue after a teenage boy had tragically died from stab wounds sustained tonight.

"We were called shortly before 7pm by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service as the 16-year-old was treated at the scene before sadly passing away later in hospital. His family are aware and will be supported by specialist officers.

"Extra patrols are in the area and any information should be passed to them or via 101 quoting incident 2529 of 22/01/2022. Details can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111."

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2022-01-23 00:32:00Z
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Sabtu, 22 Januari 2022

Chief whip denies claims he told MP she was sacked as a minister due to her Muslim faith - Sky News

The chief whip has said an MP's claims that she was sacked as a minister because of her Muslim faith are "completely false".

Nusrat Ghani, the 49-year-old MP for Wealden in East Sussex, was sacked as transport minister in a February 2020 re-shuffle.

Ms Ghani said she was told by a whip, who she did not identify, that her "Muslimness was raised as an issue" at a meeting in Downing Street.

Nusrat Ghani MP
Image: Nusrat Ghani said she considered quitting as an MP

She said she was also told that her "Muslim woman minister status was making colleagues feel uncomfortable" and that there were concerns "that I wasn't loyal to the party as I didn't do enough to defend the party against Islamophobia allegations".

Chief Whip Mark Spencer said in a statement: "To ensure other whips are not drawn into this matter, I am identifying myself as the person Nusrat Ghani MP has made claims about this evening.

"These accusations are completely false and I consider them to be defamatory. I have never used those words attributed to me.

"It is disappointing that when this issue was raised before Ms Ghani declined to refer the matter to the Conservative Party for a formal investigation.

More on Conservatives

"I provided evidence to the Singh Investigation into Islamophobia which concluded that there was no credible basis for the claims to be included in the report."

Chief Whip Mark Spencer arrives in Downing Street, London, ahead of a Cabinet meeting to review the latest Covid data and Plan B measures. Picture date: Wednesday January 19, 2022.
Image: Chief Whip Mark Spencer has denied Ms Ghani's claims

Ms Ghani declined an invitation for a formal complaint

It is understood that Ms Ghani's claims relate to a meeting in March 2020 and that when she raised the issue, she was invited to use the formal party complaints procedure, which she declined to do.

Earlier, Ms Ghani had told The Sunday Times that her experience was "like being punched in the stomach. I felt humiliated and powerless".

Analysis: Is the game up? Boris Johnson looks defeated as mood turns sour in Tory party

She said she was later warned that continuing to raise the issue would leave her "ostracised by colleagues" with her career and reputation "destroyed".

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Christian Wakeford, the MP who defected from the Tories to Labour over the Downing Street 'partygate', says he was threatened he would not get a school in his Bury South constituency if he did not vote in a certain way.

"When I challenged whether this was in any way acceptable and made clear there was little I could do about my identity, I had to listen to a monologue on how hard it was to define when people are being racist and that the party doesn't have a problem and I needed to do more to defend it," she said.

"It was very clear to me that the whips and No 10 were holding me to a higher threshold of loyalty than others because of my background and faith."

Read more: 'Not moral or immoral but amoral': Party whips have always revelled in their notoriety

A spokesperson on behalf of the Whips Office had earlier told Sky News: "These claims are categorically untrue.

"Ministerial roles are appointed on merit and rewards for hard work. The Conservative Party does not tolerate any form of racism or discrimination."

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Police will meet with a Conservative MP who has alleged that government figures have been engaging in

Nusrat Ghani's claims latest in series of allegations against whips

Ms Ghani said that the experience made her consider quitting as an MP, adding: "I will not pretend that this hasn't shaken my faith in the party."

Her claims are the latest regarding the behaviour of government whips towards their party colleagues.

Chris Bryant, Labour chairman of the Commons Standards Committee, said he has spoken to "about a dozen" Tories who claimed to have been bribed or threatened by government whips.

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Under-pressure Boris Johnson has denied his whips are threatening MPs who want a new Tory leader in charge.

He said that alleged threats to pull public funding from members' constituencies amounted to "misconduct in public office" and should be reported to the police.

Which lockdown parties is Sue Gray investigating, and what has Downing Street said about them?

MPs support Ms Ghani

William Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester, will meet police this coming week to discuss his allegations that No 10 tried to blackmail MPs.

He was one of seven Tory MPs to call for Boris Johnson to resign as prime minister.

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Labour's Sir Keir Starmer has told MPs Boris Johnson's 'partygate' account becomes

Writing on Twitter in response to Ms Ghani's claims, he said: "Nus is very brave to speak out. I was truly appalled to learn of her experience.

"She shows such strength and integrity supporting others. I am proud to have her as my friend and colleague. We must change things for the better."

Responding to the initial claims, leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, wrote: "This is shocking to read, the Conservatives must investigate immediately. Solidarity with Nus Ghani for your bravery in speaking out.

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"There's report after report of appalling behaviour and lack of respect at the centre of this government. Culture is set at the top."

And the Education Secretary wrote on Twitter that "there is no place for racism in our Conservative Party. Nus Ghani is a friend, a colleague and a brilliant parliamentarian.

"This has to be investigated properly and racism routed out."

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2022-01-22 23:44:04Z
1266359150

Georgia Shooting: British man Matthew Willson shot through wall - BBC News

Dr Matthew Willson
Brookhaven Police

An English astrophysicist was killed by a stray bullet that travelled through a wall and hit him in his bed, US authorities have said.

Dr Matthew Willson, 31, from Chertsey, Surrey, was found with a single gunshot wound to the head.

Police were called to an apartment in Brookhaven, Atlanta, at 02:00 local time (07:00 GMT) last Sunday.

Sgt Jake Kissel, from the Brookhaven Police Department, said the shooting was believed to have been a random act.

There have been no arrests so far.

'Tragic'

Sgt Kissel said the stray bullet that hit Dr Willson travelled less than 100 yards (91m) and entered through an exterior wall of the apartment.

"The two apartment complexes where the gunfire took place and where Matthew was staying, they're separated by a patch of woods, so they back up to each other," he said.

"We're saying it's the reckless discharge of firearms from one apartment complex and the stray bullet travelled through the woods and entered his apartment."

Clairmont Road in Brookhaven, Georgia
Google

He said investigators were following up on all leads, adding: "We're receiving tips from the public and our investigator team has been working around the clock to ensure that we're tracking down the individuals that are responsible."

Sgt Kissel said an innocent bystander being struck by a stray bullet was the first incident "of its kind" in Brookhaven and was an "alarming" and "tragic event".

He added: "Even though we believe that it was a random act and complete reckless discharging of firearms, we're still approaching it as a homicide."

Dr Willson was taken to a local trauma centre but died of his injuries.

He was reportedly in the US visiting his girlfriend Katherine Shepard.

The Foreign Office said it was "supporting the family of a British man following his death".

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2022-01-22 17:54:31Z
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Downing Street Parties: Moves to 'intimidate' Tory rebels illegal, says sleaze watchdog chief - Sky News

Attempts to pressure Tory MPs trying to topple Boris Johnson are illegal, the head of a Westminster sleaze watchdog has argued.

Labour MP Chris Bryant, who is chairman of the Commons Standards Committee, said alleged threats to pull public funding from members' constituencies amounted to "misconduct in public office" and should be reported to the police.

He also referred to claims that Boris Johnson himself had been directly involved.

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Tories facing 'blackmail' should tell police

PM fighting for political life

The embattled prime minister is fighting for his political life ahead of a critical report into lockdown parties in Downing Street, including one he attended in May 2020.

Mr Bryant's comments came after William Wragg, the senior Tory MP who first raised concerns about attempted "blackmail" by Downing Street, revealed he was to meet police about his allegations.

MPs should operate 'without fear or favour'

More on Boris Johnson

Mr Bryant said he had spoken to "about a dozen" Conservatives in recent days who had either been threatened by government whips with having cash cut from their constituencies or promised funding if they voted 'the right way'.

"I have even heard MPs alleging that the prime minister himself has been doing this," Mr Bryant told the BBC.

"What I have said to all of those people is that I think that is misconduct in public office. The people who should be dealing with such allegations are the police.

"We are not the United States. We don't run a 'pork barrel' system. It is illegal.

"We are meant to operate as MPs without fear or favour.

"The allocation of taxpayer funding to constituencies should be according to need, not according to the need to keep the prime minister in his job."

Read more: 'Not moral or immoral but amoral': Party whips have always revelled in their notoriety

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Defector MP says he was 'threatened' by whips

Meanwhile, ahead of his meeting with Scotland Yard next week, Mr Wragg, told The Daily Telegraph that he would outline "several" examples of bullying and intimidation, in some cases involving public money.

Speaking to police

The member for Hazel Grove, one of seven Tory MPs to have called publicly for Mr Johnson to quit, said: "I stand by what I have said.

"No amount of gas-lighting will change that.

"The offer of Number 10 to investigate is kind but I shall leave it to the experts. I am meeting the police early next week."

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PM denies rebel MPs 'blackmailed'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "As with any such allegations, should a criminal offence be reported to the Met, it would be considered."

Boris Johnson facing fresh danger

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford, who this week defected to Labour, has described how Tory whips had warned him over funding for a new school in his constituency if he rebelled in a vote over free school meals.

Ministers have sought to dismiss the claims, insisting the whips had no role in the allocation of public funding.

While his defection appeared to have put the plotting on hold, the publication of the report by Sue Gray, the senior civil servant investigating lockdown parties in Number 10 and elsewhere in Whitehall, poses renewed danger to the PM.

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It could trigger a fresh wave of no confidence letters to the chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady - 54 of which are needed to trigger a vote on Mr Johnson's leadership.

Davidson would submit no confidence letter

The PM is expected to spend the weekend at Chequers, his official country residence, seeking to assuage potential rebels.

Ruth Davidson
Image: Baroness Davidson says Boris Johnson is 'unfit for office'

However, he has been dealt a further blow after former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson branded him "unfit for office".

Baroness Davidson, who was a vocal opponent of Mr Johnson's Tory leadership bid as well as Brexit, told The Times if she was an MP, she would submit a letter of no confidence.

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2022-01-22 14:20:23Z
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