skynewspolitics--2020-01-28--Protests over PM's Brexit plan could become 'more serious in NI'

Protests over PM 's Brexit plan could become 'more serious ' in Northern Ireland , loyalist warns Protests over PM 's Brexit plan could become 'more serious ' in Northern Ireland , loyalist warns A prominent loyalist has warned Boris Johnson 's Brexit plan could mean protests spilling over into `` something more serious '' if it weakens Northern Ireland 's place in the UK .
Northern Ireland remains one of the most complex and intractable parts of the Brexit conundrum and experts say the issue will require much more negotiation between the UK , Ireland and rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , Sky News has spoken to leading experts and those on the frontline most likely affected by Britain 's split from the economic and political union after 47 years .
• There is a significant chance Britain and the EU will fail to strike a trade deal within a year because the UK and EU remain so far apart on key issues .
If there is a trade deal , the impact to the UK economy may not be much better than the one under a no-deal scenario • Any additional customs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border from next year will mean Britain 's biggest ports become `` full very quickly '' with disruption , backlog and higher costs , according to the UK head of shipping and logistics company DFDS Seaways • Post-Brexit Britain will be able to develop an `` innovative '' agriculture sector and more dynamic healthcare and biotech industries by dumping the EU `` precautionary '' principle to regulation , according to a leading Brexiteer adviser • The chance of negotiating a Norway-style compromise on fishing this year , which sees detailed talks on new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to complete in months • Nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland are nervous at the impact on the fragile peace from changes that result in the constitutional changes to the UK Northern Ireland remains one of the most tricky areas to be resolved in upcoming negotiations , as EU and UK politicians work out how broad principles agreed by Mr Johnson will work in practice .
Last year the prime minister struck a deal with Brussels which will see Northern Ireland keep some EU rules on the regulation of goods after Brexit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be paid on goods being moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland if those products are considered `` at risk '' of then being transported into the Republic of Ireland , and the EU .
The definition of `` at risk '' , and the proportion of goods this will cover , is yet to be determined and tariffs wo n't necessarily be due if the UK and EU have a free trade agreement .
Sky News spoke to figures in Northern Ireland who warned that politicians must be mindful of the fragile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their plans .
Winston Irvine , a community organiser and prominent loyalist , explained why some in the unionist community are worried particularly by signs there will be extra checks .
He said : `` I think viewed as the potential for a slippery slope - that this would be the beginning of a divergence and set of changes that will see the Northern Ireland economy , and maybe other parts of Northern Ireland governmental arrangements and the relationship with the UK edging away from the UK and being directed more closely aligned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU . ''
He added that the deal negotiated before Christmas by Mr Johnson does have a commitment to `` unfettered access '' for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK but there is still scepticism .
He warned : `` There is always the potential for wide scale political protest - and that is something certainly I would hope we could avoid .
Certainly the loyalists I work with do n't want to see a return to violence , the bad old days of the past .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weakening of Northern Ireland 's constitutional position within the context of the UK , then I fear we would see the prospect of wide-scale political protest .
And I think in that context you always have the potential for that spilling over into something more serious . ''
Some allies of the prime minister suggests that Northern Ireland becomes a `` special economic zone '' from which they could benefit .
Shanker Singham , a Brexiteer trade adviser and chief executive of Competere , a trade advisory company , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire world that is both in the UK customs union on a legal basis , which means that they will - everyone in Northern Ireland - financial services firms , anybody - defence , Airbus , anybody - they will benefit… '' If the Northern Irish are wise , they will seek manufacturing bits of manufacturing supply chains to go to Northern Ireland specifically to take advantage of this sort of dual role that they play . ''
However SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite , chairman of the Brexit select committee on Belfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Brexit to talk about .
`` We 're yet to see any opportunities that might come out of Brexit , '' he said .
`` Every single witness that has come to the Brexit committee in city hall , bar one , has suggested there will be significant barriers placed to trade , to travel , free movement of people , goods and services from Northern Ireland to both Britain and EU - this limits all of our opportunities at a time we should be looking for greater opportunities for this place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff to Theresa May , said that the challenge on Brexit was connected to identity .
`` My reading of what they 've agreed at the moment is that it preserves north-south movement of goods , '' he told Sky News .
`` The government will be able to protect west-east movement of goods , but there are going to be some checks , east to west , from Great Britain today .
`` The [ next issue ] is a more difficult one , which is about identity .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the way the EU approach this issue .
`` It works both ways .
checks on the Northern Ireland - Ireland border would have posed a massive issue to those people who feel very strongly about keeping that border as is , but unionists are going to be very concerned about anything that feels that Northern Ireland is no longer quite in the same place that it was in the UK 's internal market . ''
Meanwhile Britain 's ports could face delays as Mr Johnson 's Brexit deal introduces new checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and single market .
These changes will come into force on 1 January 2021 , when Britain leaves the transition phase which starts on February 1 2020 which keeps the existing relationship the same .
Raoul Ruparel , Mrs May 's former Europe adviser said : `` I think there will be potentially some significant changes - we will be outside the customs union and outside the single market - that would mean there would be customs checks and customs processes between the UK and EU on trade which is a big change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all .
`` Similarly on regulation - you know there will be regulatory approvals needed both for the UK , but also for the EU where currently only one approval is needed for both .
So that 's a big change in the way business will operate . ''
Andrew Byrne , the UK managing director of DFDS , told Sky News : `` It 's unclear at the minute exactly what it will look like - but some of the potential suggestions would be some customs documentation that we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we start slowing that supply chain down for any friction - that adds cost .
And unfortunately that cost is what will always be the deciding factor about whose cargo goes where . ''
Fishing is likely to be one of the most emotive and tricky issues in the negotiation .
Under an agreement with the EU , Britain has said it will reach an accord on fishing and financial services by June , which is also the last moment in theory Britain can ask for an extension to the transition .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that option .
Griffin Carpenter , a fishing expert from the New Economics Foundation , told Sky News that compromise would be very hard in the time available .
`` One of the first issues to be negotiated and kind of set the tone for the debate and in terms of presenting to the public , what 's been achieved .
`` There could be room for compromise , but just not in the time that 's available .
It takes a lot of time to work out - even if you accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody gets a share based on where the fish are swimming . ''
Despite the challenges , Britain will have a bright future if it properly detaches from EU rules , according to Mr Singham , who worked with Brexiteers over the last two years .
`` One choice we might want to have if you want to have an innovative agricultural sector , which is going be very important to British farmers as we go forward into sort of the New World , '' he said .
`` Without the cosiness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next door - as the prime minister said , you know , he said you know we want to have biotech and we want to apply these technologies - you ca n't have the European approach to regulation , which is very much based on the precautionary principle . ''
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

A prominent loyalist has warned Boris Johnson's Brexit plan could mean protests spilling over into "something more serious" if it weakens Northern Ireland's place in the UK.
Northern Ireland remains one of the most complex and intractable parts of the Brexit conundrum and experts say the issue will require much more negotiation between the UK, Ireland and rest of the EU.
Ahead of Brexit day on Friday, Sky News has spoken to leading experts and those on the frontline most likely affected by Britain's split from the economic and political union after 47 years.
Image: The UK will be leaving the EU on 31 January and heading into the transition period
They warn that:
There is a significant chance Britain and the EU will fail to strike a trade deal within a year because the UK and EU remain so far apart on key issues. If there is a trade deal, the impact to the UK economy may not be much better than the one under a no-deal scenario
Any additional customs or regulatory checks or paperwork at the border from next year will mean Britain's biggest ports become "full very quickly" with disruption, backlog and higher costs, according to the UK head of shipping and logistics company DFDS Seaways
Post-Brexit Britain will be able to develop an "innovative" agriculture sector and more dynamic healthcare and biotech industries by dumping the EU "precautionary" principle to regulation, according to a leading Brexiteer adviser
The chance of negotiating a Norway-style compromise on fishing this year, which sees detailed talks on new and different quotas, is highly challenging to complete in months
Nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland are nervous at the impact on the fragile peace from changes that result in the constitutional changes to the UK
Image: under the current deal there will be no checks on the Northern Ireland - Ireland border
Northern Ireland remains one of the most tricky areas to be resolved in upcoming negotiations, as EU and UK politicians work out how broad principles agreed by Mr Johnson will work in practice.
Last year the prime minister struck a deal with Brussels which will see Northern Ireland keep some EU rules on the regulation of goods after Brexit.
Meanwhile, customs duties will have to be paid on goods being moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland if those products are considered "at risk" of then being transported into the Republic of Ireland, and the EU.
The definition of "at risk", and the proportion of goods this will cover, is yet to be determined and tariffs won't necessarily be due if the UK and EU have a free trade agreement.
Sky News spoke to figures in Northern Ireland who warned that politicians must be mindful of the fragile peace in the region when working out their plans.
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Image: I hope we can avoid wide-scale protests, said Winston Irvine
Winston Irvine, a community organiser and prominent loyalist, explained why some in the unionist community are worried particularly by signs there will be extra checks.
He said: "I think viewed as the potential for a slippery slope - that this would be the beginning of a divergence and set of changes that will see the Northern Ireland economy, and maybe other parts of Northern Ireland governmental arrangements and the relationship with the UK edging away from the UK and being directed more closely aligned with the Republic, and therefore the EU."
He added that the deal negotiated before Christmas by Mr Johnson does have a commitment to "unfettered access" for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK but there is still scepticism.
He warned: "There is always the potential for wide scale political protest - and that is something certainly I would hope we could avoid. Certainly the loyalists I work with don't want to see a return to violence, the bad old days of the past.
"But if there were to be any kind of weakening of Northern Ireland's constitutional position within the context of the UK, then I fear we would see the prospect of wide-scale political protest. And I think in that context you always have the potential for that spilling over into something more serious."
Image: The PM has said he will not extend the transition period
Some allies of the prime minister suggest that Northern Ireland becomes a "special economic zone" from which they could benefit.
Shanker Singham, a Brexiteer trade adviser and chief executive of Competere, a trade advisory company, said: "They're the only place in the entire world that is both in the UK customs union on a legal basis, which means that they will - everyone in Northern Ireland - financial services firms, anybody - defence, Airbus, anybody - they will benefit…
"If the Northern Irish are wise, they will seek manufacturing bits of manufacturing supply chains to go to Northern Ireland specifically to take advantage of this sort of dual role that they play."
Image: Shanker Singham said Nothern Ireland could 'take advantage' of its 'dual role'
However SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite, chairman of the Brexit select committee on Belfast City Council, refused to find positives about Brexit to talk about.
"We're yet to see any opportunities that might come out of Brexit," he said.
"Every single witness that has come to the Brexit committee in city hall, bar one, has suggested there will be significant barriers placed to trade, to travel, free movement of people, goods and services from Northern Ireland to both Britain and EU - this limits all of our opportunities at a time we should be looking for greater opportunities for this place."
Gavin Barwell, the former chief of staff to Theresa May, said that the challenge on Brexit was connected to identity.
Image: Gavin Barwell was chief of staff to Theresa May when she was PM
"My reading of what they've agreed at the moment is that it preserves north-south movement of goods," he told Sky News.
"The government will be able to protect west-east movement of goods, but there are going to be some checks, east to west, from Great Britain today.
"The [next issue] is a more difficult one, which is about identity. And this was always one of my criticisms of the way the EU approach this issue.
"It works both ways. checks on the Northern Ireland - Ireland border would have posed a massive issue to those people who feel very strongly about keeping that border as is, but unionists are going to be very concerned about anything that feels that Northern Ireland is no longer quite in the same place that it was in the UK's internal market."
Meanwhile Britain's ports could face delays as Mr Johnson's Brexit deal introduces new checks at borders after leaving the customs union and single market. These changes will come into force on 1 January 2021, when Britain leaves the transition phase which starts on February 1 2020 which keeps the existing relationship the same.
Image: Boris Johnson's Brexit deal introduces new checks at borders
Raoul Ruparel, Mrs May's former Europe adviser said: "I think there will be potentially some significant changes - we will be outside the customs union and outside the single market - that would mean there would be customs checks and customs processes between the UK and EU on trade which is a big change from now where there are no checks at all.
"Similarly on regulation - you know there will be regulatory approvals needed both for the UK, but also for the EU where currently only one approval is needed for both. So that's a big change in the way business will operate."
Image: Raoul Ruparel thinks business should prepare for a 'big change'
Andrew Byrne, the UK managing director of DFDS, told Sky News: "It's unclear at the minute exactly what it will look like - but some of the potential suggestions would be some customs documentation that we don't need to do today.
"Once we start slowing that supply chain down for any friction - that adds cost. And unfortunately that cost is what will always be the deciding factor about whose cargo goes where."
Image: DFDS' managing director stressed the importance of cost to deciding where cargo goes
Fishing is likely to be one of the most emotive and tricky issues in the negotiation.
Under an agreement with the EU, Britain has said it will reach an accord on fishing and financial services by June, which is also the last moment in theory Britain can ask for an extension to the transition.
Mr Johnson has made clear he will refuse that option.
Image: Fishing rights will be a contentious area of negotiation
Griffin Carpenter, a fishing expert from the New Economics Foundation, told Sky News that compromise would be very hard in the time available. "One of the first issues to be negotiated and kind of set the tone for the debate and in terms of presenting to the public, what's been achieved.
"There could be room for compromise, but just not in the time that's available. It takes a lot of time to work out - even if you accept the scientific principle let's say that everybody gets a share based on where the fish are swimming."
Image: Griffin Carpenter said fishing will take 'a lot of time to work out'
Despite the challenges, Britain will have a bright future if it properly detaches from EU rules, according to Mr Singham, who worked with Brexiteers over the last two years.
"One choice we might want to have if you want to have an innovative agricultural sector, which is going be very important to British farmers as we go forward into sort of the New World," he said.
"Without the cosiness of the EU market and that will totally next door - as the prime minister said, you know, he said you know we want to have biotech and we want to apply these technologies - you can't have the European approach to regulation, which is very much based on the precautionary principle."
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-28--Heading home: What the UK's MEPs will and won't miss about Brussels

Heading home : What the UK 's MEPs will and wo n't miss about Brussels Heading home : What the UK 's MEPs will and wo n't miss about Brussels MEPs Alex Phillips and Rupert Lowe reveal what they will and wo n't miss about their roles The European Parliament is today expected to approve the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement , marking the final stage of the ratification process ahead of the UK 's exit from the EU on Friday .
And for the UK 's representatives in Brussels it will be one of their last acts as MEPs .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've asked a Remainer and a Brexiteer what they will and wo n't miss .
During my seven months as an MEP , I have seen the mood towards Brexiteers shift in the European Parliament from smug disdain to fear and loathing .
In July last year , the People 's Vote campaign was on the march and a second referendum looked inevitable .
Remainer MEPs were eyeing up the full five-year term , but the arrival of the Brexit Party in the European Parliament changed the political landscape , forcing the Conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morphing into the Brexit Party , we have achieved our goal .
There is a strange mix of denial , anger and acceptance in Brussels .
For many , the answer to losing one of their biggest member states has been `` more Europe '' - more money , more power , and more control .
On the European Parliament Budget Committee , I listen with incredulity as federalists list off a huge range of potential taxes to fill the budgetary black hole left by Brexit .
Despite losing one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a businessman , I simply bury my head in my hands and breathe a sigh of relief we are leaving .
For some , the reaction has been to insult and deride Brexiteers .
On several occasions , I have heard British Remainer MEPs make speeches patronising and abusing the British people 's decision to leave - fortunately for them no-one is listening !
Some will refuse to share a parliament car with Brexit Party MEPs .
It is childish and Brits expect more from their elected politicians .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament who are delighted that we are leaving and I 've had a number come to me from various countries - France , Italy , Germany - wishing us luck .
Make no mistake - if the EU continues on its current trajectory , others will follow .
I 've greatly enjoyed my time in the parliament and will miss it .
The parliament will also dearly miss the British humour and pragmatism that we have tried to bring , although many wo n't admit it .
Of course , we are only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; we will remain good friends and neighbours on the European continent .
This Friday will be my last day representing my region as an MEP in the European Parliament .
When I was first elected back in May , I had hoped that we 'd have five years to make a real positive difference here , so it 's devastating to be leaving so soon .
Brussels has become a second home and the parliament has provided me with a kind of second family .
More than that though , the Greens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past few months - we 're going out with a bang .
But one wonders how much more good we could have done had we had more time .
Of course , there are some things that I 'm looking forward to , post-Brexit day .
As well as being an MEP , I 'm also the mayor of Brighton , which means that for the past seven months , I 've barely had a day off .
I 've got a little boy and a husband who I need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't remember the last time I cooked a meal in my own kitchen .
It 's the simple , everyday things that we take for granted that you end up missing the most .
1 .
My staff .
It 's taken a few months but I 've finally got the dream team and I 'm heartbroken for us all to part ways .
They 're all young and dynamic so I have no doubt that they 'll go on to have amazing careers elsewhere but it 's hard thinking of them without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had longer to spend together .
2 .
My colleagues .
Within the Greens/EFA group , there are so many incredible , inspirational MEPs , many of whom have become great friends of mine .
I often go for dinner in Brussels with my colleague Magid Magid , for example , and I 'll definitely miss that .
3 .
All the different languages and cultures .
I love walking down the corridors or waiting in line for coffee and hearing all the different languages .
It really makes you feel connected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French every day .
I went to university in Paris and am bringing up my son to speak French , but I love working in a place where I can expand my vocabulary every day .
5 .
Making a difference to ordinary people 's lives .
Before I became an MEP , I was a Green councillor ( I still am one ) and I always loved the fact that I could make real change on a local level .
As an MEP though , I 've worked on issues and pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and have set up a cross-party group to work on the Green New Deal .
1 .
Travelling to and from Brussels every week .
Sometimes all you want to do is sleep in your own bed .
2 .
Being away from my son and husband .
Undoubtedly the hardest thing about this job has been working away from my little boy for half of the week so I 'm looking forward to being able to spend some proper time with him .
3 .
Being vegan in the European Parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafes , I 've struggled to find much I can eat during a busy work day and there have been times that I 've gone for a salad only to find it has cubes of cheese or chunks of salami in it .
I love cooking at home and I just do n't get the chance to do it at the moment .
4 .
Not having a social life .
I 'm looking forward to being able to do simple things like going shopping or meeting up with friends for dinners that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
Not being able to watch BBC or Channel 4 .
I have been known to come into the office at night so that I can watch Question Time !
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

The European Parliament is today expected to approve the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, marking the final stage of the ratification process ahead of the UK's exit from the EU on Friday.
And for the UK's representatives in Brussels it will be one of their last acts as MEPs.
As they begin packing their bags, we've asked a Remainer and a Brexiteer what they will and won't miss.
Rupert Lowe, Brexit Party MEP
Image: Rupert Lowe says there has been a mixture of 'denial, anger and acceptance' in Brussels
During my seven months as an MEP, I have seen the mood towards Brexiteers shift in the European Parliament from smug disdain to fear and loathing.
In July last year, the People's Vote campaign was on the march and a second referendum looked inevitable.
Remainer MEPs were eyeing up the full five-year term, but the arrival of the Brexit Party in the European Parliament changed the political landscape, forcing the Conservatives to adapt or die.
By them morphing into the Brexit Party, we have achieved our goal.
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There is a strange mix of denial, anger and acceptance in Brussels.
For many, the answer to losing one of their biggest member states has been "more Europe" - more money, more power, and more control.
On the European Parliament Budget Committee, I listen with incredulity as federalists list off a huge range of potential taxes to fill the budgetary black hole left by Brexit.
Despite losing one of the biggest contributors, they refuse to make cuts.
As a businessman, I simply bury my head in my hands and breathe a sigh of relief we are leaving.
For some, the reaction has been to insult and deride Brexiteers.
On several occasions, I have heard British Remainer MEPs make speeches patronising and abusing the British people's decision to leave - fortunately for them no-one is listening!
Some will refuse to share a parliament car with Brexit Party MEPs. It is childish and Brits expect more from their elected politicians.
There are a growing number of Eurosceptics in the parliament who are delighted that we are leaving and I've had a number come to me from various countries - France, Italy, Germany - wishing us luck.
Make no mistake - if the EU continues on its current trajectory, others will follow.
Image: Rupert Lowe (top left) is a Brexit Party MEP
I've greatly enjoyed my time in the parliament and will miss it.
The parliament will also dearly miss the British humour and pragmatism that we have tried to bring, although many won't admit it.
Of course, we are only leaving the political project of the EU; we will remain good friends and neighbours on the European continent.
Alexandra Phillips, Green Party MEP
Image: Green MEP Alexandra Phillips
This Friday will be my last day representing my region as an MEP in the European Parliament.
When I was first elected back in May, I had hoped that we'd have five years to make a real positive difference here, so it's devastating to be leaving so soon.
Brussels has become a second home and the parliament has provided me with a kind of second family.
More than that though, the Greens have had a series of important wins in the past few months - we're going out with a bang.
But one wonders how much more good we could have done had we had more time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Carlyle: 'Sad to see UK become so divisive'
Of course, there are some things that I'm looking forward to, post-Brexit day.
As well as being an MEP, I'm also the mayor of Brighton, which means that for the past seven months, I've barely had a day off.
I've got a little boy and a husband who I need to spend more time with and I can't remember the last time I cooked a meal in my own kitchen.
It's the simple, everyday things that we take for granted that you end up missing the most.
Things I'll miss:
1. My staff. It's taken a few months but I've finally got the dream team and I'm heartbroken for us all to part ways. They're all young and dynamic so I have no doubt that they'll go on to have amazing careers elsewhere but it's hard thinking of them without jobs from next week and I wish we had longer to spend together.
2. My colleagues. Within the Greens/EFA group, there are so many incredible, inspirational MEPs, many of whom have become great friends of mine. I often go for dinner in Brussels with my colleague Magid Magid, for example, and I'll definitely miss that.
3. All the different languages and cultures. I love walking down the corridors or waiting in line for coffee and hearing all the different languages. It really makes you feel connected to something bigger.
4. Speaking French every day. I went to university in Paris and am bringing up my son to speak French, but I love working in a place where I can expand my vocabulary every day.
5. Making a difference to ordinary people's lives. Before I became an MEP, I was a Green councillor (I still am one) and I always loved the fact that I could make real change on a local level.
As an MEP though, I've worked on issues and pieces of legislation that will affect millions of people and have set up a cross-party group to work on the Green New Deal.
Things I won't miss:
1. Travelling to and from Brussels every week. Sometimes all you want to do is sleep in your own bed.
2. Being away from my son and husband. Undoubtedly the hardest thing about this job has been working away from my little boy for half of the week so I'm looking forward to being able to spend some proper time with him.
3. Being vegan in the European Parliament. While Brussels has some lovely vegan cafes, I've struggled to find much I can eat during a busy work day and there have been times that I've gone for a salad only to find it has cubes of cheese or chunks of salami in it. I love cooking at home and I just don't get the chance to do it at the moment.
4. Not having a social life. I'm looking forward to being able to do simple things like going shopping or meeting up with friends for dinners that aren't actually low-key political meetings.
5. Not being able to watch BBC or Channel 4. I have been known to come into the office at night so that I can watch Question Time!
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-23--British fishermen fear they won't get what they voted for after Brexit

British fishermen fear they wo n't get what they voted for after Brexit British fishermen fear they wo n't get what they voted for after Brexit The UK fishing industry has suffered over the years The automatic right of EU vessels to fish in British waters will come to an end at the end of the transition period in December .
That is a legal guarantee contained in the Fisheries Bill , which is published today .
It says foreign vessels will have to be licensed and follow rules set by the UK if they fish in British waters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing will be at sustainable levels .
However , for a UK fishing industry hoping Brexit will herald a new golden age , there are fears the government will `` sell them down the river '' in the coming trade negotiations .
Fishing waters and quotas - who gets what - are likely to feature early in the talks , which aim to pull together , over the next 12 months , a comprehensive trade deal on the UK 's future relationship with the EU .
The apprehension of the industry is intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bargaining chip when Britain originally joined the European Economic Community ( EEC ) in 1973 .
Under that arrangement , access to UK waters was divvied up with other members .
Quotas soon became fixed annually through the common fisheries policy ( CFP ) .
On the high seas of the English Channel , the CFP and all it represents is hated by British fishermen - it 's why the industry voted overwhelmingly in favour of Leave .
Dave Driver , a veteran of the industry and skipper of the trawler Girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be about correcting what he says is an historic injustice .
`` Hopefully it 's a big change for the industry ; a lot of fishermen are hoping it 's going to be a big change , '' he said .
`` We 've been sold down the river 40 years ago by [ Edward ] Heath so we just want a bit of what is ours back . ''
But he is under no illusions that the negotiations will be plain sailing .
He added : `` We think we were dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we should have more quota - not for the French and the Belgians , they have got a lot more quota than we 've got .
`` Yes , they 've got a bigger fishing fleet , but it is in our waters .
And if we can get the six miles extended to the 12 , smaller boats like this should prosper . ''
Britain has some of the richest fishing waters in the world .
As an island nation it enjoys miles and miles of fertile coastline .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total economy .
The UK 's negotiating team will be under extreme pressure to concede extensive access for the European fleet in return for market access to other industries .
Fishing , for instance , represents about 0.12 % of GDP ; financial services account for 6.9 % .
But fishing is an extremely emotive issue for Brexiteers ; it 's a touchstone and is what success , in the short term at least , will be measured by .
And that is because of what it signifies .
If Brexit was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then being able to say who can fish in British waters and what they can or can not catch cuts to the heart of the issue of sovereignty and breaking free from Brussels .
The chief executive of South Western Fish Producer Organisation , Jim Portas , says what happens over the next few months will be highly significant .
`` The fishing industry is the acid test of Boris Johnson 's government in Number 10 and I sincerely hope that he will live up to all the promises he 's made for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` The industry was sacrificed in the early 70s for other objectives of government , so it is entirely for Whitehall and other departments to decide where their priorities are .
The industry could be sacrificed again . ''
The industry will soon find out if the promises made by politicians will be honoured , as a deal involving fishing will need to be done by the summer .
But if quotas and fishing rights are linked to a wider trade deal , the fishermen who were some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up with what they voted for .
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

The automatic right of EU vessels to fish in British waters will come to an end at the end of the transition period in December.
That is a legal guarantee contained in the Fisheries Bill, which is published today. It says foreign vessels will have to be licensed and follow rules set by the UK if they fish in British waters.
It will also make sure that any fishing will be at sustainable levels.
However, for a UK fishing industry hoping Brexit will herald a new golden age, there are fears the government will "sell them down the river" in the coming trade negotiations.
Fishing waters and quotas - who gets what - are likely to feature early in the talks, which aim to pull together, over the next 12 months, a comprehensive trade deal on the UK's future relationship with the EU.
The apprehension of the industry is intense because it believes it was used as a bargaining chip when Britain originally joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.
Image: British fishermen hate the common fisheries policy
Under that arrangement, access to UK waters was divvied up with other members.
Quotas soon became fixed annually through the common fisheries policy (CFP).
On the high seas of the English Channel, the CFP and all it represents is hated by British fishermen - it's why the industry voted overwhelmingly in favour of Leave.
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Dave Driver, a veteran of the industry and skipper of the trawler Girl Debra, told Sky News Brexit must be about correcting what he says is an historic injustice.
"Hopefully it's a big change for the industry; a lot of fishermen are hoping it's going to be a big change," he said.
"We've been sold down the river 40 years ago by [Edward] Heath so we just want a bit of what is ours back."
Image: Girl Debra skipper Dave Driver is worried about trade negotiations
But he is under no illusions that the negotiations will be plain sailing.
He added: "We think we were dealt a raw deal, obviously. We think we should have more quota - not for the French and the Belgians, they have got a lot more quota than we've got.
"Yes, they've got a bigger fishing fleet, but it is in our waters. And if we can get the six miles extended to the 12, smaller boats like this should prosper."
Image: Small boats like the Girl Debra struggle compared with European fleets
Britain has some of the richest fishing waters in the world. As an island nation it enjoys miles and miles of fertile coastline.
But the industry is just a small percentage of the total economy. The UK's negotiating team will be under extreme pressure to concede extensive access for the European fleet in return for market access to other industries.
Fishing, for instance, represents about 0.12% of GDP; financial services account for 6.9%.
But fishing is an extremely emotive issue for Brexiteers; it's a touchstone and is what success, in the short term at least, will be measured by.
And that is because of what it signifies.
Image: Frictionless trade remains important for some parts of the business
If Brexit was about "taking back control", then being able to say who can fish in British waters and what they can or cannot catch cuts to the heart of the issue of sovereignty and breaking free from Brussels.
The chief executive of South Western Fish Producer Organisation, Jim Portas, says what happens over the next few months will be highly significant.
"The fishing industry is the acid test of Boris Johnson's government in Number 10 and I sincerely hope that he will live up to all the promises he's made for more than three years now," he said.
"The industry was sacrificed in the early 70s for other objectives of government, so it is entirely for Whitehall and other departments to decide where their priorities are. The industry could be sacrificed again."
The industry will soon find out if the promises made by politicians will be honoured, as a deal involving fishing will need to be done by the summer.
But if quotas and fishing rights are linked to a wider trade deal, the fishermen who were some of the most vocal supporters of Brexit may not end up with what they voted for.
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--Dissatisfaction with democracy 'reaches all-time high'

Dissatisfaction with democracy is said to be at an all-time high Dissatisfaction with democracy reached an all-time high last year , according to new research , with British people left particularly frustrated by the political stalemate caused by the EU referendum .
The UK was one of several large democracies around the world analysed for a Cambridge University study , which examined the views of more than four million people .
More than 25 international survey projects from 154 countries made up the data , stretching back as far as 1973 but mostly taken between 1995 and 2020 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre for the Future of Democracy , dissatisfaction with democratic politics among citizens of developed nations has increased from a third to half of all individuals since 1995 .
The shift has been especially stark since 2005 , when 38.7 % of people were dissatisfied compared to 57.5 % now .
Dr Roberto Foa , from the university 's politics and international studies department , said the dramatic change represented the `` state of malaise '' present in democracies across the globe .
He added : `` If confidence in democracy has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been seen failing to address some of the major crises of our era , from economic crashes to the threat of global warming . ''
The UK is said to have enjoyed a fairly consistent rise in democratic satisfaction from the 1970s , until Tony Blair 's premiership took an unpopular turn thanks to the Iraq War .
Political scandals such as the one surrounding parliamentary expenses were also cited as a reason for levels to dip , however the frustration caused by Brexit is what has been blamed for sending people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Theresa May and Boris Johnson both failed to make much progress on Brexit until the latter secured a landslide general election win in December , a clear majority of UK citizens were dissatisfied with democracy .
However , Professor David Runciman , who heads up the new centre at Cambridge , said it was important not to allow recency bias to dominate analysis of the findings .
`` We need to move beyond thinking about immediate crises in politics and take a longer view to identify possible trajectories for democracy around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means distinguishing what is essential to democracy , what is contingent and what can be changed .
`` The Centre for the Future of Democracy will be looking at the bigger picture to see how democracy could evolve . ''
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

Dissatisfaction with democracy reached an all-time high last year, according to new research, with British people left particularly frustrated by the political stalemate caused by the EU referendum.
The UK was one of several large democracies around the world analysed for a Cambridge University study, which examined the views of more than four million people.
More than 25 international survey projects from 154 countries made up the data, stretching back as far as 1973 but mostly taken between 1995 and 2020.
Image: Brexit has been cited as a reason for disillusionment in the UK
According to the research by Cambridge's new Centre for the Future of Democracy, dissatisfaction with democratic politics among citizens of developed nations has increased from a third to half of all individuals since 1995.
The shift has been especially stark since 2005, when 38.7% of people were dissatisfied compared to 57.5% now.
Dr Roberto Foa, from the university's politics and international studies department, said the dramatic change represented the "state of malaise" present in democracies across the globe.
He added: "If confidence in democracy has been slipping, it is because democratic institutions have been seen failing to address some of the major crises of our era, from economic crashes to the threat of global warming."
The UK is said to have enjoyed a fairly consistent rise in democratic satisfaction from the 1970s, until Tony Blair's premiership took an unpopular turn thanks to the Iraq War.
Political scandals such as the one surrounding parliamentary expenses were also cited as a reason for levels to dip, however the frustration caused by Brexit is what has been blamed for sending people over the edge.
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Image: Boris Johnson was consistently frustrated in parliament
By 2019, when Theresa May and Boris Johnson both failed to make much progress on Brexit until the latter secured a landslide general election win in December, a clear majority of UK citizens were dissatisfied with democracy.
However, Professor David Runciman, who heads up the new centre at Cambridge, said it was important not to allow recency bias to dominate analysis of the findings.
"We need to move beyond thinking about immediate crises in politics and take a longer view to identify possible trajectories for democracy around the world," he said.
"This means distinguishing what is essential to democracy, what is contingent and what can be changed.
"The Centre for the Future of Democracy will be looking at the bigger picture to see how democracy could evolve."
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--Nigel Farage 'cut off' as Brexit Party MEPs wave union flags in Brussels

Nigel Farage 'cut off ' as Brexit Party MEPs wave union flags in Brussels Nigel Farage 'cut off ' as Brexit Party MEPs wave union flags in Brussels Nigel Farage waves a Union Jack while speaking in the European Parliament MEPs have ratified Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal , rubber stamping Britain 's departure from the EU on Friday .
The vote in the European Parliament was a formality - and came after senior EU figures formally signed the deal .
Giving his final speech in the chamber , Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said the UK was `` never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his address , Mr Farage and his allies waved union flags , drawing a rebuke from the chair .
A seemingly unimpressed vice president Mairead McGuinness turned off his microphone and told them : `` If you disobey the rules , you get cut off . ''
Mr Farage said : `` Well that 's it , it 's all over , it 's finished ! ''
Ms McGuinness replied : `` Please sit down , put your flags away , you 're leaving - and take them with you . ''
Pro-Remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lang Syne after the withdrawal agreement was approved by 621 votes to 49 .
MPs in the British parliament passed the prime minister 's Withdrawal Agreement Bill last week .
Mr Johnson signed it in Downing Street after the legislation had been given royal assent .
Dominic Raab signed the official document ratifying the deal for the UK side , which was taken to Brussels to Sir Tim Barrow , Britain 's ambassador to the EU .
The foreign secretary said it was an `` historic moment '' and `` the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereign Britain , looking forward to a decade of renewal and opportunity '' .
Opening the debate in the European Parliament , Guy Verhofstadt said Brexit was a `` sad '' moment for the EU .
`` It is sad to see a country leaving that twice liberated us , has twice given its blood to liberate Europe , '' the chamber 's Brexit co-ordinator said .
Mr Verhofstadt predicted the UK would eventually rejoin the bloc .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs she wanted to `` forge a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Withdrawal Agreement is only the first step , '' she said .
`` From now on it 's about our new partnership with the United Kingdom .
The negotiations are about to start .
`` And just to be very clear , I want the European Union and the United Kingdom to stay good friends and good partners .
`` The story is about old friends and new beginnings and we have a lot in common . ''
Ms von der Leyen concluded by saying : `` We will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , long live Europe . ''
The withdrawal agreement covers the terms of Britain 's departure from the bloc after 47 years of membership .
It includes an agreement on future citizens ' rights , arrangements for the Northern Ireland border and the `` divorce bill '' Britain will pay Brussels .
There will be a farewell ceremony for British MEPs after the European Parliament vote .
Once the UK has left the EU , it will enter into an 11-month transition period .
This timeframe , during which Britain will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to allow for the two sides to negotiate the terms of their future relationship .
Mr Johnson has promised not to extend the transition period beyond the end of December , despite senior EU figures warning that a comprehensive deal will not be possible in such a short space of time .
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

MEPs have ratified Boris Johnson's Brexit deal, rubber stamping Britain's departure from the EU on Friday.
The vote in the European Parliament was a formality - and came after senior EU figures formally signed the deal.
Giving his final speech in the chamber, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said the UK was "never coming back".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:19 'Well that's it, it's all over, finished'
As he finished his address, Mr Farage and his allies waved union flags, drawing a rebuke from the chair.
A seemingly unimpressed vice president Mairead McGuinness turned off his microphone and told them: "If you disobey the rules, you get cut off."
Mr Farage said: "Well that's it, it's all over, it's finished!"
Ms McGuinness replied: "Please sit down, put your flags away, you're leaving - and take them with you."
Pro-Remain MEPs burst into a rendition of Auld Lang Syne after the withdrawal agreement was approved by 621 votes to 49.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 MEPs sing a farewell to the UK
MPs in the British parliament passed the prime minister's Withdrawal Agreement Bill last week.
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Mr Johnson signed it in Downing Street after the legislation had been given royal assent.
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Dominic Raab signed the official document ratifying the deal for the UK side, which was taken to Brussels to Sir Tim Barrow, Britain's ambassador to the EU.
The foreign secretary said it was an "historic moment" and "the start of a new chapter for an independent, sovereign Britain, looking forward to a decade of renewal and opportunity".
Image: Pro-Remain MEPs burst into a rendition of Auld Lang Syne after the withdrawal agreement was approved
Opening the debate in the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt said Brexit was a "sad" moment for the EU.
"It is sad to see a country leaving that twice liberated us, has twice given its blood to liberate Europe," the chamber's Brexit co-ordinator said.
Mr Verhofstadt predicted the UK would eventually rejoin the bloc.
Image: Ursula von der Leyen said 'we will always love you'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs she wanted to "forge a close partnership" with the UK post-Brexit.
"The Withdrawal Agreement is only the first step," she said.
"From now on it's about our new partnership with the United Kingdom. The negotiations are about to start.
"And just to be very clear, I want the European Union and the United Kingdom to stay good friends and good partners.
"The story is about old friends and new beginnings and we have a lot in common."
Ms von der Leyen concluded by saying: "We will always love you and we will never be far, long live Europe."
The withdrawal agreement covers the terms of Britain's departure from the bloc after 47 years of membership.
It includes an agreement on future citizens' rights, arrangements for the Northern Ireland border and the "divorce bill" Britain will pay Brussels.
There will be a farewell ceremony for British MEPs after the European Parliament vote.
Once the UK has left the EU, it will enter into an 11-month transition period.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:28 The challenges still ahead on the road to Brexit
This timeframe, during which Britain will continue to follow EU rules and regulations, is to allow for the two sides to negotiate the terms of their future relationship.
Mr Johnson has promised not to extend the transition period beyond the end of December, despite senior EU figures warning that a comprehensive deal will not be possible in such a short space of time.
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--British MEPs pack boxes as their time in Brussels comes to an end

Brexit : British MEPs pack boxes as their time in Brussels comes to an end Brexit : British MEPs pack boxes as their time in Brussels comes to an end Richard Corbett stands in the middle of his office and exhales .
Around him are boxes half filled with books , files , documents and pictures , memories of a career now being packed ready for departure .
After more than two decades spent working as a member of the European Parliament - an MEP - the hours are running out .
Mr Corbett , like every MP , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will then be shipped back to Britain .
`` If I want to take any more , that 'll have to go in then back of the car , '' he says , ruefully .
On the wall is a poster that says he is from `` Britain , Yorkshire and Europe '' .
Mr Corbett leads Britain 's Labour group in the parliament .
He is `` angry and sad '' about Britain 's departure from the European Union , still convinced that the referendum was blighted by lies .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain 's MEPs , knows the die is cast .
Over the road , in an anonymous office block around the corner from the main parliament building , there are a lot more smiles .
Brexit Party members were given offices here after the 2019 European election .
`` They obviously did n't want us anywhere near the old school , '' one MEP tells me .
He may be right .
This , after all , was a party that , to quote its leader Nigel Farage , was full of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; elected to destroy the institution they came to serve .
I find Rupert Lowe packing up his office .
He 's only been in the job for a matter of months , and now leads , feeling that his mission has been achieved .
Once the chairman of Southampton Football Club , he stood for election to Brussels to help ensure Brexit happens .
Now , packing up just a handful of boxes ( he has , after all , only been in the job for nine months ) he 's heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done the job that we came to do '' .
But away from these preparations , Brussels was today a political city aware that it faced a symbolic moment .
Even though we all knew that the vote , on whether to ratify the withdrawal agreement , was bound to be passed , this still felt like a big , significant occasion .
There were tears in the chamber , in the corridors and on the steps of the building .
One person told it was `` traumatic '' .
But others were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his day - it started with a news conference , where he was applauded wildly by his own MEPs , who were then , in turn , scolded by a French journalist declaring `` there is no clapping for anybody '' .
He was granted four minutes for his speech in the chamber , which may not sound a lot but is four times longer than others received .
When he spoke , he mixed together indignation , anger , joy , a touch of vindictiveness and then , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small union flag , and the rest of the Brexit Party MEPs joined in .
Such flags have recently been banned from this chamber ( mainly thanks , yes , to the Brexit Party ) and so , after two decades of annoying European politicians , Mr Farage 's time here ended with his microphone being turned off , and him being told off .
He looked delighted .
Michel Barnier told me that a `` basic '' trade deal by the end of the year was `` possible '' .
Guy Verhofstadt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigner , bemoaned the EU losing a friend that had twice `` liberated '' the continent .
Miss Belgium strolled around the European Parliament , for no obvious reason .
And a Frenchman , playing the bagpipes , greeted Scottish MEPs as they left , one of who has only been in the job for two days , and will lose her role on Friday .
It was a turbulent , colourful day .
And yet at its heart a profound one .
Brexit , so often debated and discussed , is now @ @

Richard Corbett stands in the middle of his office and exhales. Around him are boxes half filled with books, files, documents and pictures, memories of a career now being packed ready for departure.
After more than two decades spent working as a member of the European Parliament - an MEP - the hours are running out.
Mr Corbett, like every MP, has been given 15 boxes to fill, which will then be shipped back to Britain.
"If I want to take any more, that'll have to go in then back of the car," he says, ruefully. On the wall is a poster that says he is from "Britain, Yorkshire and Europe".
Image: Pro-Remain MEP Richard Corbett speaks to colleagues following a historic vote for the Brexit agreement
Mr Corbett leads Britain's Labour group in the parliament. He is "angry and sad" about Britain's departure from the European Union, still convinced that the referendum was blighted by lies.
And yet he, like the rest of Britain's MEPs, knows the die is cast.
Over the road, in an anonymous office block around the corner from the main parliament building, there are a lot more smiles. Brexit Party members were given offices here after the 2019 European election.
"They obviously didn't want us anywhere near the old school," one MEP tells me. He may be right.
This, after all, was a party that, to quote its leader Nigel Farage, was full of "turkeys who kept voting for Christmas"; elected to destroy the institution they came to serve.
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I find Rupert Lowe packing up his office. He's only been in the job for a matter of months, and now leads, feeling that his mission has been achieved.
Once the chairman of Southampton Football Club, he stood for election to Brussels to help ensure Brexit happens.
Now, packing up just a handful of boxes (he has, after all, only been in the job for nine months) he's heading home, happy that "we've done the job that we came to do".
Image: Pro-Remain MEPs burst into a rendition of Auld Lang Syne after the withdrawal agreement was approved
But away from these preparations, Brussels was today a political city aware that it faced a symbolic moment.
Even though we all knew that the vote, on whether to ratify the withdrawal agreement, was bound to be passed, this still felt like a big, significant occasion. There were tears in the chamber, in the corridors and on the steps of the building.
One person told it was "traumatic". But others were jubilant.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 MEPs sing a farewell to the UK
Nigel Farage enjoyed every moment of his day - it started with a news conference, where he was applauded wildly by his own MEPs, who were then, in turn, scolded by a French journalist declaring "there is no clapping for anybody".
He was granted four minutes for his speech in the chamber, which may not sound a lot but is four times longer than others received. When he spoke, he mixed together indignation, anger, joy, a touch of vindictiveness and then, of course, pantomime.
Image: Nigel Farage was gagged during his last speech in Brussels as he waved a Union Flag to bid goodbye to the EU
Mr Farage started waving a small union flag, and the rest of the Brexit Party MEPs joined in. Such flags have recently been banned from this chamber (mainly thanks, yes, to the Brexit Party) and so, after two decades of annoying European politicians, Mr Farage's time here ended with his microphone being turned off, and him being told off. He looked delighted.
Michel Barnier told me that a "basic" trade deal by the end of the year was "possible".
Guy Verhofstadt, perhaps Europe's most vehement anti-Brexit campaigner, bemoaned the EU losing a friend that had twice "liberated" the continent.
Miss Belgium strolled around the European Parliament, for no obvious reason. And a Frenchman, playing the bagpipes, greeted Scottish MEPs as they left, one of who has only been in the job for two days, and will lose her role on Friday.
It was a turbulent, colourful day. And yet at its heart a profound one. Brexit, so often debated and discussed, is now unstoppable.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--Long-Bailey secures place in final round of Labour leadership contest

Ms Long-Bailey has been shadow business secretary since 2017 Rebecca Long-Bailey has made it through to the final round of the Labour leadership contest .
The shadow business secretary joins shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy on the ballot of party members .
A winner in the contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn will be announced at the start of April .
Ms Long-Bailey secured her spot by winning the backing of the Fire Brigades Union ( FBU ) .
Its general secretary Matt Wrack said she was the candidate to `` take on this viciously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : `` We will be actively campaigning for Rebecca .
`` Only she has what it takes to transform the country , win back Labour 's heartlands , and put power back in the hands of working-class people . ''
Ms Long-Bailey said she was `` absolutely delighted '' to secure the union 's endorsement .
`` Heroic firefighters put themselves at risk to protect us every day , and their union embodies the values of our movement , '' she said on Twitter .
In a statement responding to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Long-Bailey said : `` The general election result was devastating , but our policies are popular and it 's clear we must not return to the politics of the past .
`` Members need a leader who sticks to their principles and has the record to prove it .
`` A leader you can trust to take forward Labour 's transformative programme and forge a new path to power .
`` It 's time for a new generation to step up and lead our party . ''
Having initially been required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MEPs , candidates are now battling to ensure they make it to the final round of the contest .
Leadership hopefuls can do this in one of two ways .
They can get the nominations of three Labour affiliates , including at least two trade unions .
Or they can secure endorsements from at least 5 % of constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) .
Candidates have until 14 February to secure their place on the ballot .
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry is the sole remaining candidate in the race who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final ballot .
Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips withdrew from the race earlier this month and subsequently backed Ms Nandy .
Norwich South MP Clive Lewis quit the contest before the deadline for nominations from MPs and MEPs closed .

Rebecca Long-Bailey has made it through to the final round of the Labour leadership contest.
The shadow business secretary joins shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy on the ballot of party members.
A winner in the contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn will be announced at the start of April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:20 Why did Labour’s red wall turn blue?
Ms Long-Bailey secured her spot by winning the backing of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
Its general secretary Matt Wrack said she was the candidate to "take on this viciously right-wing, anti-worker Tory government".
He added: "We will be actively campaigning for Rebecca.
"Only she has what it takes to transform the country, win back Labour's heartlands, and put power back in the hands of working-class people."
Ms Long-Bailey said she was "absolutely delighted" to secure the union's endorsement.
"Heroic firefighters put themselves at risk to protect us every day, and their union embodies the values of our movement," she said on Twitter.
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In a statement responding to her progression through to the next round, Ms Long-Bailey said: "The general election result was devastating, but our policies are popular and it's clear we must not return to the politics of the past.
"Members need a leader who sticks to their principles and has the record to prove it.
"A leader you can trust to take forward Labour's transformative programme and forge a new path to power.
"It's time for a new generation to step up and lead our party."
Having initially been required to secure the support of Labour MPs and MEPs, candidates are now battling to ensure they make it to the final round of the contest.
Leadership hopefuls can do this in one of two ways.
They can get the nominations of three Labour affiliates, including at least two trade unions.
Or they can secure endorsements from at least 5% of constituency Labour parties (CLPs).
Image: Jeremy Corbyn announced he would step down after Labour's poor election performance
Candidates have until 14 February to secure their place on the ballot.
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry is the sole remaining candidate in the race who has yet to make it through to the final ballot.
Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips withdrew from the race earlier this month and subsequently backed Ms Nandy.
Norwich South MP Clive Lewis quit the contest before the deadline for nominations from MPs and MEPs closed.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--Cabinet ministers asked to cut back departments by 5%

Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid have demanded all cabinet ministers draw up cuts of 5 % to their department , despite promising an end to austerity .
Ministers have been told to do a line-by-line audit of their accounts and identify 10 projects that can be stopped altogether .
Protected departments including health and the Ministry of Defence are not exempt .
Sky News understands the government wants to overhaul or abolish programmes , projects and quangos associated with previous governments , including Theresa May 's administration , rather than looking to squeeze salaries or welfare cuts .
The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to spend on their `` priority outcomes '' : the NHS , crime and `` levelling up '' .
The pair wrote : `` We expect the secretary of state to do a line by line audit of their budgets and to identify those areas of spend that are ineffective or represent lowest value for money . ''
The ministers have been asked to reply by 2 March , just over a week before the 11 March budget .
However the changes will not come in before the multi-year comprehensive spending review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the autumn .
The budget is likely to be a significant affair , with new spending on infrastructure paid for by borrowing .
New day-to-day spending will largely have to be financed from savings because of the fiscal rules in the Tory manifesto which puts strict limits on the additional amounts that can be financed by departments .
This comes after Mr Javid and Mr Johnson told cabinet colleagues a fortnight ago that they must identify projects from previous eras to scrap .
The scale of the savings that need to be @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid have demanded all cabinet ministers draw up cuts of 5% to their department, despite promising an end to austerity.
Ministers have been told to do a line-by-line audit of their accounts and identify 10 projects that can be stopped altogether.
Protected departments including health and the Ministry of Defence are not exempt.
Sky News understands the government wants to overhaul or abolish programmes, projects and quangos associated with previous governments, including Theresa May's administration, rather than looking to squeeze salaries or welfare cuts.
The prime minister and chancellor want the savings in order to spend on their "priority outcomes": the NHS, crime and "levelling up".
The pair wrote: "We expect the secretary of state to do a line by line audit of their budgets and to identify those areas of spend that are ineffective or represent lowest value for money."
The ministers have been asked to reply by 2 March, just over a week before the 11 March budget.
However the changes will not come in before the multi-year comprehensive spending review - which sets departmental spending - expected in the autumn.
The budget is likely to be a significant affair, with new spending on infrastructure paid for by borrowing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:48 Spending review 'turns page on austerity'
New day-to-day spending will largely have to be financed from savings because of the fiscal rules in the Tory manifesto which puts strict limits on the additional amounts that can be financed by departments.
This comes after Mr Javid and Mr Johnson told cabinet colleagues a fortnight ago that they must identify projects from previous eras to scrap.
The scale of the savings that need to be identified are significant.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--Johnson defends Trump's Middle East peace plan

The Israel-Palestine conflict had 'bedevilled the world for decades ' , Mr Johnson told MPs Boris Johnson has defended Donald Trump 's proposed Middle East peace plan , after the Palestinians rejected the US president 's `` conspiracy deal '' .
The prime minister told MPs in the Commons that `` no peace plan is perfect '' , but the US proposal `` has the merit of a two-state solution '' .
Mr Johnson said the Israel-Palestine conflict had `` bedevilled the world for decades '' and the plan would `` ensure that Jerusalem is both the capital of Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called on Palestinian leaders to engage with what Mr Trump has proposed .
The PM was responding to questions from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , who was critical of President Trump 's plan .
`` It will annex Palestinian territory , lock in illegal Israeli colonisation , transfer Palestinian citizens out of Israel and deny Palestinian people their fundamental rights , '' Mr Corbyn said .
He called for the British government to instead make clear to Washington that it would `` stand for a genuine , internationally-backed peace plan rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added that the plan `` will not bring any move towards peace '' and has `` no support from any Palestinian anywhere in the world '' .
Britain should be honest and tell the US it is `` wrong '' , Mr Corbyn continued .
Under the plan , a Palestinian state would be established in parts of the West Bank .
This would consist of the West Bank and Gaza , connected by a combination of roads , bridges and above-ground tunnels .
The proposal , if realised , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian control .
But Israel would be allowed to annex nearly all of its settlements in the occupied West Bank , which have been constructed there since the area was captured alongside east Jerusalem by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War .
The West Bank settlements are considered illegal under international law , but Israel disputes this .
A Palestinian capital would be created on the outskirts of east Jerusalem , but most of the city would stay under Israeli control .
Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' two-state solution was a `` win-win opportunity '' for both sides .
The Palestinians have already rejected the proposal , accusing Mr Trump of being biased in favour of Israel .
The president has shifted the US position on West Bank settlements since coming to office in 2017 , as well as recognising Jerusalem as Israel 's capital .
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the peace plan a `` conspiracy '' and he gave it `` a thousand noes '' .
`` After the nonsense that we heard today , we say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the century . ''

Boris Johnson has defended Donald Trump's proposed Middle East peace plan, after the Palestinians rejected the US president's "conspiracy deal".
The prime minister told MPs in the Commons that "no peace plan is perfect", but the US proposal "has the merit of a two-state solution".
Mr Johnson said the Israel-Palestine conflict had "bedevilled the world for decades" and the plan would "ensure that Jerusalem is both the capital of Israel and the Palestinian people".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 Trump presents 'win-win' peace plan
He also called on Palestinian leaders to engage with what Mr Trump has proposed.
The PM was responding to questions from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was critical of President Trump's plan.
"It will annex Palestinian territory, lock in illegal Israeli colonisation, transfer Palestinian citizens out of Israel and deny Palestinian people their fundamental rights," Mr Corbyn said.
He called for the British government to instead make clear to Washington that it would "stand for a genuine, internationally-backed peace plan rather than this stuff proposed by Trump yesterday".
He added that the plan "will not bring any move towards peace" and has "no support from any Palestinian anywhere in the world".
Britain should be honest and tell the US it is "wrong", Mr Corbyn continued.
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Under the plan, a Palestinian state would be established in parts of the West Bank.
This would consist of the West Bank and Gaza, connected by a combination of roads, bridges and above-ground tunnels.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:26 Is Trump's 'deal of the century' dead on arrival?
The proposal, if realised, would more than double the territory currently under Palestinian control.
But Israel would be allowed to annex nearly all of its settlements in the occupied West Bank, which have been constructed there since the area was captured alongside east Jerusalem by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War.
The West Bank settlements are considered illegal under international law, but Israel disputes this.
A Palestinian capital would be created on the outskirts of east Jerusalem, but most of the city would stay under Israeli control.
Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Mr Trump said the "realistic" two-state solution was a "win-win opportunity" for both sides.
The Palestinians have already rejected the proposal, accusing Mr Trump of being biased in favour of Israel.
The president has shifted the US position on West Bank settlements since coming to office in 2017, as well as recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Both decisions reversed longstanding US policy.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the peace plan a "conspiracy" and he gave it "a thousand noes".
"After the nonsense that we heard today, we say a thousand noes to the deal of the century."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--HS2 set for backing from chancellor despite potential £107bn costs

HS2 set to get key backing of Chancellor Sajid Javid despite spiralling costs HS2 set to get key backing of Chancellor Sajid Javid despite spiralling costs Chancellor Sajid Javid is set to give his backing to the controversial HS2 project , despite spiralling costs that could surpass £100bn .
The high-speed rail scheme linking London , Birmingham , Manchester and Leeds has been beset by setbacks because of budgetary and environmental concerns , with the government facing calls for a public inquiry .
But Mr Javid is understood to be ready to `` broadly back '' the ambitious initiative and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday .
HS2 is the biggest infrastructure project in Europe and a recently leaked draft of a government review suggests costs could balloon from the £56bn originally allocated in 2015 to upwards of £107bn .
Some £8bn has already been spent on the project , which the prime minister has promised an update on `` shortly '' .
Mr Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that MPs would not have to wait long for an announcement , although Mr Shapps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public this week .
Whatever the government decides to do , it marks one of the first major domestic policy debates among senior ministers since the general election last month .
Mr Johnson has already disappointed some in his party by agreeing to allow Chinese telecoms firm Huawei to help build Britain 's 5G mobile network , and HS2 has proven to be a similarly divisive issue .
Some Tory MPs shouted `` no , no '' when the project was brought up during PMQs this week .
The controversy surrounding the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opening of the planned first phase , which would have linked London and Birmingham when it opened in 2026 .
Full services are now not expected to begin until sometime between 2031 and 2036 .
Environmental protesters will no doubt continue to oppose the project in the most disruptive way they can if the government decides to plough on .
Earlier this month , one group of demonstrators tried to block the railway 's construction by attaching themselves to trees along the planned route .
However , business chiefs in the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosting transport links across the region and providing increased capacity on the overcrowded rail network .
Construction firms have also warned of serious damage to their industry if the project is scrapped now .
Thursday 's meeting between Messrs Johnson , Javid and Shapps comes as the chancellor puts pressure on cabinet colleagues to identify where cuts of 5 % could be made to their departmental budgets .
Sky News understands the government wants to overhaul or abolish programmes , projects and quangos associated with previous governments , rather than looking to squeeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM and chancellor want the savings in order to spend on their `` priority outcomes '' , including the NHS .

Chancellor Sajid Javid is set to give his backing to the controversial HS2 project, despite spiralling costs that could surpass £100bn.
The high-speed rail scheme linking London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds has been beset by setbacks because of budgetary and environmental concerns, with the government facing calls for a public inquiry.
But Mr Javid is understood to be ready to "broadly back" the ambitious initiative and will signal his support during a meeting with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday.
Image: Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid will meet on Thursday
Image: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will also be involved in the meeting
HS2 is the biggest infrastructure project in Europe and a recently leaked draft of a government review suggests costs could balloon from the £56bn originally allocated in 2015 to upwards of £107bn.
Some £8bn has already been spent on the project, which the prime minister has promised an update on "shortly".
Mr Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that MPs would not have to wait long for an announcement, although Mr Shapps has said no decision will be made public this week.
Whatever the government decides to do, it marks one of the first major domestic policy debates among senior ministers since the general election last month.
Mr Johnson has already disappointed some in his party by agreeing to allow Chinese telecoms firm Huawei to help build Britain's 5G mobile network, and HS2 has proven to be a similarly divisive issue.
Some Tory MPs shouted "no, no" when the project was brought up during PMQs this week.
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Image: The first phase will go from London to Birmingham
The controversy surrounding the project has contributed to a significant delay to the opening of the planned first phase, which would have linked London and Birmingham when it opened in 2026.
Full services are now not expected to begin until sometime between 2031 and 2036.
Environmental protesters will no doubt continue to oppose the project in the most disruptive way they can if the government decides to plough on.
Earlier this month, one group of demonstrators tried to block the railway's construction by attaching themselves to trees along the planned route.
However, business chiefs in the North have argued that HS2 is crucial to boosting transport links across the region and providing increased capacity on the overcrowded rail network.
Construction firms have also warned of serious damage to their industry if the project is scrapped now.
Image: Protesters have done their best to disrupt construction
Thursday's meeting between Messrs Johnson, Javid and Shapps comes as the chancellor puts pressure on cabinet colleagues to identify where cuts of 5% could be made to their departmental budgets.
Sky News understands the government wants to overhaul or abolish programmes, projects and quangos associated with previous governments, rather than looking to squeeze salaries or introduce welfare cuts.
The PM and chancellor want the savings in order to spend on their "priority outcomes", including the NHS.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--Call to end roll-out of 'death trap' smart motorways

Call for ministers to 'act now ' and end roll-out of 'death trap ' smart motorways Call for ministers to 'act now ' and end roll-out of 'death trap ' smart motorways Vehicles on the 13.4-mile long stretch of smart motorway on the M3 Ministers have been urged to `` act now '' and end the roll-out of `` death trap '' smart motorways .
Concerns have been raised about them in recent months , because they do not have a hard shoulder .
This means that drivers who break down can be trapped in speeding traffic .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the M1 , M4 , M5 , M6 , M42 and M62 .
They were were first introduced in England in 2014 and are built and managed by Highways England .
The aim of smart motorways is to keep traffic moving by converting the existing hard shoulder into an `` active '' fourth lane and controlling speed limits .
There are also emergency pull-ins , or refuges , in case a vehicle needs to stop , although campaigners say these are spread too far apart .
Highways England insists they are safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sustained criticism .
Labour 's shadow transport minister Karl Turner said five people have been killed in just 10 months on a 16-mile stretch of the M1 .
`` It 's been clear for some time that all lane running motorways are death traps , '' he told the Commons .
Mr Turner added : `` The secretary of state has the power to scrap these dangerous motorways now , so will he stop this dither and delay , act now to avoid further tragic deaths and serious injuries ? ''
Transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not continue unless smart motorways are at least as safe as regular motorways .
`` I think it is very important that we gather all the facts , '' he said .
`` Sadly 1,700-plus people died in 2018 on all of our roads .
`` Motorways are the safest of those roads and the question is are smart motorways less safe than the rest of the motorway network .
`` For me , the answer is we must make them at least as safe , if not safer , otherwise they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to actually do this as a fact-based process .
`` I am interested , rightly , in speaking to the families of victims and also all the other organisations like the AA , RAC , and honourable members of this House .
`` So , it does take time to do this correctly , but I do n't think he 'll be disappointed with the results . ''
The Department for Transport launched a review into smart motorways in October and this inquiry is ongoing .
A report from the all-party parliamentary group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move towards smart motorways had been `` shocking and careless '' and had led to the deaths of road users .
Meanwhile , the former government minister who approved the roll-out has told BBC Panorama that he was misled about the risks .
Sir Mike Penning said : `` They are endangering people 's lives .
`` There are people that are being killed and seriously injured on these roads , and it should never have happened . ''
An RAC survey in November found that just 9 % of the more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving on a smart motorway .

Ministers have been urged to "act now" and end the roll-out of "death trap" smart motorways.
Concerns have been raised about them in recent months, because they do not have a hard shoulder.
This means that drivers who break down can be trapped in speeding traffic.
Image: Smart motorways are managed by Highways England
There are currently sections of smart motorway on parts of the M1, M4, M5, M6, M42 and M62.
They were were first introduced in England in 2014 and are built and managed by Highways England.
The aim of smart motorways is to keep traffic moving by converting the existing hard shoulder into an "active" fourth lane and controlling speed limits.
There are also emergency pull-ins, or refuges, in case a vehicle needs to stop, although campaigners say these are spread too far apart.
Highways England insists they are safe, but the scheme has come in for sustained criticism.
Labour's shadow transport minister Karl Turner said five people have been killed in just 10 months on a 16-mile stretch of the M1.
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"It's been clear for some time that all lane running motorways are death traps," he told the Commons.
Mr Turner added: "The secretary of state has the power to scrap these dangerous motorways now, so will he stop this dither and delay, act now to avoid further tragic deaths and serious injuries?"
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the roll-out cannot continue unless smart motorways are at least as safe as regular motorways.
"I think it is very important that we gather all the facts," he said.
"Sadly 1,700-plus people died in 2018 on all of our roads.
"Motorways are the safest of those roads and the question is are smart motorways less safe than the rest of the motorway network.
"For me, the answer is we must make them at least as safe, if not safer, otherwise they can't continue.
"But we have to actually do this as a fact-based process.
"I am interested, rightly, in speaking to the families of victims and also all the other organisations like the AA, RAC, and honourable members of this House.
"So, it does take time to do this correctly, but I don't think he'll be disappointed with the results."
Image: Smart motorways have screens that can light up to indicate lane closures
The Department for Transport launched a review into smart motorways in October and this inquiry is ongoing.
A report from the all-party parliamentary group for roadside rescue and recovery said the move towards smart motorways had been "shocking and careless" and had led to the deaths of road users.
Meanwhile, the former government minister who approved the roll-out has told BBC Panorama that he was misled about the risks.
Sir Mike Penning said: "They are endangering people's lives.
"There are people that are being killed and seriously injured on these roads, and it should never have happened."
An RAC survey in November found that just 9% of the more than 17,000 people questioned felt relaxed or safe driving on a smart motorway.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--'Injustice' to deny Scotland role in post-Brexit trade talks with EU

'Injustice ' to deny Scotland role in post-Brexit trade talks with EU 'Injustice ' to deny Scotland role in post-Brexit trade talks with EU SNP Brexit minister Michael Russell will deliver a statement to the Scottish parliament later Scotland is demanding a seat at the table in post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union .
SNP Brexit minister Michael Russell said it would be an `` injustice '' if Holyrood was not given a role in the negotiations with Brussels .
He will argue the Scottish government 's case when he makes a statement in the Scottish parliament later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson 's government promised the devolved administrations of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland will `` absolutely '' have a say in future trade talks with the EU .
Michael Gove was speaking after attending a Joint Ministerial Committee ( JMC ) meeting in Cardiff .
The talks involved members of the UK government and the devolved nations .
Outlining the SNP 's case ahead of his statement , Mr Russell said : `` Negotiations with the EU , and trade talks with other nations , will cut across a wide range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agriculture , fishing and health .
`` The Scottish government must have meaningful input to protect our country 's interests .
`` It is bad enough that Scotland is being forced to leave the EU against its will .
`` Not to have a say in the future relationship would simply compound that injustice .
`` The Scottish government is committed to staying as close to Europe as possible .
`` We believe that Scotland has the right to choose its own future and that the best option for Scotland is as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But whilst we make that decision we must ensure that our interests are protected in any talks , at any time and held anywhere , that cover devolved competences . ''
Britain will leave the EU on Friday , with the European Parliament ratifying Mr Johnson 's Brexit deal on Wednesday .
The 2016 vote for Brexit has reignited the SNP 's push for independence , something that has been rejected by Mr Johnson .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a second referendum on the issue , arguing circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 .
A total of 62 % of those who voted in Scotland backed staying in the EU .
On Wednesday , MSPs passed a motion put forward by Ms Sturgeon calling for a referendum to be held `` so that the people of Scotland can decide whether they wish it to become an independent country '' .
It calls on the UK government to `` reach an agreement with the Scottish government on such a referendum taking place on a date and in a manner determined by the Scottish parliament '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday

Scotland is demanding a seat at the table in post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union.
SNP Brexit minister Michael Russell said it would be an "injustice" if Holyrood was not given a role in the negotiations with Brussels.
He will argue the Scottish government's case when he makes a statement in the Scottish parliament later.
Image: Boris Johnson has stood firm in rejecting Nicola Sturgeon's calls for a second independence referendum
It comes after a senior minister in Boris Johnson's government promised the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will "absolutely" have a say in future trade talks with the EU.
Michael Gove was speaking after attending a Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) meeting in Cardiff.
The talks involved members of the UK government and the devolved nations.
Outlining the SNP's case ahead of his statement, Mr Russell said: "Negotiations with the EU, and trade talks with other nations, will cut across a wide range of devolved matters, from environmental standards to agriculture, fishing and health.
"The Scottish government must have meaningful input to protect our country's interests.
"It is bad enough that Scotland is being forced to leave the EU against its will.
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"Not to have a say in the future relationship would simply compound that injustice.
"The Scottish government is committed to staying as close to Europe as possible.
Image: Michael Gove met members of the devolved administrations on Wednesday
"We believe that Scotland has the right to choose its own future and that the best option for Scotland is as an independent country within the European Union.
"But whilst we make that decision we must ensure that our interests are protected in any talks, at any time and held anywhere, that cover devolved competences."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Britain will leave the EU on Friday, with the European Parliament ratifying Mr Johnson's Brexit deal on Wednesday.
The 2016 vote for Brexit has reignited the SNP's push for independence, something that has been rejected by Mr Johnson.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 MEPs sing a farewell to the UK
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a second referendum on the issue, arguing circumstances have changed since the first public vote in 2014.
A total of 62% of those who voted in Scotland backed staying in the EU.
On Wednesday, MSPs passed a motion put forward by Ms Sturgeon calling for a referendum to be held "so that the people of Scotland can decide whether they wish it to become an independent country".
It calls on the UK government to "reach an agreement with the Scottish government on such a referendum taking place on a date and in a manner determined by the Scottish parliament".
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday


skynewspolitics--2020-01-29--'Leave and take your flags with you': Farage cut off during final speech in Brussels


skynewspolitics--2020-01-30--Pompeo offers olive branch over controversial Huawei 5G decision

Britain has taken a risk by allowing Huawei to have a role in its 5G network , but London and Washington will be able to `` resolve '' their differences over the controversial decision , the US secretary of state has said .
Mike Pompeo delivered the olive branch ahead of talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street .
Mr Johnson 's decision to include the Chinese telecoms firm in non-core parts of Britain 's 5G network was made despite warnings from the US that it could imperil security co-operation between the two nations .
Opponents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's close links to the Chinese government .
They fear the firm 's equipment could be used for espionage , something the company itself has always denied .
Downing Street has argued that stringent measures are in place to manage Huawei 's role .
Ahead of his talks in Number 10 with the PM , Mr Pompeo urged the British government to reverse its decision .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He also described Huawei as an `` extension of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hand over information to the Chinese Communist Party '' .
But speaking alongside Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab at a Policy Exchange event in London , Mr Pompeo adopted a softer tone .
`` I 'm confident we can work together to implement that decision and work to get this right , '' he said .
Mr Pompeo said that while the US would keep making the case that having Huawei technology within the network was `` very difficult to mitigate '' and therefore `` not worth the candle '' , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Every country will make its own sovereign decision , just like the UK did , '' he added .
Reinforcing his softer tone , Mr Pompeo said : `` I am very confident that our two nations will find a way to work together to resolve this difference . ''
On China more generally , he described Beijing as the `` central threat of our times '' .
`` It is an enormous economy to which the American economy is deeply tied , '' Mr Pompeo added .

Britain has taken a risk by allowing Huawei to have a role in its 5G network, but London and Washington will be able to "resolve" their differences over the controversial decision, the US secretary of state has said.
Mike Pompeo delivered the olive branch ahead of talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street.
Mr Johnson's decision to include the Chinese telecoms firm in non-core parts of Britain's 5G network was made despite warnings from the US that it could imperil security co-operation between the two nations.
Image: Mike Pompeo shakes hands with Boris Johnson as they meet at Downing Street
Opponents of the move are against it because of Huawei's close links to the Chinese government.
They fear the firm's equipment could be used for espionage, something the company itself has always denied.
Downing Street has argued that stringent measures are in place to manage Huawei's role.
Ahead of his talks in Number 10 with the PM, Mr Pompeo urged the British government to reverse its decision.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He also described Huawei as an "extension of the Chinese Communist Party with a legal requirement to hand over information to the Chinese Communist Party".
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But speaking alongside Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab at a Policy Exchange event in London, Mr Pompeo adopted a softer tone.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Explained: Why 5G and Huawei matter
"I'm confident we can work together to implement that decision and work to get this right," he said.
Mr Pompeo said that while the US would keep making the case that having Huawei technology within the network was "very difficult to mitigate" and therefore "not worth the candle", it was up to individual countries to decide.
"Every country will make its own sovereign decision, just like the UK did," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Could Huawei threaten UK security?
Reinforcing his softer tone, Mr Pompeo said: "I am very confident that our two nations will find a way to work together to resolve this difference."
On China more generally, he described Beijing as the "central threat of our times".
"It is an enormous economy to which the American economy is deeply tied," Mr Pompeo added.