Babak Belurs

Senin, 14 September 2020

Brexit: David Cameron becomes fifth ex-PM to express concern at Johnson's plan to override Brexit deal - Sky News

Former prime minister David Cameron has "misgivings" about the government's plan to override the UK's Brexit withdrawal deal.

The government has admitted its UK Internal Market Bill could breach international law, but has insisted it is "critical" to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.

But the proposed legislation has prompted a storm of anger both at Westminster and in Brussels over the plan to give ministers the power to alter key elements of the UK's Withdrawal Agreement, which was formally signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in January.

Mr Cameron on Monday became the fourth ex-Tory leader - after Lord Howard, Sir John Major and Theresa May - to express concern at Mr Johnson's plan.

His comments mean all five living former prime ministers, including ex-Labour premiers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as well as Sir John and Mrs May, have now spoken out against the government's proposals.

He said: "Passing an Act of Parliment and then going on to break an international treaty obligation is the very, very last thing you should contemplate.

"It should be an absolute final resort. So I do have misgivings about what's being proposed."

However, Mr Cameron also added: "So far what's happened is the government has proposed a law that it might pass, or might not pass, or might use or might not use, depending on whether certain circumstances do or do not appear.

"Of course the bigger picture here is we are in a vital negotiation with the EU to get a deal and I think we have to keep that context, that big prize in mind, and that's why I've perhaps held back from saying more up to now."

At the weekend, UK chief negotiator Lord Frost accused the EU of threatening "explicitly" in trade talks that Great Britain would not be able to move food to Northern Ireland.

However, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said Brussels is "not refusing" to list the UK as a third country for food imports - although he has called for "more clarity" on the UK's food safety and animal and plant health measures.

:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Government minister Kit Malthouse told Sky News that, if the EU does not list the UK as a third country for food imports, then "we could be in a position where food exports from Great Britain to Northern Ireland could be illegal".

"No prime minister, it seems to me, can contemplate that situation," he told the Kay Burley show.

MPs will debate the UK Internal Market Bill in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, with a number of Tory MPs expected to rebel against the legislation.

There has also been anger among Tory Brexiteers, with former attorney general Geoffrey Cox condeming the government's plan as "unconscionable".

Kit Malthouse MP — Brexit bill could 'in theory' break law

But Mr Malthouse, the policing minister, said he had "yet to hear from people who oppose this bill what their solution would be to this problem".

"Tesco could not, in theory, stock the shelves in Northern Ireland," he added.

"That's a situation which we never expected to be presented with."

He admitted "in theory" the proposed legislation could break international law, but that international law could "accommodate" such a scenario.

"In circumstances where the EU sought to prevent food exports from GB to Northern Ireland, I think that would be perfectly legitimate thing for us to do," he said.

"To say 'that's just not within our sovereign rights and we therefore we have a right to supply food into that part of the country'.

"I those circumstances I think... international law would accommodate that."

Labour peer Lord Hain, a former Northern Ireland secretary, told Sky News the government's use of "bombast" and proposal to override the Withdrawal Agreement had "ruined our reputation across the world".

"Britain cannot have a situation where we give our word and then we actually break it," he said.

"It completely destroys our standing in the world."

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMihQFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9icmV4aXQtZGF2aWQtY2FtZXJvbi1hZG1pdHMtbWlzZ2l2aW5ncy1hYm91dC1ib3Jpcy1qb2huc29ucy1wbGFuLXRvLW92ZXJyaWRlLXdpdGhkcmF3YWwtYWdyZWVtZW50LTEyMDcxNTMx0gGJAWh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2FtcC9icmV4aXQtZGF2aWQtY2FtZXJvbi1hZG1pdHMtbWlzZ2l2aW5ncy1hYm91dC1ib3Jpcy1qb2huc29ucy1wbGFuLXRvLW92ZXJyaWRlLXdpdGhkcmF3YWwtYWdyZWVtZW50LTEyMDcxNTMx?oc=5

2020-09-14 08:37:30Z
52781062222382

Geoffrey Cox joins Tory revolt against Boris Johnson's Brexit law - Daily Mail

Ex-Attorney General Geoffrey Cox joins huge Tory revolt against Boris Johnson's plan to break Brexit divorce terms ahead of crucial vote on new law in the Commons TONIGHT

MPs are preparing for tonight's vote on the controversial Internal Market Bill
PM says is needed to prevent EU holding Britain ransom over Northern Ireland
Government admitted legislation will over-ride parts of Brexit deal from last year

By James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline

Published: 07:46 BST, 14 September 2020 | Updated: 07:55 BST, 14 September 2020

Former Attorney General Geoffrey Cox today joined a growing Tory revolt against Boris Johnson's plan to break the Brexit divorce terms.

Mr Cox, an eminent QC and staunch Eurosceptic, branded the idea of breaching international law 'unconscionable' as the PM faces a crucial first test on the legislation.

MPs are due to vote on the Internal Market Bill, which would override key parts of the Withdrawal Agreement, tonight. Ministers say it is essential because the EU is threatening to use 'unforeseen' consequences of the deal to stop food being exported from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland.

The government is almost certain to win the first battle, as Mr Johnson has an 80-strong majority and backing from the DUP. However, many Tories are alarmed at the potential impact reneging would have on the UK's global reputation, and could support an amendment to introduce a 'parliamentary lock' later in the process.

Mr Cox, who served as Attorney General under Theresa May and Mr Johnson until February, last night became the most prominent Tory MP to condemn the legislation.

Theresa May's former legal chief Geoffrey Cox (pictured together in 2019) said it would be 'unconscionable' for the Government to over-ride the Brexit divorce deal

He said Mr Johnson should not 'observe treaty obligations with his fingers crossed behind his back', adding that he could not support a bill which risked undermining 'the standing and reputation of Britain in the world'.

Mr Cox – axed from the Cabinet in February's reshuffle – wrote in The Times: 'It is unconscionable that this country, justly famous for its regard for the rule of law around the world, should act in such a way.'

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland yesterday defended the law as 'in accordance with the most honourable traditions of the British state'.

However, he also delivered a thinly-veiled threat to resign if the legislation is abused.

Mr Buckland has faced calls to quit, with critics saying the move is incompatible with his own oath as Lord Chancellor to uphold the law.

'If I see the rule of law being broken in a way I find unacceptable then of course I will go,' Mr Buckland said.

MPs are preparing for tonight's vote on the controversial Internal Market Bill, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) says is needed to prevent the EU holding Britain to ransom over Northern Ireland

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland (pictured) yesterday defended the legislation, saying it was 'in accordance with the most honourable traditions of the British state'

The second reading vote tonight is the first hurdle for the legislation, which caused a storm last week when Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitted it would break international law.

The EU has threatened to collapse negotiations on a future trade deal unless the UK backs down by the end of the month.

The main showdown in the Commons is likely to be over an amendment being put together by Tory former minister Bob Neill. That could attract dozens of Tory rebels next week, although it still looks difficult to overturn the government's massive majority.

Labour shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said this morning that the party would 'look at' whether to support Mr Neill's amendment.

He said the Government's plan to use domestic law to override the Withdrawal Agreement was an act of 'legislative hooliganism'.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the former Labour leader said: 'The fundamental thing is – I think we should take a step back – this is not normal.

'I've come on your programme many times to discuss many issues – I have never been on your programme discussing a British government coming along and seeking to break international law, an agreement it signed.

'It is honestly a sad day and that's why I think you hear people across the political spectrum condemning the Government.'

He added: 'Of the most sensitive issues around Northern Ireland, at the most sensitive stage of the Brexit negotiations – I mean it's sort of legislative hooliganism that the Government is engaged in and it will be self-defeating, I fear.'

But policing minister Kit Malthouse said the Bill was necessary to keep food flowing between Britain and Northern Ireland.

'For me – I mean I'm not a lawyer – it looks fairly clear to me, which is we can't allow a situation where GB cannot supply food into Northern Ireland,' he told Today.

Asked whether Mr Cox was 'wrong', Mr Malthouse said: 'I would ask for a solution to that conundrum.

'If we get to a situation where we are not recognised as a third country and it therefore becomes illegal to move food to Northern Ireland, what is the UK Prime Minister supposed to do?

'I think this is the solution that needs to be offered if we're going to have resolution to that – Northern Ireland is unequivocally part of the UK customs territory, so the fact that is now being brought into question is a very difficult thing for us to face, very concerning but no doubt that will all be thrashed out this afternoon.'

It comes as Mr Johnson's chief Brexit negotiator was locked in an extraordinary public spat with his EU counterpart last night.

David Frost traded blows with Michel Barnier on social media when he denied threatening to block British food exports if trade talks collapsed.

Lord Frost said the EU negotiator 'explicitly' made the threat and warned it could lead to food from Great Britain being banned from sale in Northern Ireland.

British negotiators have accused Brussels of threatening to block food exports worth £5 billion a year to the EU if there is no trade deal.

Mr Barnier yesterday said he was 'not refusing to list' Britain as a so-called 'third country' for food export purposes. But he said the listing could only take place when the UK explained its biosecurity rules.

Mr Cox (pictured) last night became the most prominent Tory MP to oppose the controversial bill

Mr Barnier yesterday said he was ‘not refusing to list’ Britain as a so-called ‘third country’ for food export purposes. But he said the listing could only take place when the UK explained its biosecurity rules

In an exchange with Mr Barnier on Twitter last night, Lord Frost hit back: 'The EU knows perfectly well all the details of our food standards rules because we are operating EU rules.

'It has been made clear to us in the current talks that there is no guarantee of listing us. I am afraid it has also been said to us explicitly in these talks that if we are not listed we will not be able to move food to Northern Ireland.'

Mr Barnier denied that the EU's position was a 'threat to the integrity of the UK', but added: 'We could not have been clearer about the consequences of Brexit.'

Tony Blair yesterday became the fourth former PM to criticise the Internal Market Bill, joining Theresa May, Gordon Brown and Sir John Major.

In an exchange with Mr Barnier on Twitter last night, Lord Frost hit back: 'The EU knows perfectly well all the details of our food standards rules because we are operating EU rules

In a joint article with Sir John, Mr Blair urged MPs to reject the 'shaming' legislation, saying it imperils the Irish peace process, trade negotiations and the UK's integrity.

But Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi said Lord Frost's revelations about EU tactics showed 'exactly why no minister, no responsible government can be a bystander and watch a part of the United Kingdom be harmed in this way'.

Tory veteran Sir Roger Gale confirmed he will vote against the second reading of the legislation tonight. He said: 'I am not a serial rebel, but I do have principles. If we enter into an international agreement, we have to stand by it.'

Eau no! End of perfume bargains at duty-free

Duty-free bargains at airports will end on goods including perfume, clothing and electronics from January 1.

Ministers announced tax savings will now only apply to sales of alcohol and tobacco.

The decision, which affects all outbound passengers, has been called a 'hammer blow' to struggling airports. As much as 40 per cent of their income comes from airside retailers.

Industry experts say it could lead to thousands of job losses as shops pull out of airports.

They fear some regional airports could even go bust.

It has intensified calls for an airport Covid testing regime to re-open Britain's skies.

Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said: 'Passengers will be disincentivised from making purchases as they travel through the UK.

'Many foreign visitors will now choose to go elsewhere, attracted by the beneficial tax and excise regimes of our European competitors.'

Francois Bourienne, chair of the UK Travel Retail Forum, added: 'It may well be the best gift the UK could have given the EU as well as a massive blow for UK plc.'

The Treasury said the decision was taken 'as the tax concession was not always passed on to consumers in the airport'.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMidmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRhaWx5bWFpbC5jby51ay9uZXdzL2FydGljbGUtODcyOTkyMy9HZW9mZnJleS1Db3gtam9pbnMtVG9yeS1yZXZvbHQtYWdhaW5zdC1Cb3Jpcy1Kb2huc29ucy1CcmV4aXQtbGF3Lmh0bWzSAXpodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYWlseW1haWwuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlLTg3Mjk5MjMvYW1wL0dlb2ZmcmV5LUNveC1qb2lucy1Ub3J5LXJldm9sdC1hZ2FpbnN0LUJvcmlzLUpvaG5zb25zLUJyZXhpdC1sYXcuaHRtbA?oc=5

2020-09-14 06:46:05Z
52781052316363

Brexit: Geoffrey Cox says PM 'damaging' UK's reputation with bill - BBC News

Former Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has said he will vote against the government's attempts to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement when it comes before the Commons.

He accused Boris Johnson of doing "unconscionable" damage to Britain's international reputation.

The Internal Market Bill would go against the agreement signed by the UK and European Union earlier this year.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the bill was an "insurance policy".

Mr Buckland told the BBC he hoped powers being sought by ministers would never be needed, and that he would resign if the UK ended up breaking international law "in a way I find unacceptable".

Mr Cox backed Brexit and was the government's top legal adviser when the Withdrawal Agreement was drawn up.

Writing in the Times, Mr Cox said there was "no doubt" the "unpalatable" implications of the Withdrawal Agreement were known when the PM signed it.

"We, the British government and Parliament, have given our word. Our honour, our credibility, our self-respect and our future influence in the world all rest upon us keeping that word," Mr Cox wrote.

He said that there were lawful ways for the government to deal with its concerns, such as using a procedure set out in the agreement to take "temporary and proportional measures" to protect the UK's interests if approved by the Commons.

"What ministers should not do, however provoked or frustrated they may feel, is to take or use powers permanently and unilaterally to rewrite portions of an agreement into which this country freely entered just a few months ago," he added.

The UK has insisted there must be no new checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain when it leaves the EU's single market and customs union on 1 January.

The Northern Ireland Protocol, a key part of the Withdrawal Agreement signed by both sides last year, is designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland.

The Internal Market Bill would give ministers the power to reduce the amount of paperwork that Northern Irish firms have to fill in on goods bound for Great Britain, such as export and exit declarations, or to remove the need for them entirely.

It would also allow the UK to modify or re-interpret "state aid" rules on subsidies for firms in Northern Ireland, in the event of the two sides not agreeing a future trade deal.

It is controversial because it would change the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, a crucial part of the legally-binding Withdrawal Agreement agreed by both sides prior to the UK's exit from the EU on 31 January.

The government's intentions have drawn widespread criticism, with former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major accusing Mr Johnson of "embarrassing" the UK.

The former leaders were in office during key periods of the Northern Ireland peace process.

The two urged MPs to reject the "shameful" attempt to override parts of the agreement, writing in the Sunday Times that the government's actions were "irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice".

The EU has warned the UK it could face legal action if it does not ditch controversial elements of the Internal Market Bill by the end of the month.

THE RULE OF SIX: What's in the small print?
UNWIND WITH THE MINDFUL MIX: Switch off and escape

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLTU0MTQyODQ10gEqaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLTU0MTQyODQ1?oc=5

2020-09-14 05:43:01Z
52781052316363

Minggu, 13 September 2020

Brexit: Geoffrey Cox says PM 'damaging' UK's reputation with bill - BBC News

Former attorney general Geoffrey Cox has said he will vote against the government's attempts to override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement when it comes before the Commons.

He accused Boris Johnson of doing "unconscionable" damage to Britain's international reputation.

The Internal Market Bill would go against the agreement signed by the UK and European Union earlier this year.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the bill was an "insurance policy".

Mr Buckland told the BBC he hoped powers being sought by ministers would never be needed, and that he would resign if the UK ended up breaking international law "in a way I find unacceptable".

Mr Cox backed Brexit and was the government's top legal adviser when the Withdrawal Agreement was drawn up.

Writing in The Times, Mr Cox said there was "no doubt" the "unpalatable" implications of the Withdrawal Agreement were known when the PM signed it.

"We, the British government and parliament, have given our word. Our honour, our credibility, our self-respect and our future influence in the world all rest upon us keeping that word," Mr Cox wrote.

The UK has insisted there must be no new checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain when it leaves the EU's single market and customs union on 1 January.

The Northern Ireland Protocol, a key part of the Withdrawal Agreement signed by both sides last year, is designed to prevent a hard border returning to the island of Ireland.

It would also allow the UK to modify or re-interpret "state aid" rules on subsidies for firms in Northern Ireland, in the event of the two sides not agreeing a future trade deal.

The government's intentions have drawn widespread criticism, with former prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major accusing the PM of "embarrassing" the UK.

The former leaders were in office during key periods of the Northern Ireland peace process.

The EU has warned the UK it could face legal action if it does not ditch controversial elements of the Internal Market Bill by the end of the month.

THE RULE OF SIX: What's in the small print?
UNWIND WITH THE MINDFUL MIX: Switch off and escape

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Coronavirus: 'Rule of six' comes into force as medics warn of second COVID-19 peak - Sky News

Social gatherings of more than six people are now illegal in England as the coronavirus "rule of six" comes into force.

From today, people face fines of up to £3,200 if they do not abide by the new measure which aims to curb an increase in COVID-19 cases.

A total of 3,330 confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK on Sunday - the first time since May that cases have been above 3,000 on three consecutive days.

The "rule of six" differs slightly in Scotland and Wales and has limited exemptions including weddings and funerals, while work and education are not affected.

It applies to gatherings both indoors and outdoors in England and Scotland, but only indoors in Wales where groups of up to 30 people can meet outside.

The rule also applies to all ages in England but children under 11 and 12 are exempt in Wales and Scotland respectively.

In Northern Ireland, the number of people who can gather indoors in a private home was reduced last month to six people from two households due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Up to 15 people can meet outdoors there.

The chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council urged the public to "stick to the limits".

"The demands on the police service are now at similar levels to before the pandemic, which makes it crucially important that we all take personal responsibility, stick to the limits and prevent the spread of this deadly virus," Martin Hewitt said.

The Metropolitan Police said officers will be deployed in every London borough to patrol public spaces and respond swiftly to incidents where groups gather in large numbers.

"Where people just won't listen, and are putting everyone at risk, we absolutely will take enforcement action," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said.

Regulations enabling the enforcement of the rule were published late on Sunday night, around 30 minutes before they came into effect.

Police will be able to disperse gatherings of more than six people and issue fines ranging from £100 to £3,200.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said "COVID-secure marshals" will also work in town and city centres to enforce social distancing rules.

'Covid marshalls' have been working near the factory today — Will 'COVID marshals' work?

Officials will be hoping the warm and sunny weather forecast for Monday does not encourage people to gather in groups in outdoor spaces.

Temperatures as high as 29C (84F) are expected in some parts, according to the Met Office.

The new restrictions came as a survey of more than 8,000 doctors and medical students in England found 86% believe a second peak of coronavirus is likely in the next six months.

The British Medical Association (BMA), which conducted the survey, said the poll also revealed that a second peak is the "number one concern among the medical profession".

Boris Johnson — PM outlines new 'rule of six'

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, said: "With daily cases still alarmingly high, and winter just around the corner, we are at a critical crossroads in the fight against this deadly virus.

"All efforts must be made to avoid a repeat of the horror and tragedy we all experienced earlier this year."

A government adviser told Sky News the UK faces another national lockdown "in short order" unless people abide by new COVID-19 restrictions.

Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, told Sophy Ridge On Sunday the public "must act fast" to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Professor Peter Openshaw — Professor warns UK could be back in lockdown

"If we don't do this now we are going to be right back in hard lockdown in short order, that's the only way we have at the moment for controlling this but there are other things on the horizon," he said.

"We need to act quickly. This isn't a game."

Police shut down a series of illegal parties over the weekend as people enjoyed a final weekend of revelry before the tougher coronavirus restrictions came into force.

Nottinghamshire Police issued a "reckless" teenager with a £10,000 fine for hosting a house party in Lenton, which saw more than 50 guests gather at his home.

The rate of COVID-19 transmission in the UK has risen above a critical level that means the infection is growing exponentially, official figures show.

The latest estimate for the R number across the UK is between 1.0 and 1.2, according to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

The last time it was above one was in early March.

The R number represents the average number of people each person with coronavirus goes on to infect.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMic2h0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLXJ1bGUtb2Ytc2l4LWNvbWVzLWludG8tZm9yY2UtYXMtbWVkaWNzLXdhcm4tb2Ytc2Vjb25kLWNvdmlkLTE5LXBlYWstMTIwNzE0NTXSAXdodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9hbXAvY29yb25hdmlydXMtcnVsZS1vZi1zaXgtY29tZXMtaW50by1mb3JjZS1hcy1tZWRpY3Mtd2Fybi1vZi1zZWNvbmQtY292aWQtMTktcGVhay0xMjA3MTQ1NQ?oc=5

2020-09-14 02:31:10Z
52781061913318

Coronavirus: 'Rule of six' comes into effect in England - BBC News

Restrictions banning social gatherings of more than six people have come into effect in England, following a rise in coronavirus cases.

The "rule of six", which applies both indoors and outdoors, does not exempt children under 12 in England.

Similar restrictions in Wales and Scotland do not include children under 11 and 12 respectively.

The government said the new rules on social distancing are easier for people to understand.

But some Conservative MPs have pressed the government to follow Wales and Scotland in exempting young children.

Ex-minister Steve Baker said the latest government action amounted to "arbitrary powers without scrutiny" and MP Desmond Swayne said it was "outrageous" not to have a parliamentary debate.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove defended the new measures in England as "absolutely right", saying some people had "unwittingly" contributed to the spread of the virus because of the way they had interacted.

"Therefore, a clear message - as simple as possible - makes it easier for all of us to do what is helpful to others," Mr Gove said.

Home Secretary Priti Patel urged the public not to break the rules.

Ms Patel said: "Across the country, we have all made enormous sacrifices in the fight against coronavirus. However, the recent rise in cases makes it clear that more needs to be done to stop the spread of this disease."

Under the new rules, larger gatherings are still allowed at gyms, schools, places of worship, weddings and funerals. Education and work settings are not affected.

The "rule of six" in England replaces the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 people and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors.

England, Scotland and Wales each have new restrictions. Northern Ireland has not announced any changes.

Groups larger than six can be broken up by police, with members of the group facing fines of £100 for a first offence, doubling on each further offence up to £3,200.

The Metropolitan Police said it will deploy resources across the capital to enforce the tighter restrictions on social gatherings.

But the West Yorkshire Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, warned that staff are already so stretched that relying solely on the police to enforce the new law is unrealistic.

Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Martin Hewitt said preventing the spread of coronavirus is "a shared effort".

He said: "The demands on the police service are now at similar levels to before the pandemic, which makes it crucially important that we all take personal responsibility, stick to the limits and prevent the spread of this deadly virus."

The government said that Covid-secure marshals will be introduced in town and city centres to help ensure rules are followed.

But local councils - who would be expected to provide the staff - say they would need to be fully funded.

The new rules come as the UK's R number is escalating, raising to between 1 and 1.2 for the first time since March.

Any number above one indicates the number of infections is increasing.

A further 3,330 positive cases were recorded in the UK on Sunday - the third consecutive day in which cases have been over 3,000.

Five more deaths of people who had a positive test within the previous 28 days were also reported, bringing the UK total to 41,628.

THE RULE OF SIX: What's in the small print?
UNWIND WITH THE MINDFUL MIX: Switch off and escape

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLTU0MTQyNjk50gEqaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvYW1wL3VrLTU0MTQyNjk5?oc=5

2020-09-14 01:26:11Z
52781057893445

Brexit: Ex-law chief joins rebellion and hits out at PM's 'unconscionable' plan - Sky News

Boris Johnson has been hit by a devastating attack from a former loyal ally as he embarks on bruising Commons clashes on a bitterly contentious piece of Brexit legislation.

In a huge boost for rebel Tory MPs, Geoffrey Cox, the prime minister's pro-Brexit attorney general until February this year, has condemned the move to override Mr Johnson's Brexit deal.

"It is unconscionable that this country, justly famous for its regard for the rule of law around the world, should act in such a way," Mr Cox wrote in a wounding attack on Mr Johnson in The Times.

And in what appears to be a highly personal attack on Mr Johnson, he wrote: "No British minister should solemnly undertake to observe treaty obligations with his fingers crossed behind his back."

Mr Cox's attack came just hours before MPs begin debating the government's controversial Internal Market Bill, which has been condemned by former prime ministers and leading Tory Brexiteers.

Robert Buckland still — Justice sec defends PM's Brexit strategy

The legislation is under attack because it overrides parts of the EU divorce settlement negotiated by Mr Johnson, who described it as "fantastic" and "oven ready" when he did the deal.

But an attack from such a senior legal figure is particularly damaging, coming just hours after the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, defended the legislation and said he would only resign if the law was broken in a way he found unacceptable.

Ireland's justice minister Helen McEntee — Brexit proposals 'damaged trust' - Irish minister

Mr Cox's onslaught also followed his successor as attorney general, fellow Brexiteer Suella Braverman, facing accusations at a stormy meeting of the Bar Council, the professional association for barristers, of sacrificing the UK's reputation.

In his Times article under the headline "Honour rests on keeping our word", Mr Cox wrote: "When the Queen's minister gives his word, on her behalf, it should be axiomatic that he will keep it, even if the consequences are unpalatable.

"By doing so he pledges the faith, honour and credit of this nation and it diminishes the standing and reputation of Britain in the world if it should be seen to be otherwise.

Cabinet Office Michael Gove — Gove on Brexit: 'We operate within rule of law'

"The Withdrawal Agreement and its attendant Northern Ireland Protocol represent treaty obligations of this country to which the government, in which I had the honour to serve as attorney general, gave its solemn and binding word.

"It is, therefore, obliged to accept all the ordinary and foreseeable consequences of the implementation of that agreement.

"Those manifest consequences included the inevitable application of EU tariffs and customs procedures to certain goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain and of the EU's state aid regime to the province.

"There can be no doubt that these were the known, unpalatable but inescapable, implications of the agreement. They included a duty to interpret and execute both the agreement and the protocol in good faith."

And he concluded: "What ministers should not do, however provoked or frustrated they may feel, is to take or use powers permanently and unilaterally to rewrite portions of an agreement into which this country freely entered just a few months ago.

"Therefore, if the government does not urgently and effectively dispel the impression that it intends to do so, I shall have no choice but to withhold my support for this bill. I am a strong supporter of this government and of Brexit and I am deeply saddened to have to say this.

"We, the British government and parliament, have given our word. Our honour, our credibility, our self-respect and our future influence in the world all rest upon us keeping that word. Nothing less is worthy of Britain."

A Tory MP since 2005, Mr Cox is one of Westminster's most flamboyant MPs, known for his booming voice in the Commons chamber and his rousing warm-up speech introducing Theresa May at the 2018 Tory conference.

His dramatic intervention will embolden those Tory MPs who claim the bill rips up Mr Johnson's own Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, despite government ministers insisting it is simply a "safety net" or "insurance policy".

Shadow NI Secretary Louise Haigh — 'Government undermining a free trade agreement'

Coming at the start of a week in which Commons business will be dominated by debates on the Internal Market Bill, Mr Cox's assault is likely to swell the numbers of Conservative rebels and be quoted at length by the bill's opponents.

Besides facing a backbench mutiny, Mr Johnson has been attacked by former premiers Theresa May, Tony Blair and Sir John Major and leading Tory Brexiteers Lord Howard and Lord Lamont.

Day one of the Commons clashes sees MPs debate the bill at its second reading, with votes at 10pm on whether it continues to line-by-line scrutiny in a four-day committee stage.

Labour and the smaller parties, including the Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats, have tabled amendments declining to give the bill a second reading, though it is likely only Labour's will be voted on.

:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Labour's amendment states: "This bill undermines the Withdrawal Agreement already agreed by parliament, reopens discussion about the Northern Ireland Protocol that has already been settled, breaches international law, undermines the devolution settlements and would tarnish the UK's global reputation as a law-abiding nation and the UK's ability to enforce other international trade deals and protect jobs and the economy."

The smaller parties' amendment states: "This House declines to give a second reading to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill because it breaks international law and is contrary to the established devolution settlement."

During the Commons committee stage, the government faces numerous attempts to amend the bill, including a move by senior Tory MPs led by barrister Sir Bob Neill, who chairs the Justice Select Committee, to add a "parliamentary lock" - effectively a veto - on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement.

And after the attacks on the bill already by pro-Brexit grandees Lord Howard and Lord Lamont, the bill is also likely to be mauled by Conservative as well as opposition and crossbench peers in the House of Lords.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMib2h0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2JyZXhpdC1leC1sYXctY2hpZWYtam9pbnMtcmViZWxsaW9uLWFuZC1oaXRzLW91dC1hdC1wbXMtdW5jb25zY2lvbmFibGUtcGxhbi0xMjA3MTQzONIBc2h0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5za3kuY29tL3N0b3J5L2FtcC9icmV4aXQtZXgtbGF3LWNoaWVmLWpvaW5zLXJlYmVsbGlvbi1hbmQtaGl0cy1vdXQtYXQtcG1zLXVuY29uc2Npb25hYmxlLXBsYW4tMTIwNzE0Mzg?oc=5

2020-09-14 00:13:49Z
52781052316363

Senin, 14 September 2020

More from Boris Johnson

Ex-Attorney General Geoffrey Cox joins huge Tory revolt against Boris Johnson's plan to break Brexit divorce terms ahead of crucial vote on new law in the Commons TONIGHT

Eau no! End of perfume bargains at duty-free

Minggu, 13 September 2020

More from Covid-19

More from Boris Johnson