Boris Johnson has come under attack for calling devolution “a disaster north of the border” in comments which have received criticism from Nicola Sturgeon and the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party.
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said on Tuesday that the prime minister had been misunderstood and insisted he was merely “very troubled by the rise of nationalism and separatism” in the UK.
Mr Johnson also learned on Tuesday that he had tested negative for Covid-19 after coming into contact with an MP who tested positive for the virus, but Downing Street said he would continue to self-isolate in line with official guidance.
It came as the SNP warned that the prime minister’s Brexit strategy was putting the UK “on the path to catastrophe”, with the threat of no-deal at the end of the year growing.
Meanwhile, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has confirmed that the UK will lose access to important EU crime databases after the end of the Brexit transition period.
‘THIS MUST NOT HAPPEN’: Jeremy Hunt joins Tories against cut to foreign aid
Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has spoken out against reported plans for a temporary cut to UK foreign aid spending to help pay for the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Hunt joined fellow Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, in criticising the reported move – which the government has not denied.
“I felt incredibly proud we maintained aid spending during the cuts after the financial crisis because it spoke to our values as a compassionate country,” the former minister said.
“Nothing has changed – THIS MUST NOT HAPPEN.”
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 14:44
Johnson claims he is speaking for ‘majority’ in Scotland on independence
Boris Johnson is determined to be the “voice of the majority” in Scotland who voted against independence in the 2014 referendum, Downing Street has claimed amid a row about the prime minister’s comments on devolution.
The PM’s spokesperson said Mr Johnson had always fully supported Scottish devolution – despite reportedly describing it as a “disaster” in a conference call with Tory MPs
“The PM has always fully supported devolution. This government continues to put the Union at the heart of everything that we do,” the spokesperson said.
“The PM has been clear that he thinks the four corners of the UK are stronger together and he will be the voice of the majority of Scottish people who voted decisively to keep the UK together.
“He will always stand against those trying to separate the United Kingdom.”
They added: “The PM believes that we had what was a once-in-a-generation referendum and that the result of it should be respected. He firmly rejects the SNP’s call to break up the United Kingdom.”
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 14:27
Our political correspondent, Ashley Cowburn, has more details below on former civil service chief Lord Sedwill’s appearance at the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee today:
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 14:21
Johnson warns post-Brexit trade deal is ‘far from certain’
Boris Johnson has warned that it is “far from certain” that the UK will get a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU as the end of the transition period looms.
The prime minister’s spokesperson said Mr Johnson had made clear that while the UK was working hard to find an agreement, there were still “significant issues” which needed to be resolved.
“The PM said that his position hasn’t changed: the UK is keen to secure a deal with the EU, but not at the cost of our core principles around sovereignty and control over our laws, borders, money – and our fish,” the spokesperson said.
“Significant issues remain, particularly on the so-called level playing field and fisheries. We are working hard to find solutions which fully respect UK sovereignty, but it is far from certain that an agreement will prove possible and time is now very short.”
They added: “The PM said that, if we cannot find suitable compromises with our European friends, we will leave the transition period on Australia terms on 1 January.
“The PM said he was incredibly confident that the UK will thrive with or without a free trade agreement with the EU.”
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 14:12
Boris Johnson will become the first prime minister to take PMQs virtually on Wednesday due to his self-isolation, Downing Street has confirmed.
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 14:02
Johnson to set out plans for ‘green industrial revolution’, No 10 says
Boris Johnson has updated his senior ministers on his forthcoming 10-point plan to tackle climate change, according to his official spokesperson.
At a Cabinet meeting held remotely while the prime minister self-isolates, Mr Johnson set out plans for a “green industrial revolution”.
The PM’s spokesperson said Mr Johnson told ministers it was “vital to achieving a green recovery and delivering new jobs through public and private investment”.
They added: “The PM said it will drive down emissions by creating and using clean power; and level-up the country by pioneering new technology and energy supply in our towns and regions.”
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 13:56
Johnson tests negative for Covid-19 but will continue to self-isolate
Boris Johnson has tested negative for Covid-19 but will continue to self-isolate in No 10 until Thursday next week in line with official guidance.
Although the prime minister did not have any symptoms, Downing Street said he was tested because a workplace trial of asymptomatic testing was taking place in No 10.
Our deputy political editor, Rob Merrick, has more on this breaking story below:
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 13:44
Jeremy Corbyn is expected to be readmitted into the Labour Party today, potentially with a written warning for his comments on the EHRC’s antisemitism investigation, according to reports.
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 13:29
Thousands of jobs at risk if shops and pubs cannot reopen after lockdown, MPs warned
Thousands of jobs and businesses are at risk if coronavirus restrictions are not eased to allow shops, pubs and restaurants to reopen when the current lockdown in England ends, MPs have been warned.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said retailers were losing £2bn in sales every week of lockdown and were depending on being able to open their doors for the crucial pre-Christmas season.
Our political editor, Andrew Woodcock, has the full story below:
Conrad Duncan17 November 2020 13:26
Use spare testing capacity to expand care home pilots, Labour MP urges
Liz Kendall has urged the government to divert some of the tens of thousands of coronavirus tests supposedly going spare each day to expand a pilot scheme allowing families to visit care homes.
The scheme launched just yesterday, and will see around 20 care homes in Hampshire, Devon and Cornwall trial giving visitors both normal and rapid tests in order to facilitate reunions with loved ones.
Andy Gregory17 November 2020 13:09
