thedailyexpress--2020-08-20--Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert in fears of break up of UK

The Panelbase poll showed 51 percent of those questioned said they support independence , while 42 percent said they would vote to stay in the UK and 7 percent of voters were undecided .
When undecided voters were excluded , 55 percent favoured Scotland leaving the UK , with 45 percent preferring to stay in the union .
It is a one percent increase after a Panelbase poll earlier this year put support at 54 percent .
The Scottish First Minister was quick to celebrate the poll , adding it was `` the momentum is very clearly with us '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Scottish independence out today .
This one very encouraging .
The First Minister added : “ And this one - slightly more up to date - is even more encouraging .
“ Lots of work to do , fellow Yes supporters , to persuade even more people - but the momentum is very clearly with us.
” Pro-independence organisation Business for Scotland commissioned the poll for Panelbase , with chief executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp hailing the results as a `` huge landmark '' showing the `` writing is very definitely on the wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : SNP Health Secretary accused of 'clearing ' elderly into care homes He added : “ The reversal of the 2014 result is a huge landmark - 55 percent Yes will send shockwaves throughout the political world .
`` There is no conclusion to draw from this new set of data other than the writing is very definitely on the wall for the Union . ''
He added : `` The referendum that will be demanded following May 2021 Holyrood elections , on these figures , would start with Yes to independence commanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now significantly the majority decision of the people of Scotland and its momentum looks solid . ''
DO N'T MISS : Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon SNP govt told tourism quango to ‘ not attract English tourists [ LATEST ] Sturgeon 's top mandarin apologises for 'failure ' in botched probe [ REVEAL ] Keith Brown MSP , deputy leader of the SNP , told Express.co.uk the poll shows the confidence of the Scottish electorate in the SNP .
Reacting to the poll , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll which shows support for independence soaring across Scotland – Boris Johnson ’ s attempts to deny the right of the people to decide their own future is now utterly unsustainable .
“ With consecutive polls putting support for independence above 50 percent , it ’ s clear this is not a trend but the established position of the Scottish electorate .
“ When we look at Boris Johnson ’ s handling of coronavirus , and his Tory government ’ s contempt for all things Scotland , it is no wonder that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their own decisions on the future of our country .

Nicola Sturgeon avoiding 'serious' questions claims Jardine
Nicola Sturgeon has been handed a huge boost in a poll which asked Scots about whether Scotland should be an independent country. The poll asked: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
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The Panelbase poll showed 51 percent of those questioned said they support independence, while 42 percent said they would vote to stay in the UK and 7 percent of voters were undecided. When undecided voters were excluded, 55 percent favoured Scotland leaving the UK, with 45 percent preferring to stay in the union. It is a one percent increase after a Panelbase poll earlier this year put support at 54 percent. The Scottish First Minister was quick to celebrate the poll, adding it was "the momentum is very clearly with us".
The poll was undertaken by Panelbase
Support for Indy sits at 55 percent
She wrote: “Two polls on Scottish independence out today. This one very encouraging. The First Minister added: “And this one - slightly more up to date - is even more encouraging. “Lots of work to do, fellow Yes supporters, to persuade even more people - but the momentum is very clearly with us.” Pro-independence organisation Business for Scotland commissioned the poll for Panelbase, with chief executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp hailing the results as a "huge landmark" showing the "writing is very definitely on the wall for the Union". READ MORE: SNP Health Secretary accused of 'clearing' elderly into care homes
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It is the highest rate recorded this year
He added: “The reversal of the 2014 result is a huge landmark - 55 percent Yes will send shockwaves throughout the political world. "There is no conclusion to draw from this new set of data other than the writing is very definitely on the wall for the Union." He added: "The referendum that will be demanded following May 2021 Holyrood elections, on these figures, would start with Yes to independence commanding a 10 percent lead. "Independence is now significantly the majority decision of the people of Scotland and its momentum looks solid." DON'T MISS:
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The poll boosts hopes of Scottish independence
Keith Brown MSP, deputy leader of the SNP, told Express.co.uk the poll shows the confidence of the Scottish electorate in the SNP. Reacting to the poll, he added: “Here is yet another poll which shows support for independence soaring across Scotland – Boris Johnson’s attempts to deny the right of the people to decide their own future is now utterly unsustainable. “With consecutive polls putting support for independence above 50 percent, it’s clear this is not a trend but the established position of the Scottish electorate. “When we look at Boris Johnson’s handling of coronavirus, and his Tory government’s contempt for all things Scotland, it is no wonder that the majority of voters in Scotland want to make their own decisions on the future of our country.
The SNP have welcomed the poll


thedailyexpress--2020-08-20--Brexit LIVE: Frost leads 50 Brexiteers into fishing showdown - after EU predicts UK U-TURN

Mr Frost is being joined by 50 civil servants for the trip , as the UK prepares to stand firm on its red lines set by Prime Minister Boris Johnson - especially over EU access to British fishing waters .
But Brussels is confident the UK is beginning to waiver , as time is running out to secure a deal .
One EU official , who is closely involved in the post-Brexit trade talks , told Politico : “ The UK desperately needs this deal .
“ If the clock is ticking , reality will start to sink in in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always have behaved rationally in its negotiations with Brussels , but surely the pandemic and the lack of trade alternatives must lead to some reason in London.
” But a UK official scoffed at such a statement , and said it 's `` a bit of a stretch '' to claim Britain will rush to do a deal with the bloc because its other trade negotiations have stalled .
Brexit trade talks will take place until Thursday , with a breakfast round-up session scheduled for Friday morning .
The two sides have scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fisheries , with negotiating slots allocated for both today and tomorrow , as the EU attempts to secure the same access to British waters as before .
2.20am update : Liz Truss reclassifies meetings with Brexit think tank Trade minister , Liz Truss , has reclassified recent meetings with a pro-Brexit think tank as personal discussions .
The meetings with The Institute of Economic Affairs ( IEA ) have been removed from the public record .
The think tank has promoted free-markets and fought for a clean break from the EU since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Ms Truss and the IEA were described as discussing trade and were originally planned to be published on the Government ’ s website .
They were removed with a note explaining they were personal meetings .
12.15am update : ‘ It ’ s in the EU 's favour ’ to agree to the UK ’ s lorry demands says expert Elizabeth de Jong , policy director at Logistics UK , said it is in Brussels ’ interest to grant the UK ’ s demands for British lorry drivers ' access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said : “ I don ’ t think the demands are close to single market access at all .
I think it is in the economic interest of the EU to come to an agreement .
We ’ re not asking for too much .
Speaking on Sky News , she said : “ I don ’ t think the demands are close to single market access at all .
I think it is in the economic interest of the EU to come to an agreement .
We ’ re not asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re asking for a certain reasonable amount and we mustn ’ t forget that the EU would then be able to do that in the UK .
`` And the EU does twice the value of trade in the UK than the UK does in the EU so it ’ s very much in their favour to agree to these reasonable requests.
” The issue of British lorries accessing the EU has stalled progress in Brexit trade talks .
10pm update : UK chief Brexit negotiator sends stark warning to EU saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need them David Frost is expected to tell Brussels tomorrow that any refusal to allow a large variety of access for British lorries is likely to harm the EU compared to the rest of the UK .
In the latest round of Brexit talks , pressure has been put on the UK chief negotiator after the UK 's haulage industry warned the EU 's `` intransigence '' over granting UK lorry drivers ' access to its market amounts to `` shooting themselves in the foot . ''
Environment Agency bosses have backed plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers , lakes and coastlines after Brexit .
Sir James Bevan says new rules could see the 14 percent of rivers in England qualifying for 'good ' status under the water framework directive .
But campaigners argue new rules will water down the key measure to clean up rivers and coastal waters .
Swiss voters have been warned adopting an anti-European Union initiative would be worse than Brexit .
Justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter urged the country ’ s electorate to oppose a plan to scrap its free movement accord with Brussels .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s right-wing opposition calls on the Swiss government to suspend the pact in order to take over full control of the country ’ s immigration system .
Guy Verhofstadt has been branded a `` hypocrite '' after claiming Britain should wake up to foreign interference in domestic politics .
The arch-federalist former Belgium prime minister said a report on Russian political actors should be a “ stark warning for all democracies ” .
He insisted the UK should also take note of the US Senate dossier after an investigation in Britain found no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referendum .
5.30pm update : London will remain a big part of Europe 's financial market , Reuters says The coronavirus pandemic has stopped Frankfurt ’ s attempts to grab billions of euros worth of derivatives clearing business from Britain , the agency reports .
Deutsche Boerse ’ s Eurex Clearing was considered the strongest candidate to take business from the London Stock Exchange ’ s clearing division LCH .
But it says its euro clearing had grown more slowly than expected due to delays in regulation changes , the COVID-19 pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from London .
Ms Soubry has been a staunch critic of the UK ’ s departure from the EU and on Twitter , the former Leader of the Independent Group for Change insisted Britain must not leave the bloc due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .
In a tweet , she said : “ Not exactly the best of times to be walking away from the world ’ s biggest free trade area.
” Ms Soubry made the comment in reference to a separate tweet from fellow former Tory MP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating the UK ’ s slow economic recovery in comparison to Germany , France , Italy and Spain .
A freedom of movement deal between the two countries could form part of a post-Brexit trade agreement .
Australian MPs are urging the UK government to consider `` generous provisions '' to allow Brits and Australians to freely live and work in both nations .
Liberal Party Senator James Paterson wrote that the two countries are `` bound by deep and historical ties '' .
3.10pm update : Brussels rejects initial UK demands for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU According to the FT , UK road haulage groups have warned that failure to strike a deal by the end of the post-Brexit transition on December 31 would hurt both sides of the Channel by driving up costs and restricting supply chains .
2.31pm update : Trade off between state aid and fishing rights is likely Eurasia Group analyst Mujtaba Rahman said an eventual trade-off on state aid and fishing rights was `` possible and remains likely , but will take time '' .
Mr Rahman said a messy `` no deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border and food shortages would be a major risk for Boris Johnson 's government , and so pressure on him to agree a last-minute compromise would grow .
1.18pm update : No 'major breakthroughs ' expected in latest round of talks Commenting on the latest round of Brexit talks , which formally resumed this morning , an EU diplomat said Brussels is not expecting to make a breakthrough .
The diplomat said : `` The state aid part of the level playing field and fisheries remain the main hurdles .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into place .
`` This round should not bring major breakthroughs : eyes are on the last one in September . ''
Ireland ’ s minister of state for European affairs has warned of the potential `` chaos '' the European Union could face if a post-Brexit trade agreement is not agreed upon .
Thomas Byrne stated during an interview with BBC Radio 4 's Today Programme that it is in neither the UK or the EU 's interests to have a no deal Brexit .
He also told the BBC 's Sarah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work ongoing to avoid a hard border between the UK and Ireland including a legally binding agreement .
Mr Byrne said : `` We accept the good faith of the British .
We think that it is in nobody 's interests to have no deal .
`` That would lead to chaos for trading and for business . ''
11.03am update : UK and Australia could introduce freedom of movement between countries As part of a post-Brexit trade deal with Australia , the two countries could agree free movement between them .
Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to allow Britons and Australians to freely live and work in both nations .
Currently , Britons can get free visitor visas to stay in Australia for up to three months at a time , and can also apply for working holiday visas .
9.55am update : UK hopeful a trade deal with the EU can be reached Downing Street has said it is hopeful a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU can be agreed next month .
The PM 's spokesman said UK negotiators would `` continue to plug the gaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brussels today .
9am update : Key reason Boris will NEVER back down on UK fishing demands in EU talks Centre of Brexit Studies Researcher David Hearne suggested Mr Johnson is unlikely to budge on his fishing pledge because of the symbolic importance fisheries have had on the pro-Leave argument .
He said : “ It is politically extremely important , it 's a political hot potato .
`` It is something the UK has argued again and again is a potential benefit to leaving the EU .
`` For those on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's going to be very , very difficult to give it up . ''
Andrew Adonis has launched yet another desperate plea for Boris Johnson to stop Brexit , sparking a massive backlash on social media .
The Labour peer aimed a jibe at the Prime Minister demanding a U-turn on Brexit following the government 's decision on A-Level results yesterday .
He wrote on Twitter : “ If Johnson can U-turn on this , he can U-turn on Brexit – in stages .
”

Brexit: Scope for a 'mutually beneficial' agreement says expert
David Frost, Britain’s chief Brexit negotiator, met with his EU counterpart last night for an informal dinner. The meeting marked the start of the seventh round of post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and the bloc, and it is hoped the two sides will break the current deadlock and edge closer towards a deal. THIS LIVE BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED. CLICK HERE FOR THURSDAY'S BLOG.
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Mr Frost is being joined by 50 civil servants for the trip, as the UK prepares to stand firm on its red lines set by Prime Minister Boris Johnson - especially over EU access to British fishing waters. But Brussels is confident the UK is beginning to waiver, as time is running out to secure a deal. One EU official, who is closely involved in the post-Brexit trade talks, told Politico: “The UK desperately needs this deal. “If the clock is ticking, reality will start to sink in in London.
Brexit news: EU trade talks resume today
"The UK might not always have behaved rationally in its negotiations with Brussels, but surely the pandemic and the lack of trade alternatives must lead to some reason in London.” But a UK official scoffed at such a statement, and said it's "a bit of a stretch" to claim Britain will rush to do a deal with the bloc because its other trade negotiations have stalled. Brexit trade talks will take place until Thursday, with a breakfast round-up session scheduled for Friday morning. The two sides have scheduled a significant amount of time to discuss fisheries, with negotiating slots allocated for both today and tomorrow, as the EU attempts to secure the same access to British waters as before. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit: EU is ‘scared of no deal’ insists political expert
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4.16am update: Wales sends stark warning to Westminster over post-Brexit plans The Welsh Brexit minister has said Boris Johnson’s plans for a new post-Brexit UK internal market will “accelerate the break-up of the Union”. Jeremy Miles said in a letter to the UK business secretary, Alok Sharma, that Westminster is undermining the norms of consultation with the devolved administrations. He said: “The Welsh government is concerned that the long-term survival of the United Kingdom is under great strain and that the approach taken in the white paper will exacerbate those tensions in a way which, if not addressed, will accelerate the break-up of the Union.” Mr Sharma has said the legislation would give “regulatory clarity and certainty” to British companies when the transition period ends. 2.20am update: Liz Truss reclassifies meetings with Brexit think tank Trade minister, Liz Truss, has reclassified recent meetings with a pro-Brexit think tank as personal discussions. The meetings with The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) have been removed from the public record. The think tank has promoted free-markets and fought for a clean break from the EU since the Brexit referendum in 2016. Two meetings between Ms Truss and the IEA were described as discussing trade and were originally planned to be published on the Government’s website. They were removed with a note explaining they were personal meetings. 12.15am update: ‘It’s in the EU's favour’ to agree to the UK’s lorry demands says expert Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at Logistics UK, said it is in Brussels’ interest to grant the UK’s demands for British lorry drivers' access to the EU. Speaking on Sky News, she said: “I don’t think the demands are close to single market access at all. I think it is in the economic interest of the EU to come to an agreement. We’re not asking for too much. Speaking on Sky News, she said: “I don’t think the demands are close to single market access at all. I think it is in the economic interest of the EU to come to an agreement. We’re not asking for too much. “We’re asking for a certain reasonable amount and we mustn’t forget that the EU would then be able to do that in the UK. "And the EU does twice the value of trade in the UK than the UK does in the EU so it’s very much in their favour to agree to these reasonable requests.” The issue of British lorries accessing the EU has stalled progress in Brexit trade talks. Manon Dark takes over from Richard Percival
David Frost sends stark warning to EU saying they need British haulage drivers
10pm update: UK chief Brexit negotiator sends stark warning to EU saying they need British haulage drivers more than we need them David Frost is expected to tell Brussels tomorrow that any refusal to allow a large variety of access for British lorries is likely to harm the EU compared to the rest of the UK. In the latest round of Brexit talks, pressure has been put on the UK chief negotiator after the UK's haulage industry warned the EU's "intransigence" over granting UK lorry drivers' access to its market amounts to "shooting themselves in the foot." 8.30pm update: Environment Agency boss Brexit river pollution rule changes Environment Agency bosses have backed plans to weaken laws on cleanliness of polluted rivers, lakes and coastlines after Brexit. Sir James Bevan says new rules could see the 14 percent of rivers in England qualifying for 'good' status under the water framework directive. But campaigners argue new rules will water down the key measure to clean up rivers and coastal waters. 7pm update: 'Anti-EU initiative worse than Brexit', Swiss say Swiss voters have been warned adopting an anti-European Union initiative would be worse than Brexit. Justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter urged the country’s electorate to oppose a plan to scrap its free movement accord with Brussels. The initiative put forward by the country’s right-wing opposition calls on the Swiss government to suspend the pact in order to take over full control of the country’s immigration system.
Brexit news: David Frost will meet with negotiators in Brussels today
6.20pm update: Verhofstadt branded 'hyopcrite' Guy Verhofstadt has been branded a "hypocrite" after claiming Britain should wake up to foreign interference in domestic politics. The arch-federalist former Belgium prime minister said a report on Russian political actors should be a “stark warning for all democracies”. He insisted the UK should also take note of the US Senate dossier after an investigation in Britain found no evidence of Russian meddling in the Brexit referendum. 5.30pm update: London will remain a big part of Europe's financial market, Reuters says The coronavirus pandemic has stopped Frankfurt’s attempts to grab billions of euros worth of derivatives clearing business from Britain, the agency reports. Deutsche Boerse’s Eurex Clearing was considered the strongest candidate to take business from the London Stock Exchange’s clearing division LCH. But it says its euro clearing had grown more slowly than expected due to delays in regulation changes, the COVID-19 pandemic and a broader reticence by banks to shift from London. 4.40pm update: Remainer Anna Soubry's Brexit jibe Ms Soubry has been a staunch critic of the UK’s departure from the EU and on Twitter, the former Leader of the Independent Group for Change insisted Britain must not leave the bloc due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. In a tweet, she said: “Not exactly the best of times to be walking away from the world’s biggest free trade area.” Ms Soubry made the comment in reference to a separate tweet from fellow former Tory MP, Nick Boles, who highlighted a graph indicating the UK’s slow economic recovery in comparison to Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
Brexit: EU is ‘scared of no deal’ insists political expert
3.55pm update: Britain-Australia post-Brexit deal could happen A freedom of movement deal between the two countries could form part of a post-Brexit trade agreement. Australian MPs are urging the UK government to consider "generous provisions" to allow Brits and Australians to freely live and work in both nations. Liberal Party Senator James Paterson wrote that the two countries are "bound by deep and historical ties". 3.10pm update: Brussels rejects initial UK demands for British lorry drivers' access to the EU According to the FT, UK road haulage groups have warned that failure to strike a deal by the end of the post-Brexit transition on December 31 would hurt both sides of the Channel by driving up costs and restricting supply chains. 2.31pm update: Trade off between state aid and fishing rights is likely Eurasia Group analyst Mujtaba Rahman said an eventual trade-off on state aid and fishing rights was "possible and remains likely, but will take time". Mr Rahman said a messy "no deal" with the prospect of delays at the border and food shortages would be a major risk for Boris Johnson's government, and so pressure on him to agree a last-minute compromise would grow.
EU countries most reliant on British fishing waters
1.18pm update: No 'major breakthroughs' expected in latest round of talks Commenting on the latest round of Brexit talks, which formally resumed this morning, an EU diplomat said Brussels is not expecting to make a breakthrough. The diplomat said: "The state aid part of the level playing field and fisheries remain the main hurdles. "If this moves, everything else will fall into place. "This round should not bring major breakthroughs: eyes are on the last one in September." 12.25pm update: Ireland Brexit panic: Europe chief exposes Barnier's no deal fears in trade 'chaos' alert Ireland’s minister of state for European affairs has warned of the potential "chaos" the European Union could face if a post-Brexit trade agreement is not agreed upon. Thomas Byrne stated during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that it is in neither the UK or the EU's interests to have a no deal Brexit. He also told the BBC's Sarah Smith that there is a lot of work ongoing to avoid a hard border between the UK and Ireland including a legally binding agreement. Mr Byrne said: "We accept the good faith of the British. We think that it is in nobody's interests to have no deal. "That would lead to chaos for trading and for business." 11.03am update: UK and Australia could introduce freedom of movement between countries As part of a post-Brexit trade deal with Australia, the two countries could agree free movement between them. Australian MPs are calling for "generous provisions" to allow Britons and Australians to freely live and work in both nations. Currently, Britons can get free visitor visas to stay in Australia for up to three months at a time, and can also apply for working holiday visas.
Brexit news: Fishing rights remains an area of importance to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-08-19--SNP health crisis: Scotland’s health secretary under fire for management of NHS

Ms Freeman was probed after she admitted there will be a `` significant impact '' on patient waiting times in operations in the coming months .
Meanwhile , it was also questioned as to why contact tracers were unable to find a large proportion of people who are supposed to be in quarantine.
” Speaking in Holyrood today , Jeane Freeman said up to 50 percent of all operating theatre use could be affected by the ongoing need for infection control .
Speaking to MSPs on efforts to remobilise the health service in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety to many patients .
The Health Secretary said : `` The number of patients who can be seen , diagnosed and treated in the time-frames of before will clearly be reduced by the continuing and necessary infection prevention and control measures .
`` Such as altered patient floors , appropriate bed spacing , physical distancing , PPE requirements and time needed for additional cleaning between clinical sessions .
`` Early estimates are that up to 50 percent of operating theatre throughput could be affected in the coming months .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Louisa Jordan and there will of course be variation between boards .
`` But I want to be clear , this will have a significant impact on the time many patients have to wait for treatment . ''
Acknowledging the anxiety this will cause many patients , Ms Freeman added : `` I wish it was not so .
READ MORE : Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert '' I regret that we can not mobilise to the degree and at the speed we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continue to deal with the virus and the aftermath of the first months , there is no choice .
`` We have to continue to balance the competing demands and pressures , making the best decisions we can , none of which are easy and none of which are taken lightly . ''
She said there will be a `` very significant '' increase in waiting times for the March to June period when the figures are published .
DO N'T MISS : Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quango to ‘ not attract English tourists [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon 's top mandarin apologises for 'failure ' in botched probe [ LATEST ] The Health Secretary also spoke about plans to increase eligibility for the winter flu jab .
Ms Freeman also admitted it will be `` challenging '' to vaccinate 2.25 million people by the end of the year , 840,000 more than last year .
The new cancer recovery plan will put the experience of patients at its heart , she said , including more use of video technology and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care spokesperson Monica Lennon MSP , said : “ The re-mobilisation statement put before the parliament today is welcome but it is clear that the Scottish Government has failed to properly prepare for the full re-mobilisation of the NHS and has kept Scotland ’ s NHS in lockdown for a dangerously long time .
“ The simple fact is that thousands of patients have been left in pain for months and that nearly 400,000 cancer screening opportunities have been missed .
“ Failure to get cancer services on their feet risks a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be a primary goal of the Scottish Government .
“ The people of Scotland can not wait any longer for the NHS to be up and running .
The Scottish Government has been far too slow to get our NHS back on its feet.
” Scottish Conservative health representative Donald Cameron MSP also questioned Jeane Freeman in the Scottish Parliament about the SNP regularly missing its target by around 17,000 care home staff each week .
He added : “ This is completely indefensible and a failure which lands squarely at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response , Ms Freeman said that testing all staff was “ unrealistic ” stressing that “ staff may be on annual leave , sick leave . ''
She added : “ They may be on maternity leave and they may indeed be on different rota patterns .
So in discussions with Scottish Care and others the percentage we look to is 70 percent or more.
” Meanwhile , Alex Cole-Hamilton , Scottish Lib Dems health spokesman said data from the COVID-19 Statistical Report on quarantine checks on international travellers was “ deeply troubling @ @

Neil Findlay slams Jeane Freeman over care home testing
Ms Freeman was probed after she admitted there will be a "significant impact" on patient waiting times in operations in the coming months. Meanwhile, it was also questioned as to why contact tracers were unable to find a large proportion of people who are supposed to be in quarantine.”
Trending
Speaking in Holyrood today, Jeane Freeman said up to 50 percent of all operating theatre use could be affected by the ongoing need for infection control. Speaking to MSPs on efforts to remobilise the health service in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, she also warned that the plans could cause anxiety to many patients. The Health Secretary said: "The number of patients who can be seen, diagnosed and treated in the time-frames of before will clearly be reduced by the continuing and necessary infection prevention and control measures. "Such as altered patient floors, appropriate bed spacing, physical distancing, PPE requirements and time needed for additional cleaning between clinical sessions.
MSPs raised questions to Ms Freeman today
Monica Lennon questioned Ms Freeman today
"Early estimates are that up to 50 percent of operating theatre throughput could be affected in the coming months. "We will augment local capacity by using national resources at NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Louisa Jordan and there will of course be variation between boards. "But I want to be clear, this will have a significant impact on the time many patients have to wait for treatment." Acknowledging the anxiety this will cause many patients, Ms Freeman added: "I wish it was not so. READ MORE: Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert
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It could be months for patients to get NHS surgery
"I regret that we cannot mobilise to the degree and at the speed we all wish for. "But as we continue to deal with the virus and the aftermath of the first months, there is no choice. "We have to continue to balance the competing demands and pressures, making the best decisions we can, none of which are easy and none of which are taken lightly." She said there will be a "very significant" increase in waiting times for the March to June period when the figures are published. DON'T MISS:
Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [REVEAL]
Sturgeon SNP govt told tourism quango to ‘not attract English tourists [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon's top mandarin apologises for 'failure' in botched probe [LATEST]
Jeane Freeman was questioned by MSP's today
The Health Secretary also spoke about plans to increase eligibility for the winter flu jab. Ms Freeman also admitted it will be "challenging" to vaccinate 2.25 million people by the end of the year, 840,000 more than last year. The new cancer recovery plan will put the experience of patients at its heart, she said, including more use of video technology and quicker decision-making. Scottish Labour health and social care spokesperson Monica Lennon MSP, said: “The re-mobilisation statement put before the parliament today is welcome but it is clear that the Scottish Government has failed to properly prepare for the full re-mobilisation of the NHS and has kept Scotland’s NHS in lockdown for a dangerously long time.
NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow could be used for surgery patients
“The simple fact is that thousands of patients have been left in pain for months and that nearly 400,000 cancer screening opportunities have been missed. “Failure to get cancer services on their feet risks a tsunami of cancer deaths. Preventing this must be a primary goal of the Scottish Government. “The people of Scotland cannot wait any longer for the NHS to be up and running. The Scottish Government has been far too slow to get our NHS back on its feet.” Scottish Conservative health representative Donald Cameron MSP also questioned Jeane Freeman in the Scottish Parliament about the SNP regularly missing its target by around 17,000 care home staff each week.
Scottish Tories health spokesman Donald Cameron (pictured middle)
He added: “This is completely indefensible and a failure which lands squarely at the feet of the Cabinet Secretary.” In response, Ms Freeman said that testing all staff was “unrealistic” stressing that “staff may be on annual leave, sick leave." She added: “They may be on maternity leave and they may indeed be on different rota patterns. So in discussions with Scottish Care and others the percentage we look to is 70 percent or more.” Meanwhile, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Lib Dems health spokesman said data from the COVID-19 Statistical Report on quarantine checks on international travellers was “deeply troubling”.
Nicola Sturgeon slammed over 'national disgrace' by Lennon


thedailyexpress--2020-08-19--Scotland crisis: Scottish economic growth plummets 20 percent amid crippling coronavirus

The country ’ s GDP is almost a fifth lower than it was prior to lockdown , according to official figures .
The latest economic data , revealed by the Scottish Government today , demonstrate two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth .
Performance declined by 2.5 percent in the first three months of the year and 19.7 percent in the second quarter .
Provisional figures indicate some improvement in June , but GDP `` remains 17.6 percent below the level in February , prior to the lockdown measures which were introduced in March '' .
Estimates suggest GDP increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous month .
There has been a `` stronger and more widespread pick-up '' in economic activity than in May , with output now said to be increasing `` in all the main industry sectors '' .
Dr Liz Cameron , chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce , said the economic fall sends significant alarm bells ringing .
She said : `` The collapse in Scotland 's GDP in the second quarter sets alarm bells ringing even if the fall was expected .
`` The 19.7 percent decline from April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's economies among the worst performing in Europe .
`` These figures confirm the Scottish economy is in deep recession and intervention is required now to prevent real and lasting damage to the jobs market .
READ MORE : Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert “ The GDP stats for the month of May from the Scottish Government show a modest rise in economic activity .
“ However , the disparity with pre lockdown figures clearly demonstrate the harsh reality facing companies across Scotland who are faced with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways of operating .
“ The Scottish and UK Government must work with business to accelerate investment to stimulate demand and protect jobs as well as providing long-term targeted support for the most affected sectors . ''
Dr Cameron urged UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to act on the statistics , adding he should `` make an immediate reduction in employers ' national insurance contributions '' .
DO N'T MISS : SNP Health Secretary accused of 'clearing ' elderly into care homes [ REVEAL ] Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quango to ‘ not attract English tourists [ LATEST ] She said : `` Without rapid intervention in the form of fiscal stimulus packages as well as cost-cutting efforts such as rates holidays , we fear that Scotland 's economic landscape may never recover to previous levels . ''
The report continues : `` The unprecedented nature of this drop in output can be contrasted to the financial crisis and recession in 2008 and 2009 , where GDP decreased by around four percent over the course of 18 months . ''
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of Scotland 's economy , GDP is estimated to be up 4.3 percent in June , after growing 1.1 percent in May and falling 17.5 percent in April .
Construction output was estimated to have grown by more than a third ( 36.3 percent ) in June , after an increase of 11.4 percent in May .
But performance in the sector did fall 49 percent in April .
Fiona Hyslop , Scotland ’ s Economy Secretary said the figures show `` the devastating and unprecedented impact that the necessary lockdown restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the Scottish Government has `` worked hard to protect Scotland 's economy and ensure that as many people as possible keep their jobs '' , with more than £2.3 billion invested in a business support package .
Ms Hyslop repeated Scottish Government calls for the job retention scheme - in which more than 700,000 workers in Scotland have been furloughed - to be extended beyond October .

Ian Blackford challenged by Kay Burley on Scotland’s economy
The country’s GDP is almost a fifth lower than it was prior to lockdown, according to official figures. The latest economic data, revealed by the Scottish Government today, demonstrate two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth.
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Performance declined by 2.5 percent in the first three months of the year and 19.7 percent in the second quarter. Provisional figures indicate some improvement in June, but GDP "remains 17.6 percent below the level in February, prior to the lockdown measures which were introduced in March". Estimates suggest GDP increased by 5.7 percent in June compared with the previous month. There has been a "stronger and more widespread pick-up" in economic activity than in May, with output now said to be increasing "in all the main industry sectors".
The Scottish Government released figures today
GDP has fallen 20 percent in Q2
Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said the economic fall sends significant alarm bells ringing. She said: "The collapse in Scotland's GDP in the second quarter sets alarm bells ringing even if the fall was expected. "The 19.7 percent decline from April to June makes Scotland's and the UK's economies among the worst performing in Europe. "These figures confirm the Scottish economy is in deep recession and intervention is required now to prevent real and lasting damage to the jobs market. READ MORE: Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert
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Thousands of jobs have been cut however
“The GDP stats for the month of May from the Scottish Government show a modest rise in economic activity. “However, the disparity with pre lockdown figures clearly demonstrate the harsh reality facing companies across Scotland who are faced with the challenge of stimulating demand and managing new ways of operating. “The Scottish and UK Government must work with business to accelerate investment to stimulate demand and protect jobs as well as providing long-term targeted support for the most affected sectors." Dr Cameron urged UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to act on the statistics, adding he should "make an immediate reduction in employers' national insurance contributions". DON'T MISS:
SNP Health Secretary accused of 'clearing' elderly into care homes [REVEAL]
Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon SNP govt told tourism quango to ‘not attract English tourists [LATEST]
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said the figures show the devastating effect on Scotland
She said: "Without rapid intervention in the form of fiscal stimulus packages as well as cost-cutting efforts such as rates holidays, we fear that Scotland's economic landscape may never recover to previous levels." The report continues: "The unprecedented nature of this drop in output can be contrasted to the financial crisis and recession in 2008 and 2009, where GDP decreased by around four percent over the course of 18 months." In the services sector, which forms the largest part of Scotland's economy, GDP is estimated to be up 4.3 percent in June, after growing 1.1 percent in May and falling 17.5 percent in April. Construction output was estimated to have grown by more than a third (36.3 percent) in June, after an increase of 11.4 percent in May.
Tourism is one of Scotland's biggest economic contributors
But performance in the sector did fall 49 percent in April. Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s Economy Secretary said the figures show "the devastating and unprecedented impact that the necessary lockdown restrictions have had on the economy". She said the Scottish Government has "worked hard to protect Scotland's economy and ensure that as many people as possible keep their jobs", with more than £2.3 billion invested in a business support package. Ms Hyslop repeated Scottish Government calls for the job retention scheme - in which more than 700,000 workers in Scotland have been furloughed - to be extended beyond October.
The Scottish Government have called for the furlough scheme to be extended


thedailyexpress--2020-08-19--Keir Starmer crisis: Damaging poll will worry Labour as Boris Johnson EXTENDS his lead

The Savanta ComRes survey , published today , suggests Boris Johnson has actually opened up a 13-point lead over Sir Keir when it comes to the person seen as making the 'best Prime Minister ' .
The poll suggests Mr Johnson is currently on 43 points , with Sir Keir on 30 points - meaning the Prime Minister has actually added to his lead by four points .
Savanta ComRes Associate Director Chris Hopkins told Express.co.uK : `` Keir has made a good start but the challenge that he has is that the Conservative Party has quite a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attitudes change well before voting behaviours do , so what we are seeing is Conservative fortunes dropping in terms of attitudes and even how is Boris is doing .
`` But nothing is shifting in voting intention .
`` It goes to show how much capital the Tories have from the electorate - they can go from disaster to disaster but people are not going to vote for the Labour Party yet .
`` Sir Keir has not quite had that breakthrough yet where people know who he is .
`` Everybody knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key for him is getting his name out there .
READ MORE : Jeremy Corbyn could be booted out of Labour by Keir Starmer NEXT MONTH The Liberal Democrats , in the process of electing a new leader , are on seven percent , up one point , with other parties , including the SNP , Plaid Cymru and those in Northern Ireland , accounting for the remaining 14 percent .
A Savanta ComRes spokesman explained : `` This lack of movement in voting behaviour is offset by falls in favourability and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general net favourability of -7 is the lowest since the Savanta ComRes Political Tracker began back in May , while approval of the government ’ s handling of the pandemic is at an all-time low looking at a rolling 7-day average from our coronavirus daily tracker . ''
Mr Johnson 's personal favorability rating remains in negative territory at -1 , while Dominic Raab ( -2 ) and Matt Hancock ( -5 ) have also seen drops .
By contrast , Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s personal rating remains the strongest at +25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with July .
With Gavin Williamson in the firing line in recent days over his A Level results U-turn , Savanta ComRes have suggested the issue of education was likely to take centre stage in recent months .
With recent news surrounding changes to exam results in the UK have made headlines , Savanta ComRes ’ Political Tracker suggests the public are more negative than confident about the state of the education system over the next 12 months , with 39 percent believing things will get worse during that time .

Keir Starmer: Government ‘asleep at the wheel’ on schools row
The Savanta ComRes survey, published today, suggests Boris Johnson has actually opened up a 13-point lead over Sir Keir when it comes to the person seen as making the 'best Prime Minister'. The poll suggests Mr Johnson is currently on 43 points, with Sir Keir on 30 points - meaning the Prime Minister has actually added to his lead by four points.
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Savanta ComRes Associate Director Chris Hopkins told Express.co.uK: "Keir has made a good start but the challenge that he has is that the Conservative Party has quite a lot of electoral rope from the electorate. "Attitudes change well before voting behaviours do, so what we are seeing is Conservative fortunes dropping in terms of attitudes and even how is Boris is doing. "But nothing is shifting in voting intention.
Boris Johnson will be buoyed by the results - Sir Keir Starmer less so
Sir Keir Starmer beat Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey to the Labour leadership
"It goes to show how much capital the Tories have from the electorate - they can go from disaster to disaster but people are not going to vote for the Labour Party yet. "Sir Keir has not quite had that breakthrough yet where people know who he is. "Everybody knows Boris but not everybody knows Keir so the key for him is getting his name out there. READ MORE: Jeremy Corbyn could be booted out of Labour by Keir Starmer NEXT MONTH
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Boris Johnson is still well ahead of Keir Starmer in terms of who would make the best Prime Minister
Boris Johnson has the advantage of being enormously recognisable, said Chris Hopkins
Sir Keir Starmer was less familiar to the British public, Mr Hopkins said
The Liberal Democrats, in the process of electing a new leader, are on seven percent, up one point, with other parties, including the SNP, Plaid Cymru and those in Northern Ireland, accounting for the remaining 14 percent. A Savanta ComRes spokesman explained: "This lack of movement in voting behaviour is offset by falls in favourability and approval. "The government’s general net favourability of -7 is the lowest since the Savanta ComRes Political Tracker began back in May, while approval of the government’s handling of the pandemic is at an all-time low looking at a rolling 7-day average from our coronavirus daily tracker."
Gavin Williamson has been under pressure after the A Level results u-turn
Mr Johnson's personal favorability rating remains in negative territory at -1, while Dominic Raab (-2) and Matt Hancock (-5) have also seen drops. By contrast, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s personal rating remains the strongest at +25, albeit it five points down compared with July. With Gavin Williamson in the firing line in recent days over his A Level results U-turn, Savanta ComRes have suggested the issue of education was likely to take centre stage in recent months. With recent news surrounding changes to exam results in the UK have made headlines, Savanta ComRes’ Political Tracker suggests the public are more negative than confident about the state of the education system over the next 12 months, with 39 percent believing things will get worse during that time.
Rishi Sunak has by far the highest popularity rating in the poll


thedailyexpress--2020-08-19--Brexit threat: David Frost to warn Michel Barnier EU needs deal MUCH more than Britain

David Frost is set to challenge his counterpart ’ s rejection of an offer to ensure future access for UK freight to the bloc , which the Frenchman has branded “ fundamentally unbalanced ” .
The dispute came after the pair resumed their wrangling over a free trade agreement during a private dinner in Brussels on Tuesday night .
Mr Frost ’ s team will use this week ’ s crunch round of negotiations to point out failure to secure a road haulage pact would be detrimental to the EU ’ s interests .
The warning has been echoed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Channel , who have claimed it would result in job losses and drive up prices .
Mr Barnier has told member states the UK wants to maintain future access for British truckers to the bloc ’ s market .
The Brussels bureaucrat claimed this was part of the Government ’ s bid to secure a best of both worlds Brexit deal with “ single market-like benefits ” .
Under the British plan , lorries will be able to make pick-ups and drop-offs inside the EU – known as “ cabotage ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truckers crossing the EU as well as the ability to make two drop-offs inside member states .
Brussels ’ own rules allow for truckers to perform three cabotage operations across different states within seven days .
But a UK source hit back , saying : “ We 're not asking for single market access .
EU hauliers carry out seven times more cabotage in the UK than vice-versa . ''
Some European capitals , including the French and Dutch , have argued granting easy access to British lorries would create unfair competition within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-wage Polish lorry drivers have already put a dent in its transport business .
In 2018 , UK trucks made only 15 percent of the 2.4 million trips made by lorry drivers through UK ports .
British and Irish hauliers have urged the European Commission to compromise to protect the economy on both sides of the Channel after the transition period expires on December 31 .
The British Road Haulage insisted the EU was shooting itself in the foot by refusing not to consider Britain ’ s offer , insisting the “ intransigence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its chief executive Richard Burnett said : “ The UK Government is trying to provide symmetry but in terms of market access the EUs position is far more damaging because of the balance , or imbalance , of trade .
“ Eight-five percent of the volume of goods that come into the UK is moved by European hauliers – UK operators are responsible for the movement of only 15 percent .
“ The Government approach is to try and negotiate access to the EU while trying to maintain symmetry , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a disadvantage .
Maintaining the supply chain between Great Britain and the rest of Europe can only be achieved on a level playing field .
“ The UK is taking a liberal view – suggesting that cabotage remains on the table .
But symmetry works both ways .
If the EU remains adamant to remove cabotage , the UK will have no choice but to follow suit .
“ If this is the outcome then the intransigence of the EU means that they will be shooting themselves in the foot.
” Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ There are two sides to every border , and we are very hopeful that the EU will recognise the economic benefits to having continued access to the UK market for its hauliers , while acknowledging the contribution that UK hauliers bring to their own market .
After all , the EU ’ s hauliers do double the value of haulage trade in the UK that the UK ’ s own operators do in the EU.
” The Freight Transport Association of Ireland warned of job losses because of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ road bridge ” for its exports into the EU .
Its general manager Aidan Flynn said : “ If cabotage is removed , Irish business will lose the option to do business at existing rates .
Brexit LIVE : Frost leads 50 Brexiteers into fishing showdown [ UPDATES ] Brexit news : EU post-Brexit trade deal could be reached next month [ INSIGHT ] Nervy EU blinks first with MAJOR trade deal concession [ REPORT ]

Brexit: Boris Johnson says a ‘deal is there to be done’
David Frost is set to challenge his counterpart’s rejection of an offer to ensure future access for UK freight to the bloc, which the Frenchman has branded “fundamentally unbalanced”. The dispute came after the pair resumed their wrangling over a free trade agreement during a private dinner in Brussels on Tuesday night. Mr Frost’s team will use this week’s crunch round of negotiations to point out failure to secure a road haulage pact would be detrimental to the EU’s interests.
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The warning has been echoed by industry groups on both sides of the Channel, who have claimed it would result in job losses and drive up prices. Mr Barnier has told member states the UK wants to maintain future access for British truckers to the bloc’s market. The Brussels bureaucrat claimed this was part of the Government’s bid to secure a best of both worlds Brexit deal with “single market-like benefits”. Under the British plan, lorries will be able to make pick-ups and drop-offs inside the EU – known as “cabotage”.
David Frost will warn Michel Barnier the EU needs truckers deal much more than UK
David Frost is the Prime Minister's lead Brexit envoy
The UK wants full transit rights for its truckers crossing the EU as well as the ability to make two drop-offs inside member states. Brussels’ own rules allow for truckers to perform three cabotage operations across different states within seven days. But a UK source hit back, saying: “We're not asking for single market access. EU hauliers carry out seven times more cabotage in the UK than vice-versa." Some European capitals, including the French and Dutch, have argued granting easy access to British lorries would create unfair competition within the bloc.
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Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Paris has previously complained low-wage Polish lorry drivers have already put a dent in its transport business. In 2018, UK trucks made only 15 percent of the 2.4 million trips made by lorry drivers through UK ports. British and Irish hauliers have urged the European Commission to compromise to protect the economy on both sides of the Channel after the transition period expires on December 31. The British Road Haulage insisted the EU was shooting itself in the foot by refusing not to consider Britain’s offer, insisting the “intransigence” puts the bloc at a disadvantage. Its chief executive Richard Burnett said: “The UK Government is trying to provide symmetry but in terms of market access the EUs position is far more damaging because of the balance, or imbalance, of trade. “Eight-five percent of the volume of goods that come into the UK is moved by European hauliers – UK operators are responsible for the movement of only 15 percent. “The Government approach is to try and negotiate access to the EU while trying to maintain symmetry, but the EU’s current decision puts them at a disadvantage. Maintaining the supply chain between Great Britain and the rest of Europe can only be achieved on a level playing field. MUST READ: Ireland Brexit panic: EU chief exposes Michel Barnier's no deal fears
David Frost and Michel Barnier during a previous round of Brexit talks in Brussels
“The UK is taking a liberal view – suggesting that cabotage remains on the table. But symmetry works both ways. If the EU remains adamant to remove cabotage, the UK will have no choice but to follow suit. “If this is the outcome then the intransigence of the EU means that they will be shooting themselves in the foot.” Elizabeth de Jong, of Logistics UK, said: “There are two sides to every border, and we are very hopeful that the EU will recognise the economic benefits to having continued access to the UK market for its hauliers, while acknowledging the contribution that UK hauliers bring to their own market. After all, the EU’s hauliers do double the value of haulage trade in the UK that the UK’s own operators do in the EU.” The Freight Transport Association of Ireland warned of job losses because of the country’s reliance on the UK as a “road bridge” for its exports into the EU. Its general manager Aidan Flynn said: “If cabotage is removed, Irish business will lose the option to do business at existing rates. DON'T MISS Brexit LIVE: Frost leads 50 Brexiteers into fishing showdown [UPDATES]
Brexit news: EU post-Brexit trade deal could be reached next month [INSIGHT]
Nervy EU blinks first with MAJOR trade deal concession [REPORT]
Brexit: Michael Russell criticises UK internal market plans


thedailyexpress--2020-08-20--EU showdown: Merkel and Macron square off in battle for Brussels - with Brexit major issue

The French President will meet the German Chancellor at his medieval summer retreat to tackle the most pressing issues facing the Brussels project .
Sources close to both leaders said they would also discuss Lebanon , anti-government protests in Belarus , the coronavirus pandemic and tensions between Greece , Cyprus and Turkey .
Mrs Merkel , who holds the EU ’ s rotating presidency , is keen to cement her legacy as a true European powerhouse as the 15 years in charge draws to an end .
It is understood she will use the rest of the year to drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s future .
Whereas Mr Macron is hoping to succeed the German as the EU ’ s most influential leader when she eventually steps down from high office .
A German government source said : “ Both are aware that the EU is in a crucial period and that France and Germany – even though they have different views on lots of issues – have to stick together.
” A French official added : “ This visit is testimony to the exceptional level of Franco-German engagement on the bilateral , European and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders will play is defining the bloc ’ s post-Brexit direction after a trade deal with Britain is concluded at the end of the year .
The UK is set to leave the single market and customs union when the transition period expires on December 31 .
Both sides are still wrangling over the terms of their future relationship with much of the deadlock caused by Mr Macron ’ s hardline demands , such as maintaining status quo access to Britain ’ s fishing grounds and a regulatory level-playing field .
Mrs Merkel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the role of dealmaker when Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , presents the compromise deal to leaders this autumn .
Fort de Bregancon , the French President ’ s official summer retreat on the Mediterranean coast , is no stranger to crunch Brexit talks .
In 2018 it hosted negotiations between Mr Macron and Theresa May as the former prime minister jetted in a bid to enlist the President ’ s help with divorce talks .
The last German chancellor to visit the 13th-century fort was Helmut Kohl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitterrand in 1985 .
Mr Macron hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the retreat last August .
He hasn ’ t met with Mrs Merkel since the ill-tempered Brussels summit to decide on the EU ’ s next seven-year budget and a €750 billion pandemic recovery fund .
In an effort to secure the bloc ’ s future , Paris and Berlin teamed up to devise the plans eventually used by the European Commission ’ s Ursula von der Leyen to issue grants and loans to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
The EU yesterday held leadership talks to agree on a sanctions package for those involved in electoral fraud in Belarus .
European Council President Charles Michel said the bloc does not recognise the result of a controversial election which saw incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko secure 80 percent of the vote .
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : You 'll DESTROY the UK !
Boris sent dire warning over Union [ UPDATES ] Boris Johnson ’ s trade deal shares MAJOR similarity with no-deal Brexit [ ANALYSIS ] Frost to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than UK [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: 'Ball in UK's court' in trade talks with EU says expert
The French President will meet the German Chancellor at his medieval summer retreat to tackle the most pressing issues facing the Brussels project. Sources close to both leaders said they would also discuss Lebanon, anti-government protests in Belarus, the coronavirus pandemic and tensions between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. Mrs Merkel, who holds the EU’s rotating presidency, is keen to cement her legacy as a true European powerhouse as the 15 years in charge draws to an end.
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It is understood she will use the rest of the year to drive through significant changes to define the bloc’s future. Whereas Mr Macron is hoping to succeed the German as the EU’s most influential leader when she eventually steps down from high office. A German government source said: “Both are aware that the EU is in a crucial period and that France and Germany – even though they have different views on lots of issues – have to stick together.” A French official added: “This visit is testimony to the exceptional level of Franco-German engagement on the bilateral, European and international level.”
Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel will discuss Brexit when they meet today
Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron have become close allies
One key role both leaders will play is defining the bloc’s post-Brexit direction after a trade deal with Britain is concluded at the end of the year. The UK is set to leave the single market and customs union when the transition period expires on December 31. Both sides are still wrangling over the terms of their future relationship with much of the deadlock caused by Mr Macron’s hardline demands, such as maintaining status quo access to Britain’s fishing grounds and a regulatory level-playing field. Mrs Merkel, however, is expected to play the role of dealmaker when Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, presents the compromise deal to leaders this autumn.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Fort de Bregancon, the French President’s official summer retreat on the Mediterranean coast, is no stranger to crunch Brexit talks. In 2018 it hosted negotiations between Mr Macron and Theresa May as the former prime minister jetted in a bid to enlist the President’s help with divorce talks. The last German chancellor to visit the 13th-century fort was Helmut Kohl, at the invitation of then-president Francois Mitterrand in 1985. Mr Macron hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the retreat last August. MUST READ: Pound to euro exchange rate: GBP plummets amid ongoing Brexit talks
French President Emmanuel Macron
He hasn’t met with Mrs Merkel since the ill-tempered Brussels summit to decide on the EU’s next seven-year budget and a €750 billion pandemic recovery fund. In an effort to secure the bloc’s future, Paris and Berlin teamed up to devise the plans eventually used by the European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen to issue grants and loans to the hardest hit economies and regions by the coronavirus crisis. The EU yesterday held leadership talks to agree on a sanctions package for those involved in electoral fraud in Belarus. European Council President Charles Michel said the bloc does not recognise the result of a controversial election which saw incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko secure 80 percent of the vote. DON'T MISS
Brexit LIVE: You'll DESTROY the UK! Boris sent dire warning over Union [UPDATES]
Boris Johnson’s trade deal shares MAJOR similarity with no-deal Brexit [ANALYSIS]
Frost to tell Barnier EU needs Brexit deal for truckers more than UK [INSIGHT]
Brexit: EU is ‘scared of no deal’ insists political expert


thedailyexpress--2020-08-20--Sturgeon shamed: Furious Ruth Davidson lashes out at SNP over care home fiasco

Former leader of the Scottish Tories , Ruth Davidson , took aim at the First Minister ahead of the announcement of the latest review of the Scottish lockdown on Thursday .
Ms Sturgeon is not expected to make any major changes to restrictions when she makes a statement to MSP at Holyrood .
Ms Davidson 's dressing down of the SNP leader comes just days after Ms Sturgeon refused to set a date for a care home public inquiry .
The Conservative MSP tweeted : `` Testing is the key to reducing risk and exposure to care home staff - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister declined to put in place a deadline for a public inquiry into Scotland 's coronavirus care home scandal .
Care homes north of the border were inundated with hospital patients who had tested positive for the virus .
The Scottish Conservatives had urged Ms Sturgeon to launch the inquiry without delay and pledge a report would be completed in time for next May 's Holyrood election .
The SNP leader refused to bow to opposition pressure and said staging an inquiry while the pandemic was still ongoing was out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take our eye off the ball '' as `` we may not even be halfway through this pandemic '' .
READ MORE : SNP fury as Michael Gove and George Galloway ponder huge change More than 1,000 patients were sent to homes without ever having undergone a coronavirus test .
Scottish Conservative health representative Donald Cameron questioned Health Secretary Jeane Freeman on Wednesday over the SNP 's failure to meet care home testing targets .
He said around 17,000 tests on staff were being missed each week .
He called it `` completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the feet of the Cabinet Secretary '' .
He later tweeted : `` The SNP Health Secretary said in July that testing of all care home staff was a weekly occurrence .
`` But after continuously missing this target , the Health Secretary has today described it as 'unrealistic ' .
`` Our care home workers deserve better than this . ''

Coupar Angus: Sturgeon warns cases are expected to rise
Former leader of the Scottish Tories, Ruth Davidson, took aim at the First Minister ahead of the announcement of the latest review of the Scottish lockdown on Thursday. Ms Sturgeon is not expected to make any major changes to restrictions when she makes a statement to MSP at Holyrood. Ms Davidson's dressing down of the SNP leader comes just days after Ms Sturgeon refused to set a date for a care home public inquiry.
Trending
The Conservative MSP tweeted: "Testing is the key to reducing risk and exposure to care home staff - and residents. "Staff were promised weekly tests. "Thousands are being missed." Earlier this week the First Minister declined to put in place a deadline for a public inquiry into Scotland's coronavirus care home scandal.
Nicola Sturgeon has come under fire for failing to meet care home staff testing targets
Ruth Davidson took aim at the SNP leader over the care home scandal
Care homes north of the border were inundated with hospital patients who had tested positive for the virus. The Scottish Conservatives had urged Ms Sturgeon to launch the inquiry without delay and pledge a report would be completed in time for next May's Holyrood election. The SNP leader refused to bow to opposition pressure and said staging an inquiry while the pandemic was still ongoing was out of the question. She said it would "take our eye off the ball" as "we may not even be halfway through this pandemic".
READ MORE: SNP fury as Michael Gove and George Galloway ponder huge change
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Scotland's care home scandal has been a thorn in Ms Sturgeon's side
Scotland's Health Secretary Jeane Freeman
More than 1,000 patients were sent to homes without ever having undergone a coronavirus test. Scottish Conservative health representative Donald Cameron questioned Health Secretary Jeane Freeman on Wednesday over the SNP's failure to meet care home testing targets. He said around 17,000 tests on staff were being missed each week. He called it "completely indefensible and a failure which lands squarely at the feet of the Cabinet Secretary".
Nicola Sturgeon says Aberdeen still has 'signs of concern'
He later tweeted: "The SNP Health Secretary said in July that testing of all care home staff was a weekly occurrence. "But after continuously missing this target, the Health Secretary has today described it as 'unrealistic'. "Our care home workers deserve better than this."
The First Minister has refused to bow to pressure to immediately launch a care home inquiry


thedailyexpress--2020-08-20--Brexit trade talks: Where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks?

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Brexit talks resumed for a seventh time on Wednesday , with all aspects of the UK ’ s future relationship with the European Union up for discussion .
The UK is currently in a transition period which lasts until the end of this year , and a deal will need to be agreed within weeks to ensure it can be ratified by then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , 2020 , and the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal would need to be decided by October at the latest for it to be ratified by the end of the year .
This week 's talks are the last scheduled negotiating round before autumn , with both sides saying talks would continue in September .
British chief negotiator David Frost and Mr Barnier dined together on Tuesday ahead of the talks .
Discussions so far have hit sticking points , and neither side seem to want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merkel plot EU power grab ahead of showdown talks

Brexit: 'Ball in UK's court' in trade talks with EU says expert
Brexit talks resumed for a seventh time on Wednesday, with all aspects of the UK’s future relationship with the European Union up for discussion. The UK is currently in a transition period which lasts until the end of this year, and a deal will need to be agreed within weeks to ensure it can be ratified by then.
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The transition period ends on December 31, 2020, and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal would need to be decided by October at the latest for it to be ratified by the end of the year. This week's talks are the last scheduled negotiating round before autumn, with both sides saying talks would continue in September. British chief negotiator David Frost and Mr Barnier dined together on Tuesday ahead of the talks. Discussions so far have hit sticking points, and neither side seem to want to budge. Read More: Macron and Merkel plot EU power grab ahead of showdown talks
Brexit trade talks: Where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks?
Brexit trade talks: Mr Barnier last month said the 'level playing field' was the biggest remaining hurdle
READ MORE Brexit fisheries row: Denmark facing 'devastation' without UK waters Where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks? Clear red lines have been drawn by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on issues such as fishing rights in British waters and ensuring state aid preserves fair competition. Fishing rights is one big sticking point for both sides, and neither seem ready to compromise. However not much was expected from this round of discussions, with September's talks the ones which will be watched closely according to officials.
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Brexit trade talks: The transition period ends on December 31, 2020
Brexit trade talks: Fishing rights is one big sticking point for both sides
READ MORE Brexit setback: EU not 'significantly worried' at prospect of no deal This would include tariffs and quotas and complicated for businesses. Mr Barnier last month said the "level playing field" was the biggest remaining hurdle, but also listed energy and transport cooperation, as well as rules on marking the origin of products. One EU official, who is closely involved in the post-Brexit trade talks, told Politico: “The UK desperately needs this deal. “If the clock is ticking, reality will start to sink in in London.
Brexit trade talks: Mr Frost remains confident a deal will be reached by the end of next month
"The UK might not always have behaved rationally in its negotiations with Brussels, but surely the pandemic and the lack of trade alternatives must lead to some reason in London.” However, a UK official rebuffed the statement, saying it is "a bit of a stretch" to say Britain will rush through a deal with Brussels because other trade negotiations have stalled. Eurasia Group analyst Mujtaba Rahman said an eventual trade-off on state aid and fishing rights was "possible and remains likely, but will take time". Mr Rahman said a messy "no deal" with the potential for delays at the border and food shortages would be a major risk for Mr Johnson's troubled government.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-20--Brexit LIVE: You'll DESTROY the UK! Boris sent dire warning hours before crunch EU talks

Jeremy Miles , Welsh Brexit minister , said the plan was a cause for `` concern '' .
In a letter to UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma , Mr Miles said : “ The Welsh Government is concerned that the long-term survival of the United Kingdom is under great strain and that the approach taken in the white paper will exacerbate those tensions in a way which , if not addressed , will accelerate the break-up of the Union . ''
Mr Miles hit out at the Prime Minister 's approach to the plan , saying his Government had shunned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plan includes a proposal to impose `` mutual recognition '' of goods in all corners of the UK .
This would allow the Westminster Government to unilaterally set food and environmental standards for Scotland and Wales .
Mr Miles tore apart the white paper on the plan , saying it was `` fundamentally flawed and misleading '' .
The warning to Mr Johnson over post-Brexit plans comes as negotiators will today knuckle down in Brussels for a second say of intense talks .
Michel Barnier and David Frost , flanked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings throughout the day .
Thursday 's meetings will focus heavily on fishing access , which remains among the most contentious issues in UK-EU talks .
SEE BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES : The EU has slapped down a British request for a migration pact that would allow the Government to send asylum seekers to other European nations , according to a report .
After the Brexit transition period ends on December 31 , Britain will lose the right to transfer refugees and migrants back to the EU county in which they arrived .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangement outside the bloc .
But EU negotiators have rejected the request , reports The Guardian .
Chairman of the European Fisheries Alliance ( EUFA ) Gerard van Balsfoort has claimed the arrangement which gives EU boats unfettered access to Britain 's rich fishing waters is `` balanced '' .
In comments likely to infuriate Leave voters , Mr van Balsfoort said any `` upset '' to the current rules should be avoided .
He met with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels to discuss the ongoing trade talks .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The next few months be defining for the future of thousands of fishermen , their communities and the value chain linked to fisheries across the EU and we hope that the European Union will continue to take a strong position to protect their future . ''
He added : “ The current system strikes a fragile but necessary balance between sustainable management of fish stocks , the prosperity of EU and UK fleets and the thousands of jobs in our coastal communities .
`` We should build upon this basis as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very real consequences for many livelihoods across the continent ” .
Fishing access remains one of the main sticking points in post-Brexit trade talks .
12.01pm update : Brexit trade talks : Where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks ?
Brexit talks resumed for the seventh round on Wednesday , as Brussels and the UK work to reach a post-Brexit deal on all elements of future relations .
So where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks now ?
Sugar beet farmers in the UK have hit out at the Government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sugar after December 31 .
The proposal is for a new zero-tariff 260,000-tonne Autonomous Tariff Quota ( ATQ ) for raw sugar coming into the country after the end of the Brexit transition period .
Around half of the sugar consumed by Britons hails from farms in the UK , mainly in East Anglia and the East Midlands .
British growers fear the proposal will make way for the market to be flooded with sugar grown in foreign lands where food and worker standards are significantly lower .
NFU sugar board chairman Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review this tariff '' .
He called the proposals `` highly concerning , unjustified and unnecessary '' .
9.58am update : Ex-Brexit Party MEP thanks 'sneering Eurocrats for making Brexit possible ' Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe has said chief Eurocrat Guy Verhofstadt was a `` gift to Eurosceptics '' due to his anti-Brexit rhetoric .
Mr Lowe said : Every syllable Guy Verhofstadt uttered gifted the Brexit Party a 1,000 votes .
`` He was a gift to Eurosceptics and I 'll be forever grateful to him and his fellow sneering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll be raising a glass to him on December 31st ! ''
9.02am update : Brexit setback : Brussels not 'significantly worried ' at prospect of no UK trade deal Brexit negotiations have not been moving forward as the European Union is not `` significantly worried '' about the UK refusing to give in to its `` painful '' demands , it has been claimed .
King 's College academic Jonathan Portes suggested Brussels is now waiting for London to agree to major concessions as he noted the bloc does not appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a no-deal scenario .
Speaking to CNBC , Prof Portes said : `` We know what the outline of a possible deal looks like , the question is whether either side feels they have the political space to make the necessary compromises and concessions . ''
`` And given that the UK is clearly the weaker negotiating partner , the ball is really in the UK 's court as far as the EU is concerned .
`` They are not sufficiently worried about the consequences of a no deal to make those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Truss has reclassified recent meetings with a pro-hard Brexit think tank as personal discussions , removing them from the public record and sparking opposition allegations that she wants to conceal their influence on public policy .
The Institute of Economic Affairs ( IEA ) is widely regarded as one of Britain 's most influential right-leaning think tanks .
Two meetings with Ms Truss and the IEA had originally been included in quarterly transparency data published on the government 's website and described as discussing trade .
They were removed on Wednesday with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first such revision since the department was created in 2016 .
Labour said Truss appeared to be evading rules designed to ensure integrity , transparency and honesty in public office .
Government rules require meetings with external organisations that discuss official business to be declared .
Emily Thornberry , head of Labour 's trade policy brief , said : `` It makes no sense for Liz Truss now to claim that meetings on those issues had nothing to do with her ministerial role , and suggests instead that she has something to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended the meetings or what specifically was discussed . ''
The Department for International Trade said the meetings were initially included due to an administrative error , and they held no information about them .
They declined to comment when asked how a meeting on trade and investment could be considered a personal meeting .

Brexit: Johnson must keep ‘over my dead body’ bid says host
Mr Corbyn claimed during an interview, he was met with great hostility for his policies as leader. In a further blow to the party, he indicated MPs within his own party did not want change thus hindering the chances of his policies. He said in an interview with economist Grace Blakely: "There are people in the Labour Party that don’t want change, that didn’t want that change." Although he insisted some within his party did not want change and thus hindered the party's progress, many voters disagreed with Brexit policy as seen by the party's losses in the north and Midlands. Boris Johnson has been warned his ambitious plan for a post-Brexit internal market in the UK will "accelerate the break-up of the Union". THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Visit HERE for your latest Brexit updates
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The Labour-led administration in Cardiff ripped apart the Prime Minister's plan to pass legislation to underpin a new internal market between the four nations. Wales issued the warning after it undertook a review of Mr Johnson's Government's white paper outlining the plans. Jeremy Miles, Welsh Brexit minister, said the plan was a cause for "concern". In a letter to UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma, Mr Miles said: “The Welsh Government is concerned that the long-term survival of the United Kingdom is under great strain and that the approach taken in the white paper will exacerbate those tensions in a way which, if not addressed, will accelerate the break-up of the Union." Mr Miles hit out at the Prime Minister's approach to the plan, saying his Government had shunned consultations with Cardiff, Holyrood and Stormont. The plan includes a proposal to impose "mutual recognition" of goods in all corners of the UK. This would allow the Westminster Government to unilaterally set food and environmental standards for Scotland and Wales. Mr Miles tore apart the white paper on the plan, saying it was "fundamentally flawed and misleading". SEE BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit Live: Jeremy Corbyn lashes out at MPs
Brexit timeline
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7.32am update: THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Visit HERE for your latest Brexit updates 6am update: New German law on dog walking confuses citizens Dog owners in Germany will soon need to make sure they walk their canine pet twice a day for at least an hour, under drafted reforms to animal welfare rules unveiled this week. Germany's Food and Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner while setting out the plan: "Pets are not cuddly toys, their needs must be taken into account.” But tabloid Bild described the government’s plan as “the most insane idea that a ministry has come up with in living memory”. Others wanted the government to go further, with Thomas Schröder, president of the German Animal Welfare Association, saying owners should require proof of knowledge for how to care for their four-legged friends. 5am update: European Commission approves loan worth millions for Romanian airline The European Union has splashed a massive €62 million on a loan guarantee for Romanian airline Blue Air. The bailout aims at compensating Blue Air for damages sugared throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The public guaranteed loan gives the airline around €28 million for damages directly caused by the pandemic, and around €34 million in a rescue aid to give the airline acute liquidity. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The aviation sector has been severely hit by the coronavirus outbreak.” 2:30am update: German litterbugs cost towns millions every year Germany’s environment ministry has revealed the country spends €700 million each year cleaning up cigarettes and single-use plastics. A study published by the VKU, the German association of local utilities, assessed waste management and found staggering amounts of public funding were spent on litter. Disposing of cigarette butts costs around €225 million, and takeaway plastic cups cost around €120 million a year. Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said: "It's costing us all a lot of money because at the moment it's only the local authorities which are bearing the cleanup costs in parks and streets and disposing of the litter. “I find it only fair that, in future, the burden of cleaning and disposing of the waste will be taken on more by the polluters.”
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12am update: EU tensions with Russia rise with opposition refugee Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron have said they are ready to offer asylum to a Russian opposition activist after he was hospitalised. Alexei Navalny is in a coma in a hospital following a suspected “toxic poisoning”, after he criticised Vladimir Putin for passing changes to Russia’s constitution on presidential terms in office. The French President said along with the German Chancellor: "We are obviously ready to give Navalny and his loved ones all the assistance they need in terms of health, asylum, protection. “We hope above all that he can be saved and we will provide all the support we are asked for in order to do that.” Ms Merkel added: "We would give him all assistance in terms of health, including in German hospitals, if that is wanted." Dylan Donnelly takes over from Bill McLoughlin 9.20pm update: EU's plot to steal businesses from London flops in huge Brexit blow for Brussels European financial centres have failed to make the most of the UK’s departure from the bloc by seizing business opportunities from the City of London. Deutsche Boerse’s Eurex Clearing was considered one of the most likely candidates to take business from the London Stock Exchange’s LCH clearing division. Its bosses, however, has said euro clearing had grown more slowly than forecast due to the coronavirus pandemic and delays in regulation changes. They also said banks were reluctant to shift their business from London despite the continued uncertainty about the UK and EU’s future relationship. Matthias Graulich, a board member at Eurex Clearing, said: “There is a slower growth path than we initially had expected for the second half of this year primary due to COVID-19 and its implications, but everything is going in the right direction to achieve our goals.”
Brexit: Scope for a 'mutually beneficial' agreement says expert
8.11pm update: Poland set to be a major problem for the EU Poland could be a huge problem for the EU's continued integration plan, Labour MP Gisela Stuart has claimed. Despite the EU agreeing the £677billion coronavirus rescue package, Ms Stuart noted Poland may be a future problem for Brussels. She said: "I have always thought two things ought to happen if the EU wants to survive. "Europe has to come up with a model of two kinds of memberships: one for euro members and one for non-euro members. "The euro countries have to deeply integrate, the other ones don't. "Now, with the Recovery Fund, the EU is slowly edging to create debt. "And I think it is, in the long term, a necessary step if the EU wants to become a true federal state. "These are just the consequences of the single currency. And for the EU, it is an important step in the right direction."
Brexit Live: Concerns over Poland rise
7.05pm update: Frost now has upper hand over the EU for simple reason, says economist Britain now has the upper hand over the EU when it comes to trade deal talks - and UK negotiator David Frost can now turn up the heat on Brussels, an economist has suggested. The seventh round of talks between Mr Frost and opposite number Michel Barnier got underway this week - and Mark Littlewood, director of London-based think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) believes the UK will now go on the offensive. He said: "I think there is an opportunity for us to play hardball. "And the reason I say that is in essence the European Union's only trade negotiation at the moment of any real importance is with the United Kingdom. "We are now at last playing the multi-dimensional chess we should have been playing from the outset." 6.02pm update: Brexit concerns outweigh COVID-19 for retirees Despite the aspect of a second wave of coronavirus striking the country, 46 percent of over-50s looking to move a abroad are now reconsidering their destination due to Brexit. A further 44 percent are contemplating dropping their plans all together according to research from Canada Life today. This in contrast to 37 percent who are concerned about COVID-19 and therefore, may not move.
Brexit Live: Jeremy Corbyn
5.26pm update: Jeremy Corbyn hits out over lack of support for Brexit policy Despite taking the party to humiliating defeat at the 2019 general election, Mr Corbyn has claimed he was not given adequate support by his MPs. In the interview with a A World to Win podcast, he said: "It was difficult, there's no denying that. "There are people in the Labour Party that don't want change, that didn't want that change. "I was faced by a great deal of hostility from the very beginning." 4.20pm update: Merkel and Macron square off in battle for Brussels Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel will hold showdown talks today as the European Union's two most influential leaders try to maintain their stranglehold on the bloc - and Brexit is on the agenda. The French President will meet the German Chancellor at his medieval summer retreat to tackle the most pressing issues facing the Brussels project. A German government source said: “Both are aware that the EU is in a crucial period and that France and Germany – even though they have different views on lots of issues – have to stick together.” A French official added: “This visit is testimony to the exceptional level of Franco-German engagement on the bilateral, European and international level.”
Brexit: 'Ball in UK's court' in trade talks with EU says expert
EU-UK negotiations
3.07pm update: Brexit fisheries row erupts The EU and UK have so far failed to agree a free trade agreement due to several areas of divergence, including fisheries. Brussels's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier has declared the EU will not allow European vessels to be excluded from British waters. Expert on fisheries, professor Aaron Hatcher, said in a report that Denmark in particular is vulnerable in the case of a no deal Brexit. He said: "Denmark, for example, would find it impossible to catch its quotas of herring and mackerel if it could no longer fish in UK waters, with devastating consequences for its industry. "This is why the EU is determined that the current level of access be maintained, and it has stated this quite clearly." Bill McLoughlin takes over from Laura O'Callaghan.
Sugar beet farmers in the UK have slammed the Government's post-Brexit plans
2.37pm update: Post-Brexit tariff proposal row escalates - Farmers 'baffled' A Norfolk farmer has has slammed Government plans to cut tariffs on imported sugar beet after the Brexit transition period. Tony Bambridge, chairman of the NFU's regional board for East Anglia, said the proposals would flood the UK with sugar which has been harvested by exploited workers. He said: “What the Government has decided, for some unusual reason, is to allow this significant tonnage to come into the UK under a tariff-free sugar quota from anywhere in the world, and there is no control over how it is produced. It could be produced using labour exploitation or pesticide products that are illegal in the UK. "We are baffled as to why they would decide to do this. “We are talking about 260,000 tonnes of sugar, which is equivalent to a quarter of UK production. "Can you imagine if we lost a quarter of our production? That would be like losing one of the four sugar factories, so it is not just going to affect a couple of farmers, it is a whole supply chain.”
An EU fishing chief claimed the current arrangement with the UK is 'balanced'
1.35pm update: UK request on post-Brexit migrant pact rejected by EU The EU has slapped down a British request for a migration pact that would allow the Government to send asylum seekers to other European nations, according to a report. After the Brexit transition period ends on December 31, Britain will lose the right to transfer refugees and migrants back to the EU county in which they arrived. The UK is seeking to replicate the arrangement outside the bloc. But EU negotiators have rejected the request, reports The Guardian. 12.31pm update: EU fishing chief outrageously claims bloc's access to UK waters is 'balanced' Chairman of the European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) Gerard van Balsfoort has claimed the arrangement which gives EU boats unfettered access to Britain's rich fishing waters is "balanced". In comments likely to infuriate Leave voters, Mr van Balsfoort said any "upset" to the current rules should be avoided. He met with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels to discuss the ongoing trade talks. Following the meeting, Mr van Balsfoort said: "The next few months be defining for the future of thousands of fishermen, their communities and the value chain linked to fisheries across the EU and we hope that the European Union will continue to take a strong position to protect their future." He added: “The current system strikes a fragile but necessary balance between sustainable management of fish stocks, the prosperity of EU and UK fleets and the thousands of jobs in our coastal communities. "We should build upon this basis as any upset to this balance will have very real consequences for many livelihoods across the continent”. Fishing access remains one of the main sticking points in post-Brexit trade talks.
'Sneering Eurocrats' including Guy Verhofstadt made Brexit possible, Rupert Lowe has claimed
12.01pm update: Brexit trade talks: Where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks? Brexit talks resumed for the seventh round on Wednesday, as Brussels and the UK work to reach a post-Brexit deal on all elements of future relations. So where do we stand on UK-EU trade talks now? Click here for a full explanation. 11.07am update: Sugar beet farmers express fear over post-Brexit tariff proposals Sugar beet farmers in the UK have hit out at the Government's proposals for slahsed tariffs on imported cane sugar after December 31. The proposal is for a new zero-tariff 260,000-tonne Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) for raw sugar coming into the country after the end of the Brexit transition period. Around half of the sugar consumed by Britons hails from farms in the UK, mainly in East Anglia and the East Midlands. British growers fear the proposal will make way for the market to be flooded with sugar grown in foreign lands where food and worker standards are significantly lower. NFU sugar board chairman Michael Slys urged the Government to "urgently review this tariff". He called the proposals "highly concerning, unjustified and unnecessary". 9.58am update: Ex-Brexit Party MEP thanks 'sneering Eurocrats for making Brexit possible' Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe has said chief Eurocrat Guy Verhofstadt was a "gift to Eurosceptics" due to his anti-Brexit rhetoric. Mr Lowe said: Every syllable Guy Verhofstadt uttered gifted the Brexit Party a 1,000 votes. "He was a gift to Eurosceptics and I'll be forever grateful to him and his fellow sneering Eurocrats who made Brexit possible. "I'll be raising a glass to him on December 31st!"
Boris Johnson is seeking to establish a UK-wide internal market after the Brexit transition period