- Vote: Do you settle for the PM’s apology? (1.55pm)
- Rishi Sunak refuses to give unequivocal backing
- Jeremy Hunt: My No 10 ambition hasn’t ‘vanished’
- Dominic Raab: Cummings allegations ‘now not accurate’
- Prolong mask regulations and chance riot, PM warned
- Norman Tebbitt: Watch Out the silent Cabinet minister
Boris Johnson has rejected accusations that he lied to Parliament over allegations of Covid rule-breaking parties in Downing Side Road, insisting that “nobody told me that what we were doing used to be in opposition to the rules”.
Mr Johnson repeated his apologies to the Queen and the rustic in comments made at Finchley Memorial Health Center in north London, however denied allegations via Dominic Cummings that he had misled the Commons.
“As I said within the House of Commons, while I went out into that garden i thought i used to be attending a piece event,” Mr Johnson informed broadcasters. “i believe it’s very vital that we see what the inquiry has to say. i can be coming again to the house of Commons as soon because it’s mentioned, as quickly as i will be able to after it and i will be telling other folks extra.
“i will’t imagine that we would have gone ahead with an event that individuals were announcing was towards the principles or now not asking other people to do. Nobody warned me that it was against the rules… i’d remember the fact that.”
Asked if he might surrender if he was once discovered to have misled Parliament, Mr Johnson said: “Smartly let’s examine what the record says. it would be reasonably mistaken of me to prejudge what the inquiry will say or do.”
It got here as Rishi Sunak broke his silence at the “partygate” scandal engulfing the Prime Minister, insisting that he “in fact” believes his assertions he did not find out about any parties at Downing Street.
Observe the most recent updates below.
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On Off 2:56PM
Tom Harris: Sturgeon’s Scotland is turning into the whole lot it swore it was in opposition to
consistent with her boss, Lorna Slater is “a shockingly hard worker”, writes Tom Harris. Let’s simply pause a second to think about this endorsement.
Slater is considered one of two Scottish ministers drawn from the ranks of the Inexperienced Birthday Party. Her boss is the first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who appointed her in the first place and therefore has a vested hobby in Slater’s good fortune within the function.
but the minister has been criticised for supposedly telling her civil servants that even during the Cop26 local weather change summit in Glasgow, she sought after not more than two ministerial appointments an afternoon in her diary, that she didn’t wish to get started paintings too early, had numerous time to eat and an ok number of days off.
this is, to mention the least, could be a listing of unusual demands, specifically considering that Cop26 represented the whole thing that introduced each Inexperienced Birthday Celebration member into politics in the first place. If a Green minister prioritises her down time at the same time as world leaders meet to negotiate an end to local weather change, you’ve to marvel what circumstances might persuade her to forgo an extended lie.
the reality of Sturgeon’s Scotland is other from the rhetoric
2:38PM
Jeremy Hunt: My Tory management objectives have not ‘completely vanished’
Jeremy Hunt has stated his “ambition hasn’t completely vanished” to transform High Minister amid the turmoil over the “partygate” scandal engulfing Downing Side Road.
the former international secretary, who additionally chairs the well being and social care select committee, said that it will “take a lot to influence me to place my hat into the ring”, but that he had not dominated it out.
Hypothesis over Boris Johnson’s tenure has mounted in up to date weeks as six Conservative MPs have publicly called for his resignation, while additional Tories are believed to have submitted letters of no trust to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee.
Mr Hunt previously ran towards Mr Johnson in the 2019 leadership election following Theresa Might’s resignation, and reached the general two where he won a third of the birthday celebration club’s votes.
Mason Boycott-Owen has the story
2:34PM
Breaking: Sturgeon says Scotland Covid measures to be lifted from Jan 24th
Restrictions on are living occasions, hospitality and social distancing interior in public shall be lifted in Scotland on Monday, Nicola Sturgeon has showed.
Nightclubs in Scotland can even open next week, the first Minister said, as she confirmed Scotland had “became the nook on the omicron wave”.
Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the easement of a few Covid restrictions in Scotland Credit Score: Sky News
The u . s . a .’s “downward slope” of Covid cases will also mean an finish to the 3-household rule interior and the will for desk carrier in bars.
1:55PM
Have your say: Do you accept Boris Johnson’s apology?
Boris Johnson has repeated his apology to Queen and u . s ., as he claimed he “categorically” did not learn about any parties at Downing Street and repeated he concept he was at a “work experience”.
Are the Prime Minister’s words enough? Have your say now:
1:42PM
Boris Johnson emotional as he apologises to Queen and u . s . a .
Boris Johnson seemed emotional while he was asked about the Telegraph’s revelations remaining week that two events were held at Downing Street at the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral.
Placing his head down and breathing closely as the question used to be requested, he stated: “I deeply and bitterly feel sorry about that that happened. And i will best renew my apologies to each Her Majesty and to the rustic for misjudgements that were made, and for which i will be able to take full accountability.
Boris Johnson was once requested in regards to the Downing Side Road events which took place at the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021
“I have in mind people’s emotions. And I understand why people feel as strongly as they do. And That I repeat my apologies for what came about and i am heartily, heartily sorry for misjudgements that were made in Quantity 10.
“But what I do want to do is look forward to the realization of the inquiry, however before then to maintain going with what we are doing and i think what the entire folks you’ve defined wish to see is a central authority that is focused nonetheless on taking the country ahead within the method that we’re.”
“Whatever” the stories about Downing Boulevard parties that experience been coated, there’s “any other tale, which is a few united states that has been in a position to come out of Covid faster than every other comparator united states of america”, he stated.
1:35PM
Boris Johnson: ‘Nobody advised me that what we have been doing used to be towards the foundations’
Boris Johnson started his first interview for the reason that occasions of Wednesday via pronouncing:
I need to start by way of repeating my apologies to everyone for the misjudgements that I made, that we could have made in Number 10 and beyond whether or not in Downing Boulevard or inside the pandemic.
And That I do understand how infuriating it must be for people up and down the country in view of the large sacrifices people have made, the way they have stored discipline, followed the rules, followed the steerage, performed the suitable factor to assume that that didn’t occur in 10 Downing Boulevard.
So i need to mention to you on that time, no, no one informed me that what we were doing used to be towards the principles, that the event in question that we were going to do something that wasn’t a work experience.
As I said in the Space of Commons, whilst I went out into that lawn i assumed i was attending a piece adventure. i believe it’s very necessary that we see what the inquiry has to say. i will be able to be coming back to the home of Commons as soon as it’s suggested, as quickly as i can after it and i’ll be telling other folks extra.
1:25PM
Breaking: Boris Johnson rejects accusations he lied to Parliament
Boris Johnson has rejected accusations that he lied of Parliament over allegations of Covid rule-breaking events in Downing Boulevard, insisting that “no person informed me that what we had been doing used to be against the rules”.
Boris Johnson was once talking on a visit to Finchley Memorial Medical Institution in north London Credit: Ian Vogler/Day-To-Day Mirror
Extra to practice
1:23PM
Motion Matt strikes again: Hancock takes a dip in the cold Serpentine
Matt Hancock took a plunge in the icy waters of London’s Serpentine this morning in a display of his wearing prowess, writes Matthew Robinson.
the former health secretary, who landed himself in sizzling water ultimate yr following a kiss with his former aide, braved sub-zero temperatures in the capital as he peeled off his layers and submerged himself in the murky waters of the lake.
Credit Score: Jeremy Selwyn/Evening Usual / eyevine
Mr Hancock have been working in Hyde Park with members of the Parliamentary Operating Club, together with Robert Buckland, the former Lord Chancellor, and Lord Bethell, who was once a junior well being minister under him whilst in government.
1:03PM
Dominic Cummings is ‘completely discredited’, says Peter Bone
A veteran Tory backbencher has railed against Dominic Cummings, describing him as “totally discredited” after the occasions of Might 2020.
“I Don’t consider a word that Dominic Cummings says approximately anything else,” Peter Bone advised Sky.
“When he drove from London to Durham with Covid. Whilst he went to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight. he is totally discredited and i am afraid if it’s a question of believing the High Minister or Dominic Cummings, it is the Prime Minister every time.”
Asked about graffiti reading ‘liar’ showing on his constituency place of business last week, Mr Bone stated: “Unfortunately in this day and age in the event that they disagree with you, they believe they are able to flip to threats or vandalism.”
Activists and elements in Wellingborough remain “very supportive” of the High Minister, Mr Bone maintained, as he claimed many of the emails he received have been “politically inspired” and accused Mr Johnson’s critics of residing in a “media bubble”.
12:53PM
Pictured: Boris Johnson seen leaving Downing Boulevard
Boris Johnson used to be observed leaving Downing Street this morning as he prepares to face extra scrutiny over Downing Boulevard celebration allegations at Top Minister’s Questions tomorrow.
Up To Now, he has no longer stated anything else publicly considering his apology to the Commons finally week’s Prime Minister’s Questions and his alternate with Sir Keir Starmer prior to he fielded questions from different MPs.
Mr Johnson had been restricting his social touch given that Thursday after a case of coronavirus in his circle of relatives.
Credit Score: Nigel Howard/Nigel Howard Media 12:38PM
‘Untrue’ that Boris Johnson knew about May 20 event, says Downing Boulevard
Boris Johnson’s authentic spokesman has denied that the Top Minister was once warned concerning the adventure at Downing Street on Might 20, 2020, labelling claims via his former most sensible aide “untrue”.
Requested if Mr Johnson might surrender if he misled Parliament, the spokesman said: “The steerage is clear, the ministerial code could be very clear in this aspect while it comes to knowingly deceptive the home and the High Minister abides by way of that, and we absolutely fortify it.”
The spokesman refused to “bounce ahead” and conflate the contents of the code with “what the investigation might or won’t conclude or set out”.
But asked if Mr Johnson had ever lied to the home, the spokesman stated: “No.”
12:33PM
Barristers accused of ‘irresponsible and unwarranted’ plans to strike over pay row
Barristers had been accused of “irresponsible and unwarranted” plans to strike over pay in a row with the Justice Secretary.
The Felony Bar Affiliation (CBA) introduced a 96.5 per cent backing for commercial action in a survey of two,000 participants if the federal government fails to decide to a “considerable” build up in legal criminal support pay.
The CBA is now making ready to poll its members to pave the best way for strike action that could further disrupt the courts already hit via a backlog of 59,000 cases. it will only be the second time of their history that they had taken motion.
Alternatively, Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, mentioned such a transfer by means of the barristers could “hang again our restoration from the pandemic”. “It will likely be irresponsible and unwarranted commercial motion through criminal barristers”, he stated.
Charles Hymas has this file
12:30PM
‘Partygate’ saga: Cummings allegations ‘terminal’ if confirmed, says backbencher
Sir Roger Gale, the MP for North Thanet who has called on Boris Johnson to resign, has questioned the reliability of Dominic Cummings within the wake of his recent accusations (see ELEVEN.25am) – even as insisting Boris Johnson will have to go if they turn out to be true.
“Mr Cummings was somewhat cost effective with the truth himself when he made statements within the garden of Downing Boulevard, so I Do Not assume we will be able to depend upon him for total veracity.
“However by means of the same token these are serious allegations. And if it turns into obvious because people corroborate what Mr Cummings has said that the Top Minister has misled the house from the despatch box again – because he’s performed it once beforehand – then i feel that could be terminal.”
on the query of whether there are the desired 54 letters of no confidence within the High Minister will probably be submitted, Sir Roger’s response was: “I Do Not recognise. We may must watch for events to peer precisely what occurs.”
He wouldn’t be drawn on who should change Boris Johnson “prior to i do know who the runners and riders are”.
12:26PM
Licence rate could be decriminalised as a part of BBC overhaul
people who refuse to pay the licence charge would possibly no longer be prosecuted as a part of an overhaul of the best way the BBC is funded, Nadine Dorries has advised.
The Culture Secretary also stated the BBC may just cut down the salaries paid to some of its biggest names to save lots of money as she confirmed plans to freeze the licence price for the next years.
and he or she hit again at claims from Competition MPs that the freeze to the BBC’s income used to be “unpatriotic”, telling MPs: “i’m very patriotic.”
commencing a evaluation of the lifestyles of the licence charge from 2028, Ms Dorries advised that it could be unacceptable to threaten people with prison phrases for non-payment of the fee by then.
Nadine Dorries: ‘We have to assume how we will be able to modification the BBC’
12:17PM
Rishi Sunak: After All I Believe Boris Johnson
Rishi Sunak has broken his silence on the “partygate” scandal engulfing Boris Johnson, insisting that he “in fact” believes the Prime Minister’s assertions he did not know about any parties at Downing Street.
The Chancellor had been silent on the matter for just about per week after Mr Johnson apologised to MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions.
“The Prime Minister addressed this closing week in Parliament and set out his figuring out of the location and that i refer you to his words,” Mr Sunak told Sky Information.
The Chancellor has been touted because the favorite to take over from Boris Johnson in the adventure of a management contest Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Cord
Requested whether or not he believed Mr Johnson in the wake of latest allegations through Dominic Cummings that he “lied to Parliament”, he added: “In Fact I do. The Top Minister set out his figuring out of this topic in Parliament final week.
“As you realize Sue Gray is accomplishing an inquiry into this matter and that i absolutely enhance the Prime Minister’s request for persistence even as this inquiry concludes.”
However Mr Sunak was once on his toes and heading out of the room sooner than he could solution whether he supported Boris Johnson “unequivocally”.
ELEVEN:51AM
What used to be Jeremy Hunt’s ‘One Nation’ be offering ultimate day out?
Jeremy Hunt has instructed The Home mag it will “take a lot” to steer him to mount a management challenge – however admitted his hopes of leading the Tory Birthday Celebration, and the country, had not “utterly vanished”.
Mr Hunt was a outstanding Remainer within the 2016 Eu election marketing campaign, however insisted 3 years later the result had to be applied or British democracy can be at risk.
A former Foreign Secretary and Well Being Secretary who presented radical healthcare reforms under David Cameron’s management, Mr Hunt has steadily been important of the present Executive’s policy as chairman of the health and social care make a choice committee.
Jeremy Hunt commencing his stall during a Conservative management debate in July 2019 Credit: Peter Morrison/AP Pool
In The contest in 2019, he situated himself as a ‘One Nation’ centrist Conservative candidate. However, this led to a few complaint that his premiership could had been too as regards to Theresa Would Possibly, whose tenure was once marred by way of civil struggle within the celebration over Brexit.
Writing for The Telegraph closing month, Mr Hunt admitted he used to be “uneasy” about ministers elevating Nationwide Insurance via 1.25 according to cent however mentioned the government “was once proper” to achieve this.
Alternatively, he went on to warn: “If taxes are not spent correctly, governments pay a heavy worth. instead of being praised for bringing down ready times, Tony Blair found himself repeatedly criticised for NHS waste. How can this Conservative Government avoid the similar destiny and positioned the NHS on a sustainable lengthy-term footing?”
ELEVEN:35AM
Robin Aitken: There’s an glaring way for the BBC to defeat Nadine Dorries’s attack
It’s tough to look Nadine Dorries’s resolution to freeze the BBC licence price as anything rather than a punishment beating, writes Robert Aitken. I don’t doubt her sincerity whilst she says she wants to give protection to Britons from emerging costs, however freezing the licence rate for 2 years is best observed as a marker of presidency displeasure in place of a significant try to hang again prices.
after all, set in opposition to the heavy burden of rising gasoline prices – which would price the common family loads of pounds – an additional tenner or so brought to the licence rate pales into insignificance.
What the day past’s assertion truly portends is that the federal government’s feud with the BBC is far from over. As Ms Dorries made clear, the federal government nonetheless believes the Business Enterprise has yet to tackle problems around impartiality and staff-suppose.
So the real reason behind this freeze is a political judgement that the BBC has not yet done enough to position its house in order; that till the government sees changes within the BBC’s output, the times of masses aren’t going to go back.
Robin Aitken: The Tradition Secretary is creating a transparent danger
ELEVEN:25AM
Cummings ‘cleaning soap opera’ allegations now not accurate, says Justice Secretary
The “soap opera” allegations made through Dominic Cummings against Boris Johnson aren’t accurate, the Justice Secretary has claimed this morning.
Mr Cummings claimed on his weblog closing night that he and other eyewitnesses were prepared to swear underneath oath that the High Minister had “lied to Parliament approximately events” at Quantity 10.
the previous leader aide to Mr Johnson, who departed in November 2020, additionally alleged that there are “many other photos of events after I left but to look”.
Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson pictured in additional convivial instances in autumn 2019 Credit: Daniel Leal/AFP
However talking to Sky Information, Dominic Raab stated of the allegations: “The PM’s been very transparent that’s now not precise or correct. Forgive me if I don’t get drawn into the soap opera of what one or different claim has been made.
“I’ve been transparent that I think it’s a significant factor, which is why we’ve were given that severe research. I’m not going to get into commenting on every little snippet within the papers.
“Folks need us to appear at the issues that matter of their day-to-day lives, that’s that we are coming out of this pandemic, the commercial measures we’ve taken, getting ourselves again on the entrance foot and the crime preventing time table.”
ELEVEN:21AM
Jeremy Hunt: My leadership ambition hasn’t ‘utterly vanished’
Jeremy Hunt has insisted his leadership ambition has not “utterly vanished”.
Mr Hunt defined the issues around ‘partygate’ as “great”, but said he might reserve judgement till the Sue Grey report amid
“I wasn’t expecting to depart the government in 2019, however I Have enjoyed being on the backbenches much greater than i assumed,” the former Health Secretary – who ran against Boris Johnson within the 2019 Tory management election – informed The Home mag.
“I would possibly not say my ambition has utterly vanished, however it might take a lot to influence me to place my hat into the ring.”
ELEVEN:17AM
BBC director general: ‘Inevitable’ programmes and services shall be axed
The BBC’s director common has said “it is inevitable” programmes and services and products will probably be axed as the licence rate deal will create a £285m shortfall, reports Gareth Davies.
Tim Davie has stated the licence fee freeze will result in a £285 million hole in investment for the organisation in 2027 and can “undoubtedly” affect the broadcaster’s “frontline output”.
Talking on BBC Radio 4’s Lately programme, Mr Davie mentioned the corporation felt it was once being “listened to” but given the licence charge used to be set through politicians “you’re in the political swirl”. He expressed sadness on the freeze, adding: “we might have favored to have noticed an inflation rise within the length.”
His feedback follow confirmation from Tradition Secretary Nadine Dorries on Monday that the licence charge could be frozen at £159 for two years, until 2024, and then it is going to upward thrust in line with inflation for the following four years.
Tim Davie: ‘i feel everything is on the agenda’
ELEVEN:06AM
Govt wins appeal on agreement given to marketplace research company
The Federal Government has gained an attraction at the Courtroom of attract overturn a ruling that a agreement offered to a company whose founders have been buddies of Dominic Cummings was illegal.
The Top Court dominated ultimate 12 months that the cabinet Administrative Center’s determination to award a contract price more than £500,000 to Public First, a market analysis company, was once unlawful as it gave upward thrust to “obvious bias”.
Campaigning employer the good Legislation Venture brought a case over the hyperlinks between the founders of the firm, which gained the settlement in June 2020, and the Prime Minister’s former adviser as well as Michael Gove, who on the time was once a cupboard Place Of Job minister.
The Lord Leader Justice Lord Burnett, sitting with Lord Justice Coulson And Girl Justice Carr, discovered that the unique judgement have been an “unparalleled outcome”.
Excellent News Court Docket of Enchantment has noticed feel & mentioned I behaved lawfully however it’s hopeless having these things pass thro courts for years causing large uncertainty/delays/prices across Whitehall. We urgently need *clear procurement laws for individuals acting in an emergency*
— Dominic Cummings (@Dominic2306) January 18, 2022
In a tweet in a while after modern-day ruling, Mr Cummings defined the judgement as “general vindication for my selections on shifting super rapid on procurement to avoid wasting lives”.
10:55AM
Fraser Nelson: Can any chief live to tell the tale the pandemic?
If Boris Johnson wanted to console himself, he would possibly say he’s far from the only baby-kisser having deep publish-Covid political problems, writes Fraser Nelson.
no person, now not even Keir Starmer, is immune from scrutiny in their behaviour in lockdown. Everyone gambled – and to a greater or lesser quantity, everybody lost. Now, the political reckoning starts.
From Australia to Israel, so much of these who had been in power at the start of the pandemic have either lost energy – or look as if they quickly will. Lockdowns introduced affliction however no longer the advantages that their advocates promised.
In Sweden, on the different excessive, the Top Minister who fended off lockdowns misplaced energy after a coalition power fight. And the arena over, it’s exhausting to search out any chief who can surely claim their Covid coverage was once a hit.
Fraser Nelson: Lockdown might eclipse everything else Boris has done
10:40AM
COLLECTION OF staff on payrolls jumps by file number
The choice of staff on payrolls jumped by way of a report 184,000 in December to 29.5 million regardless of the affect of omicron, the Place Of Work for Nationwide Facts (ONS) showed.
The unemployment rate has fallen from 4.2 in step with cent to 4.1 according to cent, simply 0.1 according to cent upper than in the ultimate quarter pre-pandemic.
Then Again, moderate pay after inflation, aside from bonuses, fell by way of one per cent, the primary real-terms job considering the fact that July 2020.
Families are suffering their 3rd actual pay squeeze in a decade after inflation outstripped slowing wage enlargement in November, piling force on ministers and fee-setters to ease the fee-of-living difficulty.
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, stated: “Today’s figures are proof that the jobs marketplace is thriving, with employee numbers emerging to record ranges and redundancy notifications at their lowest levels on account that 2006 in December.”
10:21AM
Lengthen face mask rules and you chance three-determine rebellion, PM warned
Boris Johnson has been advised it would be “mad” to increase face mask regulations past Jan 26 as Tory MPs warned doing so may spark a “three-figure riot”, writes Lucy Fisher.
Mr Johnson is extensively anticipated to scrap rules on Covid passports and steerage to paintings from house in England next Wednesday, when “Plan B” restrictions are reviewed. it is imaginable that a press release on those measures may come as quickly as this week.
However, the government is understood to be taking into account preserving a few laws on face mask beyond the top of the month.
The notion will require a Commons vote, as the powers used to introduce the present regulations – which oblige other folks to wear masks in so much public indoor settings – expire subsequent Wednesday. On Monday, a chain of Tory MPs suggested Mr Johnson to rule it out.
Learn extra: ‘I see no point in rules everyone is ignoring’
10:01AM
Motorists could pay by way of the mile underneath Sadiq Khan’s net-zero plans
Londoners will have to “contribute in opposition to” the costs of net-zero carbon emissions, Sadiq Khan has stated as he confirmed he’ll take a look at charging motorists via the mile.
Citing the world’s first ever Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) and congestion charge, Mr Khan he would “encourage” other folks in the capital to make fewer automobile trips.
“We wish to inspire other folks to walk and make public shipping a gorgeous choice,” he informed Sky News. “I Have also asked TfL to investigate the sector’s first smart road user charge in, so we will exchange the entire present schemes we have and people pay in line with mile based on the automobile, how polluting it’s, based upon the distance travelled, the time of day, what part of London they are in.”
Sadiq Khan has ceaselessly sounded the alarm on local weather amendment and advised internet-zero policies Credit Score: Leon Neal/Getty Photographs
on the ongoing row around “partygate”, Mr Khan concluded it used to be a “slam-drunk” after “an admission of liability by the Top Minister” in the Space of Commons.
“He’s been shown to be somebody who’s not only boastful and a liar, however evidence of hypocrisy to boot. His place is untenable, he is got to resign.”
against this Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, “did not break any regulations”, Mr Khan introduced.
Gurpreet Narwan has this record at the details of Sadiq Khan’s plans
NINE:40AM
Charles Moore: The BBC has been acting just like the Fox News of the Left
One may really feel fairly cynical approximately Nadine Dorries’s timing of her statement concerning the future of the BBC licence charge, observes Charles Moore. The freeze for 2 years was once already identified. Her communicate of a new investment model by means of 2028 is vaguer than her rhetoric implies.
She is choosing this second as a result of the BBC’s coverage of the revelations approximately Downing Boulevard parties all the way through Covid. this is extra politics than coverage.
the problem is that the BBC has made it simple for her. i truly do imagine that Tim Davie, the director-basic, is thinking about impartiality, but the corporation’s implementation of his Action Plan is slow in that unique means that simplest great bureaucracies can handle.
Nadine Dorries pictured remaining night time after she confirmed the BBC licence rate will likely be frozen for the following years Credit: Jamie Lorriman
The Story approximately Boris and events is a classic case where the national broadcaster needs to show super-impartiality; however the coverage has confirmed no popularity whatever of what Mr Davie seeks.
on the opposite, from the inside track that starts the day to Newsnight which ends up it, the BBC has tried to end up that this is the worst scandal in residing memory and can be fatal to Boris Johnson’s premiership.
Charles Moore: The BBC is beneath-serving its audiences
9:26AM
Ministers arrive ahead of modern day Cabinet assembly
the first ministers have arrived at Downing Side Road as Boris Johnson prepares to deal with the weekly Cupboard assembly.
rather than a morning run yesterday, the PM has now not been observed in public for the reason that Prime Minister’s Questions closing Wednesday.
Tory chairmen Oliver Dowden was once considered one of the primary ministers to reach at Number 10 these days Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire 
Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, contemporary from his defence of the High Minister in this morning’s broadcast round Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
this is as a result of Mr Johnson has been restricting his social contact after a positive Covid take a look at in his circle of relatives final week, Downing Side Road mentioned.
9:15AM
Don’t evade duty over No 10 events, says minister
The Top Minister “must set the highest requirements”, a minister has declared as he warned claims of rule-breaching Quantity 10 events have damaged consider within the Executive.
George Freeman told a constituent that folks in power “shouldn’t seek to escape public responsibility or responsibility”, in feedback likely to be observed as veiled grievance of Boris Johnson.
The industry minister denied that he was wondering Mr Johnson’s leadership, saying he desired to watch for the Whitehall investigation into alleged parties to finish and to listen the Prime Minister’s reaction.
His non-public comments, said via The Days, emerged as Dominic Cummings claimed that he and different eyewitnesses were prepared to swear underneath oath that the Top Minister has “lied to Parliament about parties” at Downing Side Road.
Lucy Fisher has this report
9:04AM
‘Boris Johnson has to prove that there’s still some degree to the Tories’
Has the Boris spell finally been damaged? asks Sherelle Jacobs.
The Top Minister has always been blessed with a singular political sorcery: citizens have never handled this maverick within the similar means as they do other lesser politicians. He has a Houdini-like talent for wiggling out of tight spots. A Lot to the Left’s baffled rage, his air of secrecy, foppish instead of toffish, bewitched the Crimson Wall back in 2019.
One can not lend a hand however come across a number of the myriad predictions of the PM’s approaching fall a strong section of wishful thinking, particularly among the Remainers who detest him.
Partygate has, alternatively, treated the public to a potentially deadly peek behind the degree curtain: a man elected to be the authentic, freeing voice of the folk has spent the closing two years implementing on them draconian Covid regulations which he it appears that evidently believed had been nonsensical and excessive.
The unsightly decadence and manipulating levers and pulleys of his courtroom can’t be unseen. Thus the query Tory MPs ought to be asking isn’t simply whether or not the PM’s reputation has been badly damaged via the rolling collection of scandals. It has. it’s whether his curious political efficiency – an not likely ability to win over various voters and forever bounce back from the edge of oblivion – has been completely sapped.
Sherelle Jacobs: There May Be still a path again for the PM
8:50AM
Harder powers for magistrates to prison criminals
Magistrates are to take delivery of powers to prison criminals for as much as a year in a bid to clear backlogs within the largest amendment to the machine in A HUNDRED AND FORTY years, studies Charles Hymas.
Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, introduced the prison phrases that magistrates can impose will double from the current most of six months, permitting them to try more serious offences of attack, burglary, theft and fraud.
Dominic Raab has given a few ‘red meat’ to the Tory faithful with essentially the most bold judicial reform in virtually a century-and-a-part Credit Score: Paul Grover
In an unique article for The Telegraph, he said the amendment may build up the choice of instances handled by way of magistrates, freeing up judges to pay attention on top trials and rushing up justice by means of reducing their backlogs.
Hailing magistrates, who are volunteer laypeople, as the “unsung heroes” and “linchpins” of the justice device, Mr Raab stated he believed they might “somewhat and successfully” check out extra severe cases.
- Full story: Biggest judicial shake-up for 140 years
- Dominic Raab: Empower our magistrates to transparent backlog
8:35AM
Lords inflict THIRTEEN defeats on Govt’s crackdown on disruptive protests
Charles Hymas, our Home Affairs Editor, stories this morning that the Lords have inflicted 13 defeats at the Govt’s crackdown on protests, which used to be introduced after mass disruption by means of eco-activists.
Measures including a brand new offence of interfering with key national infrastructure comparable to airports and newspaper printing crops were rejected through the friends, who claimed the powers were too extensive, rushed and anti-democratic.
on the Nowadays programme, Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, pledged to “look very in moderation” at next steps, akin to introducing the legislation in the Commons.
Around 3,000 other folks marched in London on the weekend to protest against measures within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Credit: Hollie Adams/Getty Images
“What we noticed in the Space of Lords is Labour and the Lib Dems and others vote casting towards what i feel the public would expect. You describe it as ‘noisy protesters’ and ‘curtailing civil liberty’.
“i believe in fact for those who have a look at what Insulate Britain has performed, if you look at what Extinction Insurrection has performed, damaging the economy, paralysing public services and products… In relation to noise, after all we give a boost to the correct of peaceful and rambunctious protest but it can’t be allowed to interfere with the lives of the regulation-abiding majority. that’s not right.”
Mr Raab accused Sir Keir Starmer of “disempowering the police from protecting the general public” and voting in opposition to more difficult sentences for violent and sexual offences.
8:28AM
‘Not precise’ Boris Johnson knew about Downing Side Road birthday party prematurely
Is Dominic Cummings a credible witness? “That’ll be for Sue Gray,” Dominic Raab informed the These Days programme, even if pushed aside Mr Cummings’ accusation that Boris Johnson had known approximately events at Downing Street and misled Parliament as “no longer actual”.
“Forgive me if I Don’t preempt or prejudge the research Sue Gray is carrying out… It Is going to file shortly, the PM is committed to the transparency around that.”
the 3 situations going through Boris Johnson
If A Chief Minister were to have lied to the Commons, it could “typically beneath the ministerial code be a resigning subject – that may be critically necessary,” Mr Raab talked about.
“the factors are there for a reason, and i feel it’s completely right. I’m unlikely to prejudge the data on this or every other claims that have been made.”
8:18AM
Dominic Cummings rows with Government like a ‘bitter divorce’
Rows between Dominic Cummings and the federal government have started to resemble a “bitter divorce”, the leader of a civil carrier business union mentioned.
Dave Penman, the overall-secretary of the FDA, instructed the Lately programme: “the trouble is with this sort of claim and counter-declare and certified defence it appears like a bitter divorce and the government and the civil provider are the kids caught in the crossfire.
“There Is surely that it is destructive to the popularity of the Prime Minister however it’s also beginning to damage the recognition of the civil service and Government. And we actually wish to finish this affair one way or some other as quickly as imaginable.”
Mr Penman refuted the speculation there has been a much wider consuming tradition within the civil carrier, which he asserted used to be “very damaging and never actual”.
8:13AM
SNP: Cummings should be interviewed by Sue Grey over birthday celebration claims
Dominic Cummings have to be interviewed as a “key witness” by Sue Grey as a part of her investigation into parties at Downing Boulevard, the chief of the SNP at Westminster suggested.
Ian Blackford brushed aside any report without the involvement of Mr Cummings as “now not worth the paper it is written on”.
“Lying to Parliament could be a transparent breach of the ministerial code by myself, and will require the High Minister to surrender instantly,” he mentioned.
Dominic Cummings has been a thorn in the facet of No 10 because his dramatic departure from Downing Boulevard in November 2020 Credit Score: Yui Mok/PA Twine
“The Prime Minister must now make sure that Sue Gray will interview Dominic Cummings as part of her research.
“Mr Johnson should then come to Parliament and put on record whether or not he believes Mr Cummings is lying, or whether or not he will after all admit that he has many times lied to Parliament and the folks himself.”
EIGHT:07AM
Dominic Raab: Tory voters need a take care of their priorities
Dominic Raab said “frustration” amongst voters who “need to see the government that specialize in their priorities” amid reports of an ‘Operation Crimson Meat’ fightback.
“i feel there may be a few frustration and those really feel there’s a subject matter of double standards,” he advised Sky. “i used to be out canvassing 3 times and i didn’t get it raised so much with me. What other folks care about is that folks are inquisitive about their problems and making their lives higher.
“It’s in point of fact essential we take care of these allegations and those claims, that’s what the Sue Gray inquiry is for, but in truth that allows us to take care of what folks really care approximately and admittedly that’s the overwhelming comments that I’ve had.”
Promising the Sue Grey research might yield “complete transparency”, he mentioned he used to be “assured that Boris Johnson is being simple with the house of Commons”.
Graffiti at the offices of Tory MPs Peter Bone and Robert Largan that has appeared in latest days was now not reflective of “mainstream opinion”, Mr Raab steered.
WINDOW OF ROBERT LARGAN’S #WHALEYBRIDGE PLACE OF JOB SUBJECT TO GRAFFITI
The spray painting of the window of the premises occupied by @robertlargan, MP for the #HighPeak, appears to have taken position within the small hours of Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/Um5tqcXICQ
— The Whaley Bridge Chronicle (@WhaleyChronicle) January 16, 2022 7:58AM
‘I Feel as frustrated as any individual else’
Dominic Raab has denied claims of a consuming culture in Downing Boulevard however mentioned it “doesn’t marvel me” that individuals had a lager or wine “on the finish of an excessively long week”.
Appearing on Sky News, the Justice Secretary defined claims that the Might 20, 2020 celebration were held in his honour after deputising for the Prime Minister right through his hospitalisation as “nonsense”, clarifying that he was once now not invited.
But Mr Raab added: “I Feel as annoyed as any individual else and i believe double requirements are toxic.”
regarding the Telegraph’s revelations remaining week two events have been held on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral, he mentioned: “Number 10 has apologised for that. i believe it was once proper to apologise, I’m a legal professional by means of center.
“I need to see the principles complied with. I comprehend the federal government as lawmakers need to act to a prime usual, i get all of that.”
7:51AM
Excellent morning
The “cleaning soap opera” allegations made by means of Dominic Cummings against Boris Johnson are not correct, the Justice Secretary has claimed this morning.
This Is the front page of your Telegraph nowadays:
the front page of ultra-modern Daily Telegraph:
‘Tougher powers for magistrates to clear trial backlog’#TomorrowsPapersToday
Sign up for front Web Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4O6L2Y pic.twitter.com/aSJsAUZ624
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 18, 2022 2:56PM
Tom Harris: Sturgeon’s Scotland is becoming the whole lot it swore it was once against
according to her boss, Lorna Slater is “an incredibly arduous employee”, writes Tom Harris. Let’s just pause a moment to think about this endorsement.
Slater is considered one of Scottish ministers drawn from the ranks of the Green Party. Her boss is the primary minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who appointed her in the first place and subsequently has a vested passion in Slater’s success in the role.
however the minister has been criticised for supposedly telling her civil servants that even throughout the Cop26 local weather modification summit in Glasgow, she sought after not more than two ministerial appointments an afternoon in her diary, that she didn’t want to start work too early, had a lot of time to devour and an adequate collection of days off.
this is, to say the least, could be an inventory of unusual demands, particularly considering that Cop26 represented everything that brought every Green Birthday Party member into politics within the first place. If a Green minister prioritises her down time at the same time as global leaders meet to negotiate an end to climate modification, you have got to surprise what circumstances would possibly persuade her to forgo a long lie.
the truth of Sturgeon’s Scotland is different from the rhetoric
2:38PM
Jeremy Hunt: My Tory management goals haven’t ‘utterly vanished’
Jeremy Hunt has stated his “ambition hasn’t utterly vanished” to change into Prime Minister amid the turmoil over the “partygate” scandal engulfing Downing Street.
the former overseas secretary, who additionally chairs the health and social care make a choice committee, said that it could “take a lot to influence me to put my hat into the ring”, but that he had no longer ruled it out.
Hypothesis over Boris Johnson’s tenure has fixed in up to date weeks as six Conservative MPs have publicly known as for his resignation, even as further Tories are believed to have submitted letters of no trust to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee.
Mr Hunt up to now ran in opposition to Mr Johnson in the 2019 management election following Theresa Might’s resignation, and reached the general where he gained a third of the birthday party club’s votes.
Mason Boycott-Owen has the tale
2:34PM
Breaking: Sturgeon says Scotland Covid measures to be lifted from Jan 24th
Restrictions on are living occasions, hospitality and social distancing interior in public can be lifted in Scotland on Monday, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
Nightclubs in Scotland will even open next week, the first Minister said, as she confirmed Scotland had “became the corner on the omicron wave”.
Nicola Sturgeon has showed the easement of a few Covid regulations in Scotland Credit: Sky Information
The country’s “downward slope” of Covid circumstances will also mean an end to the 3-household rule indoors and the desire for table carrier in bars.
1:55PM
Have your say: Do you accept Boris Johnson’s apology?
Boris Johnson has repeated his apology to Queen and united states, as he claimed he “categorically” did not find out about any parties at Downing Side Road and repeated he thought he was at a “paintings event”.
Are the Prime Minister’s words sufficient? Have your say now:
1:42PM
Boris Johnson emotional as he apologises to Queen and country
Boris Johnson appeared emotional when he used to be asked in regards to the Telegraph’s revelations ultimate week that two parties had been held at Downing Boulevard on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral.
Putting his head down and respiring closely because the query used to be requested, he stated: “I deeply and bitterly be apologetic about that that took place. And i will best renew my apologies to both Her Majesty and to the rustic for misjudgements that have been made, and for which i can take complete responsibility.
Boris Johnson used to be requested in regards to the Downing Side Road parties which took place at the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021
“I understand folks’s feelings. And I take note why folks feel as strongly as they do. And I repeat my apologies for what took place and i’m heartily, heartily sorry for misjudgements that have been made in Quantity 10.
“But what I do wish to do is look forward to the realization of the inquiry, but earlier than then to keep going with what we’re doing and i think what all the people you will have described want to see is a government that’s targeted nevertheless on taking the rustic ahead within the manner that we’re.”
“No Matter What” the stories about Downing Side Road events that have been coated, there may be “every other tale, that is a couple of country that has been in a position to pop out of Covid sooner than some other comparator us of a”, he stated.
1:35PM
Boris Johnson: ‘Nobody advised me that what we had been doing used to be against the principles’
Boris Johnson began his first interview for the reason that events of Wednesday by way of pronouncing:
I wish to start by way of repeating my apologies to everybody for the misjudgements that I made, that we could have made in Number 10 and past whether in Downing Side Road or inside the pandemic.
And I do know the way infuriating it must be for people up and down the rustic in view of the large sacrifices other people have made, the way they have stored discipline, followed the foundations, adopted the steering, done the suitable thing to think that that did not happen in 10 Downing Street.
So i need to mention to you on that point, no, no one told me that what we have been doing was towards the rules, that the event in question that we had been going to do one thing that wasn’t a work experience.
As I said within the House of Commons, when I went out into that lawn i thought i used to be attending a work event. i believe it’s very vital that we see what the inquiry has to say. i can be coming back to the house of Commons as soon because it’s stated, as quickly as i can after it and i will be telling other folks extra.
1:25PM
Breaking: Boris Johnson rejects accusations he lied to Parliament
Boris Johnson has rejected accusations that he lied of Parliament over allegations of Covid rule-breaking events in Downing Side Road, insisting that “nobody informed me that what we had been doing was once towards the principles”.
Boris Johnson was speaking on a visit to Finchley Memorial Health Center in north London Credit: Ian Vogler/Day-To-Day Reflect
More to observe
1:23PM
Action Matt moves again: Hancock takes a dip in the cold Serpentine
Matt Hancock took a plunge in the icy waters of London’s Serpentine this morning in a display of his wearing prowess, writes Matthew Robinson.
the previous health secretary, who landed himself in sizzling water closing year following a kiss together with his former aide, braved sub-zero temperatures in the capital as he peeled off his layers and submerged himself within the murky waters of the lake.
Credit Score: Jeremy Selwyn/Night Standard / eyevine
Mr Hancock have been working in Hyde Park with participants of the Parliamentary Operating Club, including Robert Buckland, the previous Lord Chancellor, and Lord Bethell, who was a junior health minister underneath him while in govt.
1:03PM
Dominic Cummings is ‘completely discredited’, says Peter Bone
A veteran Tory backbencher has railed against Dominic Cummings, describing him as “utterly discredited” after the occasions of May 2020.
“I Do Not believe a word that Dominic Cummings says approximately the rest,” Peter Bone instructed Sky.
“When he drove from London to Durham with Covid. Whilst he went to Barnard Fort to check his eyesight. he’s totally discredited and i’m afraid if it is a question of believing the High Minister or Dominic Cummings, it’s the High Minister on every occasion.”
Requested approximately graffiti reading ‘liar’ appearing on his constituency office last week, Mr Bone mentioned: “Unfortunately in this day and age in the event that they disagree with you, they suspect they can turn to threats or vandalism.”
Activists and parts in Wellingborough stay “very supportive” of the Top Minister, Mr Bone maintained, as he claimed lots of the emails he received were “politically prompted” and accused Mr Johnson’s critics of dwelling in a “media bubble”.
12:53PM
Pictured: Boris Johnson observed leaving Downing Side Road
Boris Johnson was once seen leaving Downing Side Road this morning as he prepares to face more scrutiny over Downing Boulevard birthday celebration allegations at Top Minister’s Questions the next day to come.
So Far, he has no longer said anything else publicly on the grounds that his apology to the Commons at last week’s Top Minister’s Questions and his trade with Sir Keir Starmer before he fielded questions from other MPs.
Mr Johnson have been restricting his social contact on the grounds that Thursday after a case of coronavirus in his circle of relatives.
Credit Score: Nigel Howard/Nigel Howard Media 12:38PM
‘Untrue’ that Boris Johnson knew about Might 20 adventure, says Downing Boulevard
Boris Johnson’s reputable spokesman has denied that the High Minister used to be warned about the experience at Downing Side Road on Might 20, 2020, labelling claims through his former top aide “untrue”.
Asked if Mr Johnson might surrender if he misled Parliament, the spokesman stated: “The guidance is clear, the ministerial code could be very clear in this point when it involves knowingly misleading the house and the Top Minister abides via that, and we fully strengthen it.”
The spokesman refused to “jump ahead” and conflate the contents of the code with “what the research would possibly or would possibly not conclude or set out”.
But requested if Mr Johnson had ever lied to the home, the spokesman said: “No.”
12:33PM
Barristers accused of ‘irresponsible and unwarranted’ plans to strike over pay row
Barristers have been accused of “irresponsible and unwarranted” plans to strike over pay in a row with the Justice Secretary.
The Legal Bar Association (CBA) announced a 96.5 consistent with cent backing for business motion in a survey of 2,000 members if the federal government fails to decide to a “really extensive” build up in prison felony aid pay.
The CBA is now preparing to ballot its members to pave the best way for strike motion that would further disrupt the courts already hit via a backlog of FIFTY NINE,000 circumstances. it could handiest be the second time of their historical past that they’d taken action.
However, Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, mentioned any such move by the barristers might “dangle back our recovery from the pandemic”. “It will likely be irresponsible and unwarranted industrial motion by criminal barristers”, he mentioned.
Charles Hymas has this document
12:30PM
‘Partygate’ saga: Cummings allegations ‘terminal’ if proven, says backbencher
Sir Roger Gale, the MP for North Thanet who has referred to as on Boris Johnson to resign, has wondered the reliability of Dominic Cummings in the wake of his contemporary accusations (see ELEVEN.25am) – even as insisting Boris Johnson must cross if they prove to be real.
“Mr Cummings used to be quite low-budget with the truth himself when he made statements within the lawn of Downing Street, so I Do Not assume we will rely on him for total veracity.
“However by way of the same token those are critical allegations. And if it becomes obvious because other folks corroborate what Mr Cummings has mentioned that the High Minister has misled the house from the despatch box again – as a result of he is performed it as soon as ahead – then i believe that could be terminal.”
on the question of whether there are the desired FIFTY FOUR letters of no trust within the High Minister shall be submitted, Sir Roger’s response was: “I Don’t realize. We may have to look forward to events to see precisely what occurs.”
He wouldn’t be drawn on who will have to change Boris Johnson “earlier than i know who the runners and riders are”.
12:26PM
Licence charge might be decriminalised as a part of BBC overhaul
individuals who refuse to pay the licence rate may no longer be prosecuted as a part of an overhaul of the best way the BBC is funded, Nadine Dorries has recommended.
The Tradition Secretary additionally stated the BBC may scale back the salaries paid to a couple of its biggest names to save cash as she confirmed plans to freeze the licence price for the next years.
and she hit back at claims from Competition MPs that the freeze to the BBC’s source of revenue was “unpatriotic”, telling MPs: “i’m very patriotic.”
starting off a overview of the life of the licence rate from 2028, Ms Dorries prompt that it would be unacceptable to threaten individuals with prison terms for non-cost of the fee by then.
Nadine Dorries: ‘We have to think how we will amendment the BBC’
12:17PM
Rishi Sunak: Of Course I Think Boris Johnson
Rishi Sunak has broken his silence on the “partygate” scandal engulfing Boris Johnson, insisting that he “after all” believes the High Minister’s assertions he did not learn about any parties at Downing Boulevard.
The Chancellor were silent on the subject for nearly a week after Mr Johnson apologised to MPs at High Minister’s Questions.
“The Top Minister addressed this final week in Parliament and set out his figuring out of the location and that i refer you to his words,” Mr Sunak advised Sky Information.
The Chancellor has been touted because the favourite to take over from Boris Johnson within the adventure of a leadership contest Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
Requested whether he believed Mr Johnson in the wake of latest allegations by means of Dominic Cummings that he “lied to Parliament”, he added: “After All I do. The High Minister set out his figuring out of this matter in Parliament closing week.
“As you know Sue Gray is conducting an inquiry into this matter and that i absolutely make stronger the High Minister’s request for persistence even as this inquiry concludes.”
However Mr Sunak used to be on his feet and heading out of the room sooner than he may just resolution whether or not he supported Boris Johnson “unequivocally”.
ELEVEN:51AM
What used to be Jeremy Hunt’s ‘One Nation’ offer last time out?
Jeremy Hunt has instructed The Home mag it will “take a lot” to persuade him to mount a leadership problem – but admitted his hopes of major the Tory Celebration, and the rustic, had not “completely vanished”.
Mr Hunt was once a outstanding Remainer within the 2016 Ecu election marketing campaign, but insisted 3 years later the end result had to be carried out or British democracy could be in danger.
A former Foreign Secretary and Health Secretary who presented radical healthcare reforms beneath David Cameron’s management, Mr Hunt has regularly been very important of the current Govt’s policy as chairman of the health and social care select committee.
Jeremy Hunt starting up his stall right through a Conservative leadership debate in July 2019 Credit Score: Peter Morrison/AP Pool
Within The contest in 2019, he positioned himself as a ‘One Nation’ centrist Conservative candidate. However, this led to a few complaint that his premiership would had been too just about Theresa Would Possibly, whose tenure was once marred by means of civil war within the birthday celebration over Brexit.
Writing for The Telegraph last month, Mr Hunt admitted he used to be “uneasy” approximately ministers raising National Insurance Coverage through 1.25 in keeping with cent but said the government “used to be right” to accomplish that.
On The Other Hand, he went directly to warn: “If taxes aren’t spent correctly, governments pay a heavy worth. instead of being praised for bringing down ready occasions, Tony Blair discovered himself constantly criticised for NHS waste. How can this Conservative Govt keep away from the similar fate and placed the NHS on a sustainable long-time period footing?”
11:35AM
Robin Aitken: There’s an evident approach for the BBC to defeat Nadine Dorries’s assault
It’s difficult to see Nadine Dorries’s determination to freeze the BBC licence fee as the rest rather than a punishment beating, writes Robert Aitken. I don’t doubt her sincerity while she says she desires to offer protection to Britons from emerging prices, however freezing the licence rate for two years is best noticed as a marker of presidency displeasure rather than a serious try to grasp back costs.
in spite of everything, set towards the heavy burden of rising fuel prices – which would price the common family masses of pounds – an additional tenner or so delivered to the licence price pales into insignificance.
What the day gone by’s statement actually portends is that the federal government’s feud with the BBC is way from over. As Ms Dorries made transparent, the federal government nonetheless believes the Employer has but to tackle problems round impartiality and staff-assume.
So the true cause of this freeze is a political judgement that the BBC has not yet performed enough to position its space in order; that until the government sees adjustments within the BBC’s output, the days of lots aren’t going to return.
Robin Aitken: The Culture Secretary is creating a clear threat
ELEVEN:25AM
Cummings ‘soap opera’ allegations now not correct, says Justice Secretary
The “cleaning soap opera” allegations made by Dominic Cummings in opposition to Boris Johnson aren’t accurate, the Justice Secretary has claimed this morning.
Mr Cummings claimed on his weblog remaining night that he and different eyewitnesses have been prepared to swear under oath that the Top Minister had “lied to Parliament about events” at Number 10.
the former chief aide to Mr Johnson, who departed in November 2020, also alleged that there are “many different footage of parties after I left but to seem”.
Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson pictured in additional convivial occasions in autumn 2019 Credit: Daniel Leal/AFP
However chatting with Sky News, Dominic Raab stated of the allegations: “The PM’s been very transparent that’s not actual or correct. Forgive me if I don’t get drawn into the cleaning soap opera of what one or different claim has been made.
“I’ve been transparent that I assume it’s a major factor, that’s why we’ve were given that serious investigation. I’m not going to get into commenting on every little snippet within the papers.
“People want us to look at the issues that topic of their daily lives, that is that we are popping out of this pandemic, the commercial measures we’ve taken, getting ourselves again at the front foot and the crime preventing schedule.”
ELEVEN:21AM
Jeremy Hunt: My management ambition hasn’t ‘totally vanished’
Jeremy Hunt has insisted his leadership ambition has not “utterly vanished”.
Mr Hunt described the issues round ‘partygate’ as “considerable”, but said he would reserve judgement until the Sue Grey record amid
“I wasn’t anticipating to depart the federal government in 2019, however I Have loved being on the backbenches so much more than i believed,” the previous Well Being Secretary – who ran against Boris Johnson in the 2019 Tory leadership election – told The House mag.
“I would possibly not say my ambition has totally vanished, but it would take so much to steer me to position my hat into the ring.”
ELEVEN:17AM
BBC director general: ‘Inevitable’ programmes and products and services might be axed
The BBC’s director general has mentioned “it is inevitable” programmes and services and products can be axed because the licence price deal will create a £285m shortfall, experiences Gareth Davies.
Tim Davie has mentioned the licence price freeze will lead to a £285 million gap in funding for the company in 2027 and will “without a doubt” impact the broadcaster’s “frontline output”.
Talking on BBC Radio 4’s As Of Late programme, Mr Davie said the corporation felt it was being “listened to” however given the licence fee used to be set via politicians “you’re in the political swirl”. He expressed disappointment at the freeze, adding: “we’d have favored to have observed an inflation upward push inside the period.”
His feedback observe confirmation from Tradition Secretary Nadine Dorries on Monday that the licence rate can be frozen at £159 for 2 years, till 2024, after which it’s going to upward thrust in line with inflation for the following 4 years.
Tim Davie: ‘i feel the whole thing is on the schedule’
11:06AM
Executive wins appeal on contract given to marketplace analysis firm
The Federal Government has gained an attraction on the Courtroom of entice overturn a ruling that a agreement provided to a company whose founders were pals of Dominic Cummings was illegal.
The High Court ruled remaining year that the cupboard Place Of Job’s decision to award a contract worth more than £500,000 to Public First, a market research firm, used to be unlawful as it gave rise to “apparent bias”.
Campaigning enterprise the good Regulation Mission introduced a case over the links among the founders of the company, which received the settlement in June 2020, and the Top Minister’s former adviser as well as Michael Gove, who at the time used to be a cabinet Place Of Job minister.
The Lord Leader Justice Lord Burnett, sitting with Lord Justice Coulson And Woman Justice Carr, discovered that the unique judgement had been an “unheard of consequence”.
Good News Court of Appeal has noticed feel & stated I behaved lawfully however it’s hopeless having these things go thro courts for years causing massive uncertainty/delays/prices throughout Whitehall. We urgently need *transparent procurement regulations for individuals performing in an emergency*
— Dominic Cummings (@Dominic2306) January 18, 2022
In a tweet in a while after present day ruling, Mr Cummings described the judgement as “overall vindication for my choices on shifting super rapid on procurement to save lots of lives”.
10:55AM
Fraser Nelson: Can any chief live to tell the tale the pandemic?
If Boris Johnson desired to console himself, he may say he’s removed from the one flesh presser having deep post-Covid political problems, writes Fraser Nelson.
no one, now not even Keir Starmer, is immune from scrutiny of their behaviour in lockdown. Everybody gambled – and to a greater or lesser extent, everybody lost. Now, the political reckoning begins.
From Australia to Israel, so much of those who have been in power at the get started of the pandemic have either lost energy – or glance as in the event that they soon will. Lockdowns introduced affliction but no longer the advantages that their advocates promised.
In Sweden, on the different excessive, the Top Minister who fended off lockdowns lost energy after a coalition power fight. And the arena over, it’s laborious to seek out any leader who can actually declare their Covid policy used to be a hit.
Fraser Nelson: Lockdown might eclipse the whole lot else Boris has performed
10:40AM
SELECTION OF workers on payrolls jumps by way of file quantity
The choice of workers on payrolls jumped by means of a record 184,000 in December to 29.5 million in spite of the impact of omicron, the Place Of Business for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed.
The unemployment charge has fallen from 4.2 consistent with cent to 4.1 in step with cent, simply 0.1 in line with cent higher than within the final quarter pre-pandemic.
Alternatively, reasonable pay after inflation, with the exception of bonuses, fell by means of one according to cent, the primary real-phrases process on the grounds that July 2020.
Families are struggling their third actual pay squeeze in a decade after inflation outstripped slowing wage enlargement in November, piling pressure on ministers and rate-setters to ease the cost-of-living challenge.
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, said: “Nowadays’s figures are proof that the roles market is flourishing, with worker numbers rising to report ranges and redundancy notifications at their lowest levels on the grounds that 2006 in December.”
10:21AM
Lengthen face mask regulations and you chance 3-figure rebellion, PM warned
Boris Johnson has been informed it would be “mad” to extend face masks regulations beyond Jan 26 as Tory MPs warned doing so may just spark a “3-figure insurrection”, writes Lucy Fisher.
Mr Johnson is extensively expected to scrap regulations on Covid passports and steerage to work from house in England subsequent Wednesday, whilst “Plan B” restrictions are reviewed. it is imaginable that an announcement on these measures could come as soon as this week.
Alternatively, the government is understood to be considering retaining some rules on face mask past the top of the month.
The notion would require a Commons vote, because the powers used to introduce the current laws – which oblige other people to wear mask in most public indoor settings – expire subsequent Wednesday. On Monday, a series of Tory MPs prompt Mr Johnson to rule it out.
Read extra: ‘I see no aspect in regulations individuals are ignoring’
10:01AM
Motorists may just pay through the mile beneath Sadiq Khan’s net-zero plans
Londoners will must “contribute towards” the costs of web-0 carbon emissions, Sadiq Khan has said as he showed he’s going to take a look at charging motorists by means of the mile.
Citing the arena’s first ever Extremely-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) and congestion charge, Mr Khan he could “encourage” people within the capital to make fewer automotive journeys.
“We need to encourage other folks to stroll and make public transport a stupendous choice,” he informed Sky Information. “I’ve also asked TfL to analyze the sector’s first good road person rate in, so we can replace all the current schemes we have now and those pay per mile based totally at the automobile, how polluting it is, based upon the space travelled, the time of day, what a part of London they are in.”
Sadiq Khan has ceaselessly sounded the alarm on climate modification and recommended web-0 insurance policies Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Pictures
at the ongoing row around “partygate”, Mr Khan concluded it was once a “slam-under the influence of alcohol” after “an admission of legal responsibility by means of the Prime Minister” within the House of Commons.
“He Is been shown to be somebody who is not just smug and a liar, however proof of hypocrisy to boot. His place is untenable, he is got to renounce.”
in contrast Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour chief, “did not break any rules”, Mr Khan brought.
Gurpreet Narwan has this document on the main points of Sadiq Khan’s plans
NINE:40AM
Charles Moore: The BBC has been acting just like the Fox News of the Left
One might feel slightly cynical approximately Nadine Dorries’s timing of her declaration in regards to the future of the BBC licence rate, observes Charles Moore. The freeze for two years used to be already identified. Her talk of a brand new funding type by 2028 is vaguer than her rhetoric implies.
She is selecting this moment as a result of the BBC’s coverage of the revelations about Downing Street parties throughout Covid. that is more politics than policy.
the issue is that the BBC has made it simple for her. i really do believe that Tim Davie, the director-basic, is interested by impartiality, however the employer’s implementation of his Motion Plan is slow in that unique approach that best great bureaucracies can take care of.
Nadine Dorries pictured closing night after she confirmed the BBC licence charge shall be frozen for the next years Credit Score: Jamie Lorriman
The Tale about Boris and events is a vintage case the place the national broadcaster must display tremendous-impartiality; but the protection has showed no popularity whatever of what Mr Davie seeks.
on the opposite, from the inside track that starts the day to Newsnight which ends up it, the BBC has tried to end up that that is the worst scandal in residing memory and can be deadly to Boris Johnson’s premiership.
Charles Moore: The BBC is beneath-serving its audiences
NINE:26AM
Ministers arrive prior to state-of-the-art Cupboard meeting
the primary ministers have arrived at Downing Side Road as Boris Johnson prepares to handle the weekly Cupboard assembly.
rather than a morning run the day prior to this, the PM has not been seen in public because High Minister’s Questions last Wednesday.
Tory chairmen Oliver Dowden used to be one in every of the first ministers to arrive at Quantity 10 lately Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Cord Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, fresh from his defence of the Prime Minister in this morning’s broadcast round Credit Score: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
this is as a result of Mr Johnson has been proscribing his social touch after a good Covid check in his family ultimate week, Downing Street mentioned.
NINE:15AM
Don’t circumvent duty over No 10 parties, says minister
The High Minister “will have to set the top standards”, a minister has declared as he warned claims of rule-breaching Quantity 10 events have broken accept as true with in the Govt.
George Freeman told a constituent that individuals in energy “shouldn’t are searching for to flee public accountability or accountability”, in comments prone to be seen as veiled complaint of Boris Johnson.
The industry minister denied that he was once questioning Mr Johnson’s leadership, saying he wanted to wait for the Whitehall investigation into alleged events to conclude and to pay attention the Top Minister’s reaction.
His personal remarks, stated by way of The Days, emerged as Dominic Cummings claimed that he and other eyewitnesses have been ready to swear beneath oath that the Prime Minister has “lied to Parliament approximately parties” at Downing Side Road.
Lucy Fisher has this report
NINE:04AM
‘Boris Johnson has to end up that there’s still some degree to the Tories’
Has the Boris spell in the end been broken? asks Sherelle Jacobs.
The Prime Minister has at all times been blessed with a singular political sorcery: citizens have never handled this maverick in the comparable approach as they do other lesser politicians. He has a Houdini-like ability for wiggling out of tight spots. Much to the Left’s baffled rage, his air of mystery, foppish instead of toffish, bewitched the Crimson Wall back in 2019.
One can not lend a hand but detect some of the myriad predictions of the PM’s impending fall a strong portion of wishful thinking, in particular some of the Remainers who loathe him.
Partygate has, on the other hand, handled the public to a probably fatal peek at the back of the degree curtain: a person elected to be the authentic, liberating voice of the folks has spent the remaining years implementing on them draconian Covid regulations which he plainly believed have been nonsensical and excessive.
The unsightly decadence and manipulating levers and pulleys of his court can’t be unseen. Therefore the question Tory MPs ought to be asking is not merely whether or not the PM’s reputation has been badly broken by means of the rolling series of scandals. It has. it is whether his curious political efficiency – an not likely skill to win over various voters and perpetually bounce back from the edge of oblivion – has been completely sapped.
Sherelle Jacobs: There May Be nonetheless a course back for the PM
EIGHT:50AM
Harder powers for magistrates to prison criminals
Magistrates are to accept powers to jail criminals for as much as a yr in a bid to clear backlogs in the biggest modification to the gadget in 140 years, reports Charles Hymas.
Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, introduced the prison terms that magistrates can impose will double from the present maximum of six months, enabling them to take a look at more critical offences of attack, burglary, robbery and fraud.
Dominic Raab has given a few ‘red meat’ to the Tory faithful with essentially the most formidable judicial reform in nearly a century-and-a-part Credit Score: Paul Grover
In an exclusive article for The Telegraph, he stated the amendment may building up the selection of cases treated by magistrates, liberating up judges to concentrate on top trials and dashing up justice by way of decreasing their backlogs.
Hailing magistrates, who are volunteer laypeople, because the “unsung heroes” and “linchpins” of the justice machine, Mr Raab mentioned he believed they may “rather and effectively” check out extra serious cases.
- Complete story: Greatest judicial shake-up for ONE HUNDRED FORTY years
- Dominic Raab: Empower our magistrates to transparent backlog
EIGHT:35AM
Lords inflict THIRTEEN defeats on Govt’s crackdown on disruptive protests
Charles Hymas, our House Affairs Editor, reviews this morning that the Lords have inflicted THIRTEEN defeats on the Government’s crackdown on protests, which was once launched after mass disruption by eco-activists.
Measures including a brand new offence of interfering with key nationwide infrastructure such as airports and newspaper printing vegetation were rejected through the peers, who claimed the powers had been too wide, rushed and anti-democratic.
on the Nowadays programme, Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, pledged to “glance very moderately” at subsequent steps, reminiscent of introducing the regulation in the Commons.
Around 3,000 other folks marched in London on the weekend to protest in opposition to measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Invoice Credit Score: Hollie Adams/Getty Images
“What we noticed within the Space of Lords is Labour and the Lib Dems and others voting against what i believe the general public may expect. You describe it as ‘noisy protesters’ and ‘curtailing civil liberty’.
“i think actually in the event you have a look at what Insulate Britain has done, should you have a look at what Extinction Rise Up has done, damaging the economy, paralysing public services… In relation to noise, of course we improve the precise of peaceful and rambunctious protest but it surely cannot be allowed to intervene with the lives of the legislation-abiding majority. that’s not right.”
Mr Raab accused Sir Keir Starmer of “disempowering the police from protecting the public” and balloting in opposition to tougher sentences for violent and sexual offences.
8:28AM
‘Not actual’ Boris Johnson knew about Downing Side Road birthday celebration prematurely
Is Dominic Cummings a credible witness? “That’ll be for Sue Gray,” Dominic Raab advised the Today programme, although brushed aside Mr Cummings’ accusation that Boris Johnson had known about parties at Downing Side Road and misled Parliament as “now not real”.
“Forgive me if I Do Not preempt or prejudge the research Sue Grey is finishing up… It’s going to report in a while, the PM is dedicated to the transparency round that.”
the three situations going through Boris Johnson
If A Primary Minister had been to have lied to the Commons, it could “normally below the ministerial code be a resigning matter – that may be severely essential,” Mr Raab talked about.
“the standards are there for a reason, and i feel it is absolutely proper. I Am not going to prejudge the data on this or another claims that experience been made.”
EIGHT:18AM
Dominic Cummings rows with Government like a ‘sour divorce’
Rows between Dominic Cummings and the government have started to resemble a “sour divorce”, the chief of a civil provider industry union said.
Dave Penman, the overall-secretary of the FDA, advised the Nowadays programme: “the trouble is with this type of claim and counter-claim and certified defence it appears like a sour divorce and the federal government and the civil carrier are the kids caught within the crossfire.
“There Is surely that it is harmful to the recognition of the Prime Minister however it’s additionally starting to harm the recognition of the civil carrier and Govt. And we actually wish to conclude this affair a method or any other as briefly as possible.”
Mr Penman refuted the idea there has been a wider ingesting culture in the civil provider, which he asserted was “very damaging and not actual”.
EIGHT:13AM
SNP: Cummings should be interviewed through Sue Gray over party claims
Dominic Cummings should be interviewed as a “key witness” through Sue Grey as part of her investigation into events at Downing Street, the chief of the SNP at Westminster advised.
Ian Blackford pushed aside any document with out the involvement of Mr Cummings as “now not well worth the paper it’s written on”.
“Lying to Parliament could be a clear breach of the ministerial code alone, and will require the Prime Minister to renounce right away,” he said.
Dominic Cummings has been a thorn within the side of No 10 seeing that his dramatic departure from Downing Side Road in November 2020 Credit Score: Yui Mok/PA Twine
“The Top Minister should now make sure that Sue Grey will interview Dominic Cummings as part of her investigation.
“Mr Johnson will have to then come to Parliament and placed on record whether or not he believes Mr Cummings is mendacity, or whether he’ll finally admit that he has time and again lied to Parliament and the people himself.”
8:07AM
Dominic Raab: Tory citizens desire a do something about their priorities
Dominic Raab acknowledged “frustration” amongst electorate who “wish to see the federal government specializing in their priorities” amid stories of an ‘Operation Pink Meat’ fightback.
“i feel there is some frustration and those really feel there’s a subject of double requirements,” he informed Sky. “i was out canvassing 3 times and that i didn’t get it raised so much with me. What people care approximately is that people are concerned about their issues and making their lives higher.
“It’s really important we care for these allegations and those claims, that’s what the Sue Grey inquiry is for, however if truth be told that permits us to cope with what other people in reality care about and albeit that’s the overwhelming feedback that I’ve had.”
Promising the Sue Gray research would yield “complete transparency”, he stated he was once “assured that Boris Johnson is being simple with the house of Commons”.
Graffiti on the offices of Tory MPs Peter Bone and Robert Largan that has gave the impression in up to date days was no longer reflective of “mainstream opinion”, Mr Raab suggested.
WINDOW OF ROBERT LARGAN’S #WHALEYBRIDGE OFFICE TOPIC TO GRAFFITI
The spray painting of the window of the premises occupied by way of @robertlargan, MP for the #HighPeak, seems to have taken place in the small hours of Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/Um5tqcXICQ
— The Whaley Bridge Chronicle (@WhaleyChronicle) January 16, 2022 7:58AM
‘I Feel as frustrated as anyone else’
Dominic Raab has denied claims of a drinking culture in Downing Street however said it “doesn’t marvel me” that people had a lager or wine “on the end of a very lengthy week”.
Showing on Sky News, the Justice Secretary defined claims that the May 20, 2020 party had been held in his honour after deputising for the Top Minister right through his hospitalisation as “nonsense”, clarifying that he was not invited.
However Mr Raab brought: “I Think as frustrated as any person else and i believe double standards are poisonous.”
in regards to the Telegraph’s revelations closing week two parties had been held at the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral, he stated: “Quantity 10 has apologised for that. i feel it used to be right to apologise, I’m a lawyer by means of middle.
“I need to see the principles complied with. I comprehend the government as lawmakers must act to a high standard, i am getting all of that.”
7:51AM
Excellent morning
The “cleaning soap opera” allegations made through Dominic Cummings towards Boris Johnson aren’t accurate, the Justice Secretary has claimed this morning.
Here’s front page of your Telegraph as of late:
front page of modern-day Daily Telegraph:
‘Harder powers for magistrates to transparent trial backlog’#TomorrowsPapersToday
Sign up for front Web Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4O6L2Y pic.twitter.com/aSJsAUZ624
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 18, 2022
