UK PM Johnson faces criticism over Scotland trip in lockdown

[Image]( EMAIL}/redirect THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 | PAN PYLAS , ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced accusations Thursday that he is not abiding by the country's lockdown rules as he visited Scotland to laud the rapid rollout of coronavirus vaccines across the United Kingdom. With a raft of polling showing increased support for Scottish independence from the U.K., Johnson's visit to promote the benefits of the union stands to be overshadowed by the lockdown dispute. Although Scotland has its own government in Edinburgh that has an array powers from public health through to education, it remains part of the U.K. under which London still has huge influence. “Mutual co-operation across the U.K. throughout this pandemic is exactly what the people of Scotland expect and it is what I have been focused on,” Johnson said. The U.K. has endured Europe's deadliest coronavirus outbreak with more than 102,000 virus-linked deaths but it has been among the world's leaders in rolling out a virus vaccination program. Johnson, who has already visited a laboratory at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow as part of his trip, is arguing that Scotland is benefiting from his Conservative government's approach to getting vaccine shots out quickly. EMAIL}/redirect EMAIL}/redirect Critics say the prime minister is politicking at a time when the U.K. is in a strict lockdown as a result of a huge resurgence of the virus that Johnson has largely blamed on a new variant first identified around London and southeast England. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described Johnson's visit as “not essential,” in the same way that a visit by herself to another part of Scotland would not be deemed essential under current lockdown rules. Sturgeon, whose Scottish National Party wants to hold another referendum on Scotland's independence, is way ahead in polls ahead of a general election in May, with some showing support at over 50%. EMAIL}/redirect EMAIL}/redirect Should the SNP win a clear majority, Sturgeon has said she will look to hold another vote on Scotland's future. Johnson, who under the law would have to back a referendum to make it legal, has indicated that he won't do so, arguing that as recently as 2014 Scotland voted to stay part of the U.K. by a clear majority. Sturgeon argues the situation has changed dramatically since then because Britain has left the European Union, even though voters in Scotland overwhelmingly backed remaining part of the bloc. That break became a harsh business reality on Jan. 1. In Scotland, Sturgeon's government has been widely seen as handling the pandemic well. At key moments, she is seen as having taken a more cautious approach than Johnson. Ahead of the visit, Michael Gove, a close ally of Johnson's, insisted the prime minister's visit was “absolutely essential” because Johnson has to ensure that the country's vaccine rollout is working properly. “It’s critically important that the Scottish government and the U.K. government are working together to do everything we can to support the rollout and see what we can do to improve it," he told BBC radio. Even Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, came to Johnson's support. “I’m with the prime minister on this one," he said on radio station LBC. “It’s important that he travels to see what is going on, on the ground.” EMAIL}/redirect EMAIL}/redirect © 2020 PTE.la PTE, LLC (publisher of PTE.la) is NOT registered as an investment adviser nor a broker/dealer with either the U. S. Securities & Exchange Commission or any state securities regulatory authority. Users of this website are advised that all information presented on this website is solely for informational purposes, is not intended to be used as a personalized investment recommendation, and is not attuned to any specific portfolio or to any user's particular investment needs or objectives. Past performance is NOT indicative of future results. Furthermore, such information is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor is it to be construed as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security. All users of this website must determine for themselves what specific investments to make or not make and are urged to consult with their own independent financial advisors with respect to any investment decision. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. All opinions, analyses and information included on this website are based on sources believed to be reliable and written in good faith, but should be independently verified, and no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, is made, including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. In addition, we undertake no responsibility to notify such opinions, analyses or information or to keep such opinions, analyses or information current. Also be aware that owners, employees and writers of and for PTE, LLC may have long or short positions in securities that may be discussed on this website or newsletter. Past results are not indicative of future profits. This table is accurate, though not every trade is represented. Profits and losses reported are simulated figures from virtual simulated portfolios. We are engaged in the business of advertising and promoting companies for monetary compensation. All content in our releases is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. Neither the information presented nor any statement or expression of opinion, or any other matter herein, directly or indirectly constitutes a solicitation of the purchase or sale of any securities. PTE.la’s sponsored advertisements do not purport to provide an analysis of any company’s financial position, operations or prospects and this is not to be construed as are commendation by PTE.la or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. Neither the owner of PTE.la nor any of its members, officers, directors, contractors or employees is licensed broker-dealers, account representatives, market makers, investment bankers, investment advisors, analyst or underwriters. Investing in securities, including the securities of those companies profiled or discussed on this website is for individuals tolerant of high risks. Viewers should always consult with alicensed securities professional before purchasing or selling any securities of companies profiled or discussed in our releases. It is possible that a viewer’s entire investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. Remember, never invest in any security of a company profiled or discussed in a release or on our website unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. Also, investing in micro-cap securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. To review our complete disclaimer and additional information, please visit . PTE.la makes no recommendation that the securities of the companies profiled or discussed in our releases or on our website should be purchased, sold or held by investors. PTE.la is owned and operated by PTE LLC. PTE LLC has not been compensated for this specific email, we do have advertisements in this email that we get paid if you click one of the ads (we have not investigated any of the advertisements). Any compensation received by PTE LLC constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. A third party of PTE LLC may have shares and may liquidate, which may negatively affect the stock price. PTE LLC affiliates may at any time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice which will negatively affect the market. Some of the content in this release contains forward - looking information within the meaning of Section 27 A of the Securities Act of 1 9 9 3 and Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1 9 3 4 including statements regarding expected continual growth of the profiled company and the value of its securities. In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 it is hereby noted that statements contained herein that look forward in time which include everything other than historical information, involve risk and uncertainties that may affect a company's actual results of operation. A company's actual performance could greatly differ from those described in any forward - looking statements or announcements mentioned in this release. Factors that should be considered that could cause actual results to differ include: the size and growth of the market for the company's products; the company's ability to fund its capital requirements in the near term and in the long term; pricing pressures; unforeseen and/or unexpected circumstances in happenings; etc. and the risk factors and other factors set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, acompany’s past performance does not guarantee future results. Generally, the information regarding a company profiled is provided from public sources which we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed by us as being accurate. Further specific financial information, filings and disclosures as well as general investor information about the profiled company, advice to investors and other investor resources are available at the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website www.sec.gov and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) website at www.finra.org. Any investment should be made only after consulting with a qualified investment advisor and reviewing the publicly available financial statement and other information about the company profiled and verifying that the investment is appropriate and suitable. PTE.la makes no representations, warranties or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided or discussed. Viewers should not rely solely on the information obtained in this release or on our website. PTE Team 9 Downing street Newark NJ 07105 USA [Unsubscribe]( [Change subscriber options](