Yahoo News Politics latest news: Boris Johnson tells Emmanuel Macron he sees no need for Brexit talks to drag into Autumn
England rugby fans could soon be banned from singing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'
Dominic Raab says taking the knee seems like symbol of 'subjugation'
Robert Taylor: Oriel College has sacrificed common sense over Rhodes controversy
Boris Johnson has told Emmanuel Macron he sees no need for the post-Brexit trade talks to drag on until the Autumn as he attempts to break the deadlock in the negotiations over an EU trade deal.
The French President held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister in Number 10 as part of his visit to mark the 80th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle's "L'Appel" broadcast from London to rally the French Resistance.
During the talks, Mr Johnson reiterated his desire to conclude an agreement with Brussels as early as the end of next month, having previously warned EU leaders he is not prepared to prolong the uncertainty over the UK's future trading relationship.
Speaking after the meeting, a Downing Street spokesman said: "On UK-EU negotiations, the Prime Minister welcomed the agreement to intensify talks in July and underlined that the UK does not believe it makes sense for there to be prolonged negotiations into the autumn."
The two leaders also discussed ongoing cooperation on illegal migration, defence and the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
They agreed to work closely together on other international issues, including in response to proposed Chinese national security law in Hong Kong.
05:00 PMEngland could follow Northern Ireland on 2m rule if cases brought 'under control'
England could follow Northern Ireland on 2m rule if cases brought 'under control'
Matt Hancock said the virus would have to be "under control" if England was to follow Northern Ireland in reducing social distancing to one metre in schools.
Asked about the announcement from the Northern Ireland Executive, he told the press conference: "We are working on what is needed to get schools open in September, to get all schools open in September.
"And there is a review into the current two-metre rule. But the two-metre rule is in itself a social distancing measure.
"Removing it has an impact in terms of the transmission of the disease, so we have to make sure in that review that we have the space and the virus is under control enough to be able to make the change and replace the two-metre rule, if that is the conclusion of the review, with something that then makes it easier to do things like have people together in schools.
"So I get the interaction between the two-metre rule and getting people back to school.
"We're working very hard now, and DfE is leading it, on the work that's needed in order to have all pupils back in school, as everybody wants to see, from the start of September."
04:52 PMContact tracing is helping to identify local outbreaks
Contact tracing is helping to identify local outbreaks
Matt Hancock said the manual tracing system had helped control local outbreaks in "parts of Leicester" and Kirklees, West Yorkshire, with mobile testing units sent in to help track down positive cases.
He added: "There are these local outbreaks, we've seen them all the way through.
"And we now have the system in place to be able to spot them the best we can and then take that local action.
"It is natural that as the lockdown lifts slightly, we've always said that the next move is for more localised action in order to tackle outbreaks where we find them."
04:51 PMMatt Hancock claims UK backed 'both horses'
Matt Hancock claims UK backed 'both horses'
The Health Secretary rejected suggestions the Government had spent too long trying to build its own app instead of using the Google-Apple technology.
"No, actually quite the contrary, I'm from Newmarket, we back both horses," he said.
"We took the decision in May to start building the Google-Apple version as well and then because we built both we could test both.
"And actually the best way to get new technology going is to test different approaches.
"Far better to go with both versions and now we've got problems with both versions but there's parts of each that can come together to build something that's stronger than either version."
04:49 PMUK must get better at 'hunting' the virus
UK must get better at 'hunting' the virus
Baroness Harding admitted the programme was "not perfect" and that more people needed to be tested for any symptoms.
"We have to get better at hunting out the virus," she added.
"Seventy per cent of people or so who have the virus won't show any symptoms or they will have such mild symptoms they might not spot it.
"That's why we are doing targeted testing for people in high-contact professions such as health and social care, but also other roles where we are looking to expand that."
"I'm not pretending it is perfect, of course it isn't - we all have work to do to keep honing it and improving it."
04:47 PMNo app is good enough yet
No app is good enough yet
Baroness Harding, head of the contact tracing system, said none of the apps were reliable enough to work.
She told the Downing Street press conference: "This is a global challenge. What we have done in really rigorously testing both our own Covid-19 app and the Google/Apple version is demonstrating that none of them are working sufficiently well enough to actually be reliable to determine whether any of us should self-isolate for two weeks.
"That's true across the world."
Having a working app would be a "hugely helpful addition" for people who commute and are forced to mix with strangers, she added.
04:42 PMMacron departs
Macron departs
Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron observed a flypast of the Red Arrows and their French equivalent, La Patrouille de France, to mark the anniversary of the Appel.
Mr Johnson and Mr Macron maintained social distancing as they stood in Horse Guards Parade to watch the spectacle.
Shortly before the flypast, a group of protesters congregated behind the police barriers on Horse Guards Road, chanting and shouting while a line of officers moved towards them.
The two leaders clapped following the flyover, before waving and giving each other a thumbs up as Mr Macron left Horse Guards Parade in a waiting car.
04:40 PMHome working will be with us a 'long time after the crisis'
Home working will be with us a 'long time after the crisis'
Matt Hancock is asked whether he anticipates more people working from home permanently as a result of changes made during the coronavirus lockdown.
Responding, he says it remains the Government's advice that "wherever possible" people should continue to work from home until they are told otherwise.
However, he adds: "I think it's something that will stay with us a long time after the crisis...those zoom calls."
04:36 PMStill no deadline for app roll-out
Still no deadline for app roll-out
Health Secretary Matt Hancock could not say when the contact tracing app would be ready for roll-out.
He told the Downing Street briefing: "We're working on it. We're not going to put a date on it I'm afraid because I'm absolutely determined that, whilst this technology can help, it's got to be working effectively.
"But I am confident we will get there - we will put that cherry on Dido's cake."
04:35 PMHealthcare workers and medically vulnerable first in line for vaccine
Healthcare workers and medically vulnerable first in line for vaccine
Matt Hancock said the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation had published interim advice, with priority likely to be given to "two groups: frontline health and social care workers and those at increased risk of serious disease and death from coronavirus."
He added: "As we learn more about the virus we will continue to take into account which groups may be particularly vulnerable, including, for example, those from ethnic minority backgrounds so that we can protect the most at risk first, should a vaccine become available, and get this country back on our feet as soon as we possibly can."
04:27 PMUK to join forces with Google and Apple
UK to join forces with Google and Apple
Mr Hancock adds: "We have agreed to join forces with Google and Apple to bring the best bits of both systems together.
"We will share our algorithm and the work that we have done on distance calculation and combine that with their work to deliver a new solution."
"That will bring together some of the best minds to find a solution to this global challenge".
04:27 PMMatt Hancock blames app woes on Apple
Matt Hancock blames app woes on Apple
Mr Hancock turns to the decision to abandon the centralised version of the NHSX test and trace app in favour of a hybrid model more aligned with the technology used by Apple and Google.
He says the reason the Government had to change course was because despite the app working very well on Android devices, with Apple software it couldn't work "effectively".
He said that the NHSX app was better at measuring distance than the Google/Apple model.
"As it stands, our app won't work because Apple won't change their system, but it can measure distance.
"And their app can't measure distance well enough to a standard that we are satisfied with."
04:22 PMMatt Hancock urges people to get the regular vaccinations
Matt Hancock urges people to get the regular vaccinations
Discussing the progress being made in the global search for a coronavirus vaccine, Mr Hancock starts by urging everyone, particularly parents with children, to make sure they are going for their jabs.
He says that the Imperial College vaccine has now reached the initial stage of human trials, and AstraZeneca, the major pharmaceuticals company, has struck a deal to manufacture the Oxford vaccine.
The Health Secretary says they have already begun manufacturing the vaccine before it has received approval so that the UK can start building up stockpiles.
04:18 PMDeaths now back to normal levels for this time of the year
Deaths now back to normal levels for this time of the year
An additional 135 deaths were recorded on Wednesday, taking the UK's total to 42,288.
However, Mr Hancock tells the conference that a new study suggests that number of deaths in the UK are now no higher than they would be normally at this time of the year.
04:13 PMCritical care bed use continues to fall
Critical care bed use continues to fall
Hospitals admissions have risen slightly over the past week, with 490 people with Covid admitted as of 15 June, up from 458 seven days beforehand.
However, the number needing critical care beds continues to fall, with the latest figures showing just 360 beds were occupied on June 17, down from 440 the week before.
04:09 PMNumber of covid-19 cases continues to fall
Number of covid-19 cases continues to fall
Opening the daily Downing Street press conference, Matt Hancock pays tribute to Dame Vera Lynn, whose family confirmed earlier today she had died aged 103.
Turning to the regular update on covid-19 statistics, Mr Hancock says the latest figures on new cases show a steady decline in the spread of the virus, with 1,218 recorded on June 18.
More than 300,000 people have now tested positive for the virus in the UK.
As mentioned earlier, the prevalence of the virus is now estimated to have fallen significantly in recent weeks, with 33,000 people infected at anyone time between Mary 31 and June 13.
04:08 PMMacron praises London's role in helping the French Resistance
Macron praises London's role in helping the French Resistance
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate speech thanking London for giving his Second World War countrymen and women a voice and platform to fight Nazi tyranny.
Mr Macron praised the support the fledgling forces of Free France received from the UK, especially their "first weapon, a BBC microphone" used by General Charles de Gaulle to give his historic address.
The president marked the 80th anniversary of the broadcast, which rallied French people in the aftermath of the occupation of France, by visiting the capital - his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak.
Mr Macron, speaking in French in the shadow of General de Gaulle's statue in Carlton Gardens, in central London, where the Free French had their headquarters, said: "Yes, Britain gave shelter to France.
"This is where de Gaulle was able to form the first ranks of the French army which would go on fighting. The soldiers of London.
"This is where de Gaulle was able to call on the French people to join the resistance. The soldiers of the shadows.
"Because 80 years ago today, on June 18 1940, the United Kingdom gave Free France its first weapon, a BBC microphone.
"So the airwaves carried de Gaulle's determined words and spirit of resistance, which built a bridge across the Channel for those refusing to be enslaved or give up their freedom."
03:29 PMHigh Court rejects Dunn family's request for Foreign Office documents
High Court rejects Dunn family's request for Foreign Office documents
The High Court has refused an application by Harry Dunn's parents for the Foreign Office to disclose evidence relating to a "secret agreement" between the UK and US governments which is said to have given diplomatic immunity to their son's alleged killer.
Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn are bringing legal action against Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Northamptonshire Police, claiming they acted unlawfully over the departure of Anne Sacoolas from the UK.
Mr Dunn, 19, was killed in August last year when his motorbike crashed into a Volvo driving on the wrong side of the road outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.
Sacoolas, whose husband Jonathan Sacoolas worked as a technical assistant at the base, claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash and was able to return to the US.
The 42-year-old was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December but an extradition request was refused by the US the following month.
Mr Dunn's parents argue that the Foreign Office "acted unlawfully by proceeding as if Anne Sacoolas conclusively had immunity and/or advising other state bodies that she did", which they say prevented Northamptonshire Police "from reaching an informed view as to the immunity issue".
Following a preliminary hearing on Thursday, conducted remotely by video call, Lord Justice Flaux and Mr Justice Saini rejected the application for the Foreign Office to disclose further evidence ahead of a full hearing.
03:22 PMOne metre safe for schools in Northern Ireland
One metre safe for schools in Northern Ireland
The BBC is reporting that the Northern Ireland Executive has agreed that halving the two-metre rule is "safe and appropriate" for children and young people at school.
The measure is apparently contained in guidance sent to headteachers on how they can enable "full class to attend" when all pupils are allowed to return.
02:54 PMMacron arrives in Downing Street
02:39 PMMatt Hancock defends app U-turn
Macron arrives in Downing Street
02:39 PMMatt Hancock defends app U-turn
Matt Hancock defends app U-turn
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Government remained determined to develop an app which meets the "technical, security and user needs of the public".
Countries across the world had "faced challenges" in developing apps, he said, adding: "Our approach to the virus, whether that's on vaccines, testing, treatments or cures, has been that we are willing to back innovative solutions and to be ambitious.
"We knew from the start that we would need to test and learn as we developed this new technology.
"The NHS Covid-19 app has undergone some of the most rigorous testing in the world - utilising a real-world trial on the Isle of Wight pilot and in a series of field tests - and I want to thank all of those involved.
"As we enter this next phase of research and development we remain determined to continue in our ambition to develop an app which meets the technical, security and user needs of the public and which can complement the NHS Test and Trace service.
"Countries across the globe have faced challenges in developing an app which gets all of these elements right, but through ongoing international collaboration we hope to learn, improve and find a solution which will strengthen our global response to this virus."
02:13 PMMacron and Prince of Wales lay wreaths
Macron and Prince of Wales lay wreaths
Lined up outside Clarence House was a ceremonial guard of honour from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards joined by the Band of the Coldstream Guards - who all stood at least two metres apart.
After the national anthems of France and the UK were played Guard Commander, Major Piers Gambarini, invited Mr Macron to inspect the servicemen and he was accompanied by the Prince of Wales, with the two men sheltered under umbrellas as the rain which had deluged London for much of the day continued to fall.
France's leader walked past the servicemen who when not performing ceremonial duties are fighting soldiers.
The two men later posed for an official photograph before holding talks in Clarence House.
Later, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and the president travelled the short distance from Clarence House to the Mall, where Mr Macron laid a wreath at the King George VI and the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother statues.
Pipe Major Stephen Bennett of the Scots Guards played the pipes as he led the group up a series of steps to Carlton Gardens and on to a nearby statue erected in honour of General de Gaulle.
Major Johanna Maljette read the General's famous address after the Prince and Mr Macron had left floral tributes to the former French president, laying wreaths at the statue.
02:01 PMUpdate on NHS app
Update on NHS app
Contrary to initial reports, Whitehall sources are denying that the UK is ditching the centralised version of the app in favour of the Google-Apple model.
Instead, they are believed to be looking at designing a new hybrid system, which will effectively take components of both systems and blend them together.
I'm told that rather than switching to the Google/Apple contact tracing App, the NHS will develop a hybrid model that takes the best bits of both apps. In testing, neither app proved to be good enough.
— Gordon Rayner (@gordonrayner) June 18, 2020
01:52 PMMichael Gove plays down prospects of rising import costs for NI businesses
Michael Gove plays down prospects of rising import costs for NI businesses
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, are currently being grilled by the Commons Northern Ireland committee on customs arrangements for the province post-Brexit.
Mr Gove is asked how the Government can live up to its commitment to deliver unfettered access to trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain when it has been suggested that the cost of transiting goods could rise by between £50 and £100.
Responding, Mr Gove said: "I can't see how that would arise."
01:31 PMUK Covid cases fall significantly
UK Covid cases fall significantly
New estimates released by the Office for National Statistics show that at any given time between May 31 and June 13, an average of 33,000 people in private households in England had Covid-19.
This was the equivalent of 0.06 per cent of the population or around one in 1,700 individuals.
The ONS said this was a "clear decrease" from the average of 149,000 people infected between May 3 and May 16, which was the equivalent of 0.27 per cent of the population.
01:21 PMParliament's restoration remains in doubt
Parliament's restoration remains in doubt
Parliament's restoration cannot rely on a "bottomless pit" of cash, a Cabinet minister has said, amid Tory calls to press on despite the coronavirus crisis.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said the Palace of Westminster is a "masterpiece" but cautioned "good value for money" is required in whatever the body behind the project decides to do.
It had been expected a business case, with full details of plans and costings, would be approved by MPs in 2021 but the multibillion-pound restoration and renewal (R&R) project is under review.
Speaking during business questions, Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs: "Everyone in the House recognises that the palace needs a significant amount of work and it is a masterpiece, it is a showpiece of our belief in our democracy and our willingness to ensure that that is something we can be proud of across the world.
"The sponsor body has been established, that now has the responsibility for these plans to implement the strategy for R&R.
"It is reviewing the situation that it has inherited and the current circumstances, but it must ensure that whatever is done represents good value for money.
"There is not a bottomless pit."
01:07 PMMacron arrives at Clarence House
Macron arrives at Clarence House
French President Emmanuel Macron has been welcomed to the UK with a ceremony of pomp and pageantry as he marked the 80th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle's famous wartime broadcast.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall greeted France's leader at their official London home - but all remained two metres apart following social distancing guidelines.
The French president arrived at Clarence House after attending events in his homeland to commemorate De Gaulle's rallying cry on the BBC, made in June 1940, when he urged the people of France to resist the Nazi occupation.
The president arrived in his official plane - a Dassault Falcon 7X - decorated in the national colours of France at RAF Northolt in west London.
12:56 PMGovernment set to abandon centralised test and trace app
Government set to abandon centralised test and trace app
The UK is set to abandon its centralised approach to the test and trace app and is switching to a model based on Apple and Google technology, according to the BBC.
Apple and Google have been in talks with the Government about the technology, which uses a decentralised model.
The head of the UK's programme said last month a centralised app can potentially give more insight into outbreaks of COVID-19, but offers less privacy than decentralised rivals.
It comes 24 hours after it emerged that a former Apple executive, Simon Thompson, was taking charge of the project.
First announced several months ago, the NHSX app has been piloted on the Isle of Wight but there has been mounting questions over its viability due to repeated delays to the national roll out.
Today's announcement is likely to lead to further questions about why the UK did not take this approach in the first place.
12:25 PMPM's present to Macron a reminder of historic ties
PM's present to Macron a reminder of historic ties
Boris Johnson will give Emmanuel Macron a framed montage containing a telegram sent by Charles de Gaulle to Sir Winston Churchill on VE Day, Downing Street said.
The montage will also include Churchill's reply, and a photograph of the wartime leaders in Paris shortly after the liberation.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said Mr Johnson would also give President Macron a miniature replica of Churchill's open-topped Land Rover Defender to go with the president's model of Charles de Gaulle's car, which currently sits in president Macron's office.
12:24 PMPotential change to two-metre rule not linked to when pubs reopen
Potential change to two-metre rule not linked to when pubs reopen
Downing Street said there was "not an explicit link" between the review of the two-metre social distancing rule and an announcement on when the hospitality sector can reopen in England.
July 4 has been earmarked as the earliest possible date for the reopening of England's pubs and restaurants.
However, reports this morning suggested that the plans could be delayed until the review has ended.
Asked about the claims, the Prime Minister's spokesman said: "It's in the road map for July 4 at the earliest.
"The road map is clear that reopening is conditional on us being satisfied that it won't lead to second spike that might overwhelm the NHS."
12:20 PMNumber 10 distances itself from Raab over take the knee comments
Number 10 distances itself from Raab over take the knee comments
Downing Street said Dominic Raab was giving a "personal opinion" when he said taking a knee was a symbol of subjugation.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Foreign Secretary was very clear he was expressing a personal opinion.
"Secondly, he has tweeted about it."
Asked whether anyone in No 10 had spoken to him about sending a tweet clarifying his remarks, the spokesman said: "I am certainly not aware of the Prime Minister speaking with the Foreign Secretary this morning."
The spokesman said he did not know whether anyone else in No 10 had spoken to Mr Raab.
11:58 AMSturgeon now reviewing two-metre rule
Sturgeon now reviewing two-metre rule
Nicola Sturgeon says the two-metre social distancing rule will stay for the time being.
But she added: "I have asked our advisers to consider whether there are particular settings and circumstances in which, with additional mitigations, it might be possible in future to recommend a distance of one or 1.5 metres.
"I hope to also have this advice within two weeks and will report on it then."
11:58 AMOvernight stays for people in Scottish bubbles
Overnight stays for people in Scottish bubbles
People living alone in Scotland will be allowed to form a bubble with another household that allows them to stay overnight there.
Ms Sturgeon said: "It will, from tomorrow, allow a grandparent who lives on their own to form a group with another household in their family. It will allow a single parent and their children to join with another household for support.
"And it will allow a non cohabiting couple, where at least one of them lives alone, to be reunited indoors without physical distancing. It will, I hope, help to ease some of the isolation which is one of the cruellest consequences of tackling this virus."
11:57 AMDowning Street urges people to follow the advice of contact tracers
Downing Street urges people to follow the advice of contact tracers
The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "NHS Test and Trace is a new, large scale service designed to help us contain the virus and save lives.
"This week's data shows tens of thousands of people who may have unwittingly spread the virus otherwise are now remaining safely at home.
"We continue to reach more people who may be at risk of passing the virus on and are grateful for the public's support.
"Everyone must play their part and we urge those with symptoms to book a test immediately, and those contacted by the service to follow the advice they receive."
Asked if the Government was disappointed the scheme was not reaching more people, the spokesman said: "This is a new and large-scale service and I think it is important to recognise that it does show tens of thousands of people who might otherwise have been spreading the virus are at home."
11:49 AMWhat are the changes to Scotland's lockdown?
What are the changes to Scotland's lockdown?
Nicola Sturgeon is unveiling phase two of her lockdown exit plan.
Those who are shielding can meet another household tomorrow subject to social distancing and take part in non-contact activities such as golf and hiking.
People can meet two other households outside from tomorrow, subject to a maximum of eight people. They can also go inside someone else's house to use the toilet.
The construction sector and professional sport can restart from this Monday.
Face coverings are to become mandatory on public transport from Monday.
From Monday June 29 shops will have access to the street can reopen but not those in shopping centres.
Outdoor markets can reopen from June 29, along with factories, warehouses, sports courts and playgrounds.
Zoos can reopen to visitors from within a five-mile radius on the same date.
11:46 AMMore from fly over in Paris
The #RedArrows were honoured to join @PAFofficiel over #Paris this morning. It marks 80 years since an historic speech by Charles De Gaulle to the French people from #London. Great image by Cpl Adam Fletcher of the jets over Paris with the Eiffel Tower prominent. #18juin1940 🇬🇧🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ytEhYxtqu3
— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) June 18, 2020
11:42 AMScotland to move to next phase of lockdown
More from fly over in Paris
The #RedArrows were honoured to join @PAFofficiel over #Paris this morning. It marks 80 years since an historic speech by Charles De Gaulle to the French people from #London. Great image by Cpl Adam Fletcher of the jets over Paris with the Eiffel Tower prominent. #18juin1940 🇬🇧🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ytEhYxtqu3
— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) June 18, 2020
11:42 AMScotland to move to next phase of lockdown
Scotland to move to next phase of lockdown
Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Scotland will be moving to the next phase out of lockdown.
She told MSPs in Holyrood that the progress made in suppressing the virus was "clear and substantial", adding: "Taking account of that progress and the other evidence we are required to assess, I am therefore very pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has concluded that we can now move into the next phase of our exit from lockdown."
However, she also said the virus "has not gone away" and that the reason the virus had been suppressed to its current levels was "because of lockdown".
"So as we gradually remove the restrictions that have kept it under control, there is a very real risk that transmission could rise again," she continued.
"That is why - if we don't want to go backwards - we must progress carefully."
11:28 AMContact tracing still failing to reach one in four
Contact tracing still failing to reach one in four
Almost three-quarters of people who test positive for Covid-19 and enter the NHS tracking system are now being traced, figures show.
Some 14,045 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in England had their case transferred to the NHS Test and Trace contact tracing system during the first two weeks of its operation, according to the figures.
Of these, 10,192 people, or 73 per cent, were reached and asked to provide details of recent contacts.
However, 3,435 people were not reached and a further 418 did not provide contact details.
During the second week of the programme, almost eight out of 10 people were reached within 24 hours of their positive test result, up slightly on the week before.
11:15 AMUK's aid spend is 'reparation for former colonialism," Labour claims
UK's aid spend is 'reparation for former colonialism," Labour claims
Labour's shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz said the UK's aid spending was "reparation for former colonialism" as she criticised plans to merge the Foreign Office with Dfid.
During business questions, she said: "The Prime Minister doesn't understand international development.
"You can look at it firstly as reparation for former colonialism.
"It goes to organisations on the ground, it's about education and health and economic development.
"It provides support to people in their own countries so they don't feel they have to leave their countries to search for a better life somewhere else."
10:56 AMDfid jobs in East Kilbride will not be lost
Dfid jobs in East Kilbride will not be lost
Dominic Raab said the Dfid office in East Kilbride - with around 600 jobs - will not be closed, despite the merger.
Asked about the future of staff in the constituency by local SNP MP Dr Lisa Cameron, Mr Raab told MPs: "Can I first of all give (Dr Cameron) the reassurance she needs that the office in her constituency will not be closed.
"Isn't it fantastic to have an SNP member of this House asking for and giving value to the work that the United Kingdom Government does in Scotland, both domestically, but around the world."
10:45 AMFrench jets are London-bound
French jets are London-bound
Alpha jets from the French Air Force Patrouille de France and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows perform a flypast over the statue of Charles de Gaulle on the Champs Elysees avenue to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the wartime leader's appeal to the French people to resist the Nazi occupation.
They are due to be in London for 5pm.
10:40 AMDominic Raab clarifies his comments following backlash
To be clear: I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them. If people wish to take a knee, that’s their choice and I respect it. We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) June 18, 2020
10:39 AMTaking the knee a symbol of 'subjugation," says Raab
Dominic Raab clarifies his comments following backlash
To be clear: I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them. If people wish to take a knee, that’s their choice and I respect it. We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) June 18, 2020
10:39 AMTaking the knee a symbol of 'subjugation," says Raab
Taking the knee a symbol of 'subjugation," says Raab
Dominic Raab has said he would not take the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, insisting he would only do so for the “Queen and the Mrs”.
The Foreign Secretary described it as “symbol of subjugation and subordination”, after football players performed the gesture as Premier League matches kicked off on Wednesday night.
Mr Raab argued that to kneel is a “matter of personal choice” and suggested that it had its origins in the TV show Game of Thrones.
He said: "I understand this sense of frustration and restlessness that is driving the Black Lives Matter movement.
"I've got to say, on this taking a knee thing, I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history but it seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones, feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation.
“But I understand people feel differently about it so it's a matter of personal choice."
10:38 AMOne million sign petition calling for UK food standards to be protected
One million sign petition calling for UK food standards to be protected
One million people have signed a petition calling for laws to prevent future trade deals leading to food imports that would be illegal to produce in the UK, farming leaders have said.
The petition, organised by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), comes amid ongoing fears that post-Brexit trade deals could undermine the UK's food, animal welfare and environmental standards.
A wide coalition of organisations from the NFU to conservation groups have warned against allowing imports of food that would be illegal to produce here, with fears that farmers and standards could be undermined by products such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-fed beef.
Questioned on the issue by the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) on Thursday, Environment Secretary George Eustice insisted that the Government would protect food and welfare standards in trade deals.
He pointed to the Conservatives' 2019 general election manifesto's commitment on the issue.
10:12 AMRaab insists further merger not on the cards
Raab insists further merger not on the cards
Dominic Raab has claimed the Government is "not proposing" to merge the Department for International Trade (DIT) with the newly expanded Foreign Office.
Dame Cheryl Gillan asked what plans the Foreign Secretary has to support business export activity by "eventually bringing" DIT into the newly created Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office.
"Surely that'd make sense now?" Dame Cheryl asked.
Mr Raab replied in the Commons: "We're not proposing to integrate DIT into the new Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office.
"But what we do want to do through the structure of trade envoys... is maximise our impact in those countries where we're seeking to liberalise, and to free up and open up greater access for British businesses and British exports."
10:09 AMDfid merger will enable efficiencies to be made on admin
Dfid merger will enable efficiencies to be made on admin
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said there would be the chance to save on "administrative costs" as part of the planned merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
Responding to an urgent question, Mr Raab told MPs: "Of course there are opportunities to save administrative costs but as we have made clear there will be no compulsory redundancies or anything like that."
09:53 AMUS trade deal could see dairy and beef tariffs fall by 25 per cent
US trade deal could see dairy and beef tariffs fall by 25 per cent
With Labour MPs questioning the UK's negotiating objectives with Washington, Liz Truss said that a US trade deal would help lower tariffs, adding that she was "determined to remove barriers."
She added: "We've now become a net dairy exporter for the first time in recent years and a UK-US FTA will reduce tariffs, for example, from 26 per cent on beef and over 25 per cent on some dairy products."
After being asked again to protect UK food standards in law, Ms Truss shot back in the Commons: "I could not have been more clear.
"These food standards are already in British law as part of the EU Withdrawal Agreement and we're not negotiating those as part of our negotiations with the United States or any other trade partner."
09:35 AMLiz Truss insists food standards will not be lowered
Liz Truss insists food standards will not be lowered
The International Trade Secretary has sought to reassure MPs that the UK's high food standards will not be compromised by any new trade deals she strikes.
SNP trade spokesman Stewart Hosie said Scottish food producers feared a "race to the bottom" if products made using less competitive methods were allowed to enter the UK market.
Ms Truss replied: "First of all, we have the independent Food Standards Agency which is committed to high food standards.
"All of our food standards that are currently with us through EU law are put into UK law as a result of the Withdrawal Agreement, so those standards are not going to be lowered and they're not going to be negotiated as part of any trade agreement."
09:23 AMUK has opportunity to increase environmental protections in US trade deal
UK has opportunity to increase environmental protections in US trade deal
There is "plenty of potential" to increase environmental protections as part of the negotiations with Washington, the international trade minister has said.
Labour asked ministers today if they could guarantee that any trade agreement with the US would not omit the issue of climate change.
Cat Smith, a shadow minister, pointed out that this had happened in a recent US, Mexico and Canada agreement (USMCA).
Responding, Greg Hands told MPs: "The UK is absolutely committed to our international climate change agenda, that is one of our key objectives.
"We've not included that because the US is withdrawing from the Paris Accord which is something that we regret.
"However, she mentioned USMCA. USMCA does include 30 pages of environmental commitments, including for example sustainability, forestry, air quality, marine plastics, agreement with multilateral agreements and so on.
"So there's plenty of potential for us to go further on the environment with our US trade agreement."
09:12 AMChina and Russia exploiting pandemic, Dominic Raab suggests
China and Russia exploiting pandemic, Dominic Raab suggests
The Foreign Secretary accused Russia and China of trying to exploit the challenges created by the coronavirus crisis to help further their own aims.
Asked if Russia had intervened in the coronavirus response in the UK, the Foreign Secretary told Sky: "I certainly think that coronavirus and the challenges that it has created has created a perceived opportunity for various different state and non-state actors through cyber, through other means.
"I think we've seen it in relation to Hong Kong - I think some people are arguing that it is difficult to glean whether it is true or not that this national security legislation that is being put forward is being done at a time when the world's attention has been on coronavirus."
"I don't think they've made a material difference to our response in health terms but certainly Russia and other countries and indeed non-state actors see the challenges that Covid has created and are trying to exploit it.
"And we're making sure we have got the resilience, the defence and the capabilities to prevent them from doing so."
08:58 AMDame Vera Lynn dies, aged 103
Dame Vera Lynn dies, aged 103
Entertainer Dame Vera Lynn has died at 103, the singer's family have said.
The news was confirmed in a statement released this morning, said: "The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain's best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.
"Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family."
Following the announcement, Carrie Symonds, the Prime Minister's fiancée, tweeted: "Very sad. Will be playing her music here today. RIP."
08:54 AMTory MP reprimanded by standards watchdog
Tory MP reprimanded by standards watchdog
Conservative MP Marcus Fysh has been reprimanded for his "deprecatory" and "patronising" behaviour and ordered to apologise to colleagues in the Commons after being found to have made a series of breaches of the Code of Conduct.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards found that the member of the European Scrutiny Committee failed to register his unpaid directorships with various companies as interests.
The Yeovil MP was also criticised by the Standards Committee for having "adopted a deprecatory and, at points, patronising tone towards the commissioner and the registrar, which was unacceptable, as were his unfounded questions about their objectivity".
The committee recommended that the Register of Interests is corrected for Mr Fysh's four unpaid directorships which have continued, and that he should "make an apology on the floor of the House for both the non-registrations and non-declarations by means of a personal statement".
He was also told to apologise to the commissioner and registrar in writing.
08:22 AMAir bridges ready by the end of the month?
Air bridges ready by the end of the month?
Following the 1922 committee's meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday, Sir Geoffrey Clinton-Brown said he was "pretty confident" the travel quarantine policy would be eased after its first review period on June 28.
"I am pretty confident that by June 28 or thereabouts we will have had some negotiations on air corridors with countries that have lower rates than ours," he told the BBC.
"So I think again that will be gradually eased as from the 28th of June."
08:19 AM1922 Treasurer 'confident' two-metre rule will be cut by September
1922 Treasurer 'confident' two-metre rule will be cut by September
Treasurer of the 1922 Committee Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown says he is "confident" that Boris Johnson will have eased the two-metre social distancing rule by September.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm absolutely sure that we're not going to get all the school children back in September unless the two-metre rule is changed.
"And I'm quite certain from everything I've heard, it will have been changed by then.
"The Prime Minister is undertaking a detailed study into this and I'm certain that by September it will have been changed."
Sir Geoffrey was one of several MPs on the committee to meet the Prime Minister yesterday.
08:05 AMTravel between UK and France 'fundamental' to both countries
Travel between UK and France 'fundamental' to both countries
Speaking ahead of President Macron's meeting with Boris Johnson, a former UK ambassador to France said he expected the pair to discuss the UK's widely contested travel quarantine policy.
Sir Peter Westmacott told Sky News: "Back in the beginning...we were told there was going to be an exemption for France, there was going to be a special corridor, because after all tens of millions of Britons go through France on their summer vacations, and also the United Kingdom depends on road traffic from France for our food and our supplies.
"That transit, that crossing, is fundamental to both countries. I think there will be a sensible discussion about that, what are the levels of infection, what are the risk levels, how soon can we relax the quarantine for the travel between Britain and France.
"Of course the French will have concerns that the level of fatalities and infections from coronavirus in the Uk remains higher than it is anywhere else in Europe.
"It’s not just about trying to persuade Boris Johnson to lift the travel quarantine arrangements for our nearest and dearest neighbour."
07:55 AMUK right to 'update' its history, says Raab as statues are toppled
UK right to 'update' its history, says Raab as statues are toppled
Speaking just hours after Oxford's Oriel College recommended that the statue of Cecil Rhodes should be taken down, Dominic Raab said the UK should not "airbrush" its history but "update it".
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think we should be very careful not to airbrush our history but to use statues and monuments as a point of debate.
"But one thing I do accept is that people will think that we ought to keep updating our history, and make sure the symbols reflect the spirit and the values of the age."
07:48 AMReopening tourism industry is 'fraught with risk'
Reopening tourism industry is 'fraught with risk'
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said hospitality and tourism is "fraught with all sorts of particular risks" related to social distancing.
When asked why shops are open but tourism is still limited, he said: "There is a higher level of risk of transmission, that's the advice we have had from the experts, so we do need to wait a little bit longer to make sure we can do that responsibly.
"We are itching to open up those sectors from a business point of view and also a consumer point of view but we have just got to do it in a responsible way."
07:30 AMAir bridge plan poses legal risks, warns Dominic Raab
Air bridge plan poses legal risks, warns Dominic Raab
The Foreign Secretary has warned there is a risk of legal challenges if the UK tries to form travel bridges with particular countries to the exclusion of others.
Discussing French president Emmanuel Macron's visit to London, Mr Raab told BBC Breakfast: "What we are going to look at is how (international travel) can be done safely and responsibly.
"Of course there is a risk of legal challenge if you open up for one country and not others so we want to make sure we can open up - and this is our starting point - as soon as we can safely and responsibly do so.
"If you open up the airports and don't open up the Eurotunnel or if you open up to one country but not in relation to others there is always a risk of legal challenge."
Mr Raab said public health had to be "front and centre" of decision making.
07:21 AMMacron to bestow on London his nation's highest honour
Macron to bestow on London his nation's highest honour
Emmanuel Macron will arrive in London today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle's historic BBC broadcast to the French Resistance in 1940.
The French President will be treated to a royal audience with the Prince of Wales, a flypast of the Red Arrows and a ceremonial guard of honour to mark the occasion.
During his visit, President Macron will in turn bestow on London the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest hour, in recognition of the capital's role in providing a base for de Gaulle and the Resistance during his exile from Occupied France.
He will also meet Boris Johnson in Downing Street, with the two leaders due to view letters and other artefacts documenting the de Gaulle's time in the UK.
07:02 AMBoris Johnson urged to tear down 'iron curtain' around Downing Street
Boris Johnson urged to tear down 'iron curtain' around Downing Street
Boris Johnson has been urged by senior Tories to tear down the “iron curtain” encircling Downing Street after complaining that he has stopped listening to his own backbenchers.
Officers of the powerful 1922 Tory backbench committee on Wednesday told the Prime Minister he must embrace feedback from experienced MPs, following criticism that he has become overly reliant on a small circle of advisers led by Dominic Cummings.
They believe a failure to engage with backbenchers has resulted in a series of policy errors that have forced him into embarrassing about-turns, most recently over free school meals.
It is understood that it was the Prime Minister who raised the importance of the links between Number 10 and backbenchers going forward.
07:01 AMGood morning
Good morning
Here is out front page today.
Thursday’s Daily TELEGRAPH: “Charles: young face devastation from virus” #BBCPapers #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/mhx53qQg77
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) June 17, 2020
The Prince of Wales has warned of the “potentially devastating” impact of coronavirus on young people, saying it is essential to now “prevent this crisis from defining the prospects of a generation”.
The Prince, whose Prince's Trust is dedicated to helping the young, has spoken of his fears of a “terrible downward spiral” for those facing a “double disaster” of the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions.
Saying “desperately high numbers of lives and livelihoods” are already being lost, he warned young people are often “hardest hit” in times of economic hardship, currently working in industries which have “borne the brunt of this crisis”.
The Prince's comments come amid growing concern about the wider repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, particularly on children, teenagers and young adults.
Meanwhile, two of the UK's biggest companies have pledged to pay large sums to black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities after their roles in the slave trade were highlighted in a major academic database.
Greene King, one of the UK's largest pub chains, and Lloyd's of London, one of the world's biggest insurance firms, both said they would make payments.
