Babak Belurs

Minggu, 26 Juli 2020

Boris sends Sturgeon into panic with vow to rally Cabinet against SNP's independence plot - Daily Express

It comes amid surging support for independence which has seen recent polls show that 54 percent of Scots are in favour of leaving the UK. Express.co.uk understands that he told a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that more ministers should be sent to Scotland to “show how strong Westminster is”.

The UK Government’s base is located at Queen Elizabeth House, which opened last July and is home to more than 3,000 civil servants.

The new hub houses the Scotland Office, the Competition and Markets Authority and HMRC and is designed to ensure that Westminster is at the heart of Scottish Capital and is near to St Andrews House, home of The Scottish Government.

Whitehall sources told Express.co.uk that Boris Johnson “stressed the importance of the union” to his Cabinet colleagues stressing that “regular visits were needed to Scotland by his Cabinet”.

They said that “Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh are just as important as London” stressing that Scotland is “Westminster’s responsibility for Scotland is extremely important.”

The source said that the UK Government hub at Queen’s Elizabeth House in Edinburgh has been “discussed” as a location for Cabinet or Committee meetings with “provision” being made at the offices for “such an affair”.

It added: “Boris Johnson wants to get the message out that Edinburgh is an important city.

“Having Cabinet meetings here doesn’t just show the PM’s message about the strength of the Union but also that Scotland is part of the UK.”

David Cameron last held a regional Cabinet meeting in Scotland at Shell's UK exploration and production base in Aberdeen in December 2014 and Whitehall is hoping to restart this trend by Boris Johnson.

But the Cabinet meeting plans have angered Nationalists who have accused Westminster of being in “panic-mode” because of the rising Nationalist movement.

Pete Wishart MP, the SNP's cabinet spokesperson, said: "It shows just how out-of-touch the Tories are with the people of Scotland that they think sending UK ministers up here a bit more often will erase the devastating impact decades of Tory policies have had on our country and the fact they are dragging us out of the EU against our will.

“It also shows that Boris Johnson is in full-blown panic mode amid rising support for independence.

“Boris Johnson is the most unpopular Prime Minister in Scotland since Thatcher. If he and his Cabinet want to visit Scotland more often I imagine that will only serve to highlight this further.

"It's beyond any doubt that Westminster is simply not working for Scotland. Majority support for an independence referendum is now an established position and poll after poll has shown support for Scottish independence in the lead.

"The only way to properly protect Scotland's interests is by becoming an independent country."

It comes after Whitehall advertised for a new senior adviser role to be based at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh at £120,000 a year.

Latest accounts filed by the Scotland Office also show that costs increased from around £8million in 2014 after the vote to almost £11million in 2019.

The SNP criticised the £3.1million rise claiming that the Scotland Office was a “propaganda campaign” for Boris Johnson.

However, Whitehall has denied this, saying that the new job was to replace a staff member who was leaving, stressing it was not a new role.

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2020-07-27 00:00:00Z
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Manchester stabbing: Boy, 17, dead and three injured - BBC News

A 17-year-old has been stabbed to death and three others injured as two groups clashed in Manchester.

Police were called to a disturbance in Henbury Street, Rusholme, at about 19:30 BST.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were stabbed. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Greater Manchester Police said a 17-year-old boy arrested at the scene remains in custody.

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2020-07-26 21:10:35Z
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Manchester: Boy, 17, stabbed to death after 'altercation between two groups' - Sky News

A teenage boy has been stabbed to death in Manchester after a large altercation between two groups of people.

The victim, 17, died after the incident broke out in Henbury Street, Manchester, at around 7.30pm on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police said.

Emergency services were called, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three other males were stabbed during the altercation and were taken to hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the force added.

A murder investigation has been launched and another 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene. He is currently being questioned in custody.

Superintendent Leon Jacobs of the force's city of Manchester division said: "This is a dreadful incident and we are working hard to establish how this boy came to lose his life.

"Our specialist officers are supporting the boy's family and our thoughts are with them as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.

"We also wish those in hospital a speedy recovery. While our investigations are in their infancy, we have already made one arrest.

"This is a fast-paced inquiry and it is vital we secure any information that the public possess in relation to this.

"Were you in the area at the time? Did you see the altercation occur within the Henbury Street area or see what led to it? If you can assist or have dash cam or CCTV footage, then please contact police immediately."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

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2020-07-26 20:48:52Z
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Armed police swoop on 'hostage situation' in Middlesborough - Metro.co.uk

Tawney Road, where there was a hostage situation and police activity. Credit: Evening Gazette — Crowds gathered in a Grangetown street this afternoon to watch the situation unfold (Picture: Katie Lunn/Teesside Live)

A man is in police custody after armed officers swooped on an apparent ‘hostage’ situation in Middlesbrough earlier today.

Cleveland Police have confirmed that the force responded to reports of an individual in possession of a firearm, before the dramatic incident was brought to a ‘peaceful’ end this afternoon. A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.

Officers carrying guns and around six or seven police cars were seen around Grangetown’s Bangor Close, off Tawney Road. A number of residents watched from the street as the drama unfolded over just under three hours.

Police were called before noon, and surrounded the Leicester House flats with guns drawn, witnesses said. They told TeesideLive that two people were being held hostage.

The road was blocked off by police vehicles, as scores of officers swarmed the area.

A number of eyewitnesses reported seeing movement on a balcony on the top floor at around 2pm.

One resident of the six-storey block of flats reported seeing armed officers outside of his door.

He explained: ‘I thought somebody was knocking on my door but when I got to the door it was armed police shouting “get back, get back”.

Tawney Road, where there was a hostage situation and police activity. — Police swooped on Tawney Road today (Picture: Evening Gazette)

‘They were right outside my door and I could hear them negotiating with him.

‘They had their guns up and I could see the laser on his front door ready to shoot.’

Officers were seen wearing gloves as they entered the building following the arrest shortly after 2pm.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson explained: ‘Police were called at 11.07am today to Bangor Close, Grangetown, to a report of an individual in possession of a firearm and others present at the address.

‘Police, (including) armed response officers, attended.

‘A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and he remains in custody.

‘The situation was resolved peacefully with all persons accounted for and our enquiries continue.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Gunman releases hostages after Ukraine president agrees to endorse vegan film

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2020-07-26 19:25:00Z
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Scotland is tipping in favour of independence - Financial Times

It is an irony Boris Johnson might appreciate that the debate over Scottish independence has become a mirror image of the pre-2016 arguments over Brexit. The prime minister and his Conservatives say Scots are better off “remaining” in a strong union with their largest trading partner. Independence supporters appeal to national pride and identity — to taking back control, to coin a phrase. And their argument is gaining ground. Mr Johnson’s misfiring visit to Scotland last week will do little to reverse polls that for the first time show more Scots favour ending the union with England than keeping it.

This is disturbing, if not unexpected. Scots voted 62-38 in 2016 to remain in the EU. Having Brexit imposed on them has prompted a chunk of the 55 per cent who voted to keep Scotland in the UK in 2014 to switch sides. Covid-19 has compounded matters. Neither the death rates — Scotland’s is only slightly below England’s — nor policies have been wildly different. But the clear communication of Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister and Scottish National Party leader, has turbocharged her approval ratings compared with the bumbling Mr Johnson.

Ms Sturgeon has been helped by the failure of ineffectual Conservative and Labour leaders in Scotland to hold the SNP to account over its poor domestic record in, say, health and education. It is another irony that Mr Johnson’s desire to preserve the union would benefit from the resurgence of Labour in Scotland as another credible alternative to the SNP.

Yet Scottish parliamentary elections next May now look likely to deliver an increased pro-independence majority. That might make it hard for Mr Johnson to refuse demands for a second referendum. His government needs a strategy to preserve the UK.

It should start by respecting the extent of devolution that has already taken place. Mr Johnson has irritated Scots in the pandemic by assuming he is making Covid-19 policy for all of the UK, and failing to consult capitals of the other nations. The government should understand many Scots want both to remain in the union, and have a greater voice in their own affairs and at Westminster. UK cabinet ministers should visit far more often. Ministerial trips should be frequent enough to appear routine, not look like slightly panicky campaign visits. The government too often seems not to notice Scotland unless it’s about saving the union.

Meanwhile, the government must hone more positive and emotive arguments in favour of the UK; a “Project Fear” highlighting the supposed perils of independence will backfire. His “levelling up” agenda in theory provides an opportunity to vaunt the union’s benefits — but Holyrood handles most spending inside Scotland. Downing Street needs to find ways to highlight the sizeable net budgetary transfer Scotland still receives from the UK.

There is scope to point out the uncertainties surrounding the Scottish independence project — which assumes it could swiftly rejoin the EU. This is not guaranteed, and indeed taking Scotland back into the single market and customs union would result in a “hard” border with what remains by far its biggest economic partner — England.

Above all, Mr Johnson needs to avoid inflaming sentiment in pro-EU Scotland by ensuring he reaches an EU trade deal by the year-end. Many in his party want him to take a hard line. But the prime minister must be aware that instead of going down in history as the man who successfully took the UK into a post-EU future, he risks being remembered as the one who destroyed the 300-year-old union.

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2020-07-26 17:00:00Z
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Row breaks out on a bus in Liverpool over masks as driver forced to stop passengers arguing - Daily Mail

Moment furious row breaks out on a bus over masks as driver is forced to step in to stop passengers arguing about woman refusing to cover her face

Man and woman said to have criticised younger passenger for not wearing mask
The bus driver was forced to intervene in the argument on a bus in Liverpool
One witness said a women not wearing a mask properly stormed off the bus

By Lydia Catling For Mailonline

Published: 17:02 BST, 26 July 2020 | Updated: 18:04 BST, 26 July 2020

A furious row broke out on an Arriva bus over the use of face masks, resulting in the driver having to step in.

Shocking footage recorded on a bus in Liverpool showed two passengers involved in a loud confrontation about one woman not wearing a face covering.

According to witnesses, a number of passengers began criticising a younger passenger for not wearing a mask leading to others jumping in to defend her.

At one point the driver can be overheard telling a woman wearing a mask below her nose to 'not lecture people about masks when you can't wear one properly'.

He also tells her: 'It's not my job to ask everyone who comes on the bus about wearing a mask.'

One witness said: 'A man and an older woman started ganging up on her and a massive row erupted.

'The bus driver had to get out of his seat and came over to demand what was going on and he told one woman she wasn't even wearing her mask properly.

'That woman then stormed off the bus and said she was going to report the incident.'

Face masks have been compulsory on public transport in England since June 15, requiring all passengers to wear some form of face covering on buses and trains.

The bus driver was forced intervene in the heated exchange

The driver tells one woman she should not telling a woman wearing a mask below her nose to 'not lecture people about masks when you can't wear one properly'

The driver can be heard telling a woman wearing a mask below her nose to 'not lecture people about masks when you can't wear one properly'

Those not wearing a face covering on public transport could be fined or refused entry to public transport if deemed necessary.

An Arriva spokesperson said: 'The safety of our customers and employees continues to be our priority.

'The wearing of face coverings continues to be mandatory for customers whilst using public transport (exemptions apply).

'We have clear guidance and signage for customers in regards to this and all other social distancing measures in place on bus, via social media and our website.'

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2020-07-26 16:02:51Z
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Sturgeon under fire over 'shambolic' Spain quarantine U-turn DAYS after lifting measures - Express

The Scottish First Minister is under pressure after she made the decision on Saturday night, amid rising numbers of cases in the popular holiday destination, meaning some travellers would have to quarantine for two weeks when they returned. She tweeted on Saturday: “Having reviewed the latest data earlier today, @scotgov is also reimposing 14-day quarantine for travellers returning from Spain.

“This reinforces the point that these matters are subject to change at short notice & so my advice is to be cautious about non-essential foreign travel.”

Her U-turn amid fears of a second wave comes just three 72 hours after Scotland lifted restrictions for people travelling to Scotland from Spain.

Ms Sturgeon had urged caution over booking holidays abroad on Wednesday, as the quarantine rules could be forced to change at short notice.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie called for Ms Sturgeon to publish the data that led to Saturday's decision.

The decision to remove Spain from the exemption list was taken all across the UK.

In his letter to the First Minister on Sunday, Mr Rennie said: "It is little surprise that you were obliged to reverse that decision on Saturday evening. This is now a shambolic situation and there is a big question as to how Scottish ministers have made such poor-quality decisions.

After the decision, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "The decision to exempt Spain earlier this week was taken when the data showed there was an improvement in the spread of the virus.

“But clearly the latest data has given us cause for concern to overturn that decision."

Mr Yousaf tweeted that data belonged to the UK Government and therefore cannot be released by Holyrood.

However, he said he had written to UK Government officials to release the data.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab this morning doubled down on the UK's sudden decision to reimpose strict quarantine rules at short notice on travellers returning from Spain, calling the measures "absolutely necessary".

But Spain said it was in conversation with the UK about exempting the Canary and Balearic islands, which includes Ibiza and Mallorca, from the requirement to self-isolate for two weeks.

Foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya argued Spain had coronavirus outbreaks "perfectly controlled" after the European country recorded more than 900 fresh daily COVID-19 cases for two days running.

It comes after ministers announced on Saturday holidaymakers who had not returned from Spain and its islands by midnight would be forced to quarantine for 14 days after COVID-19 second wave fears saw the popular holiday destination struck off the UK's safe list.

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2020-07-26 15:06:00Z
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Minggu, 26 Juli 2020

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Moment furious row breaks out on a bus over masks as driver is forced to step in to stop passengers arguing about woman refusing to cover her face