Boris Johnson news – latest: Michael Gove says former PM is ‘man of integrity’
‘I think that Boris is someone who puts the country first,’ the levelling up secretary said
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‘Boris Johnson is a man of integrity,’ Levelling up secretary Michael Gove agreed on Sophy Ridge on Sunday
When questioned on the show this morning about whether he thinks the former prime minister is a man of integrity, Mr Gove replied: “I think that Boris is someone who puts the country first, yes,”
It comes as Mr Johnson is under investigation by the Commons privileges committee over whether he deliberately or recklessly misled the Commons with his statements about Partygate.
MPs investigating whether the former prime minister intentionally misled parliament over his understanding of parties in Downing Street during the pandemic could recommend a suspension of more than 10 days, triggering a contest for his Uxbridge constituency.
Mr Johnson is now preparing for a “worst case” scenario in which he has to fight a by-election he is expected to lose, allies have said.
Government set to ban laughing gas despite advice not to
Michael Gove accepted that ministers had been advised not to ban laughing gas but said the UK Government had taken a different view.
Told on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs had recommended not legally restricting its sale, c Mr Gove said: “It is the case that we need to be clear that there are types of activity, particular types of activity that cause distress to others in public which are unacceptable.
“Of course it is absolutely right that we uphold the law in this case.
“Yes, the advisory committee offered their advice but ultimately it is ministers who are responsible.
“And we believe collectively that it is absolutely vital that we deal with this scourge and in the same way.”
Mr Gove said ministers also wanted to bring in “extended drug testing of people who are responsible for criminal and anti-social activity”, adding: “We need to deal with it.”
Junior Doctors Committee chair accuses Health Secretary of 'penny pinching'
Dr Robert Laurenson on told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that health secretary Steve Barclay was “pinching pennies” in their ongoing pay dispute.
He said: “We have a healthcare crisis. We are trying to approach this from a position of healthcare and Mr Barclay is just trying to pinch pennies.
“I think if you asked the average person on the street if they would be happy to pay a doctor £19-an-hour, I think you get a resounding yes.”
Dr added Laurenson added they were “happy to get around the table” and discuss the pay dispute with the Government.
Led By Donkeys campaign group ‘within the rules,’ says Michael Gove
A Cabinet minister said those MPs caught up in a sting operation had been operating “within the rules” after former government ministers Matt Hancock and Kwasi Kwarteng told a fake Korean company set up by campaign group Led By Donkeys that their consultancy rate was £10,000 per day.
Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that it was “important” that “every MP operates in a way that is transparent”.
He said: “When Members of Parliament do work that complements the work they do in the House of Commons, then it is absolutely vital that we know who is paying them, what they earn and that is what the register (of MPs’ interests) is there for.”
Mr Gove added: “On this occasion, I think it is pretty clear that things that were offered and considered were within the rules.
“But inevitably all of us will reflect on this and think the first duty of a Member of Parliament is towards their constituents.
“And ultimately, the really important thing is, is an MP delivering for their constituents, is a Member of Parliament doing everything they can to put public service first?”
‘Ofsted do a great job,’ says former education secretary
“Ofsted do a great job,” the former education secretary Michael Gove told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
It comes after headteacher Ruth Perry took her own life while waiting for a negative Ofsted inspection report.
Mr Gove said: “When you are talking about circumstances where a clearly public spirited talented person has taken their life, you have to have respect for her example and her family.
“I do think, however, that Ofsted provides a vital role in providing information on which schools are performing well and which schools are not and require intervention.
“There is one issue that we need to reflect on and look at. If a school is found to have failed its safeguarding criteria, that is what is called a limiting judgement and that means it is inadequate overall, even if its teaching is good.
“Ofsted do a great job.
“Amanda Speilman is committed to helping teachers. I fear that some of those objecting to transparency have a problem with high standards.”
‘The government has its foot on the throat of the BBC,’ says shadow culture secretary
‘The government has its foot on the throat of the BBC,’ the shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell has said.
The Shadow Culture Secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “I think there are some perception challenges in that regard.
“The reason that I have launched this independent review today is that the BBC does face a number of headwinds.
“We support a publicly funded broadcaster in this country.
“This government have basically put the BBC under threat.
“Its independence is constantly being called into question and that’s why I want this panel to ensure the future of the BBC.
“This government is trying to keep its foot on the throat of the BBC.”
‘Boris Johnson is a man of integrity,’ agrees Michael Gove
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove agreed on Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky that ‘Boris Johnson is a man of integrity.’
When questioned on the show this morning, Mr Gove replied “yes”.
It comes as Mr Johnson is under investigation by the Commons privileges committee over whether he deliberately or recklessly misled the Commons with his statements about Partygate.
Nitrous oxide to be banned, Michael Gove says
Nitrous oxide is set to be banned under government plans to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove confirmed the plans on Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky.
He said: “I think anyone who has the opportunity to walk through our parks in our major cities will have seen these little silver canisters, which are examples of people not only spoiling public spaces but taking a drug which can have a psychological and neurological effect and one that contributes to antisocial behaviour overall.”
“Antisocial behaviour can ruin lives,” Mr Gove said.
Led By Donkeys undercover investigation reveals MPs charge 10k a day for consultancy
ICYMI: Rishi Sunak pledges ‘quick and visible’ justice to crackdown on anti-social behaviour ‘once and for all’
Rishi Sunak will unveil plans for “immediate and visible” punishments for anti-social behaviour this week as he pledges to crack down on the problem “once and for all”.
His long-awaited strategy will include measures to force vandals and those daubing graffiti to clean up their own messes within 48 hours, while wearing jumpsuits or high-visibility jackets.
Offenders could also wash police cars and do unpaid work in shops, while the prime minister will pledge that communities will get a say in what type of consequences are meted out.
Sunak pledges ‘visible’ justice to tackle anti-social behaviour ‘once and for all’
Pilots will see offenders in hi-vis jackets clean up graffiti within 48 hours
Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson’s Partygate probe: ‘I missed mother’s last moments’
Having missed her last moments due to Covid restrictions, Mick Yates stood two metres apart from his brothers as his mother’s coffin was lowered into her grave on 26 June 2020. A week before, Boris Johnson had been photographed in a room full of at least 30 people celebrating his birthday at a time of strict lockdown rules.
Throughout the pandemic, countless people were in Mr Yates’ position, unable to be with loved ones when they died, and banned from hugging family and friends at funerals – if they were even able to attend. Meanwhile, the then-prime minister attended gatherings at Downing Street, flouting the very rules he was supposed to be enforcing as part of attempts to curb the virus’ spread and reduce pressure on the NHS.
Full story here:
Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson Partygate probe
Boris Johnson endured a tense showdown with MPs over Partygate this week
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