MI5 chiefs ‘do not trust’ Priti Patel with their secrets

[Cpt. Rishwat]

MI5 chiefs ‘do not trust’ Priti Patel with their secrets

The civil war in the Home Office erupted again last night with claims that intelligence chiefs at MI5 do “not trust” Priti Patel.

Officers in the security service have reduced the volume of intelligence they show to the home secretary and regularly “roll their eyes” at her interventions in meetings, it was claimed.

In a further escalation of hostilities it can be revealed today that Amber Rudd, the former home secretary, has accused the department’s senior mandarin of being “absent” during the Windrush immigration scandal. Rudd has filed a formal complaint about Sir Philip Rutnam, the permanent secretary, to the official inquiry into the affair, which caused her to resign in 2018. He now faces criticism in the report by Wendy Williams, HM Inspector of Constabulary, which is to be published shortly.

A leaked transcript of Rudd’s words, which are quoted in the report, shows that she blamed Rutnam for the loss of her job: “I find his absence inappropriate. He was absent through my final few weeks and days. I think a good permanent secretary would lean in to a real difficulty like this rather than sit back from it.”

When asked whether she felt she was supported by Rutnam during her time in the job, she replied: “No, not really. The first permanent secretary I had was [now Sir] Mark Sedwill, who I did feel properly supported me. He is a leader of people. I got on very well with Philip Rutnam, but I felt his absence very much over this period and over this area.”

The twin salvos come as senior figures in government began to discuss whether a deal should be struck by Boris Johnson and Sedwill, now cabinet secretary, to remove both Patel and Rutnam.

Allies of Patel believe she has fallen victim to a briefing operation against her after she tried to oust Rutnam from the job. But officials say her own approach has compromised relations with MI5. “The spooks find her extremely difficult to deal with,” said one. “She doesn’t grasp the subtleties of intelligence. It’s not black and white. They don’t have confidence in her abilities.”

A second source said that Patel has for several months failed to attend a weekly cross-Whitehall meeting in which security officials from different departments compare notes on key issues.

And he claimed that she now receives less intelligence than her predecessors. “They have to decide how much to share, and they share less. She is also informed about things later in the decision-making process than before. Some things the security services do have legal implications, but she tends not to want to hear that.”

Friends of Patel rejected the claim that she did not respect the law, saying Rutnam had a “hilariously transparent” track record of citing legal issues as an excuse to quash ideas he dislikes. According to one civil servant, Rutnam says there is a 70% chance that the government will lose in court over a given idea. “It became a running joke: 70%, 70%. Oh, let me guess, there’s a 70% chance we will lose,” they said. “It’s an easy thing to use as threat.”

Patel’s team spoke to Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s chief aide, in December to raise their concerns about Rutnam. They accused him of spying on ministers, asking their private offices where they were spending their spare time before making remarks that showed he knew where they had been for dinner.

One person present said Cummings acknowledged Rutnam’s behaviour was not conducive to the delivery of the Tory manifesto — and implied — although stopped short of explicitly saying — that he would be gone in due course.

The Home Office said of the claims about Putnam’s personal conduct: “This is entirely false and without foundation.”

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/...rust-priti-patel-with-their-secrets-526h5tl8b

I think our intelligence services are right to be careful. Patel has shown questionable character in the past, we have to protect British interests first.

 

[Robert]

Agreed, that person lacks integrity I think.

 

[Technics 1210]

Am I the only one detecting an irony here? The first rule of the secret service is trust no one.

 

[Down2Earth]

Yup she definitely has questionable integrity and character

 

[irfan]

Yup she definitely has questionable integrity and character

not just that, she is thick as pig manure

 

[Manunited18]

Agreed, that person lacks integrity I think.

Absolutely, she's lucky she attained the position she has , with her previous record when theresa May was prime minister was let's say very untrustworthy

 

[Pakistanian]

They can't trust her. She's not a native or what desis call, "son/daughter of the soil"

 

[Thomaskutty]

She should go ahead and purge all the spy chiefs - and any elements that are disloyal to her mission. Surely she has the power as home secretary.

 

[Bewal Express]

It's her links with Israel that are making the MI5 suspicious.

 

[IMMY69]

I was going to say 7 posts and not a single Indian here to defend her...

 

[Iqbal'sh]

Seems a Brit Pakistani is more trustworthy than an Indian colleague.
Never read about such things when young Saj was in the Home Office.

 

[Robert]

They can't trust her. She's not a native or what desis call, "son/daughter of the soil"

Every hear of Philby, Burgess, Mackean and Blunt? They were ‘natives’.

 

[Itachi]

I was going to say 7 posts and not a single Indian here to defend her...

Why we will defend? If British people are criticising a British politician, what's that got to do with us? Your country, your people, do whatever you want.

 

[Kaizoku]

Why we will defend? If British people are criticising a British politician, what's that got to do with us? Your country, your people, do whatever you want.

Cn't agree more. Hoidia.

 

[Robert]

She should go ahead and purge all the spy chiefs - and any elements that are disloyal to her mission. Surely she has the power as home secretary.

Perhaps, but that would cut out a lot of experience and weaken Britain’s defences. And she doesn’t know what they have on her and what could get leaked. Or maybe she does. It’s a chess game at that level.

 

[imrankhannsu]

LMAO ha ha ha ......this is amazing if true

 

[IMMY69]

Why we will defend? If British people are criticising a British politician, what's that got to do with us? Your country, your people, do whatever you want.

I only said that because on another thread one Indian poster kept praising her and indirectly implying that Muslims migrants are the cause of terrorism and how Indian immigrants will increase due to the new points system.
This was of course in the back of Priti Patels statement re the new immigration policy.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

The police never trusted theresa may either so nothing new here

Not sure isi ever trusted nawaz sharif
The kgb overthrew most of their leaders which is how. Putin ended up as president

 

[Itachi]

I only said that because on another thread one Indian poster kept praising her and indirectly implying that Muslims migrants are the cause of terrorism and how Indian immigrants will increase due to the new points system.
This was of course in the back of Priti Patels statement re the new immigration policy.

If only one Indian stated this, why you are generalizing?

Should I generalize something because one Pakistani poster stated?

 

[globalcitizen]

Just baseless allegations. It’s just like management , some might like some don’t. but saying that entire mi5 don’t trust Home Secretary is absurd. Looks like insider jealousy or even gender bias issues, and some journalist has tapped into that information

 

[IMMY69]

If only one Indian stated this, why you are generalizing?

Should I generalize something because one Pakistani poster stated?

I think I am right to generalise.
Way too many Indian extremist here, certainly more then the moderate ones who may or may not agree with me.

Of course I consider you one too but in thr spirit of goodwill I am prepared to give the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Thomaskutty]

I was going to say 7 posts and not a single Indian here to defend her...

I see her as a Brit. Not everybody looks at people through the prism of ethnicity or religion. Open your mind.

 

[Syed1]

I see her as a Brit. Not everybody looks at people through the prism of ethnicity or religion. Open your mind.

So Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai must be American then too, but in that case you guys celebrate them as "Indian"

 

[Pakistanian]

I see her as a Brit. Not everybody looks at people through the prism of ethnicity or religion. Open your mind.

She's a Patel bro lol, they have a chain of convenience stores in America.

 

[Itachi]

So Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai must be American then too, but in that case you guys celebrate them as "Indian"

Satya nadella and Sundar Pichai both born in India and have been passed from IIT and Manipal university. At least make some research.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Just baseless allegations. It’s just like management , some might like some don’t. but saying that entire mi5 don’t trust Home Secretary is absurd. Looks like insider jealousy or even gender bias issues, and some journalist has tapped into that information

Well I guess she just felt like having secret meetings with Israeli officials for no good reason. That too is a baseless accusation.

 

[KingKhanWC]

She should go ahead and purge all the spy chiefs - and any elements that are disloyal to her mission. Surely she has the power as home secretary.

She has no real power esp over MI5, which is why they are withholding information without any worry.

MI5 know she is a Zionist puppet, who works for the interests of others not the nation. They have no power to remove her but plenty to limit her knowledge of important information.

A huge slap to Boris, who now has a lame sitting duck home sec, hated by her own intelligence agencies.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

People like Priti Patel and Sajid Javid are sell-outs. They are completely beholden to the people and special interests that elevated them to the top, which includes the Zionist Pro-Israel lobby. Unfortunately that is the reality of British and American politics. Because its very hard to make sense of Priti Patel holding secret meetings with Israeli officials in 2017, for which she was fired/made to resign.

 

[Bewal Express]

She has no real power esp over MI5, which is why they are withholding information without any worry.

MI5 know she is a Zionist puppet, who works for the interests of others not the nation. They have no power to remove her but plenty to limit her knowledge of important information.

A huge slap to Boris, who now has a lame sitting duck home sec, hated by her own intelligence agencies.

I would go as far as to say that some in the MI5 think she is a plant.

 

[Uzi]

There is no doubt she is a waste of space like a lot of others in the cabinet.

She was caught in bed with the Israelis previously and ultimately got sacked for it. I wouldn't bet against her being involved in more controversies.

 

[Technics 1210]

She has no real power esp over MI5, which is why they are withholding information without any worry.

MI5 know she is a Zionist puppet, who works for the interests of others not the nation. They have no power to remove her but plenty to limit her knowledge of important information.

A huge slap to Boris, who now has a lame sitting duck home sec, hated by her own intelligence agencies.

I agree she has Zionist ties, but she is one of the 4 most powerful government officials representing the UK. She has complete command over the information MI5 domestic secret service and can obtain any information she wants as Home Secretary by Law despite how much they hate her.

Only the PM can really remove her, and she is in to stay for the long term; remember it was Boris who *knew* about her for undisclosed trip to Israel, but the foreign office did not.

This story has worked in Priti Patel's favour. MI5/leak messed up. If this news was not leaked, PO would be none the wiser; now she is going to turn the screw!

 

[Technics 1210]

Satya nadella and Sundar Pichai both born in India and have been passed from IIT and Manipal university. At least make some research.

But it is India's government who do not recognise them as Indian hence no Indian passport, but a OCI card.

Where they were born and studied is irrelevant when Satya and Sundar are officially Americans. However if being born in India makes you Indian, then Indians were responsible for Flight AI182.

 

[Robert]

The tories won a landslide majority in UK elections. That tells you what people think about them. Patel herself won her seat. So while brit pakistanis may not like her, that doesnt make much of a difference.

Her seat is in a place where you could stick a blue rosette on a turnip and people would vote it into Parliament.

The Tory win had a lot to do with the lamentably bad Labour leader.

 

[Technics 1210]

Her seat is in a place where you could stick a blue rosette on a turnip and people would vote it into Parliament.

The Tory win had a lot to do with the lamentably bad Labour leader.

However if Remainers had accepted the ER result instead of relying on delay tactics for 3+ years, then we would be under different leadership/cabinet with May as PM, albeit, Tory government.

 

[Robert]

However if Remainers had accepted the ER result instead of relying on delay tactics for 3+ years, then we would be under different leadership/cabinet with May as PM, albeit, Tory government.

I don’t think so. May’s awful performance in the 2017 election sealed her doom. Her authority was gone, though she clung on a little while longer.

 

[Technics 1210]

I don’t think so. May’s awful performance in the 2017 election sealed her doom. Her authority was gone, though she clung on a little while longer.

She wouldn't have called the election in the first place had remain MPs voted in line with the ER result and passed the deal.

Anyway it's history now - we have what we have

 

[Robert]

She wouldn't have called the election in the first place had remain MPs voted in line with the ER result and passed the deal.

Anyway it's history now - we have what we have

As I recall she was eighteen points clear in the polls and had the opportunity to get a big majority. But she blew it with robotic performances, and policies which hurt her own base such as the dementia tax.

The result was a disaster for the Tories but also for Labour as it encouraged the dreadful Corbyn project and set back an effective Opposition for years.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I agree she has Zionist ties, but she is one of the 4 most powerful government officials representing the UK. She has complete command over the information MI5 domestic secret service and can obtain any information she wants as Home Secretary by Law despite how much they hate her.

Only the PM can really remove her, and she is in to stay for the long term; remember it was Boris who *knew* about her for undisclosed trip to Israel, but the foreign office did not.

This story has worked in Priti Patel's favour. MI5/leak messed up. If this news was not leaked, PO would be none the wiser; now she is going to turn the screw!

MI5 must give her daily breifings but they dont make all information avaialbe, however in reality they will not reveal information which is highly classified and could threaten the UK if put into the hands of the Israelis or even India.

 

[MenInG]

An investigation into bullying allegations against Home Secretary Priti Patel will be carried out, the government has announced.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Michael Gove said the Cabinet Office has been asked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "establish the facts" about whether Ms Patel breached the ministerial code.

It comes after Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office's most senior civil servant, quit and vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal.

The official's explosive departure from his £175,000 per year role has increased pressure on Ms Patel, following weeks of reports of tensions within her department.

In his resignation statement, Sir Philip also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel "shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".

Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, Cabinet Office minister Mr Gove noted that his cabinet colleague "absolutely rejects" claims she breached the ministerial code.

"The prime minister has expressed his full confidence in her and having worked closely with the home secretary over a number of years, I have the highest regard for her - she is a superb minister doing a great job," he said.

Mr Gove continued: "This government always takes any complaints relating to the ministerial code seriously, and in line with the process set out in the ministerial code the prime minister has asked the Cabinet Office to establish the facts.

"As is usual, the independent adviser on ministerial interests, Sir Alex Allan, is available to provide advice to the prime minister."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Cabinet Office probe did not go far enough.

He said: "The government must now call in an external lawyer as quite rightly suggested by the union for senior civil servants, the First Division Association.

"A minister in breach of the ministerial code cannot remain in office and should be dismissed."

Describing the allegations against Ms Patel as "serious", the Labour leader said that if they were true it would "clearly constitute a breach of the ministerial code".

He also questioned why the PM had given his backing to the home secretary "without a proper investigation", before adding: "This is a government led by bullies, presided over by a part-time prime minister who not only can't be bothered to turn up but simply won't take the vital action required when the very integrity and credibility of the government is on the line."

https://news.sky.com/story/investigation-into-priti-patel-bullying-allegations-launched-11948055

 

[Ryw]

PM 'sticking by' Priti Patel following fresh bullying allegations

Boris Johnson has told MPs he is "sticking by" Home Secretary Priti Patel, following further allegations of bullying against her.

Claims she mistreated staff would "of course" be investigated, he said at Prime Minister's Questions.

But he hailed Ms Patel as an "outstanding" home secretary who was "delivering change".

The Cabinet Office is investigating several allegations about Ms Patel's behaviour, which she denies.

The home secretary, who sat next to Mr Johnson at PMQs, has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Answering a question from Labour MP Matthew Pennycook, Mr Johnson said: "The home secretary is doing an outstanding job delivering change, putting police out on the street, cutting crime, and delivering a new immigration system and I'm sticking by her."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the "part-time" prime minister of having "no shame" and repeated his call for an independent inquiry into Ms Patel's conduct.

He demanded to know if Mr Johnson was aware of the complaints about her behaviour when he appointed her home secretary.

The PM hit back by branding Mr Corbyn a "full-time Marxist who has failed to stamp out bullying in his own party".

Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire said it appeared that, with this government, facing allegations of bullying "just get you promoted", whereas those who stand up to it lose their jobs.

Mr Johnson told her he "loathes bullying" but added that he would not take lessons on the issue from Labour, whom he accuses of failing to deal with "systematic bullying" against those who "stick up for the Jewish community".

Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office's most senior official, resigned on Saturday alleging Ms Patel's conduct towards staff included "swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".

He said he now intended to take legal action against the Home Office on the basis of constructive dismissal, alleging that he had been forced out of his job.

The BBC reported on Monday that an official in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) received a £25,000 payout after alleging she was bullied by Ms Patel in 2015 during her time as employment minister.

On Tuesday, allegations emerged about Ms Patel's behaviour at a third government department.

The BBC's Newsnight reported that in 2017, Ms Patel - then International Development Secretary - was allegedly accused by officials in her private office of humiliating civil servants in front of others, of putting heavy pressure in emails and of creating a general sense that "everyone is hopeless".

The allegations were reportedly brought to a senior official at the Department for International Development after Ms Patel quit as its secretary of state in 2017.

Mr Corbyn told the prime minister that "if true" the allegations suggest "a shocking and unacceptable pattern of behaviour across three government departments".

The Labour leader's spokesman later said: "We've had government staff contact our office directly with information and allegations about bullying in the Home Office by Priti Patel."

The allegations relate to Ms Patel and another former minister, the spokesman added.

"They are bullying and harassment allegations of government staff and they simply build up the picture that has already accumulated in recent days.

"It is quite clear this is not an isolated allegation by one individual about one incident or one set of incidents."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-51737677

 

[Local.Dada]

A women getting bullied itself is bad enough and add to the fact that she is a minority. This would usually be condemned but she won't get sympathies here as she backs 'Skill" based migration.

 

[Halaribo]

A women getting bullied itself is bad enough and add to the fact that she is a minority. This would usually be condemned but she won't get sympathies here as she backs 'Skill" based migration.

She won't get backing because she's a venomous harridan and incompetent to boot.

 

[InziRules]

They can't trust her. She's not a native or what desis call, "son/daughter of the soil"

That, or the fact she already betrayed secrets to Israel once..... But go with the racism angle if it makes you feel better

 

[ahsan17]

A women getting bullied itself is bad enough and add to the fact that she is a minority. This would usually be condemned but she won't get sympathies here as she backs 'Skill" based migration.

For some reason I can't imagine you saying all this if she was Pakistani, or heck even Arab.

 

[MenInG]

After questions from some over whether the UK home secretary had been sufficiently visible during the coronavirus crisis, this was likely to be a difficult news conference for Priti Patel.

But the most striking moment came not from a question about her own areas of responsibility - including how police are using new powers during the coronavirus lockdown - but from a Channel 4 News reporter asking, three times, if she would apologise for the shortages on protective equipment being reported by doctors and nurses at the frontline.

Her answer: that she was “sorry if people feel there have been failings”.

The home secretary also suggested Boris Johnson might yet be off work for some time.

Asked when we could expect the prime minister to be back behind his desk in No 10, she told reporters that he needs the time and space to rest, recuperate and recover.

 

[MenInG]

The findings of an inquiry into Home Secretary Priti Patel's conduct must be made public "as soon as possible", the Labour Party has said.

PM Boris Johnson asked the Cabinet Office to establish the facts following claims Ms Patel had bullied staff at three different government departments.

Ms Patel, who was interviewed as part of the process, has denied the claims.

It is understood the report has been completed and the outcome is likely to be known in the coming days.

No final decisions have been taken, and the process is officially described as "ongoing", but Whitehall sources have indicated there is not enough evidence to require Ms Patel's resignation.

The Cabinet Office has been contacted for comment.

Its inquiry - in line with the Ministerial Code in standards in public life - is separate to the ongoing employment tribunal claim lodged by ex-Home Office chief Sir Philip Rutnam.

Labour's shadow home secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds and Rachel Reeves, shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, have called on Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove to update Parliament about the progress of the inquiry.

In a letter sent to Mr Gove last week, seen by BBC News, they wrote: "At a time when additional powers are being assumed by the government, the imperative that the public are completely assured of the conduct of senior ministers is even greater.

"As a result we are calling on you to ensure that the findings of the inquiry are published as soon as possible."

Labour says it has received no reply to the letter.

Commenting on press reports that Ms Patel has been cleared, Dave Penman, general secretary of the First Division Association, which represents senior civil servants, said complaints "of this nature" needed an "independent investigation" that was "free from political influence".

He added: "It tells you everything that is wrong with investigations under the Ministerial Code that a process which is not written down, which contains no rights for those who might complain, that is determined in secret, alone by a prime minister who has already pledged his allegiance to the minister in advance, and which allows no right to transparency or challenge for anyone who complained, would then be leaked on the evening before the home secretary is due to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee."

The investigation was launched by Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and the report is being compiled by senior Cabinet Office official Helen McNamara and senior civil servant Alexander Allan.

Ms Patel was questioned by MPs about how her department has handled the coronavirus outbreak during a virtual hearing of the Home Affairs Select Committee on Wednesday.

She said the decision not to test or isolate people arriving in the UK was based on advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) and said the impact of thermal screening would have been "negligible".

Ms Patel's last appearance before the committee was on 23 October.

Earlier this month, Ms Patel was accused of avoiding scrutiny during a time of national emergency.

Committee chair Yvette Cooper wrote six letters to the home secretary over the last three months in an effort to set a date for her to give evidence as other ministers have done.

After not replying to several of the letters and declining invitations to attend on earlier dates, Ms Patel responded by saying she was "disappointed at the increasingly adversarial tone of our exchanges".

In a letter confirming her 29 April appearance, Ms Patel said she was "committed to ensuring the Home Office is better open to scrutiny and transparency" and highlighted that she had offered "regular briefings" to the committee.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-52465926

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We clap for the immigrants who are on our frontline with one hand and slap them round the face with the other. I suspect this is what Priti was like at school. And I bet she eats chapatti with a knife and fork. <a href="https://t.co/x9uuCG0Yka">https://t.co/x9uuCG0Yka</a></p>— MeeraSyal (@MeeraSyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeeraSyal/status/1262692410951446528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

An inquiry into whether Home Secretary Priti Patel bullied staff must be published "immediately", the Labour Party has said.

A Cabinet Office investigation into several allegations about Ms Patel's behaviour was launched in March.

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds wrote to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove on Saturday, saying that the delay in publishing the findings was "unacceptable".

Ms Patel denies all the allegations.

The MP for Witham faces accusations she mistreated staff in her current role as home secretary.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson - who has said he is "sticking by" Ms Patel - asked the Cabinet Office to establish the facts following the claims levelled against her.

The report is understood to have been completed.

In the letter to Mr Gove, Mr Thomas-Symonds and shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said the delay "creates the clear sense that the government is acting in the interests of a Conservative Party elite, rather than the national interest".

They added: "We have been asking frontline public servants to make extraordinary sacrifices throughout this pandemic and it is only right that they have full faith in those in government who make demands of them.

"This report must now be published immediately for it to be properly considered before recess begins, and we look forward to your confirmation of this."

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.

The investigation was launched by Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill - who has since announced his resignation following reports of tensions between him and senior members of the PM's team in Downing Street.

Senior Cabinet Office official Helen McNamara and senior civil servant Alexander Allan are compiling the report.

The letter follows a report in The Times of a "stand-off" between senior officials and political aides over the publication of the report.

The paper said Ms MacNamara is refusing to exonerate Ms Patel from some of the allegations of bullying, despite attempts by the PM's aides supposedly wanting the inquiry to find there is no conclusive evidence of bullying.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said in the letter: "It has been over four months since the government promised a report into whether the home secretary broke the Ministerial Code.

"There are now allegations of deeply inappropriate political interference in the publication of the report, both in terms of content and timing. The delay in producing it is totally unacceptable."

In February, Sir Philip Rutnam resigned as the Home Office's permanent secretary, saying there had been a "vicious and orchestrated" campaign against him in the department. The inquiry is separate to the employment tribunal claim lodged by Sir Philip.

Ms Patel's allies said the home secretary was a "demanding" boss but not a bully.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53375707

 

[MenInG]

A fast-track health and care visa has been unveiled as part of the UK's plans for a points-based immigration system when freedom of movement with the EU ends in January.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said employers would be encouraged to invest in workers from within the UK.

But the new system, she added, would also allow them to "attract the best and brightest from around the world".

Unions have expressed concerns that the visa will exclude social care workers.

The health and care visa will be open to workers who have a confirmed job offer in one of a series of "skilled" roles within the NHS or care sector - or for NHS service providers, such as doctors, nurses, radiographers, social workers and paramedics.

However, the GMB union, representing NHS staff, described the new rules as an "embarrassing shambles", criticising the exclusion of frontline care home workers and contractors, and pointing out that a minimum salary threshold meant many cleaners, porters and support staff would also not qualify.

'Shortage occupations'
The new visa system is set to come into force on New Year's Day, immediately ending freedom of movement with the EU.

Under the government's plans when the Brexit transition period ends, those wishing to live and work in the UK must gain 70 points.

There is a mandatory requirement for visa applicants to have an offer of a job on a list of eligible occupations and speak English - earning them 50 points.

There is a minimum salary requirement of £20,480.

Further Points would be awarded for meeting criteria such as holding a PhD relevant to the job, or earning more than a "general salary threshold" of £25,600.

Those with job offers in "shortage occupations" such as nursing and civil engineering would also be able to earn extra points.

In a written ministerial statement to the House of Commons, Ms Patel said: "At a time where an increased number of people across the UK are looking for work, the new points-based system will encourage employers to invest in the domestic UK workforce, rather than simply relying on labour from abroad.

"But we are also making necessary changes, so it is simpler for employers to attract the best and brightest from around the world to come to the UK to complement the skills we already have."

Labour said it would scrutinise the proposals "very carefully", saying the government had "rushed through immigration legislation with very little detail in the middle of a global pandemic".

One of the biggest arguments for leaving the EU is that it would allow the UK to sets its own immigration policy.

The government's aim is a system that provides flexibility for employers - so the minimum salary threshold starts at just over £20,000 and there's no need to prove that a job couldn't have been offered to someone already living in the country.

But there are restrictions too: the vast majority of vacant positions in the social care sector will not be filled from immigration as these workers are not classed as skilled - and they're not eligible for the rebranded NHS and care workers fast track visa.

In short, care workers won't be able to apply for a visa dedicated to care.

Ministers say immigration can't solve the care sector's problems which, they argue, are down to poor pay and career prospects - making the job unattractive to British workers who could be capable of filling the roles.

The new health and care visa will have a reduced fee. Those applying for it should expect a reply within three weeks, the government said.

Caroline Abrahams at charity Age UK said it was a "care visa in name only. Care will scarcely benefit at all since the vast majority of care workforce roles are ineligible".

The union Unison said the work of the social care sector was in crisis long before the coronavirus pandemic and failing to include care workers was a "disastrous mistake that will make existing problems spiral".

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "To exclude care workers from the health visa is a clear signal that this government does not appreciate the skill and dedication these roles involve... it is yet another insult from this Tory party to those who have been at the frontline of this crisis."

However, the prime minister's official spokesman said the government wanted employers in the sector to invest more in training and development for people already in the UK - including EU citizens - to become care workers, and it had provided additional funding to support it.

"Our independent migration advisers have said that immigration is not the sole answer here," he added.

The home secretary said frontline health workers would not have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge - the fee of up to £400 a year that most migrants who have not been granted permanent residency in the UK need to pay to receive NHS care.

Ms Patel also said the visa process for students was being refined, with a new graduate route being launched next summer to "help retain the brightest and the best students to contribute to the UK post-study".

International students would be able to stay for a minimum of two years after finishing their studies, she said.

The paper also confirms that foreign criminals who have been jailed for more than a year could be banned from coming to the UK and foreign nationals already in the UK who have been sentenced to a year or more in prison "must be considered for deportation".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53382818

 

[MenInG]

A report into allegations that Home Secretary Priti Patel bullied staff has found she broke the ministerial code, sources have told Sky News.

The report is said to have concluded some of the senior cabinet minister's behaviour was unintentional.

It is due to be published imminently but is understood to have been held up by a row over whether the senior cabinet minister should be forced to apologise.

Labour claimed the news had "all the hallmarks of a cover-up".

The inquiry into Ms Patel was launched nine months ago - triggered by the departure of senior Home Office civil servant Sir Philip Rutnam.

He claimed Ms Patel "created fear" among staff and subsequently took his allegations - which were denied by the home secretary - to a tribunal.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told Sky News that Ms Patel is unlikely to be sacked but could be asked to apologise and be issued with a formal warning.

However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Office officials are understood to be unable to agree a timetable to publish the conclusions because of a disagreement about the apology.

Sky News understands that some of those close to Ms Patel do not feel comfortable with her issuing an apology because they say her behaviour was unintentional and not deliberately intended to cause upset.

There are also claims that Ms Patel was subject to inappropriate treatment herself by other members of staff.

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that the Mr Johnson intends to "fudge" the outcome of the report and not demand Ms Patel leave her post as home secretary.

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said: "These revelations could not be more serious. This has all the hallmarks of a cover-up from the prime minister and raises fundamental questions about his judgement.

"His actions are all but condoning bullying in the workplace.

"In any other area of life this would not be acceptable. Yet again, it seems to be one rule for them and another for everyone else.

"The report needs to be published in full immediately and both the prime minister and home secretary must come before parliament to answer questions on this mess."

Mr Johnson is understood to have had the report for some time after it was completed earlier this year.

Civil servants collected evidence for the investigation which was then passed to Sir Alex Allan - the government's independent advisor on standards.

The final decision on what action to take falls to the prime minister

https://news.sky.com/story/priti-pa...s-she-broke-ministerial-code-sources-12136599

 

[MenInG]

Boris Johnson's adviser on the ministerial code has resigned after the PM backed Home Secretary Priti Patel over a bullying inquiry.

The government's standards adviser Sir Alex Allan found that Ms Patel's behaviour had breached the code.

But Mr Johnson rejected Sir Alex's findings and said he had "full confidence" in Ms Patel.

Ms Patel released a statement saying she was sorry "that my behaviour in the past has upset people".

Ministers are normally expected to resign if they break the code and there are no known cases of a minister staying in post following a breach.

In full: Summary of Patel bullying report
Profile: Priti Patel
A government statement said Mr Johnson was "reassured that the home secretary is sorry for inadvertently upsetting those with whom she was working".

"He is also reassured that relationships, practices and culture in the Home Office are much improved," it said.

Sir Alex announced his resignation as the prime minister released his statement on the report's findings.

"I recognise that it is for the prime minister to make a judgement on whether actions by a minister amount to a breach of the ministerial code," he said.

"But I feel that it is right that I should now resign from my position as the prime minister's independent adviser on the code."

'Upset people'
In his findings, Sir Alex said Ms Patel "has not consistently met the high standards required by the ministerial code of treating her civil servants with consideration and respect" and cited examples of "shouting and swearing".

He added: "Her approach on occasions has amounted to behaviour that can be described as bullying in terms of the impact felt by individuals.

"To that extent her behaviour has been in breach of the ministerial code, even if unintentionally."

However, he added that the home secretary had "legitimately - not always felt supported by the department".

"In addition, no feedback was given to the home secretary of the impact of her behaviour, which meant she was unaware of issues that she could otherwise have addressed."

In a statement, Ms Patel said "I am direct and have at times got frustrated", but added: "It has never been my intention to cause upset to anyone."

"I am sorry that my behaviour in the past has upset people," she said.


What is the ministerial code?

Government document setting out "expected standards" of behaviour in office, which include "consideration and respect" for civil servants and other colleagues

In the foreword, Boris Johnson says: "There must be no bullying and no harassment."

Ministers are normally expected to resign if they are found to have broken the code

There had not previously been any known cases of a minister staying in post following a breach

Ministers who have stepped down include Liam Fox, over taking a friend and lobbyist on official trips, and Mark Field, who grabbed a climate protester

The code has existed since the Second World War but was not made public until 1992

Responding to the news, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Yet again, the prime minister has been found wanting when his leadership has been tested.

"If I were prime minister, the home secretary would have been removed from her job."

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said "Priti Patel has broken the ministerial code, the PM should have sacked her.

"He seems to believe there is one rule for him and his friends and another rule for everyone else - totally unacceptable."

The head of the civil servants' union FDA Dave Penman said: "What is the point of the investigation if actually what we're saying is it doesn't matter what evidence has been found, it doesn't matter what the PM's own adviser on the ministerial code says, if it's politically convenient for the PM to ignore it, he will ignore it.

"The PM in his forward to the ministerial code said there will be no bullying and no harassment, he didn't mean it, those words are hollow now."

The inquiry was launched by Boris Johnson in March, following the resignation of top civil servant at the Home Office Sir Philip Rutnam. Sir Philip - who is suing the government for constructive dismissal - alleged staff felt Ms Patel had "created fear".

Sir Alex Allan's report examined Ms Patel's behaviour at three different government departments - the Home Office, Work and Pensions and International Development.

Sir Keir has called for his report to be published in full but the Cabinet Office has insisted there is no full report, just a collection of evidence containing witness statements.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-55016076

 

[Firebat]

UK's Johnson sought to tone down bullying report on minister, reports say

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sought to tone down an independent report that found one of his most senior ministers had bullied staff, two media reports said on Saturday.

Johnson on Friday backed his Home Secretary Priti Patel, despite an inquiry finding she had broken the ministerial code by shouting and swearing at staff. The author of the report, the government’s ethics adviser Alex Allan, resigned.

On Saturday, the Times newspaper and the BBC said Johnson had tried and failed to convince Allan to tone down his findings, particularly the assertion that Patel’s behaviour amounted to bullying.

“He read all of it and didn’t think Alex’s findings accorded with the evidence itself,” The Times quoted a source in the government’s cabinet office as saying. “He spoke to Alex and asked him if he’d change the tone of it. Alex said no.”

A spokeswoman for Johnson’s office said the report reflected Allan’s thinking. “As you would expect, the prime minister spoke to Sir Alex Allan to further his understanding of the issues. Sir Alex’s conclusions are entirely his own.”

Patel has apologised for her behaviour and Johnson, who decided the ministerial code had not been breached, said he had full faith in his interior minister.

The issue comes at a difficult time for Johnson, who is trying to reset his government after his top adviser Dominic Cummings left Downing Street last week. His leadership and judgment has also been questioned over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...rt-on-minister-reports-say-idUSKBN2810DO?il=0

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Priti pulling out all the cards now. A victim of racism and misogyny now she's facing the sack. As a schoolgirl she was called a P*ki apparently. Boo hoo. Many actually think she got as far as she did precisely because she was a woman of colour. Prof. Anthony King who taught her at Essex University said Patel's thesis was so bad "I virtually had to rewrite it myself".

 

[Firebat]

"No place for bullying", UK PM Johnson tells ministers, officials

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told officials on Monday there was “no place for bullying” in his government, trying to ease concerns after he stood by his interior minister against charges of bad behaviour.

However, in a letter written to ministers and permanent secretaries - the most senior figures in government departments - there was also an implicit warning that when the government faced “unprecedented challenges”, politicians and officials should keep “internal conversations private”.

Last week, Johnson had hoped to “reset” his government after two of his most senior advisers said they were leaving, aiming to improve relations with his own Conservative lawmakers, with government officials and with the media.

But he drew criticism when he backed interior minister Priti Patel over charges of bullying and has also struggled to control his agenda after leaked reports of meetings have offered glimpses of upcoming strategy and sometimes colourful language.

“Given the unprecedented challenges we currently face as a nation, relationships of mutual trust and respect between politicians and their officials are paramount. This includes keeping internal conversations private,” he wrote in the letter.

“There is a particular duty on ministers and permanent secretaries to create jointly across government a culture which is professional, respectful, focused and ambitious for change in which there is no place for bullying.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...hnson-tells-ministers-officials-idUSKBN28314N

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The only reason she has gotten as far as he has is because she is beholden to people with influence. Among other things, she is an Israeli agent. And the very fact that she was brought back after what she did, and was fired for speaks greatly to the character of the Conservative Party itself.

 

[MenInG]

A former top civil servant at the Home Office has settled his employment tribunal claim against the government.

Sir Philip Rutnam resigned from his role as the department's permanent secretary last year, amid bullying allegations against Priti Patel.

Announcing his departure, Sir Philip accused the home secretary of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign" against him.

 

[Robert]

A former top civil servant at the Home Office has settled his employment tribunal claim against the government.

Sir Philip Rutnam resigned from his role as the department's permanent secretary last year, amid bullying allegations against Priti Patel.

Announcing his departure, Sir Philip accused the home secretary of a "vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign" against him.

Settled how - outside the Tribunal?