Inflation reaches a 40-year high as energy bills soar
A senior Covid law expert has questioned the “inconsistency” of Metropolitan Police fines handed out to Downing Street staff as Boris Johnson escaped further punishment.
Scotland Yard announced that 126 fines had been imposed on eight events when its Partygate investigation came to an end.
Both the Prime Minister and his wife Carrie Johnson have previously received 50-pound fixed penalty notices in connection with a 56th anniversary party held for Mr Johnson in the Cabinet Room in June 2020.
But the Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed that police had told Johnson he would receive no further sanctions, and The Independent understands that the same guarantee has been given to Mrs Johnson.
Number 10 junior staff are reportedly angry at receiving notifications of fixed penalties, in some cases receiving multiple fines, while the prime minister and other dignitaries avoided further action.
Describing the outcome of Partygate’s investigation as “a little strange,” attorney Adam Wagner said Johnson appeared to have avoided fines while attending illegal drinking events to go out.
Key points
Show the latest update 1652975893
School level plan “will not attract the best academies”
High-performance (MAT) multi-academic trusts would not want to take over schools in the 55 areas of investment in education identified by the leveling document because the areas are too risky, a senior economist has said.
Earlier this year, the government identified 55 educational “cold spots” in England that will be invested in investment over the next 10 years. During this same period, the government intends for all schools to be able to attend school, or plan to be part of a MAT.
Lord Jim O’Neill, vice president of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said the best MAT “would not dream of going anywhere in the north because it is too hot.
“It’s a bit like venture capital: people who invest go into venture capital, where you could risk losing all your money.”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and University Leaders, refuted Mr. O’Neill’s statements, saying, “Many MATs have an excellent track record of working and supporting schools in all kinds of contexts.”
Liam James May 19, 2022 4:58 PM
1652974332
Partygate: Covid’s full schedule of government meetings and fines
Alastair Jamieson and Lizzie Dearden have compiled a detailed list of the 16 events investigated by Sue Gray.
Partygate events date from May 15, 2020 to April 16, 2021 and all took place at times when there were blocking restrictions.
Liam James19 May 2022 16:32
1652973262
The housing scheme for Ukraine could be made permanent
The Homes for Ukraine scheme could become a model for dealing with future refugee crises, the responsible minister said, but frustrations continue on the part of Ukraine.
Lord Harrington, who was appointed to lead the refugee plan in March 2022, told a hearing in Westminster today: “My view is that this system should be a permanent part of the government, so when crises refugees, and unfortunately they do it all the time – we have machinery.
He added: “We have a lot of good will, we have this government machinery in place, it’s not perfect, but it’s getting better day by day, and I hope it becomes a permanent part of how this country deals with refugees.”
Chiara Giordano19 May 2022 16:14
1652971546
The threat of a unilateral action on Northern Ireland could “overturn” the Brexit agreement, warns EU ambassador
EU Brexit negotiators have received firm instruction from the 27 member states that there can be no change in their mandate or renegotiation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Brussels ambassador to London has revealed.
João Vale de Almeida said no “credible alternative” to the protocol had been identified and warned that unilateral action by the United Kingdom to overturn it could “invalidate” the agreement altogether.
Our political editor Andrew Woodcock has the full story:
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 3:45 p.m.
1652970915
EU ambassador warns unilateral action on Northern Ireland Protocol will provoke Brussels’ response
EU Ambassador to the United Kingdom Joao Vale de Almeida warned that unilateral action by the Boris Johnson government over the Northern Ireland Protocol would provoke a response from Brussels.
“There’s still potential in the proposals we’ve made, we’d like to focus on that instead of going unilateral,” he said.
“Unilateral demands unilateral. Action demands reaction.
“And that’s what we want, a climb around Northern Ireland right now? I don’t think so.”
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 3:35 p.m.
1652969335
Starmer condemns the “violation of the law on an industrial scale” at number 10
Sir Keir Starmer maintains his call for the resignation of Boris Johnson, as he condemned the Prime Minister for establishing a culture of “breaking the law on an industrial scale” at number 10.
The Labor leader told reporters in Leeds: “What I want to see now is the full Sue Gray report published, there are no more hiding places for the Prime Minister on this.”
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said “the requested belief that Conservative MPs are allowing our great country to be ruled by a prime minister who broke the law and then repeatedly lied.”
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 3:08 p.m.
1652968323
It’s time to dump her and move on
Home Secretary Kit Malthouse has said it’s time to “pass” Partygate.
“I’m glad it was done, thank you to the police for behaving efficiently,” he told BBC World at One.
“I hope we can move on to really urgent issues now.”
Asked if he understood why the prime minister only received a fine, Malthouse said, “You should talk to the police. My job is to look at the results and feel relieved that it’s done. and continue with the really important things that we need to focus on. “
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary George Eustice told the BBC: “The Prime Minister has apologized for everything that has happened at number 10.
“Obviously there has been a very thorough and justified investigation. There were flaws, and we acknowledge that. We recognize the anger that some people will feel.”
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 2:52 PM
1652967395
Legal expert questions “strange” fines for junior staff number 10 as prime minister escapes
A senior Covid law expert has questioned the “inconsistency” of Metropolitan Police fines handed out to Downing Street staff as Boris Johnson escaped further punishment.
The No. 10 junior staff is reportedly angry at receiving notifications of fixed penalties, in some cases receiving multiple fines, while the Prime Minister and other dignitaries avoided further actions by Scotland Yard.
My colleague Adam Forrest has the full story:
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 2:36 PM
1652966280
Police “can use their discretion properly” on thieves who steal food out of desperation, says number 10
Downing Street said the law must be enforced, but police officers “can use their discretion.”
The official spokesman for the Prime Minister was asked for Boris Johnson’s opinion on the agents who turn a blind eye to thieves who steal food out of desperation, after a police control dog suggested that discretion should be used. during the cost of living crisis.
He replied: “I think the Minister of Police has spoken about it this morning. Obviously the law must be enforced. At the same time, the police can use their discretion.”
Beyond that, he said he would not try to say anything that could be perceived as trampling on the operational independence of the police.
Pressed on whether this meant that the police should be able to turn a blind eye in some cases, he said: “I speak in broad terms about the long-standing principle that police officers can use discretion.
“But I think you’ll know that the police minister challenged the premise of this question this morning … the financial pressures people are facing don’t necessarily mean they go back to crime.”
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 2:18 p.m.
1652965361
Boris Johnson raises “major concerns” with the Ukrainian president about rising food prices
Boris Johnson has raised “major concerns” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over rising food prices linked to the Russian invasion.
In a call this morning, the couple discussed options for “opening critical sea and land supply routes for Ukraine’s grain stocks” and pledged to lead their teams to “work urgently in the coming years.” steps, ”Downing Street said.
A 10-year-old spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has spoken today with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss a number of issues, such as military support and global food security.
“The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern about the growing global consequences of the illegal invasion of Russia and the reckless and reckless blockade of President (Vladimir) Putin on the ports of the Black Sea of Ukraine, including rising prices of food in developing countries.
“They looked for options to open critical sea and land supply routes for Ukraine’s grain stocks and pledged to lead their teams to work urgently on the next steps.”
The Prime Minister also stressed his “absolute admiration for the brave defenders of Mariupol” and urged Russia to treat prisoners of war with dignity and respect, the number 10 said.
Chiara Giordano May 19, 2022 2:02 PM