UK politics news: Bullying probe ‘finds Priti Patel broke rules’ as Brexit talks paused after EU official catches Covid
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Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson is being urged to publish the findings of an inquiry into allegations of bullying by Priti Patel amid reports the investigation concluded she had breached the ministerial code.
A draft report last summer is said to have found the home secretary breached the requirements to treat civil servants with consideration and respect.
Meanwhile, Brexit talks have been suspended following an agreement between the two sides after a member of Michel Barnier’s negotiation team tested positive for the coronavirus.
In Westminster, Boris Johnson has announced he will plunge £16.5bn into the Ministry of Defence while pledging support for the creation of “inexhaustible laser” weaponry, and a “space command” capable of launching the UK’s first rocket by 2022.
Fish and chip shops facing shortages and job losses unless UK strikes new deal with Greenland
Fish and chip shops could face supply shortages and even lose thousands of jobs if the UK does not secure a new fishing deal with Greenland as well as the EU, the industry has warned.
More below:
Fish and chip shops facing shortages and job losses after Brexit
About one in 10 fish battered and sold in Britain’s takeaways comes from the Arctic territory
BREAKING: Barnier negotiator tests positive for coronavirus
One of the EU’s negotiating team has tested positive for the virus, Michel Barnier has confirmed.
Brexit talks suspended at key moment after EU negotiator tests positive for Covid
Brexit trade talks have had to be suspended at a crucial moment after a member of the EU negotiating team tested positive for Covid-19.
More below:
Brexit talks suspended at key moment after EU negotiator tests positive for Covid
Brexit trade talks have had to be suspended at a crucial moment after a member of the EU negotiating team tested positive for Covid-19.
David Frost: The health of our teams comes first
Here is the UK’s David Frost on the stalling of talks:
Ministers urged to rethink ‘callous’ decision to end funding for LGBT+ anti-bullying schools programme
Ministers are facing calls to rethink the decision to end funding for an LGBT+ anti-bullying programme in schools across England earlier this year as critics branded the move “callous”.
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Ministers urged to rethink decision to end funding for LGBT+ anti-bullying programme
Funding ended for scheme in March 2020
Von der Leyen wishes stricken negotiator well
European Commission chief Ursula von Der Leyen has wished the EU negotiator who has tested positive for the virus “a speedy recovery”
Rishi Sunak urged to support rough sleepers in spending review
The Salvation Army is urging the Government not to squander progress made in tackling rough sleeping during the coronavirus pandemic as this group faces "the worst Christmas in years".
Almost 30 groups and charities are calling on the Government to make a significant investment and not cut homelessness funding in next week's spending review.
In a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, also signed by 28 other organisations, the charity warns that the long-term outlook for homelessness and rough sleeping "currently looks bleak".
It says many of those brought to safety at the start of the outbreak are still without permanent accommodation and support to address the drivers of homelessness, such as mental ill health, is not yet in place.
The charity is bracing for "the worst Christmas in years for rough sleepers", it said.
PA
Jewish Labour MP reveals death threats
Jewish Labour MP Margaret Hodge has said a zero-tolerance approach is needed towards antisemitic abuse after she was sent death threats online following criticism of ex-leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The 76-year-old veteran politician shared some of the vile abuse she has been targeted with, including death threats and antisemitic accusations she was a "member of a rich & powerful Jewish dynasty" and "evil personified".
She said: "This abuse is not normal. This is why zero-tolerance matters. This is why people have to take responsibility for their actions."
PM under pressure to publish report on Patel bullying allegations
Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure to publish in full a report on bullying allegations against home secretary Priti Patel.
It comes amid reports the prime minister is poised to issue Ms Patel with a written warning but allow her to keep her job.
Our political editor Andrew Woodcock has more details:
Boris Johnson under pressure to publish Priti Patel bullying report
Civil servants’ union calls for new independent complaints system for Whitehall
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