Boris Johnson news: PM risks wrath of Trump by approving Huawei 5G role, as plan for Australian-style immigration system rejected
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Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson has risked the fury of Donald Trump by giving the go-ahead for Huawei to help build the UK’s 5G infrastructure – but only the “periphery of the network”, and capping the Chinese tech giant’s market share at 35 per cent.
It comes as the PM’s proposal for an Australian-style points-based immigration system for the bulk of migrants has been rejected by a government-commissioned review. It also recommended ministers lower a £30,000 salary threshold.
A new Brexit row with the EU has also emerged, with a leaked document indicating Brussels is set to demand the European Court of Justice (ECJ) enforces trade deal rules. Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said the UK could “not accept” such a move.
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Tory MP raises ‘spying’ concerns over Huawei
Tobias Ellwood has been talking about the Huawei decision and espionage on BBC’s Politics Live.
“This is a company obliged by its host nation to spy on its own people – to put in surveillance equipment inside, embedded in what it does,” said the Tory MP.
He said he wanted to make sure “that isn’t utilised in the UK”.
The SNP MP Alyn Smith said: “I’m very sceptical on this – this [government] statement is weird altogether.”
“It’s admits there’s a case to answer specifically on Huawei in that it’s being excluded from some parts [of the 5G network], so why not all of it, why not some other [parts]? … I am concerned about the extent to which the Chinese state is using its economic heft to get into areas I’m sceptical about.”
Labour Movement for Europe backs Keir Starmer for leader
The Labour Movement for Europe group has backed Keir Starmer to be the party's next leader, and Ian Murray for deputy leader.
Chair of the affiliated group Anna Turley, a former Labour MP for Redcar, said: “Our executive has decided to nominate Keir Starmer and Ian Murray because of their strong pro-EU values and the fact that we think they are in the best place to take Labour to victory at the next election.
"Keir led Labour’s Brexit position with skill and diligence, guiding the party to the position we adopted at conference, in support of a confirmatory referendum. His personal position as stated in the General Election was for Labour to clearly campaign to Remain should there have been a referendum. He worked hard to keep all sides of the debate within our movement together in a difficult and fractious period. As we leave the European Union, Keir understands the importance of keeping as close as possible relationship with the EU to protect people's jobs, their rights and the NHS and environment.|
Nandy wants Scottish Labour leader in shadow cabinet
Labour leadership hopeful Lisa Nandy has had more to say on a second independence referendum and the party’s relationship with Scottish Labour.
Using similar language to frontrunner Keir Starmer, she said Scottish Labour “would no longer be treated as a branch office” by the London HQ.
She also vowed to make Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard a member of the shadow cabinet.
“I’m opposed to having a second referendum because now is the moment we have to pull together as country – all the regions and nations of the UK. We’ve had a very divisive few years.”
Not up to UK government to decide on indyref2, says Long-Bailey
Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey has a quite different take to rival Lisa Nandy on a second Scottish independence referendum.
Long-Bailey told BBC Scottish it was up to “Scottish people” and the “Scottish parliament” whether there should be another vote (even though these aren’t the same thing).
“I want Scotland to remain part of the union, but what I will say is that as a democratic party I could never condone the British government not supporting a call from the Scottish people – if the Scottish parliament determined that it wanted to have another independence referendum,” she said.
“I don’t think it would be democratically right for us to block that.”
Number of social homes in England falls by over 17,000
Social housing stock in England dropped by over 17,000 in the last year as waiting lists for homes increased, according to the latest release of government figures.
Homelessness charity Shelter described the fall as “absolutely outrageous” and demanded the chancellor, Sajid Javid, earmarked extra funds for social homes in his first Budget in March.
According to the statistics, there has been a four per cent increase in the number of households in the country waiting for a social home, with 1.15 million currently on the list.
Johnson proposal for new 'Australian-style' immigration rules after Brexit rejected
A review of government plans for new immigration rules after Brexit has rejected Boris Johnson’s proposal for an Australian-style points-based system for the bulk of migrants.
The Migration Advisory Committee recommended the use of points - earned on factors like age, qualifications and previous study in the UK - only for more highly-skilled migrants without a job offer
Chairman Alan Manning described the prime minister's promises of an Australian-style system as a "soundbite" and urged him not to repeat the "mistakes" of earlier attempts to impose a points system more widely.
'Get Ready for Brexit' campaign spent £46m of taxpayers' cash without making a difference
The much-ridiculed ‘Get Ready for Brexit’ campaign last autumn spent £46m of taxpayers’ cash without any evidence that people were better prepared, a watchdog has found.
The publicity splurge – in the run-up to the intended 31 October date for leaving the EU – ran for nearly two months on billboards and in newspapers, after the threat of a no-deal crash-out rose.
US Senator Mitt Romney urges UK to reverse Huaewi decision
Senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney tweeted: "The UK's decision to incorporate Huawei into its 5G network is a disconcerting sign.
"By prioritising costs, the UK is sacrificing national security and inviting the CCP's surveillance state in. I implore our British allies to reverse their decision."
Boris Johnson holds phone call with Donald Trump
Downing Street has confirmed the PM held a phone call with the US president Donald Trump in the wake the decision to allow Huawei access to the UK's 5G network.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister spoke to president Trump this afternoon and updated him on the outcome of the UK’s telecoms supply chain review.
“The prime minister underlined the importance of like-minded countries working together to diversify the market and break the dominance of a small number of companies.
“The leaders also discussed the United States’ proposal for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which could prove a positive step forwards."
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