thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Boris Johnson unveils plan to entrench Tories in Labour heartlands after election victory

Mr Johnson wants to capitalise on the Conservative ’ s historic election victory , which saw them demolish Jeremy Corbyn ’ s so-called “ Red wall ” by winning a swathe of seats in traditional Labour areas .
Potential sites for an office outside of London are now being explored , a party spokesman said .
Activists are also being canvassed on their views for a new location .
No decisions have yet been made but Stoke on Trent , which turned blue in the General Election has been suggested by supporters as a possible site .
A Conservative Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in December there have been a series of early conversations about how our structures better reflect our party ’ s new geographic make-up .
“ This includes a project to look at potential sites for another CCHQ office outside of London .
Nothing has been confirmed and any changes will be made in consultation with staff.
” A senior Tory source indicated that the venue should be “ somewhere reasonably close to a university , good train links , well placed in political terms ” .
The source added that Conservatives would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There will still be a small office in London.
” At present the Tory headquarters is spread across two floors of 4 Matthew Parker Street , a commercial property five minutes from the Palace of Westminster .
The building , which also houses Go-Ahead Group , a public transport company , was sold for £50.1 million to Charles Street Buildings last April and the terms of the CCHQ lease on the building are not clear .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves the Conservative Party headquarters in London
Mr Johnson wants to capitalise on the Conservative’s historic election victory, which saw them demolish Jeremy Corbyn’s so-called “Red wall” by winning a swathe of seats in traditional Labour areas. Potential sites for an office outside of London are now being explored, a party spokesman said. Activists are also being canvassed on their views for a new location.
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No decisions have yet been made but Stoke on Trent, which turned blue in the General Election has been suggested by supporters as a possible site. A Conservative Party spokesman: “Following the strong historic result in December there have been a series of early conversations about how our structures better reflect our party’s new geographic make-up. “This includes a project to look at potential sites for another CCHQ office outside of London. Nothing has been confirmed and any changes will be made in consultation with staff.”
Sajid Javid (L) and Boris Johnson man the phones at the Conservative Campaign HQ Call Center
A senior Tory source indicated that the venue should be “somewhere reasonably close to a university, good train links, well placed in political terms”. The source added that Conservatives would maintain a presence in the capital. “There will still be a small office in London.” At present the Tory headquarters is spread across two floors of 4 Matthew Parker Street, a commercial property five minutes from the Palace of Westminster. The building, which also houses Go-Ahead Group, a public transport company, was sold for £50.1 million to Charles Street Buildings last April and the terms of the CCHQ lease on the building are not clear.


thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Labour leadership hopeful Lisa Nandy rips apart Jeremy Corbyn for 'serious failures'

The backbench MP , whose support is surging , slammed the outgoing leader for “ standing with ” the Russian government after the Salisbury chemical attack .
And she took a veiled swipe at contest frontrunner Sir Keir Starmer for Labour ’ s failed EU policy .
Ms Nandy started out as one of the outsiders in the race but bookies yesterday ( WED ) cut her odds to make her joint second favourite with Corbynista candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey .
In a speech setting out her vision for Britain ’ s future in the world after Brexit , she slammed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Russia ’ s responsibility for the Salisbury poisonings that killed Dawn Sturgess .
“ We stood with the Russian government and not with the people it oppresses , ” Ms Nandy said .
“ When we chose to show solidarity with Putin rather than the Russian people we completely and utterly failed to live up to our values , and I never want to see us do that again.
” Ms Nandy accused said Mr Corbyn had fallen `` into a trap '' laid by the Conservatives over Brexit and claimed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said Leave campaigners presented the UK as a `` small nation with a proud history of punching above our weight '' but all Remainers could offer was to `` cut your mobile phone roaming charges '' .
`` The trap was set , '' she said .
`` You can either be for your country or for the world .
And senior Labour politicians rushed headlong into it .
It was a serious failure of leadership . ''
Ms Nandy said she tried to make the case to the shadow cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wrong and they were going to lose .
In a swipe at Sir Keir , who as shadow Brexit secretary was responsible for Labour ’ s fudged policy , the MP said urged the frontbench last year to “ take the offer ” from Theresa May that gave extra guarantees on the terms of divorce deal .
“ I accept my role in this and I think we all have to , every single one of us in this contest has to accept that Labour has got it wrong , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leaving with “ loosest of all arrangements ” and refused to rule offering up free movement to secure a closer trading arrangement in a future government .
“ What a Labour government does in the future to try and repair the damage that that has done , that is up for grabs and that is to be negotiated , ” she said .
She also suggested the UK should not strike a post-Brexit trade deal with the US if Donald Trump follows through on his commitment to quit the Paris Agreement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be clear now that we would refuse to agree any trade deal with a country that has not ratified the Paris Agreement .
`` We must use trade to support climate action , not hamper it . ''

Labour leadership hopeful: Lisa Nandy
The backbench MP, whose support is surging, slammed the outgoing leader for “standing with” the Russian government after the Salisbury chemical attack. And she took a veiled swipe at contest frontrunner Sir Keir Starmer for Labour’s failed EU policy. Ms Nandy started out as one of the outsiders in the race but bookies yesterday (WED) cut her odds to make her joint second favourite with Corbynista candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey.
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In a speech setting out her vision for Britain’s future in the world after Brexit, she slammed Mr Corbyn for “casting doubt” on Russia’s responsibility for the Salisbury poisonings that killed Dawn Sturgess. “We stood with the Russian government and not with the people it oppresses,” Ms Nandy said. “When we chose to show solidarity with Putin rather than the Russian people we completely and utterly failed to live up to our values, and I never want to see us do that again.” Ms Nandy accused said Mr Corbyn had fallen "into a trap" laid by the Conservatives over Brexit and claimed a "fully-fledged culture war" broke out.
Nandy ripped into Corbyn for blundering on Brexit
She said Leave campaigners presented the UK as a "small nation with a proud history of punching above our weight" but all Remainers could offer was to "cut your mobile phone roaming charges". "The trap was set," she said. "You can either be for your country or for the world. And senior Labour politicians rushed headlong into it. It was a serious failure of leadership." Ms Nandy said she tried to make the case to the shadow cabinet before the EU referendum that the campaign was wrong and they were going to lose. In a swipe at Sir Keir, who as shadow Brexit secretary was responsible for Labour’s fudged policy, the MP said urged the frontbench last year to “take the offer” from Theresa May that gave extra guarantees on the terms of divorce deal. “I accept my role in this and I think we all have to, every single one of us in this contest has to accept that Labour has got it wrong,” she added.
Labour MP Sir Keir Starmer
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Social care crisis: Boris Johnson to unveil masterplan to rescue sector within months

Promising `` dignity and security '' in old age Mr Johnson called for a consensus on tackling the growing problem which successive governments have failed to get to grips with .
The issue is being treated as a priority in Number 10 , with cross-party talks expected to start by the end of March which is within the first 100 days of the Prime Minister 's new administration .
Whitehall is already working up ideas on how to deliver on Mr Johnson ’ s pledge that no one needing care will be forced to sell their home to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis for talks .
He told MPs in Prime Minister ’ s Questions yesterday ( Wed ) that efforts were now being ramped up and that his government has a “ fantastic plan ” for social care .
“ We do intend to begin with cross-party talks to build a consensus and I think there 's a growing consensus in this country on the need to tackle the issue of social care so everybody has dignity and security in their old age , nobody has to sell their home to pay for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We can do it and we will do it , with the help and co-operation of the Labour Party and other parties in this House , we will go ahead with a fantastic plan for social care . ''
He also said the government will be making a `` moonshot effort '' to isolate the causes of dementia and `` cure it if we possibly can '' .
Mr Johnson ’ s press secretary confirmed that moves to tackle the crisis will involve other political parties .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this so that people get the care they need in their old age but don ’ t have to sell their homes to pay for that care , ” he said .
“ The PM was very clear that we will bring forward a plan this year and the PM made clear he wants to get this issue resolved in this parliament .
“ The PM is committed to cross party talks on this matter and we ’ ll be presenting our plans to the opposition in due course.
” The move was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisive action in the Budget on March 11 .
Sally Copley , Director of Policy and Campaigns at Alzheimer 's Society , said : “ It ’ s encouraging to hear Boris Johnson repeat his commitment to tackling social care reform but what we really need now is urgent action and investment .
Empty promises do nothing to help the 850,000 people living with dementia and their families who are struggling and facing financial hardship caused by the social care crisis .
“ Every day , Alzheimer ’ s Society hears stories of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care system .
By the next election , as much as £40 billion will have been taken directly from the pockets of families fighting dementia .
“ To deliver on his promise to fix social care , the Prime Minister must take decisive action at the March Budget , with experts now saying as much as £10bn is already needed in immediate funding , as well as a clear timetable for long term reform that provides a fairer system and ensures access to quality care . ''
The development comes after Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to implement the social care plan .
The Tory election manifesto promised talks on how to fund care for the elderly in the long term , while also boosting care budgets by £1 billion per year .
On Tuesday , the Prime Minister said his election victory would allow him to produce a plan within 12 months and have the changes introduced by 2025 .
Mr Johnson had been coy on over-committing to social care pledges after seeing his predecessor Theresa May 's 2017 election campaign derailed by claims that she was about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Mr Johnson said : `` This has been shirked by governments for about 30 years .
`` Now we have the majority we need , we are going to get on with this so people can get the care they need in their old age but do n't have to sell their home . ''
The Local Government Association ( LGA ) said it hoped for more money to be made available in the Budget in March while the PM was working on a long-term social care @ @

Dignity and security in old age is the Prime Minister's social care promise
Promising "dignity and security" in old age Mr Johnson called for a consensus on tackling the growing problem which successive governments have failed to get to grips with. The issue is being treated as a priority in Number 10, with cross-party talks expected to start by the end of March which is within the first 100 days of the Prime Minister's new administration. Whitehall is already working up ideas on how to deliver on Mr Johnson’s pledge that no one needing care will be forced to sell their home to pay for it, and this will form the basis for talks.
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He told MPs in Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday (Wed) that efforts were now being ramped up and that his government has a “fantastic plan” for social care. “We do intend to begin with cross-party talks to build a consensus and I think there's a growing consensus in this country on the need to tackle the issue of social care so everybody has dignity and security in their old age, nobody has to sell their home to pay for the cost of their care,” he said. "We can do it and we will do it, with the help and co-operation of the Labour Party and other parties in this House, we will go ahead with a fantastic plan for social care." He also said the government will be making a "moonshot effort" to isolate the causes of dementia and "cure it if we possibly can". Mr Johnson’s press secretary confirmed that moves to tackle the crisis will involve other political parties. “We are going to get on and deal with this so that people get the care they need in their old age but don’t have to sell their homes to pay for that care,” he said. “The PM was very clear that we will bring forward a plan this year and the PM made clear he wants to get this issue resolved in this parliament.
Mr Johnson's plans to rescue the care system are a top priority
“The PM is committed to cross party talks on this matter and we’ll be presenting our plans to the opposition in due course.” The move was welcomed by campaigners but they called for decisive action in the Budget on March 11. Sally Copley, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Alzheimer's Society, said: “It’s encouraging to hear Boris Johnson repeat his commitment to tackling social care reform but what we really need now is urgent action and investment. Empty promises do nothing to help the 850,000 people living with dementia and their families who are struggling and facing financial hardship caused by the social care crisis. “Every day, Alzheimer’s Society hears stories of the human cost of our underfunded social care system. By the next election, as much as £40 billion will have been taken directly from the pockets of families fighting dementia. “To deliver on his promise to fix social care, the Prime Minister must take decisive action at the March Budget, with experts now saying as much as £10bn is already needed in immediate funding, as well as a clear timetable for long term reform that provides a fairer system and ensures access to quality care."
The cross-party talks are due to start by the end of March
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The development comes after Mr Johnson faced initial criticism for his five-year timetable to implement the social care plan. The Tory election manifesto promised talks on how to fund care for the elderly in the long term, while also boosting care budgets by £1 billion per year. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister said his election victory would allow him to produce a plan within 12 months and have the changes introduced by 2025. Mr Johnson had been coy on over-committing to social care pledges after seeing his predecessor Theresa May's 2017 election campaign derailed by claims that she was about to introduce a "dementia tax". Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Johnson said: "This has been shirked by governments for about 30 years. "Now we have the majority we need, we are going to get on with this so people can get the care they need in their old age but don't have to sell their home." The Local Government Association (LGA) said it hoped for more money to be made available in the Budget in March while the PM was working on a long-term social care plan.
Claims that Theresa May would introduce a 'dementia tax' made her popularity plummet


thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--SNP humiliated: Brexiteer laughs at ‘miserable’ MPs in fiery PMQs after IndyRef2 rejected

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford was shut down by Boris Johnson , after the Scottish MP accused the Prime Minister of being a “ democracy denier ” for refusing to grant a second independence referendum .
Brexiteers responded to Mr Blackford ’ s comments with rapturous laughter , as the SNP MP refused to accept that the 2014 Scottish vote was a “ once in a generation opportunity ” .
Tory MP Steve Baker wrote on Twitter shortly after the fiery exchange , and said : “ The SNP look thoroughly miserable at PMQs today ” .
Taking to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Mr Johnson , accusing him of being a “ democracy denier ” and ignoring the will of the Scottish people .
The SNP Westminster leader also said the Prime Minister ’ s resistance to hold a second referendum was actually strengthening the case for Scottish independence .
But Mr Johnson was quick to hit back against the claims and even accused the Scottish MP of being a democracy denier himself , by refusing to accept the result of the 2014 referendum .
The Prime Minister said : “ It wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon who said at the time of the referendum that it was a once in a generation event .
“ He said it , they said it , they were right then , why did they change their minds ?
He is the denier of democracy.
” When Mr Blackford stood up a second time , he accused the Prime Minister of living in a “ fantasyland ” and said Britain will be “ broken ” post-Brexit .
As he continued his tirade against Mr Johnson , he then accused him of putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else - comments that were met with laughter from the Tory front benches .
The Prime Minster could be seen jokingly smacking his head against his hand , while Chancellor Sajid Javid laughed alongside him .
READ MORE : PMQs LIVE : Boris blasts Labour 'WRECKAGE ' as he savages lame duck Corbyn Other Tory MPs also joined in .
In response to Mr Blackford ’ s attack on the Tory Government , the Prime Minister took aim at the SNP ’ s governing record .
He said : “ Scotland under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
The deficit is six times the UK average .
“ Maths and science in schools are actually going down in the rankings unlike any other part of the United Kingdom .
DO N'T MISS : Scotland POLL : Should Boris grant Sturgeon another independence referendum ?
[ POLL ] SNP MP stunned as host reveals how Boris could stop independence [ VIDEO ] Guy Verhofstadt 's shock verdict on independent Scotland in EU exposed [ COMMENT ] “ That is not the fault of the pupils of Scotland , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are not giving them the chances they deserve because they are focused on breaking up the union .
Change the record.
” The PMQs clash come after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saw her demands for a new independence referendum rejected .
Mr Johnson wrote to the SNP leader on Tuesday to let her know he was refusing her request to be given the powers to hold another nationwide poll .
The letter read : “ I can not agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further @ @ @

PMQs: Boris Johnson labels Ian Blackford ‘denier of democracy’
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford was shut down by Boris Johnson, after the Scottish MP accused the Prime Minister of being a “democracy denier” for refusing to grant a second independence referendum. Brexiteers responded to Mr Blackford’s comments with rapturous laughter, as the SNP MP refused to accept that the 2014 Scottish vote was a “once in a generation opportunity”. Tory MP Steve Baker wrote on Twitter shortly after the fiery exchange, and said: “The SNP look thoroughly miserable at PMQs today”.
Taking to the House, Mr Blackford launched his tirade against Mr Johnson, accusing him of being a “democracy denier” and ignoring the will of the Scottish people. The SNP Westminster leader also said the Prime Minister’s resistance to hold a second referendum was actually strengthening the case for Scottish independence. But Mr Johnson was quick to hit back against the claims and even accused the Scottish MP of being a democracy denier himself, by refusing to accept the result of the 2014 referendum. The Prime Minister said: “It wasn’t just Alex Salmond but his protege Nicola Sturgeon who said at the time of the referendum that it was a once in a generation event.
Brexiteers erupted into laughter after Ian Blackford's remarks in the Commons this afternoon
Boris Johnson shut down the SNP's request for a second independence referendum
“He said it, they said it, they were right then, why did they change their minds? He is the denier of democracy.” When Mr Blackford stood up a second time, he accused the Prime Minister of living in a “fantasyland” and said Britain will be “broken” post-Brexit. As he continued his tirade against Mr Johnson, he then accused him of putting his union with Donald Trump above all else - comments that were met with laughter from the Tory front benches. The Prime Minster could be seen jokingly smacking his head against his hand, while Chancellor Sajid Javid laughed alongside him. READ MORE: PMQs LIVE: Boris blasts Labour 'WRECKAGE' as he savages lame duck Corbyn
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Ian Blackford accused the Prime Minister of being a 'democracy denier'
Boris Johnson could be seen jokingly smacking his head against his hand
Boris Johnson then took aim at the SNP's governing record
“That is not the fault of the pupils of Scotland, it’s the fault of the SNP Government who are not giving them the chances they deserve because they are focused on breaking up the union. Change the record.” The PMQs clash come after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saw her demands for a new independence referendum rejected. Mr Johnson wrote to the SNP leader on Tuesday to let her know he was refusing her request to be given the powers to hold another nationwide poll. The letter read: “I cannot agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums.
Brexit timeline
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Labour blasted for mass redundancies despite pledge to stand up for workers –‘Outrageous!’

Labour staff are set to launch a collective grievance against the party after 50 new vacancies were advertised while the contracts of a number of workers were discontinued .
Furious workers told BuzzFeed News the party made the decision not to renew their contracts was due to financial reasons - despite the mass recruitment drive .
One former staff member , who did not want to be identified , said : “ We ’ re all Labour Party activists , long-standing members , who ’ ve put our all into this party for the last however-long .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years , and to be dismissed in such an unkind and cold way by an organisation that should be holding workers ’ rights dear is really dispiriting .
“ I rely on that income to pay my rent and bills.
” Staff at the party ’ s National Communications Centre in Newcastle were told before Christmas their fixed-term contracts would not be renewed .
Some had been working 50-hour weeks and had contracts expire on December 31 .
Many of 50 new vacancies the party is in the process of advertising will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publication reports .
The party has been likened to behaving “ like Amazon or McDonald ’ s ” , both of whom have faced mounting criticism in the past about working conditions .
One job advert is for a ‘ Leadership election administration assistant ( various positions ) ’ in Newcastle and offers a £19,889.47 salary and a ‘ fixed sum allowance ’ of £399 .
Hours for the role are ‘ 5 days worked over Monday to Saturday ’ .
Staff are using their own union power to take action .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade union , who is representing the staff , demanded the Joint Trades Union Council to write to party bosses to explain their shoddy treatment of workers .
Another former staff member said : “ While our contracts were fixed-term , we were made to believe we would continue after the election.
” DO N'T MISS : Corbyn humiliated : Labour leader mocked after MPs don ’ t show for PMQs [ NEWS ] Corbynista says Remainers feel 'under attack ' over Brexit celebrations [ ANALYSIS ] Keir Starmer : Why is Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knighted ?
[ INSIGHT ] They said : “ I think it ’ s outrageous .
They were increasing call monitoring , other monitoring , things they should not be doing as a Labour Party .
“ We think that ’ s unacceptable and then [ our contracts ] were not renewed , it doesn ’ t sit very well , we did excellent work , beat lots and lots of targets .
“ And now they ’ re hiring the roles to do the same work we did and were fully trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done very well — it just seems quite suspicious.
” It comes as the Labour Party is braced for a leadership election race which could change its political ideology at the next general election .

PMQs: Boris Johnson mocks Corbyn over election manifesto
Labour staff are set to launch a collective grievance against the party after 50 new vacancies were advertised while the contracts of a number of workers were discontinued. Furious workers told BuzzFeed News the party made the decision not to renew their contracts was due to financial reasons - despite the mass recruitment drive. One former staff member, who did not want to be identified, said: “We’re all Labour Party activists, long-standing members, who’ve put our all into this party for the last however-long.
“We’ve worked there two, three, four years, and to be dismissed in such an unkind and cold way by an organisation that should be holding workers’ rights dear is really dispiriting. “I rely on that income to pay my rent and bills.” Staff at the party’s National Communications Centre in Newcastle were told before Christmas their fixed-term contracts would not be renewed. Some had been working 50-hour weeks and had contracts expire on December 31.
Labour has been condemned after pledging to stand up for workers while enforcing redundancies
A post for one of the roles advertised
Many of 50 new vacancies the party is in the process of advertising will be at a call centre, the publication reports. The party has been likened to behaving “like Amazon or McDonald’s”, both of whom have faced mounting criticism in the past about working conditions. One job advert is for a ‘Leadership election administration assistant (various positions)’ in Newcastle and offers a £19,889.47 salary and a ‘fixed sum allowance’ of £399. Hours for the role are ‘5 days worked over Monday to Saturday’. READ NOW: Keir Starmer Brexit: The ‘six tests’ Labour frontrunner created [NEWS]
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Many of 50 new vacancies the party is in the process of advertising will be at a call centre
It comes as the Labour Party is braced for a leadership election race (Rebecca Long-Bailey)
They said: “I think it’s outrageous. They were increasing call monitoring, other monitoring, things they should not be doing as a Labour Party. “We think that’s unacceptable and then [our contracts] were not renewed, it doesn’t sit very well, we did excellent work, beat lots and lots of targets. “And now they’re hiring the roles to do the same work we did and were fully trained to do…the work that we do and have done very well — it just seems quite suspicious.” It comes as the Labour Party is braced for a leadership election race which could change its political ideology at the next general election.
Five MPs have made the Labour leadership shortlist
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Momentum backlash: Labour fury after members balloted with Long-Bailey as the only choice

The equally left-wing campaign group that was set up to get Jeremy Corbyn elected as leader has faced backlash for balloting members with no alternative other than Ms Long-Bailey , Eccles and Salford MP .
Momentum bosses will only back Ms Long-Bailey and her flatmate Angela Rayner for the role of deputy , taking over from Tom Watson , in the race to replace Mr Corbyn .
The move was likened to a “ South American dictatorship ” by Labour ’ s own activists .
Paul Mason told the Mirror Online : “ As a Momentum member and somebody who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think it is a very stupid thing to do .
“ It ’ s not for Momentum to decide who the Left ’ s chosen candidate is - it ’ s for the members .
“ If someone other than Long-Bailey wins it is like saying we are going to become an opposition movement to the leadership.
” A Momentum source said that Ms Long-Bailey is the only candidate in the leadership race that shares the political group ’ s values .
The source said : “ The ballot consists of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ‘ yes ’ vote from more than half of members will be adopted with immediate effect.
” Today , Ms Long-Bailey hit back at claims she is the “ continuity Corbyn candidate ” and added the comparison “ annoyed ” her .
Referring to Labour ’ s socialist agenda , she told Tribune magazine : “ I don ’ t just agree with the policies , I ’ ve spent the last four years writing them.
” She today won backing from Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle , known mostly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons and getting banned from the room for it .
READ NOW : Corbynista says Remainers feel 'under attack ' over Brexit celebrations [ NEWS ] He said : “ I ’ m supporting the fantastic @ RLong_Bailey and @ AngelaRayner for Leader and Deputy of @ UKLabour .
“ I urge @ PeoplesMomentum members to vote yes to ensure we are united to back the candidates who can unite the membership and the PLP .
Please vote Yes on both ballots.
” He then shared an image of the two women , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His nomination was mocked on Twitter .
DO N'T MISS : Brussels plot to force UK to sign up to EU rules and standards exposed [ NEWS ] Momentum spark outrage for misleading candidate question - 'Why ask ! '
[ VIDEO ] Brexit news : Britain ’ s EU departure finally sinks in for businesses [ ANALYSIS ] One commenter said : “ Oh great , my MP wants to be in opposition forever.
” Another added : “ I ’ m disappointed but not surprised at your choice .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said you heard what was said about Corbyn and his policies , you heard but clearly don ’ t think the electorate matters.
” Another added : “ Which bit of ‘ worse defeat since 1935 ’ are you most happy with Lloyd ?
” Another said : “ Let ’ s carry on losing for another decade , yaaaaay .
”

George Galloway says the BBC licence fee is ‘intolerable’
The equally left-wing campaign group that was set up to get Jeremy Corbyn elected as leader has faced backlash for balloting members with no alternative other than Ms Long-Bailey, Eccles and Salford MP. Momentum bosses will only back Ms Long-Bailey and her flatmate Angela Rayner for the role of deputy, taking over from Tom Watson, in the race to replace Mr Corbyn. The move was likened to a “South American dictatorship” by Labour’s own activists.
Paul Mason told the Mirror Online: “As a Momentum member and somebody who has been protecting it against witch hunts, I think it is a very stupid thing to do. “It’s not for Momentum to decide who the Left’s chosen candidate is - it’s for the members. “If someone other than Long-Bailey wins it is like saying we are going to become an opposition movement to the leadership.” A Momentum source said that Ms Long-Bailey is the only candidate in the leadership race that shares the political group’s values.
Momentum bosses will only back Ms Long-Bailey
They will only back Angela Rayner as deputy
The source said: “The ballot consists of two recommendations, and those that receive a ‘yes’ vote from more than half of members will be adopted with immediate effect.” Today, Ms Long-Bailey hit back at claims she is the “continuity Corbyn candidate” and added the comparison “annoyed” her. Referring to Labour’s socialist agenda, she told Tribune magazine: “I don’t just agree with the policies, I’ve spent the last four years writing them.” She today won backing from Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, known mostly for taking the mace from the House of Commons and getting banned from the room for it. READ NOW: Corbynista says Remainers feel 'under attack' over Brexit celebrations [NEWS]
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The left-wing campaign group was set up to get Jeremy Corbyn elected as leader
Mr Corbyn will stand down in April
One commenter said: “Oh great, my MP wants to be in opposition forever.” Another added: “I’m disappointed but not surprised at your choice. When you were canvassing for the GE you said you heard what was said about Corbyn and his policies, you heard but clearly don’t think the electorate matters.” Another added: “Which bit of ‘worse defeat since 1935’ are you most happy with Lloyd?” Another said: “Let’s carry on losing for another decade, yaaaaay.”
The leadership race is now underway
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--EU ‘software glitch’ caused 75,000 crimes to go unreported - but Brussels blames Britain

The UK has been accused of a major cover-up over a period of five years , during which one in three alerts on offenders were not reported to the EU via the police national computer , The Guardian reports .
Rape and murder were potential offences , the publication added .
The scandal enabled convicts to return to their home countries without local authorities being aware of their presence .
The failures came to light during a an ACRO Criminal Records Office meeting .
But the minutes report a major “ software glitch ” was the cause of the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been accused of concealing the software failure from EU partners , according to minutes from the meeting .
The minutes added : “ There is a nervousness from Home Office around sending the historical notifications out dating back to 2012 due to the reputational impact this could have.
” A June meeting ’ s minutes read : “ There is still uncertainty whether historical DAFs [ daily activity file ] , received from the Home Office , are going to be sent out to counties ( sic ) as there is a reputational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid what appears to be a damning attack on the UK Home Office , who in August was accused of profiting from £500million in immigration fees .
The self-funded charges for British citizenship applications have risen sharply in the past five years .
An analysis by The Times claimed profits at the Home Office have increased by almost 91 percent .
To become an official British citizen , applicants must pay £1,012 , with the Home Office keeping a £640 profit from each application .
The original fee has risen by about 51 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Brexit news : MEPs support Verhofstadt 's bid to hijack Brexit deal [ NEWS ] How Boris Johnson 's constitutional reforms could bring down the Tories [ INSIGHT ] Keir Starmer Brexit : The ‘ six tests ’ Labour frontrunner created [ VIDEO ] Critics say the profits made by the Home Office show it is still operating the hostile environment policy , despite disowning it after the Windrush scandal .
The increase in fees has a strong impact on the children of migrant parents who were either born in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck in the system compare it to “ snakes and ladders , without the ladders ” as a single error could deprive them of access to basic services and a higher risk of being deported to countries they ’ ve never known .
Boris Johnson called for an overhaul of the system and warned thousands of people were at risk of a “ Windrush fiasco ” repeating .

Brexit: EU demands could ’vanish’ says Europe expert
The UK has been accused of a major cover-up over a period of five years, during which one in three alerts on offenders were not reported to the EU via the police national computer, The Guardian reports. Rape and murder were potential offences, the publication added. The scandal enabled convicts to return to their home countries without local authorities being aware of their presence.
The failures came to light during a an ACRO Criminal Records Office meeting. But the minutes report a major “software glitch” was the cause of the issue. However, the Home office has been accused of concealing the software failure from EU partners, according to minutes from the meeting. The minutes added: “There is a nervousness from Home Office around sending the historical notifications out dating back to 2012 due to the reputational impact this could have.”
The UK has been accused of a major cover-up over a period of five years
Home Secretary Priti Patel
A June meeting’s minutes read: “There is still uncertainty whether historical DAFs [daily activity file], received from the Home Office, are going to be sent out to counties (sic) as there is a reputational risk to the UK.” The backlog involved 75,000 notifications. Labour’s Diane Abbott demanded a “full urgent investigation” and urged “ministers come clean”. It comes amid what appears to be a damning attack on the UK Home Office, who in August was accused of profiting from £500million in immigration fees. READ NOW: Trump aide urges Boris to abandon Iran nuclear deal [NEWS]
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It comes amid what appears to be a damning attack on the UK Home Office
The failures came to light during a an ACRO Criminal Records Office meeting
Critics say the profits made by the Home Office show it is still operating the hostile environment policy, despite disowning it after the Windrush scandal. The increase in fees has a strong impact on the children of migrant parents who were either born in the UK or came as a child. Applicants stuck in the system compare it to “snakes and ladders, without the ladders” as a single error could deprive them of access to basic services and a higher risk of being deported to countries they’ve never known. Boris Johnson called for an overhaul of the system and warned thousands of people were at risk of a “Windrush fiasco” repeating.
The UK will leave the EU in 15 days
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Brexit WARNING: Brussels CHASTISED by MEPs in sombre Parliament sitting - ‘Learn lessons!’

The European Parliament is debating the future of the bloc at a gathering in Strasbourg that saw Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe warn the EU that should it want a relationship with the UK , it needed to scale back to a “ loose alliance ” .
Her words were echoed by Green Party MEP Scott Ainslie , who warned against Brussels becoming “ distant , unaccountable and out of touch ” .
Ms Widdecombe added the UK might have stayed on as a member state had it kept to its “ early vision ” .
She said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the vision then was that it would be a loose alliance of sovereign nations in a trading agreement , with some sort of political cooperation [ and ] with a totally noble ideal that that would somehow promote peace .
“ And if that had remained the vision and was still the vision , I venture to say that I don ’ t believe that Britain would now be leaving.
” She then blasted the bloc , claiming “ cooperation morphed into domination ” and “ sovereignty morphed into a super state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe that when we have made a big success of being a competitor on your doorstep others will follow us .
“ And therefore , if you want a future - learn the lessons of what has happened in the UK.
” Mr Ainslie , who voted to Remain in the EU , called for the bloc to think about how it can change to stop another major country leaving .
He added : “ Brexit should serve as a dire warning to all of us as to what happens when ordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unaccountable and out of touch .
“ In the UK , it is too late .
The damage is done .
But it would be an absolute tragedy if the EU didn ’ t learn lessons from the calamity that is Brexit.
” He then went on to call for “ the voices of citizens and civil society [ to ] be heard loud and clear ” and then for the debate of the bloc ’ s future not to be “ reduced to a tokenistic rubber stamping exercise ” .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we seize this chance to amplify citizen ’ s voices of all Europeans which I and my country as proud Europeans look forward to continuing to do.
” Their remarks come as Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt - who is an open critic of Brexit - said the EU “ has a problem when a big country is leaving ” .
He then said the bloc needed vast change and to work “ from the bottom up ” .
DO N'T MISS : Keir Starmer Brexit : The ‘ six tests ’ Labour frontrunner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's constitutional reforms could bring down the Tories [ INSIGHT ] How Boris Johnson enraged EU with euro prediction : 'We warned you ! '
[ VIDEO ] Belgian Mr Verhofstadt recently took another aim at the UK to poke fun of the royal crisis surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle .
He said Prime Minister Boris Johnson should stand ready to extend the transition period beyond the end of the year – just as the Queen agreed to accommodate the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes ’ wish to quit the Royal Family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson should “ take an example ” from the 93-year-old monarch who has allowed Harry and Meghan ’ s wish to create a new lift , in which they will divide their time between Britain and Canada in a transition period .
Mr Verhofstadt said : “ I ask a bit of flexibility from Prime Minister Johnson .
Maybe he can take an example from the Queen .

Brexit: EU demands could ’vanish’ says Europe expert
The European Parliament is debating the future of the bloc at a gathering in Strasbourg that saw Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe warn the EU that should it want a relationship with the UK, it needed to scale back to a “loose alliance”. Her words were echoed by Green Party MEP Scott Ainslie, who warned against Brussels becoming “distant, unaccountable and out of touch”. Ms Widdecombe added the UK might have stayed on as a member state had it kept to its “early vision”.
She said: “The European Union started with six countries and the vision then was that it would be a loose alliance of sovereign nations in a trading agreement, with some sort of political cooperation [and] with a totally noble ideal that that would somehow promote peace. “And if that had remained the vision and was still the vision, I venture to say that I don’t believe that Britain would now be leaving.” She then blasted the bloc, claiming “cooperation morphed into domination” and “sovereignty morphed into a super state”. Ms Widdecombe added: “I believe that when we have made a big success of being a competitor on your doorstep others will follow us.
MEPs have urged the EU to “learn the lessons” from Brexit
The European Parliament is debating the future of the bloc
“And therefore, if you want a future - learn the lessons of what has happened in the UK.” Mr Ainslie, who voted to Remain in the EU, called for the bloc to think about how it can change to stop another major country leaving. He added: “Brexit should serve as a dire warning to all of us as to what happens when ordinary people see the EU as distant, unaccountable and out of touch. “In the UK, it is too late. The damage is done. But it would be an absolute tragedy if the EU didn’t learn lessons from the calamity that is Brexit.” READ NOW: Trump aide urges Boris to abandon Iran nuclear deal [NEWS]
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Belgian Mr Verhofstadt recently took another aim at the UK to poke fun of the royal crisis
He then went on to call for “the voices of citizens and civil society [to] be heard loud and clear” and then for the debate of the bloc’s future not to be “reduced to a tokenistic rubber stamping exercise”. He added: “It is absolutely critical that we seize this chance to amplify citizen’s voices of all Europeans which I and my country as proud Europeans look forward to continuing to do.” Their remarks come as Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt - who is an open critic of Brexit - said the EU “has a problem when a big country is leaving”. He then said the bloc needed vast change and to work “from the bottom up”. DON'T MISS:
Keir Starmer Brexit: The ‘six tests’ Labour frontrunner created [NEWS]
How Boris Johnson's constitutional reforms could bring down the Tories [INSIGHT]
How Boris Johnson enraged EU with euro prediction: 'We warned you!' [VIDEO]
Mr Johnson is embroiled in trade talks with the EU
Belgian Mr Verhofstadt recently took another aim at the UK to poke fun of the royal crisis surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. He said Prime Minister Boris Johnson should stand ready to extend the transition period beyond the end of the year – just as the Queen agreed to accommodate the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ wish to quit the Royal Family. Addressing MEPs, he said Mr Johnson should “take an example” from the 93-year-old monarch who has allowed Harry and Meghan’s wish to create a new lift, in which they will divide their time between Britain and Canada in a transition period. Mr Verhofstadt said: “I ask a bit of flexibility from Prime Minister Johnson. Maybe he can take an example from the Queen.
The UK will leave the EU in 15 days
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--‘Do it!’ SNP urges Sturgeon to IGNORE Boris Johnson and hold Indyref2 without Westminster

Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has ramped up her calls for a another referendum over recent weeks , arguing the SNP ’ s gains at last month ’ s general election - which saw the party increase its number of seats by 13 to 48 - means it has a mandate to hold Indyref2 this year .
But Boris Johnson is refusing to bow to her demands , and earlier this week wrote to the SNP leader to again reject her request , highlighting how the party had previously promised that a referendum had been a “ once-in-a-generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil told the Daily Record bypassing Westminster would be a legal move if the Lord Advocate gave it the go-ahead .
When asked what the response from ministers should be if they were told Holyrood could stage their own referendum , he beamed : “ Do it !
” The first independence referendum , which took place in 2014 and saw Scotland vote 55 percent to 45 percent in favour of staying in the UK , was organised by the Scottish Parliament but only when power to call a referendum was temporarily transferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salmond is understood to have sought legal advice on making further use of this alternative during his period in office , but eventually secured an agreement with the UK Government to hold the first referendum more than five years ago .
Mr Neil said the Scottish Government should pursue a “ fresh ” legal option on staging Indyref2 , but would only support this if it was first deemed legal .
The MSP for Airdrie and Shotts also wants the SNP to look at establishing a Constitutional Convention on the specific issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , adding senior Labour politicians who have backed Holyrood ’ s push to make the final decision on the referendum could be included .
The comments from the senior SNP MSP are the latest in an aggressive push from the party on Indyref2 , with Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell claiming there are “ many options ” available to them .
He refused to elaborate on these options further , only to add : “ As we move forward , they will all become clear.
” Like Ms Sturgeon , he launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing him of ignoring the wishes of Scots voters .
He said : “ I think you can either have democracy or you can have dictatorship , you can ’ t have both .
“ If Boris Johnson wants to be a dictator that simply says ‘ other people ’ s votes don ’ t matter , Scotland ’ s doesn ’ t matter , Scotland isn ’ t a nation ’ .
“ That is a decision which can not hold in my view , because it goes so much against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins lashed out at suggestions THE SNP could bypass Westminster and hold its own Scottish independence referendum , telling the party to “ grow up ” .
DO N'T MISS SNP 's Ian Blackford branded 'democracy denier ' in Johnson clash [ COMMENT ] Nicola Sturgeon ’ s independence plot SHUTDOWN by Gove [ INTERVIEW ] SNP MP stunned as host reveals how Boris could stop independence [ VIDEO ] He told the Daily Record : “ The SNP Government has spent quite enough public money on frivolous legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another – and the verdict would be an unequivocal ‘ no ’ .
“ It ’ s time for the SNP to grow up , accept reality and focus on things that really matter like health , education and the economy.
” On Tuesday , Mr Johnson again rejected down calls from Ms Sturgeon for another Scottish independence referendum .
In his letter to Scotland ’ s First Minister , Mr Johnson said the SNP and her predecessor Mr Salmond had made a “ personal promise that the 2014 Independence Referendum was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Prime Minister said the UK Government “ will continue to uphold the democratic decision of the Scottish people and the promise that you made to them ” .
He added “ for that reason , I can not agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums ” .

PMQs: Boris Johnson labels Ian Blackford ‘denier of democracy’
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has ramped up her calls for a another referendum over recent weeks, arguing the SNP’s gains at last month’s general election - which saw the party increase its number of seats by 13 to 48 - means it has a mandate to hold Indyref2 this year. But Boris Johnson is refusing to bow to her demands, and earlier this week wrote to the SNP leader to again reject her request, highlighting how the party had previously promised that a referendum had been a “once-in-a-generation event”. Former Health Secretary Alex Neil told the Daily Record bypassing Westminster would be a legal move if the Lord Advocate gave it the go-ahead.
When asked what the response from ministers should be if they were told Holyrood could stage their own referendum, he beamed: “Do it!” The first independence referendum, which took place in 2014 and saw Scotland vote 55 percent to 45 percent in favour of staying in the UK, was organised by the Scottish Parliament but only when power to call a referendum was temporarily transferred by Westminster. Former First Minister Alex Salmond is understood to have sought legal advice on making further use of this alternative during his period in office, but eventually secured an agreement with the UK Government to hold the first referendum more than five years ago. Mr Neil said the Scottish Government should pursue a “fresh” legal option on staging Indyref2, but would only support this if it was first deemed legal.
Nicola Sturgeon has continued to call on Boris Johnson to allow a second independence referendum
Nicola Sturgeon has ramped up her calls for another Scottish independence referendum
The MSP for Airdrie and Shotts also wants the SNP to look at establishing a Constitutional Convention on the specific issue of Scotland’s “right to choose”, adding senior Labour politicians who have backed Holyrood’s push to make the final decision on the referendum could be included. The comments from the senior SNP MSP are the latest in an aggressive push from the party on Indyref2, with Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell claiming there are “many options” available to them. He refused to elaborate on these options further, only to add: “As we move forward, they will all become clear.” Like Ms Sturgeon, he launched a furious attack against Mr Johnson, accusing him of ignoring the wishes of Scots voters. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's anti-Brexit warning dismantled
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Boris Johnson has once again rejected the Indyref2 calls from Nicola Sturgeon
He said: “I think you can either have democracy or you can have dictatorship, you can’t have both. “If Boris Johnson wants to be a dictator that simply says ‘other people’s votes don’t matter, Scotland’s doesn’t matter, Scotland isn’t a nation’. “That is a decision which cannot hold in my view, because it goes so much against the views of the people of Scotland.” But Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins lashed out at suggestions THE SNP could bypass Westminster and hold its own Scottish independence referendum, telling the party to “grow up”. DON'T MISS
SNP's Ian Blackford branded 'democracy denier' in Johnson clash [COMMENT]
Nicola Sturgeon’s independence plot SHUTDOWN by Gove [INTERVIEW]
SNP MP stunned as host reveals how Boris could stop independence [VIDEO]
Alex Neil suggested Holyrood could bypass Westminster to call its own referendum
The Prime Minister wrote to Nicola Sturgeon, reaffirming his opposition to Indyref2
He told the Daily Record: “The SNP Government has spent quite enough public money on frivolous legal challenges. “This would certainly be another – and the verdict would be an unequivocal ‘no’. “It’s time for the SNP to grow up, accept reality and focus on things that really matter like health, education and the economy.” On Tuesday, Mr Johnson again rejected down calls from Ms Sturgeon for another Scottish independence referendum.
Scottish people are largely divided over whether Scotland should be independent
In his letter to Scotland’s First Minister, Mr Johnson said the SNP and her predecessor Mr Salmond had made a “personal promise that the 2014 Independence Referendum was a “once in a generation” vote. The Prime Minister said the UK Government “will continue to uphold the democratic decision of the Scottish people and the promise that you made to them”. He added “for that reason, I cannot agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums”.
Mike Russell said the SNP has 'many options' available to them
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Brexit LIVE: Merkel breaks silence on Brexit – German Chancellor fears for EU’s future

The German Chancellor issued the warning in a rare interview with the Financial Times , as Ms Merkel nears the end of her tenure .
She said the EU needed to respond to Britain ’ s departure by upping its game , and becoming “ attractive , innovative , creative , a good place for research and education… competition can then be very productive.
” Ms Merkel also discussed Berlin ’ s fears that the UK could become a serious economic competitor on its doorstep , as Britain will be able to diverge from current EU rules .
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final stages , as the House of Lords debate on the legislation nears a close .
Once it has been approved , the Withdrawal Agreement will then require Royal Assent before it is written into law .
But the Government faces one final hurdle , as MEPs in the European Parliament need to ratify the deal .
They are due to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement on January 29 - just two days before Britain is set to leave the European Union .
Once the UK has left the bloc , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Brussels to reach a trade deal .
They have until December 31 , 2020 to reach an agreement - as Mr Johnson has insisted the transition period will not be extended .
12.16pm update : Minister insists tourism will not suffer after Brexit Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine asks what the Government is doing to ensure that important tourism events , such as the Edinburgh International Festival , are not damaged by Brexit .
Tourism Minister Helen Whately replied : `` As she will know , during this year , once we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement on January 31 , visitor arrangements will not change .
`` The arrangements for the future , though , are going to be subject to the future relationship negotiations with the European Union .
`` We are shifting to an immigration system that will deliver on the needs of the United Kingdom rather than dependent on where people come from and we will absolutely continue to engage with the tourism sector , and also the creative industries , to make sure that the system works as they need it to . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Strasbourg for their last plenary session in the official seat of the European Parliament Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice hailed the day as a “ historic moment ” and colleague Rupert Lowe claimed it was “ the start of an exciting new chapter in our nation ’ s history ” .
Britain is set to officially leave the European Union on January 31 .
Mr Tice wrote on Twitter : “ Historic moment : arriving at Strasbourg European Parliament for the last day ever for British MEPs .
Job almost done… ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the suggestion that the cost of Big Ben bonging to mark Brexit day could be covered by donations made by the public would be `` an unprecedented approach '' .
She said : `` Any novel form of funding would need to be considered with principles of propriety and proper oversight of public expenditure - I wonder if the Leader of the House could pass that on to the Prime Minister . ''
11.26am update : MEP hints that Britain will return to the EU MEP Seb Dance has posted on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's European Parliament and has hinted that the UK will return in the future .
He said : `` Taking my seat in Strasbourg for the last time after five and a half wonderful years .
`` One day British MEPS will get to sit here again and represent our interests and work with our neighbours to solve common problems .
10.58am update : MPs to consider Lords amendments to Brexit Bill next week Leader of the Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg has said MPs will consider amendments proposed by the House of Lords next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Tory MP said the alloted time may not be necessary .
Some 163,300 EU citizens applied last month to live and work in the UK after Brexit .
The number of applications received for the EU Settlement Scheme in December takes the total number received by the end of that month to more than 2.7 million ( 2,756,100 ) , according to the Home Office .
Peter Gargreaves , a billionaire who supported Brexit , has plans to set up a £100million foundation .
The 73-year-old will start a charitable foundation this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backgrounds and with disabilities through education and sport .
The tycoon donated £3.2million to the Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum .
Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice has confirmed Big Ben `` will bong '' to celebrate Brexit as he unveiled their Plan B after facing opposition from `` bureaucrats in the House of Parliament '' .
Speaking to the BBC 's Today programme , Mr Tice said : `` We have permission to hold a celebration rally , we ’ ve got some wonderful speakers , there are lots of people now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited Boris Johnson , I ’ m delighted to hold the last speaking slot at around seven minutes to eleven .
`` And look , if they can ’ t organise for Big Ben to chime , we ’ ve got a plan B - the sound of Big Ben will chime through our excellent loudspeaker system .
`` One way or another people will hear that famous chime and it would be great if Boris would speak . ''
9.12am update : Sir Patrick Stewart has described Brexit as 'the grimmest thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , best known for his roles in Star Trek and the X-Men films , is a notorious Remainer and described Brexit as 'very , very sad ' .
Speaking at the premier of Star Trek : Picard , he said : `` It makes me very , very sad .
I think what is happening with the European Union is actually the saddest , grimmest thing that has happened to me since I have been involved in politics . ''
Sir Patrick was a Remain campaigner and has been an advocate of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Historic day ' for Britain as MEPs spend last ever day in Strasbourg Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe has branded today a `` historic day '' , as it marks the last day British MEPs will spend in Strasbourg .
He said today marked an `` exciting new chapter '' and urged Britons to `` embrace '' the change .
Mr Lowe wrote on Twitter : `` Historic day .
The last ever for British MEPs in Strasbourg .
Ignore the Remainer doom-mongers .
`` We 're at the start of an exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let 's embrace it and make it a roaring success ! ''
Nigel Farage , who will be hosting a Brexit party in Parliament Square on January 31 to mark Britain 's departure from the EU , has been told he can not set off fireworks .
Yesterday Mr Farage and Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice were given approval to hold the 20,000 strong party but their application to launch fireworks was rejected , The Telegraph reports .
They had hoped to launch fireworks from a nearby barage on the River Thames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which manages the Thames , refused them permission .
Mr Farage said : `` The plan was to have a short , dramatic five minute firework display and everyone says no .
We have just met obstacles at every moment of this . ''
8.19am update : Number of members in EU Parliament 's committees to change after Brexit On Wednesday , MEPs voted to reduce the size of the European Parliament 's comittees and subcommittees post-Brexit .
The number of members sitting on the committees will be reduced , in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Brexit: EU Trade Commissioner on what issues will be 'prioritised'
Mr Verhofstadt has been particularly vocal about the rights of EU citizens living in the UK when faced with the threat of Brexit. This comes as the German Chancellor issued a warning in a rare interview with the Financial Times, as Ms Merkel nears the end of her tenure. She said the EU needed to respond to Britain’s departure by upping its game, and becoming “attractive, innovative, creative, a good place for research and education… competition can then be very productive.” Ms Merkel also discussed Berlin’s fears that the UK could become a serious economic competitor on its doorstep, as Britain will be able to diverge from current EU rules.
Boris Johnson’s Brexit Deal is nearing the final stages, as the House of Lords debate on the legislation nears a close. Once it has been approved, the Withdrawal Agreement will then require Royal Assent before it is written into law. But the Government faces one final hurdle, as MEPs in the European Parliament need to ratify the deal. They are due to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement on January 29 - just two days before Britain is set to leave the European Union. Once the UK has left the bloc, the Prime Minister will enter into talks with Brussels to reach a trade deal. They have until December 31, 2020 to reach an agreement - as Mr Johnson has insisted the transition period will not be extended. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Guy Verhofstadt, the EU chief, has been in London sparking speculation of plans to disrupt Brexit
6:45pm update: Boris backs away from Big Ben Brexit bong The Prime Minister has said there are ‘potential difficulties’ related to a Big Ben bong on January 31. The prime minister’s official spokesman has said: “The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations. “The PM’s focus is on the events which he and the government are planning to mark January 31 and its significant moment in our history, and we want to ensure that’s properly recorded.” 6:05pm update: There will be no grand union jack lowering ceremony in European parliament Senior MEPs have opted for a low key event on January 31. Parliament grounds staff will remove the flags without a ceremony at an unconfirmed time. Certain Brexit Party MEPs had lobbied for a flamboyant ceremony when the UK finally leaves the EU. 4:20pm update: Guy Verhofstadt sparks speculation of Brexit plot with tweet He tweeted: “On my way to see UK Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay, to present the European Parliament's resolution on Brexit & Citizen's Rights adopted this week by MEPs with a huge majority!” 3:28pm update: Rules on document remain the same until December 31 2020 A government spokesman from the Department for Exiting the European Union has said: “During the implementation period, which runs until the end of December this year, travel to the EU will remain the same”. Until the end of 2020, UK passports are valid for travel anywhere in the European Union. 2.32pm update: Momentum will back Rebecca Long Bailey for the Labour leadership Momentum, the Corbyn-backing campaign group have said they will back Rebecca Long Bailey for the Labour leadership. The group was set up in 2015 to support Mr Corbyn and has tens of thousands of members who could have an influential role in the ballot. 2.06pm update: EU Commissioner warns full trade 'not possible' in the time frame Phil Hogan, the EU's trade commissioner, has said that 11 months is not enough time to agree a trade deal. He said it is "just not possible" to get a full trade negotiated with Brussels by the end of the year. Mr Hogan said that negotiators were "certainly" not going to be able to tie up everything on the future relationship between the bloc and the UK in the time frame. He added that the deadline on trade talks creates "a cliff edge again and that's not exactly helpful". He said: "Issues around security and defence may have to wait until 2021. Economic issues will be centre stage from the word go." 1.37pm update: Lord says Britons living in the EU have been treated 'shabbily' Liberal leader Lord Steel has said Britons living in the EU have been treated "shabbily" over Brexit. The veteran peer said it was a "tragedy" that as a result of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc, some expats were looking to change their citizenship. Lord Steel made his comments as he backed calls at Westminster for safeguards on pension and healthcare rights of UK citizens living in other member states. 1.03pm update: Poll: Do you think Britain will ever return to the EU? Britain is set to formally leave the European Union on January 31, which will see Boris Johnson finally fulfil his pledge to “get Brexit done’. But do you think Britain will ever return to the EU? VOTE HERE. 12.37pm update: Boris concedes Big Ben will not chime for Brexit Boris Johnson finally admitted defeat today in his Brexit battle for Big Ben to bong Britain out of the EU. The Prime Minister accepted the bell will not toll for him - despite his decision to launch a £500,000 crowd-funding campaign to ring in departure on January 31. His spokesman said: "The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations. "The PM's focus is on the events which he and the Government are planning to mark January 31. "It's a significant moment in our history and we want to ensure that is properly recorded." 12.16pm update: Minister insists tourism will not suffer after Brexit Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine asks what the Government is doing to ensure that important tourism events, such as the Edinburgh International Festival, are not damaged by Brexit. Tourism Minister Helen Whately replied: "As she will know, during this year, once we've left the EU with the Withdrawal Agreement on January 31, visitor arrangements will not change. "The arrangements for the future, though, are going to be subject to the future relationship negotiations with the European Union. "We are shifting to an immigration system that will deliver on the needs of the United Kingdom rather than dependent on where people come from and we will absolutely continue to engage with the tourism sector, and also the creative industries, to make sure that the system works as they need it to." 12pm update: British MEPs hail last day in Strasbourg EU Parliament As our MEP’s turned up in Strasbourg for their last plenary session in the official seat of the European Parliament Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice hailed the day as a “historic moment” and colleague Rupert Lowe claimed it was “the start of an exciting new chapter in our nation’s history”. Britain is set to officially leave the European Union on January 31. Mr Tice wrote on Twitter: “Historic moment: arriving at Strasbourg European Parliament for the last day ever for British MEPs. Job almost done…” 11.48am update: Crowdfunding for Big Ben bongs branded 'unprecedented approach' Shadow Leader of the House Valerie Vaz said the suggestion that the cost of Big Ben bonging to mark Brexit day could be covered by donations made by the public would be "an unprecedented approach". She said: "Any novel form of funding would need to be considered with principles of propriety and proper oversight of public expenditure - I wonder if the Leader of the House could pass that on to the Prime Minister."
Richard Tice standing outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning
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11.26am update: MEP hints that Britain will return to the EU MEP Seb Dance has posted on Twitter to mark his last day in Strasbourg's European Parliament and has hinted that the UK will return in the future. He said: "Taking my seat in Strasbourg for the last time after five and a half wonderful years. "One day British MEPS will get to sit here again and represent our interests and work with our neighbours to solve common problems. "Britain is taking a sabbatical." 10.58am update: MPs to consider Lords amendments to Brexit Bill next week Leader of the Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg has said MPs will consider amendments proposed by the House of Lords next week, on Wednesday January 22. The Tory MP said the alloted time may not be necessary. 10.37am update: Applications for EU settlement scheme hits 2.7million Some 163,300 EU citizens applied last month to live and work in the UK after Brexit. The number of applications received for the EU Settlement Scheme in December takes the total number received by the end of that month to more than 2.7 million (2,756,100), according to the Home Office. 9.56am update: Brexit billionaire Peter Hargreaves plans to set up £100m foundation Peter Gargreaves, a billionaire who supported Brexit, has plans to set up a £100million foundation. The 73-year-old will start a charitable foundation this year to support young people from underprivileged backgrounds and with disabilities through education and sport. The tycoon donated £3.2million to the Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum. 9.28am update: Richard Tice unveils 'Plan B to ensure Big Ben chimes Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice has confirmed Big Ben "will bong" to celebrate Brexit as he unveiled their Plan B after facing opposition from "bureaucrats in the House of Parliament". Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Mr Tice said: "We have permission to hold a celebration rally, we’ve got some wonderful speakers, there are lots of people now asking to speak. We’ve invited Boris Johnson, I’m delighted to hold the last speaking slot at around seven minutes to eleven. "And look, if they can’t organise for Big Ben to chime, we’ve got a plan B - the sound of Big Ben will chime through our excellent loudspeaker system. "One way or another people will hear that famous chime and it would be great if Boris would speak."
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--UK MEPs hail ‘historic moment’ as they spend last EVER day at Strasbourg EU Parliament

As our MEP ’ s turned up in Strasbourg for their last plenary session in the official seat of the European Parliament Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice hailed the day as a “ historic moment ” and colleague Rupert Lowe claimed it was “ the start of an exciting new chapter in our nation ’ s history ” .
Britain is set to officially leave the European Union on January 31 .
Mr Tice wrote on Twitter : “ Historic moment : arriving at Strasbourg European Parliament for the last day ever for British MEPs .
Job almost done… ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments to mark the occasion as he looked forward to an “ exciting new chapter ” .
He said : “ Historic day .
The last ever for British MEPs in Strasbourg .
Ignore the Remainer doom-mongers .
“ We ’ re at the start of an exciting new chapter in our nation ’ s history .
Let ’ s embrace it and make it a roaring success !
” The European Parliament is split between two locations , Strasbourg and Brussels , with MEPs and their staff having to move between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the two centres costs taxpayers at least €114million ( £97million ) each year , not including the €5million ( £4.2million ) in travel expenses .
The twin location set-up has been heavily criticised , as it involves transporting some 2,500 plastic boxes full of paperwork on a 600 mile round trip .
But a change in the current system is unlikely , as it would require unanimity among all member states governments and ratification by each of their national parliaments .
In 1992 EU chiefs decided the locations of the EU institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
JUST IN : At last !
EU finally gives UK control of Brexit future as Von der Leyen makes shock move It was decided the European Parliament should be based in both Strasbourg and Brussels , while its staff , known as the Parliament Secretariat , are formally based in Luxembourg .
The arrangements were officially incorporated into the EU treaty in 1997 .
The European Parliament is one of two assemblies in the world with more than one meeting place and one of the few that does not have the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the home to nearly all other major EU institutions and many favour having the city as the European Parliament ’ s only base .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit Party chairman unveils 'Plan B ' to ensure Big Ben chimes [ COMMENT ] EU panic : Worried Varadkar issues desperate plea to Brussels [ INSIGHT ] Brexiteers furious as Remainer plot responsible for silencing Big Ben [ DEVELOPED ] But many France objects to this , as they are reluctant to surrender the only EU institution on French soil .
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices in Strasbourg and have been given until February 7 to clear their desks in Brussels .
Their contracts are due to expire on January 31 - Britain ’ s official departure date from the European Union .
But their salary will not end on this date , as MEPs are entitled to claim a two year “ transitional allowance ” of €8,611.31 ( £7,357.62 ) per month for every year they were in office .

Brexit: Richard Tice reveals ‘plan B’ to ensure Big Ben chimes
As our MEP’s turned up in Strasbourg for their last plenary session in the official seat of the European Parliament Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice hailed the day as a “historic moment” and colleague Rupert Lowe claimed it was “the start of an exciting new chapter in our nation’s history”. Britain is set to officially leave the European Union on January 31. Mr Tice wrote on Twitter: “Historic moment: arriving at Strasbourg European Parliament for the last day ever for British MEPs. Job almost done…”
Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe made similar comments to mark the occasion as he looked forward to an “exciting new chapter”. He said: “Historic day. The last ever for British MEPs in Strasbourg. Ignore the Remainer doom-mongers. “We’re at the start of an exciting new chapter in our nation’s history. Let’s embrace it and make it a roaring success!” The European Parliament is split between two locations, Strasbourg and Brussels, with MEPs and their staff having to move between the two locations throughout the year.
British MEPs will spend their final day in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today
Richard Tice haild today as a 'historic moment'
Moving between the two centres costs taxpayers at least €114million (£97million) each year, not including the €5million (£4.2million) in travel expenses. The twin location set-up has been heavily criticised, as it involves transporting some 2,500 plastic boxes full of paperwork on a 600 mile round trip. But a change in the current system is unlikely, as it would require unanimity among all member states governments and ratification by each of their national parliaments. In 1992 EU chiefs decided the locations of the EU institutions, opting to have three key locations. JUST IN: At last! EU finally gives UK control of Brexit future as Von der Leyen makes shock move
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Rupert Lowe spoke outside the European Parliament this morning
It was decided the European Parliament should be based in both Strasbourg and Brussels, while its staff, known as the Parliament Secretariat, are formally based in Luxembourg. The arrangements were officially incorporated into the EU treaty in 1997. The European Parliament is one of two assemblies in the world with more than one meeting place and one of the few that does not have the power to decide its own location. Brussels is the home to nearly all other major EU institutions and many favour having the city as the European Parliament’s only base. DON'T MISS:
Brexit Party chairman unveils 'Plan B' to ensure Big Ben chimes [COMMENT]
EU panic: Worried Varadkar issues desperate plea to Brussels [INSIGHT]
Brexiteers furious as Remainer plot responsible for silencing Big Ben [DEVELOPED]
Rupert Lowe said today marks the start of an 'exciting new chapter'
But France objects to this, as they are reluctant to surrender the only EU institution on French soil. Last week British MEPs were asked to vacate their offices in Strasbourg and have been given until February 7 to clear their desks in Brussels. Their contracts are due to expire on January 31 - Britain’s official departure date from the European Union. But their salary will not end on this date, as MEPs are entitled to claim a two year “transitional allowance” of €8,611.31 (£7,357.62) per month for every year they were in office.
The European Parliament is based in both Strasbourg and Brussels
The fee comes before tax and will see veteran MEPs earn more than £176,000. But those elected in last May’s European elections, including Mr Tice, will not eligible for the severance pay as the EU stipulates that politicians have to serve a minimum of one year. The British MEPs will also be able to receive half of the General Expenditure Allowance for three months after Brexit day. The allowance is a controversial €4,416 (£3,773) monthly payment that MEPs are given to cover office and other expenses, without having to provide any evidence of how the money is spent. Nigel Farage has said he will refuse to take the severance pay.
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Big Ben FARCE: Brexiteers left furious as Remainers blamed for Brexit bong block

They claim anti-Brexit members of the House of Commission exaggerated the estimated cost of temporarily reactivating Westminster ’ s iconic bell in a killjoy attempt to undermine celebrations of the UK ’ s departure from the EU at the end of the month .
A Cabinet minister said : “ They just want to stop us marking this historic moment properly.
” The accusation was made as Brexiteers scrambled to try to raise up to £500,000 to ensure Big Ben ’ s famous bongs ring out at 11pm on January 31 when the country is set to formally leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are understood to be frustrated by the commission ’ s decision earlier this week to rule out reactivating Big Ben , which is currently out of service due to maintenance work , for Brexit night .
A statement from the commission , which supervises Commons administration , estimated that re-attaching the bell ’ s striking mechanism and installing a temporary floor , as well as the financial impact of delaying Parliament ’ s refurbishment programme , could cost taxpayers between £320,000 and £500,000 .
But the Cabinet minister said : “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £500,000 .
It ’ s just the Remainers on the House of Commons Commission - they just want to stick it to us Brexiteers.
” Commission members include Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle , Commons Leader Jacob-Rees Mogg , Labour frontbencher Valerie Vaz , senior SNP MP Pete Whishart and other MPs and parliamentary officials .
Westminster insiders say Remainers have a narrow majority on the 10-strong body .
A spokesman for the commission said last night : “ As with other major parliamentary projects , the scope , budget and timetable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by senior officials of both Houses and relevant Members bodies have been kept informed of progress .
“ The cost for the temporary floor and installing , testing and striking Big Ben would be approximately £120,000 .
“ In addition to the set-up , the delay to work in the belfry would push back the planned programme of works by two to four weeks , with each week of delays costing approximately £100,000 a week .
“ As such , the minimum cost of sounding Big Ben would be £320,000 but could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These costs are based on a notice period of approximately two weeks .
“ Should the project team be required to strike the bell with less notice , these costs would increase substantially.
” Earlier this week , Boris Johnson made a plea for public donations to fund the cost of temporarily re-activating the bell for Brexit night , inviting volunteers to “ bung a bob for a Big Ben bong.
” Tory MP Mark Francois , who tabled a Commons Early Day Motion calling for Big Ben to chime on Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be raised within days .
Mr Francois , who has personally pledged £1,000 to the fund , said : `` I think we will get it within 48 hours . ''
Mr Francois told ITV 's Good Morning Britain : `` It seems to me and many of my colleagues in the House of Commons patently daft that we have got the most iconic clock in the world - literally , it 's a world heritage site - that that should stay silent on this occasion . ''
He claimed the costs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Commons just do n't want to do it '' .
He added : “ I suppose if all else failed we could play a recording of Big Ben chime at 11pm .
“ I ’ m sure you or the BBC or someone ’ s got to have that on tape somewhere .
“ But I think this is such an iconic moment that we are feeling in the nation that we should do it properly .
Bear in mind , it ’ s entirely voluntary .
“ Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free country again can do so .
“ Those who don ’ t can stay at home and watch Netflix .
It ’ s an individual choice . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also backed the campaign yesterday , saying he would `` love to hear the Big Ben bong on Brexit day '' .
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` Bong or no bong , we are delivering Brexit on January 31 . ''
On crowdfunding website GoFundMe , a series of pages were set up to attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only around £500 pledged yesterday .
Nigel Farage yesterday claimed the UK would look like “ a joke ” if Big Ben failed to chime on Brexit night .
Speaking on LBC Radio , the Brexit Party leader said : `` Boris Johnson was making a joke of it - 'Oh we 'll find some mechanism where you can put a pound in ' .
“ It 's almost as if the Government is embarrassed by Brexit .
They do n't want to celebrate the moment .
`` I have put in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament Square for the evening , to put up some staging , to have some singing , to have some music , to have some speeches .
“ I 've also applied to have some fireworks , which has been refused point blank .
`` Boris got elected on a massive majority on the basis of Get Brexit Done and he ca n't even bring himself as Prime Minister to say they are going to fund this to show the world we are organised and we are ready .
`` I frankly think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that moment at 11pm , if Big Ben does n't strike , our country looks like a joke . ''
Mr Farage said a recording of the bongs could be played through a soundsystem at the Brexit celebration in Parliament Square .
Downing Street officials said the Government was still working on plans to mark Brexit .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : `` What we are doing is working on a package of ways to mark the 31st .
We are looking to announce them altogether . ''
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bells to peal across the nation when the UK leaves the EU at 11pm on January 31 were also being met with opposition .
Bell-ringing representatives released a statement to say they do not endorse the act being carried out in churches `` for political reasons '' such as Brexit .
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers declined to give its backing .
`` There are historical moments for which bells have been rung - end of world wars for example .
In 2018 the Central Council worked with the Government on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 years since WW1 Armistice , '' it said in a statement .
`` However the Central Council , as a principle , does not endorse bell ringing for political reasons .
Individual towers have discretion to ring for such occasions but is on a case-by-case basis and typically needs permission from the incumbent . ''
Eurosceptic campaign group StandUp4Brexit has launched a national crowdfunding campaign to raise £500,000 by this weekend , so that Big Ben can “ Bong for Brexit ” on January 31 .
By last night ( Wed ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £1,000 donation from Tory MP Mark Francois .
The MP , who has led the Parliamentary campaign for Big Ben to Bong for Brexit , said : “ We would like this campaign to be funded primarily by individual donations from the British public .
If 50,000 people gave £10 , we could reach this target very rapidly .
Hopefully , we are never going to leave the European Union again so it seems only fitting to celebrate it properly and I hope the British people will respond accordingly.
” Rebecca Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three and a half years after the referendum vote we are finally leaving the EU .
As a historic event , it ’ s unthinkable that this moment wo n't be celebrated by the chimes of the most famous clock in the world , in the world ’ s premier city.
” If the target is met , any additional funds raised will be donated to the charity Help for Heroes , a charity that is close to Mr Francois ’ heart as a former veterans minister .
• People can donate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following link : https : //www.gofundme.com/bigbenbongforbrexit

Brexit bong opposition can ‘watch Netflix’ says Mark Francois
They claim anti-Brexit members of the House of Commission exaggerated the estimated cost of temporarily reactivating Westminster’s iconic bell in a killjoy attempt to undermine celebrations of the UK’s departure from the EU at the end of the month. A Cabinet minister said: “They just want to stop us marking this historic moment properly.” The accusation was made as Brexiteers scrambled to try to raise up to £500,000 to ensure Big Ben’s famous bongs ring out at 11pm on January 31 when the country is set to formally leave the EU. Veteran Eurosceptics in the government are understood to be frustrated by the commission’s decision earlier this week to rule out reactivating Big Ben, which is currently out of service due to maintenance work, for Brexit night.
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A statement from the commission, which supervises Commons administration, estimated that re-attaching the bell’s striking mechanism and installing a temporary floor, as well as the financial impact of delaying Parliament’s refurbishment programme, could cost taxpayers between £320,000 and £500,000. But the Cabinet minister said: “There’s no way it would really cost £500,000. It’s just the Remainers on the House of Commons Commission - they just want to stick it to us Brexiteers.” Commission members include Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Commons Leader Jacob-Rees Mogg, Labour frontbencher Valerie Vaz, senior SNP MP Pete Whishart and other MPs and parliamentary officials. Westminster insiders say Remainers have a narrow majority on the 10-strong body. A spokesman for the commission said last night: “As with other major parliamentary projects, the scope, budget and timetable for the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment project were approved by senior officials of both Houses and relevant Members bodies have been kept informed of progress. “The cost for the temporary floor and installing, testing and striking Big Ben would be approximately £120,000.
Senior minister blame a Remainer plot
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“In addition to the set-up, the delay to work in the belfry would push back the planned programme of works by two to four weeks, with each week of delays costing approximately £100,000 a week. “As such, the minimum cost of sounding Big Ben would be £320,000 but could be much higher (up to £500,000). These costs are based on a notice period of approximately two weeks. “Should the project team be required to strike the bell with less notice, these costs would increase substantially.” Earlier this week, Boris Johnson made a plea for public donations to fund the cost of temporarily re-activating the bell for Brexit night, inviting volunteers to “bung a bob for a Big Ben bong.” Tory MP Mark Francois, who tabled a Commons Early Day Motion calling for Big Ben to chime on Brexit night, yesterday predicted the cash would be raised within days. Mr Francois, who has personally pledged £1,000 to the fund, said: "I think we will get it within 48 hours."
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Conservative MP, Mark François
Mr Francois told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "It seems to me and many of my colleagues in the House of Commons patently daft that we have got the most iconic clock in the world - literally, it's a world heritage site - that that should stay silent on this occasion." He claimed the costs were "massively exaggerated" because "officials in the House of Commons just don't want to do it". He added: “I suppose if all else failed we could play a recording of Big Ben chime at 11pm. “I’m sure you or the BBC or someone’s got to have that on tape somewhere. “But I think this is such an iconic moment that we are feeling in the nation that we should do it properly. Bear in mind, it’s entirely voluntary. “Those who wish to celebrate us becoming a free country again can do so. “Those who don’t can stay at home and watch Netflix. It’s an individual choice." Health Secretary Matt Hancock also backed the campaign yesterday, saying he would "love to hear the Big Ben bong on Brexit day".
The Union flag flutters near the clockface of Big Ben
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Bong or no bong, we are delivering Brexit on January 31." On crowdfunding website GoFundMe, a series of pages were set up to attempt to raise cash for the bongs but had only around £500 pledged yesterday. Nigel Farage yesterday claimed the UK would look like “a joke” if Big Ben failed to chime on Brexit night. Speaking on LBC Radio, the Brexit Party leader said: "Boris Johnson was making a joke of it - 'Oh we'll find some mechanism where you can put a pound in'. “It's almost as if the Government is embarrassed by Brexit. They don't want to celebrate the moment. "I have put in an application through Leave Means Leave to book Parliament Square for the evening, to put up some staging, to have some singing, to have some music, to have some speeches. “I've also applied to have some fireworks, which has been refused point blank. "Boris got elected on a massive majority on the basis of Get Brexit Done and he can't even bring himself as Prime Minister to say they are going to fund this to show the world we are organised and we are ready.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock
"I frankly think that, around the world, at that moment at 11pm, if Big Ben doesn't strike, our country looks like a joke." Mr Farage said a recording of the bongs could be played through a soundsystem at the Brexit celebration in Parliament Square. Downing Street officials said the Government was still working on plans to mark Brexit. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "What we are doing is working on a package of ways to mark the 31st. We are looking to announce them altogether." Meanwhile, Leave campaigners' calls for church bells to peal across the nation when the UK leaves the EU at 11pm on January 31 were also being met with opposition. Bell-ringing representatives released a statement to say they do not endorse the act being carried out in churches "for political reasons" such as Brexit. The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers declined to give its backing. "There are historical moments for which bells have been rung - end of world wars for example. In 2018 the Central Council worked with the Government on a recruitment and awareness campaign to recognise 100 years since WW1 Armistice," it said in a statement.
Nigel Farage suggests a recording of the bongs could be played instead