Sir Ed Davey wins Liberal Democrat leadership race - BBC News

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Sir Ed Davey has won the race to become the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The acting leader will now take over on a permanent basis after beating his competitor, fellow MP Layla Moran.

Sir Ed secured 63.5% of the vote, compared to 36.5% for Ms Moran.

At an event in London, Sir Ed said it was time for the party to "wake up and smell the coffee" after only securing 12% of the vote in the last general election.

He said it was "time for us to start listening" and to "rebuild the Liberal Democrats to national relevance".

The result comes eight months after the Lib Dem's former leader, Jo Swinson, stepped down from the role after losing her seat in 2019 general election.

Ms Moran congratulated her opponent on Twitter, saying: "I look forward to working with him to campaign for a better future for Britain."

Sir Ed has been a member of the Liberal Democrats for 30 years, and acting leader since Ms Swinson stepped down in December.

He was elected as an MP in 1997, but lost his seat of Kingston and Surbiton in 2015 after his tenure as a cabinet minister in the coalition government.

In the 2017 snap election, Sir Ed returned to Parliament for the same constituency and will now lead the party's 11 MPs and wider membership.

'Time to start listening'

In his victory speech, the new leader spoke of the task ahead, with the party only achieving single digit support in the the latest opinion polls.

"Nationally our party has lost touch with too many voters," he said. "Yes, we are powerful advocates locally. Our campaigners listen to local people, work hard for communities and deliver results.

"But at the national level. We have to face the facts of three disappointing general election results."

He added: "The truth is, voters don't believe the Liberal Democrats want to help ordinary people get on in life.

"It is time for us to start listening. And as leader, I have got that message. I am listening now."

Sir Ed also thanked Ms Moran for her "passionate campaign" and promised the education spokeswoman a "big role" in his team.

The Lib Dems originally planned to delay the contest to succeed Ms Swinson until May 2021.

But the party brought it forward following criticism from party members.

The two-month contest began in June, but most hustings and meetings had to take place virtually due to coronavirus.

The party issued 117,924 ballots for the contest - the largest number in its history - and turnout was 57.6%.

Sir Ed won with 42,756 votes, while Ms Moran got 24,564 votes.

The margin was the largest of a Lib Dem leadership winner since the late Paddy Ashdown secured 71% of his party's vote in 1988.

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2020-08-27 10:40:18Z
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Sir Ed Davey wins Liberal Democrat leadership race - BBC News

Sir Ed Davey has won the race to become the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The acting leader will now take over on a permanent basis after beating his competitor, fellow MP Layla Moran.

Sir Ed secured 63.5% of the vote, compared to 36.5% for Ms Moran.

At an event in London, Sir Ed said it was time for the party to "wake up and smell the coffee" after only securing 12% of the vote in the last general election.

He said it was "time for us to start listening" and to "rebuild the Liberal Democrats to national relevance".

The result comes eight months after the Lib Dem's former leader, Jo Swinson, stepped down from the role after losing her seat in 2019 general election.

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2020-08-27 10:37:19Z
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Matt Hancock defends plan to pay people £13 a day to self-isolate - Daily Mail

Matt Hancock insists £13 a day IS enough for low-paid workers in COVID-hit areas to survive on as they self-isolate 'because it will be in addition to their other benefits'

• Matt Hancock has announced plan to pay people on low incomes to self-isolate
• The payments will be worth £13 a day and only paid in coronavirus hotspots 
• The scheme is designed to increase compliance of NHS Test and Trace system
• But critics said the £13 a day will not be enough to stop people going to work 

By Jack Maidment, Deputy Political Editor For Mailonline

Published: 08:49 BST, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 09:42 BST, 27 August 2020

Matt Hancock today launched a furious defence of his plan to pay people on low incomes £13 a day to self-isolate as critics said the payments would not be enough to stop people going to work.  

From September 1 people who receive Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit who are required to self-isolate, who are unable to work from home and who are in Covid-19 hotspots will benefit from the new payment scheme.  

Eligible people who test positive for the virus will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation while other members of their household, who under current rules must isolate for 14 days, will get £182. 

The scheme will initially be trialled in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham - areas which are currently subject to local lockdown measures.

The Government hopes the payments will boost compliance with requests from NHS Test and Trace for people to stay at home, with Mr Hancock pointing out the money will be 'in addition' to other benefits. 

But critics believe the payments are far too small and many people will still feel that they cannot afford to stay at home.  

Health Secretary Matt Hancock today defended the Government's plan to pay people on low incomes £13 a day to self-isolate

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 'I am pleased they have at last acknowledged this issue but am sorry to say this move goes nowhere near far enough.

'The Health Secretary has already said that he couldn't live on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at £95 a week. So how can an announcement like this work?

'For many workers in Greater Manchester, this will not provide the support people need to cooperate with NHS Test and Trace.'

Meanwhile, Anneliese Dodds, Labour's shadow chancellor, said the scheme should be rolled out across the country as she questioned why it was only being targeted at local lockdown areas. 

She said: 'Labour has been warning for months that the Government needs to make sure that people can afford to do the right thing, but once again ministers have taken far too long to realise there's a problem.'

She added: 'It's concerning that this will only apply to a limited number of areas with high rates of Covid-19.

'The instruction to self-isolate applies to everyone in the country, so everyone should get the support they need to self-isolate.'  

But Mr Hancock defended the scheme as he insisted the payments will be enough to persuade people to stay at home. 

Asked directly whether he believed £13 a day is enough, the Health Secretary told BBC Breakfast: '£13 a day is in addition to the other benefits that people on low incomes get.'

Told that many people on low incomes who self-isolate would not be able to work from home and would therefore lose out on their normal pay, he said: 'Only in some cases but absolutely we acknowledge that and it is set at the level of statutory sick pay in order to make sure that people don't lose out from doing the right thing.

'We are introducing it in Oldham and Pendle and Blackburn with Darwen in the first instance.

'These are the areas of the country where the rate are the highest and we have the highest levels of intervention - the strongest local lockdown if you like - and we will roll thatout from next week and then obviously monitor it very closely.'

Mr Hancock said the scheme will be rolled out more widely if the trial proves to be successful.  

He said: 'This is where we are doing it in the first instance. 

'Firstly to make sure that the systems work, that we can get the money fast to people because obviously if you are asking somebody to self-isolate for a fortnight we want to get the money to them at the start of that rather than afterwards.

'We are putting it in place in these three areas which have the most acute need if you like in the first instance and we will see how that goes and we will get the feedback and then with a potential to roll it our further.'

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has questioned whether the payments will be enough to persuade people to cooperate with instructions to self-isolate

The decision to introduce the payments system comes after officials concluded that one of the reasons that Leicester infection rates were so high for so long was that factory staff continued to go to work even though they were meant to be self-isolating.

Under the new plans, workers who test positive would receive £130 for a ten-day period of quarantine. Relatives or close contacts would be given £182 for 14 days.

Workers will receive the money within 48 hours of submitting a claim, which will need to include a positive Covid test result or proof that they are a close contact of someone with the virus. 

Applicants must also submit a bank statement to show they receive the relevant benefits. 

SAGE, the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, has previously warned that only about half of patients who suspected they had the virus were following guidance on self-isolating. 

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2020-08-27 07:49:14Z
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Coronavirus map LIVE: Cases rise for fifth day – Boris compared to rival in bitter attack - Express

Tory MPs hit out at the Prime Minister after a U-turn on face masks in schools. Former minister Steve Baker told the Daily Mail: “It is alarming to see yet another U-turn.

“I know from my own postbag that the credibility of the Government is being damaged.

“In a situation like this, we need a little ideological keel to hold on course.

“Instead of worrying about focus groups first and following Nicola Sturgeon, the Government should be focusing on doing the right thing. Then we can worry about how to present it.”

Speaking to Times Radio, Sir Charles Walker, vice-chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench Tory MPs, added: “Things now just seem to change on a daily basis and there is growing concern that they tend to change three days after Nicola Sturgeon makes a decision.”

The criticism of Mr Johnson comes as the rolling seven-day average of coronavirus cases increased to 1,090 on Wednesday.

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:

9.20am update: Hancock defends self-isolation payments

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended the level of compensation payments for people who have to self-isolate.

He said the extra financial support for people on low incomes in lockdown areas required to self-isolate was "set at the level of statutory sick pay".

Asked on BBC Breakfast if payments of £13 a day were enough, Mr Hancock said they were "in addition" to other benefits that people on low incomes receive.

When it was put to him that people self-isolating would be losing income from their jobs, Mr Hancock said: "Only in some cases, but absolutely we acknowledge that.

"It's set at the level of statutory sick pay in order to make sure that people don't lose out from doing the right thing."

9.15am update: Indonesia records biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases

Indonesia has reported its biggest daily rise in coronavirus cases with 2,719 new infections, taking the total to 162,884.

A further 120 deaths were confirmed, bringing the toll to 7,064.

9am update: Health Secretary says people aged between 50 and 64 will get flu jab ‘if enough’

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Matt Hancock said: "The most important group to get the flu jab are those who are the most vulnerable if they get the flu.

"So we absolutely are targeting efforts at getting as many of the over-65s as possible, and those with underlying health conditions which mean that they really need the flu jab, in the first instance.

"We will then extend the pre-flu jab to the over-50s, so those between aged 50 and 64, if we have enough.”

8am update: Russia reports 4,711 new coronavirus cases

Russia has reported 4,711 new coronavirus cases, bringing its tally to 975,576.

The country’s death toll has risen by 121 to 16,804.

7.30am update: Hancock confirms payment scheme for self-isolation

People on low incomes who need to self-isolate in areas where there are high numbers of coronavirus cases will be able to claim a maximum of £182 from the Government, Matt Hancock has announced.

The Health Secretary has confirmed that as of September 1 people on Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit, who are required to self-isolate and are unable to work from home, in areas with high levels of coronavirus, will benefit from a new payment scheme.

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2020-08-27 06:39:00Z
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Homes evacuated after 'large diesel train' catches fire near Llanelli - Sky News

Police are evacuating homes in Llangennech, close to Llanelli in Wales, due to a train fire.

The incident was reported at just before 11.20pm on Wednesday.

Three of the train's carriages are on fire, according to the local fire service.

A 800m evacuation zone has been put in place around the "large diesel train", with roads being closed in the local area.

Police have been contacting local residents and asking them to convene at Bryn School and Llangennech Community Centre.

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Image: Smoke can be seen towering from the site. Pic: Archie Brown

Llangennech County Councillor Gary Jones said on Facebook that a "major incident" had been declared.

The public is being asked to avoid the area.

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Superintendent Ross Evans said: "This is a fast-moving situation, which has been declared a major incident.

"There are a significant number of emergency services personnel at the scene, and an evacuation zone has been put in place.

"Officers are in contact with people within that area asking them to leave their homes, and we urge people to comply with officers' requests to ensure a swift and efficient evacuation.

"We are working closely with our colleagues at British Transport Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Carmarthenshire Council, and Natural Resources Wales to bring the incident to a safe conclusion."

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2020-08-27 03:11:15Z
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Fresh BBC race row as Jamaica's foreign minister complains over Famalam sketch - Daily Mail

Fresh BBC race row as Jamaica's foreign minister complains over Famalam sketch showing Caribbean men leering at women and high on cannabis on Countdown

• Kamina Johnson-Smith branded the BBC Three show 'outrageous and offensive'
• The episode sees a male host stare at female character and pretend to have sex
• It also features a panellist high on marijuana, who forgets an answer to question
• The BBC is already under fire over lyrics in two songs in Last Night of the Proms

By James Gant For Mailonline

Published: 00:59 BST, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 01:19 BST, 27 August 2020

The BBC is involved in a fresh race row as Jamaica's foreign minister complains over a Famalm sketch showing Caribbean men leering at women and high on cannabis.

Kamina Johnson-Smith branded the BBC Three clip, which created a Jamaican version of Channel 4 show Countdown, 'outrageous and offensive'.

The episode sees a male host stare at a character playing maths boffin Rachel Riley, before he pretends to have sex with her.

It also features a panellist high on marijuana, who forgets an answer to a question, and plays on the stereotype that black men are well endowed.

The BBC is already under fire after deciding to play Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia without lyrics at the Last Night of the Proms.

Kamina Johnson-Smith branded the BBC Three show (pictured), which created a Jamaican version of Channel 4 show Countdown, 'outrageous and offensive'

Ms Johnson-Smith tweeted: 'This is outrageous and offensive to the incredible country which I am proud to represent along with every Jamaican at home and within our #Diaspora. I will immediately be writing formally on this! #StopThisShow.'

She was replying to a tweet from entrepreneur Nathaniel Peat, who wrote: 'As the Global Jamaica Diaspora Counsel Rep for South UK @bbcthree the Jamaican community in the UK have expressed serious concerns at how offensive the content in this show is.

'This doesn't reflect our culture well Nd many are upset. @Ofcom @kaminajsmith @mfaftja.'

But the BBC defended Famalm, with channel controller Fiona Campbell saying it was not 'malicious', adding: 'We stand by the creator's brand of humour.'

She told the Edinburgh TV Festival: 'Famalam is now in its third series and it is very successful.

'It is not malicious humour and I think if you followed on social, the creators themselves said they are poking fun at all stereotypes.

'There isn't malice in the type of content.'

White BBC comedy chief Shane Allen added: 'Don't diss my beloved Famalam. If you are going to do something about tricky topics it needs to be from those communities, from those people who've got that voice.'

A BBC spokesman said: 'Famalam... now in its third series, has an established brand of humour in line with audience expectations and is well known for confronting issues.'

The broadcast announced it would play Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia without lyrics at the Last Night of the Proms due to an association with colonialism.

It said 'new orchestral versions' of the hugely popular anthems would feature in the rousing finale of its concert next month.

The broadcast announced it would play Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia without lyrics at the Last Night of the Proms due to an association with colonialism. Pictured: Jamie Barton waving the the rainbow flag at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London last year, while singing Rule Britannia

Neither will be sung even though a soprano will perform the National Anthem, Jerusalem and You'll Never Walk Alone.

The songs are part of the last night's finale, when thousands of flagwaving 'prommers' traditionally pack the Royal Albert Hall.

But critics claim the lyrics to Rule Britannia, including the line 'Britons never, never, never shall be slaves', are overtly racist given the UK's role in the slave trade.

The 1902 lyrics of Land of Hope and Glory were reputedly inspired by Cecil Rhodes, an imperialist whose statue is being removed from an Oxford college.

It was reported at the weekend the conductor for this year's Last Night, Dalia Stasevska of Finland, was keen to reduce the patriotic elements of the event.

This year, without an audience, was seen as the perfect moment to bring about change.

It led to a huge backlash, with even the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden getting involved.

In a bid to defuse the row, BBC bosses finally announced the Last Night on September 12 would still feature 'familiar, patriotic elements'.

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2020-08-26 23:59:06Z
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Coronavirus: Payment to be given to people on low incomes isolating in high-risk areas - Sky News

Payment will soon be given to people on low incomes, that are self-isolating in areas that are deemed to be high risk from coronavirus, the government has announced.

Those eligible for the scheme will be paid £182 if they are forced to self-isolate for 14 days, with a payment of £130 for those who have to quarantine for 10 days.

The scheme will be trialled in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, which have all had extra coronavirus measures imposed, with money also given to those who are contacted through the NHS Test and Trace programme.

It will be available to people receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits and help those that are unable to work from home after they, or someone in their household, test positive for coronavirus.

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The British public have already sacrificed a great deal to help slow the spread of the virus.

"Self-isolating if you have tested positive for COVID-19, or have come into contact with someone who has, remains vital to keeping on top of local outbreaks.

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"This new payment scheme will help people on low incomes and who are unable to work from home to continue playing their part in the national fight against this virus."

Payments will be made 48 hours after evidence of having to self-isolate is provided, and the scheme will be quickly assessed to see if it helps slow the transmission of COVID-19 in high-risk areas.

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2020-08-27 01:33:19Z
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