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Boris Johnson news – live: Starmer attacks PM over lost police records and Covid lockdown delay

PM promises British fishing fleets ‘Eldorado’ after Brexit

Keir Starmer has accused Boris Johnson of failing to “get to the bottom” of the huge loss in police records. The Labour leader also questioned why the PM had not closed the UK’s borders last March – citing remarks by home secretary Priti Patel saying she wanted them shut.

It comes as Mr Johnson said he was looking forward to working “hand in hand” with incoming US president Joe Biden, as Downing Street scrambles to reach out to the new administration in Washington DC.

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has promised British fishing fleets “Eldorado” after Brexit – referring to the mythical land of riches. And more than 100 musicians – including Sir Elton John and Sting – have signed a letter saying they have been “shamefully failed” over visa rules.

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Brexit problems ‘going to get bigger’, says NFU

Reductions in EU food imports caused by Brexit red tape may force the government to accept sub-standard supplies from other parts of the world just to feed the UK population, farmers have warned.

National Farmers Union official Nick von Westerholz rejected Boris Johnson’s claim that new barriers to trade from his EU deal amount to no more than “teething problems”, telling a Lords committee on Wednesday: “They may be bumps in the road now, but they are going to get bigger.”

He added: “The one thing that worries me is, if we do see a structural decrease in imports from the EU …We may just need to get hold of food wherever we can at whatever cost.”

Representatives of farmers, retailers and food and drink manufacturers have all warned delays and cost burdens were likely to increase.

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 14:41

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Immigration minister accused of ‘callousness’

The Home Office has been accused of “callousness” after appearing to blame asylum seekers for the spread of Covid in a military camp where hundreds are being held.

Residents have been banned from Napier Barracks in Kent since Saturday after a number of individuals tested positive. The place is thought to be housing around 400 people, sleeping in dormitories of up to 28 individuals, often with only sheets hanging between their beds.

Immigration minister Chris Philp impled that residents were to blame for the spread, saying: “It is incredibly disappointing that prior to this a number of individuals refused tests and have been either refusing to self-isolate or follow social distancing rules.”

But lawyers and campaigners condemned his response. Chai Patel of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said Philp’s response was “appalling”, adding: “In any normal government he would have to resign for such a callous statement.”

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 14:28

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‘Look forward to working with you’

As Donald Trump left the White House, foreign secretary Dominic Raab sent his congratulations to soon-to-be president Joe Biden and soon-to-be VP Kamala Harris on the “historic day”.

He said: “From climate change to trade and security, our two countries share a close bond and special relationship … We look forward to working with you on shared priorities as a force for good in the world.”

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 14:14

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Boris Johnson likens Brexit gains to city paved with gold that did not exist

Boris Johnson has promised British fishermen a Brexit “El Dorado” from 2026 once problems caused by his new border bureaucracy have been dealt with.

Our policy correspondent Jon Stone has more on what the PM has pledged:

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 14:05

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Neil O’Brien’s close call

In pre-pandemic times cutting through the noise of PMQs meant overcoming the noise of jeering opposition benches to ask your question.

However in keeping with our ongoing unprecedented times, Neil O’Brien found himself having to combat the sounds of his own office.

Vincent Wood20 January 2021 13:50

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Lindsay Hoyle scolds Johnson for calling it ‘Scottish Nationalist Party’

Lindsay Hoyle scolds Johnson for calling it ‘Scottish Nationalist Party’

Vincent Wood20 January 2021 13:35

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‘Everyone needs to look at what they’ve done’ after alleged rules breach

Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has said “everyone needs to look at what they’ve done” following allegations that a group of politicians consumed alcohol on the Senedd estate.

Mr Gething, when asked if the group pressured catering staff into serving them alcohol, replied: “I don’t know the facts … Everyone needs to look at what they’ve done. We need to understand the full impact of what’s happened and not rush to judgment.”

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 13:21

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PM rejects demands for immediate inquiry into government’s handling of pandemic

Boris Johnson has rejected mounting demands for an immediate inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, telling MPs it must wait until after the current crisis.

More below:

Vincent Wood20 January 2021 13:07

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Johnson accused of ‘cosying up’ to Trump

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Boris Johnson had “cosied up to Donald Trump and his callous world view” as he called on the PM to reverse his “cruel policy” of cutting foreign aid.

He said: “Turning the page on the dark chapter of Trump’s presidency isn’t solely the responsibility of president Joe Biden … It is also the responsibility of those in the Tory party including the PM who cosied up to Donald Trump and his callous world view.”

Johnson replied: “I think it’s very important the PM of the UK has the best possible relationship with the president of the US … we’ll work with president Biden to secure the transatlantic alliance and Nato, which, of course, the SNP would unbundle, well, I think they would.”

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 12:49

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Boris Johnson promises fishing communities ‘Eldorado’

The prime minister has responded to a question about red tape Brexit woes by promising British fishing fleets “Eldorado” – a mythical land of riches that turned out not to exist.

Boris Johnson said: “The reality is Brexit will deliver, is delivering a huge uplift in quota in the next five years. And by 2026, all the fishing people of this country will have access to all the fish, in all the territorial waters in this country.

“And to get them ready for that Eldorado, we’re investing £100m in improving our boats, our fish processing industry, and getting fishing ready for the opportunities ahead.”

Bed Bradshaw, who asked the question, repeatedly shook his head.

Boris Johnson at PMQs

(Parliament TV)

Adam Forrest20 January 2021 12:40


Source: UK Politics - www.independent.co.uk


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