thedailyexpress--2020-09-13--Boris Johnson fightback: PM plans 'to rescue Brexit' from 'meddling' EU-Remainer alliance

The BBC 's Adam Fleming told Andrew Marr that the Government launched its controversial new Brexit bill this week in response to the `` extreme positions '' that the EU had taken in talks .
He made the remarks after discussing the Sunday Telegraph 's leader during the newspaper review on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show .
The newspaper 's leader urged MPs to back the Internal Market Bill , despite fierce criticism from the EU and a brewing revolt among Tory MPs .
Earlier today , former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major joined forces to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` shameful '' attempt to override parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement .
Mr Blair and Sir John accused the Government of `` embarrassing '' the UK .
BBC 's Adam Fleming said : `` I was surprised when I talked to people in this new Government about how much they hated the Brexit withdrawal deal and how committed they were to protecting UK sovereignty , and how unprepared they were to give any of it away . ''
Marr pointed out that the Withdrawal Agreement `` was a deal Boris negotiated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blair & Major spark backlash ‘ Reminding people why they voted Brexit ! '
BBC 's Adam Fleming said : `` This is like talking to a senior member of the Government , reading this leader in the Sunday Telegraph .
`` It is laced through with regret and pointing fingers over the deal .
`` They suggest it is Remainers from the last Parliament , in league with the sinister EU , who foisted a bad deal onto Boris Johnson , who is trying to rescue it now . ''
Marr responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that after the EU signed the deal they have acted in bad faith ? ''
The former Brussels correspondent for the BBC said : `` It is two things : It is the behaviour of the EU in the talks right now in the Joint Committee , not in the trade deal talks , which is hammering out the details of how the Northern Ireland deal will work out in the real world .
`` The UK feels that the EU is taking a very extreme position there .
`` But , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Brexit deal to begin with . ''
Marr followed this up : `` Blair and Major were both very strong Remainers .
`` They say they have moved on but there will be a lot of suspicion in Government that this is what it is really all about . ''
Boris 'takes back control ' of London after Sadiq Khan 's failures [ VIDEO ] BBC Weather : Saharan heatwave to engulf Britain in 30C temperatures [ FORECAST ] Sadiq Khan disaster as Tory rival Shaun Bailey surges in mayoral poll @ @ @

Brexit: BBC host says UK thinks EU is taking ‘extreme position’
The BBC's Adam Fleming told Andrew Marr that the Government launched its controversial new Brexit bill this week in response to the "extreme positions" that the EU had taken in talks. He made the remarks after discussing the Sunday Telegraph's leader during the newspaper review on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show. The newspaper's leader urged MPs to back the Internal Market Bill, despite fierce criticism from the EU and a brewing revolt among Tory MPs.
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Earlier today, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major joined forces to urge Parliament to reject Boris Johnson's "shameful" attempt to override parts of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. Mr Blair and Sir John accused the Government of "embarrassing" the UK. BBC's Adam Fleming said: "I was surprised when I talked to people in this new Government about how much they hated the Brexit withdrawal deal and how committed they were to protecting UK sovereignty, and how unprepared they were to give any of it away." Marr pointed out that the Withdrawal Agreement "was a deal Boris negotiated and signed himself". JUST IN: Blair & Major spark backlash ‘Reminding people why they voted Brexit!'
Fleming made the remarks when discussing the Sunday Telegraph's leader in BBC's newspaper review
Mr Blair and Sir John accused the Government of "embarrassing" the UK
BBC's Adam Fleming said: "This is like talking to a senior member of the Government, reading this leader in the Sunday Telegraph. "It is laced through with regret and pointing fingers over the deal. "They suggest it is Remainers from the last Parliament, in league with the sinister EU, who foisted a bad deal onto Boris Johnson, who is trying to rescue it now." Marr responded: "So, the Government thinks that after the EU signed the deal they have acted in bad faith?"
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Adam Fleming told Andrew Marr this morning that the Government launched its controversial new Brexit bill in response to the "extreme positions"
Brexit: Simon Coveney tells Marr to ‘let me finish’ in BBC clash
The former Brussels correspondent for the BBC said: "It is two things: It is the behaviour of the EU in the talks right now in the Joint Committee, not in the trade deal talks, which is hammering out the details of how the Northern Ireland deal will work out in the real world. "The UK feels that the EU is taking a very extreme position there. "But, there is also the original sin for Brexiteers with the Brexit deal to begin with." Marr followed this up: "Blair and Major were both very strong Remainers. "They say they have moved on but there will be a lot of suspicion in Government that this is what it is really all about." DON'T MISS: Boris 'takes back control' of London after Sadiq Khan's failures [VIDEO]
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Sadiq Khan disaster as Tory rival Shaun Bailey surges in mayoral poll [POLL]
Adam Fleming discussed the Sunday Telegraph article


thedailyexpress--2020-09-13--Blair and Major's Brexit meddling backfires! Leave voters now convinced Boris is right

But the intervention by the two former prime ministers prompted a furious reaction .
Former Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan tweeted : `` No doubt John Major and Tony Blair see themselves as distinguished elder statesmen , and perhaps a few others share that view .
`` But I 'm pretty sure that most voters will see two politicians who spent their careers backing Brussels whether it was right or wrong doing so once again . ''
Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe said : “ Tony Blair and John Major working together , what a team that is .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be relevant .
“ There 's a reason he 's so wildly unpopular - stay out of it Tony !
” DUP MP Sammy Wilson added : “ John and Tony are talking complete and utter bunkum.
” Another Twitter user wrote : “ So when it comes to shameful these 2 have some form do n't they ?
” READ MORE : Brexit activist claims EU has become a threat to peace One fumed : “ If Blair and Major want the Withdrawal Agreement kept it must be very bad news for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PMs we have ever had.
” Another blasted : “ If Blair and Major are against it , we know it must be right to proceed with the Internal Market Bill in full.
” One said that Mr Blair and Sir John are `` reminding 17.4million people why they voted for Brexit '' .
Another wrote : “ Blair and Major - the gift that just keeps on giving ( to Boris ) .
” DO N'T MISS Brexit latest : Boris 's secret plot to move UK negotiating red lines [ LIVE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City and nor will Mr Barnier [ COMMENT ] Brexit bombshell : Boris plans to reject ‘ human rights laws ’ in EU row [ INSIGHT ] But others backed Mr Blair and Sir John ’ s meddling , with one Twitter user saying : “ Wholeheartedly agree with them.
” The former Conservative and Labour leaders condemned Mr Johnson ’ s new Brexit legislation in an article for the Sunday Times .
Sir John and Mr Blair said : `` It puts the Good Friday Agreement at risk , because it negates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity that are integral to the delicate balance between the north and south of Ireland that is at the core of the peace process .
`` This has wide-ranging ramifications .
It will not only make negotiation with the EU more difficult , but also any trade negotiations with other nations , including the United States .
Once trust is undermined , distrust becomes prevalent .
`` We both opposed Brexit .
We both accept it is now happening .
“ But this way of negotiating , with reason cast aside in pursuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious diplomacy , is irresponsible , wrong in principle and dangerous in practice .
`` It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland , the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are .
“ It questions the very integrity of our nation . ''

Tony Blair on why he remains involved in UK politics
The Conservative and Labour grandees demanded the Prime Minister drops the UK Internal Market Bill and urged MPs to block it. Mr Blair and Sir John claimed the new Brexit legislation threatens the Irish peace process, will make trade negotiations harder and damages Britain’s integrity.
But the intervention by the two former prime ministers prompted a furious reaction. Former Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan tweeted: "No doubt John Major and Tony Blair see themselves as distinguished elder statesmen, and perhaps a few others share that view. "But I'm pretty sure that most voters will see two politicians who spent their careers backing Brussels whether it was right or wrong doing so once again." Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe said: “Tony Blair and John Major working together, what a team that is.
Tony Blair and Sir John Major have sparked a backlash over their latest Brexit intervention
The Conservative and Labour grandees demanded the Prime Minister drops the UK Internal Market Bill and urged MPs to block it
“Blair is an insufferable man desperate to be relevant. “There's a reason he's so wildly unpopular - stay out of it Tony!” DUP MP Sammy Wilson added: “John and Tony are talking complete and utter bunkum.” Another Twitter user wrote: “So when it comes to shameful these 2 have some form don't they?” READ MORE: Brexit activist claims EU has become a threat to peace
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Mr Blair and Sir John claimed the new Brexit legislation threatens the Irish peace process, will make trade negotiations harder and damages Britain’s integrity
One fumed: “If Blair and Major want the Withdrawal Agreement kept it must be very bad news for the UK. Two of the worst PMs we have ever had.” Another blasted: “If Blair and Major are against it, we know it must be right to proceed with the Internal Market Bill in full.” One said that Mr Blair and Sir John are "reminding 17.4million people why they voted for Brexit". Another wrote: “Blair and Major - the gift that just keeps on giving (to Boris).” DON'T MISS
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Mr Johnson’s Bill has proved controversial as it could break international law by flouting the Withdrawal Agreement he sealed with Brussels last October
But others backed Mr Blair and Sir John’s meddling, with one Twitter user saying: “Wholeheartedly agree with them.” The former Conservative and Labour leaders condemned Mr Johnson’s new Brexit legislation in an article for the Sunday Times. Sir John and Mr Blair said: "It puts the Good Friday Agreement at risk, because it negates the predictability, political stability and legal clarity that are integral to the delicate balance between the north and south of Ireland that is at the core of the peace process. "This has wide-ranging ramifications. It will not only make negotiation with the EU more difficult, but also any trade negotiations with other nations, including the United States. Once trust is undermined, distrust becomes prevalent.
Mr Johnson is working to drum up support among Tory MPs for his Bill
"We both opposed Brexit. We both accept it is now happening. “But this way of negotiating, with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy, is irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice. "It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. “It questions the very integrity of our nation."
Five key moments that led to Brexit
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-13--Boris 'takes back control' of London after becoming 'fed-up' with Sadiq Khan's failures

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Sadiq Khan 's failures as London Mayor has forced Boris Johnson and his cabinet to step in to take control of the crisis-hit capital , according to Grant Shapps .
The Transport Secretary , following lobbying from Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey , has stepped in to fix the collapsing Hammersmith Bridge .
The iconic bridge has been shut down for the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Boris Johnson has now taken back control .
Mr Shapps , who visited the bridge earlier this week , said : `` It 's been months and I was very much hoping that the Fulham and Hammersmith Council and the Mayor would get this sorted out , but I 'm afraid that has n't happened .
`` So we are here today to take back control .
I 've set up a taskforce and I 've had Network Rail here , who will provide us with detail on what needs to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it opened . ''
The news prompted several leading political figures to ridicule the failure of Sadiq Khan as London leader .
Susan Hall , leader of the Conservatives on the Greater London Assembly , tweeted : `` Our # MissingMayor is not helping # London at all .
This bridge is vital . ''
JUST IN : Sadiq Khan heckled by furious black cab drivers outside City Hall

Sadiq Khan ‘utterly failed’ Londoners claims Shaun Bailey
Sadiq Khan's failures as London Mayor have forced Boris Johnson and his Cabinet to step in to take control of the crisis-hit capital, according to Grant Shapps. The Transport Secretary, following lobbying from Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey, has stepped in to fix the collapsing Hammersmith Bridge. The iconic bridge has been shut down for the past 18 months, and a "fed-up" Boris Johnson has now taken back control.
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Mr Shapps, who visited the bridge earlier this week, said: "It's been months and I was very much hoping that the Fulham and Hammersmith Council and the Mayor would get this sorted out, but I'm afraid that hasn't happened. "So we are here today to take back control. I've set up a taskforce and I've had Network Rail here, who will provide us with detail on what needs to happen to get this bridge fixed, to get it opened." The news prompted several leading political figures to ridicule the failure of Sadiq Khan as London leader. Susan Hall, leader of the Conservatives on the Greater London Assembly, tweeted: "Our #MissingMayor is not helping #London at all. This bridge is vital." JUST IN: Sadiq Khan heckled by furious black cab drivers outside City Hall
Sadiq Khan's failures as London Mayor has forced Boris Johnson to step in to take control
The stand-off over the future of Hammersmith Bridge has erupted into an increasingly bitter political row
Mr Bailey himself tweeted: "I urged the government to fix Hammersmith Bridge because Sadiq Khan wasn’t going to. "So I’m thrilled to announce that Grant Shapps is stepping in where the Mayor failed. "Ministers are now taking control of the bridge and fixing it once and for all. A clear win for residents!" He earlier tweeted: "A Labour Mayor. A Labour council. A Lib Dem council. Residents waited for any of them to lift a finger. But none did." A spokesman for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan rebuked the criticism, but agreed it was right that ministers had stepped in to bail out the bridge repairs. A spokesman said: "The Mayor and Transport for London will continue working closely with the bridge owners Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the government to find an urgent solution, but it's time for ministers to put their money where their mouth is."
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Sadiq Khan criticised by Shaun Bailey over 'excuses'
The news prompted several leading politicians to ridicule the failure of Sadiq Khan
The stand-off over the future of Hammersmith Bridge has erupted into an increasingly bitter political row. Speaking on LBC earlier this week, Mr Shapps told Nick Ferrari that the Government had become "fed up with waiting" for the council and Mayor to reopen the crossing. Mr Shapps said the “very key artery of the city”, which has been shut to traffic since April 2019 and to pedestrians and cyclists since last month, was in a “sorry state” and had been neglected for decades. DON'T MISS: BBC Weather: Saharan heatwave to engulf Britain in 30C temperatures [FORECAST]
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Shapps told Nick Ferrari that he was "fed up with waiting" for the council and Mayor to reopen crossing


thedailyexpress--2020-09-13--Brexit LIVE: Frost confronts Barnier with SEVEN facts and orders EU to rethink position

Mr Barnier dismissed the Prime Minister ’ s claim that the Northern Ireland Protocol could be used to break up the UK and denied Brussels is refusing to list Britain as a third country for food imports .
But Lord Frost was quick to respond to his EU counterpart in a series of seven tweets .
He said : “ I would like to make a few comments and state a few facts , in my capacity as the PM 's negotiator in the current and last autumn 's talks .
“ On the Protocol , we indeed negotiated a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Belfast ( Good Friday ) Agreement .
“ It is precisely to ensure this balance can be preserved in all circumstances that the Govt needs powers in reserve to avoid it being disrupted.
” On third country listings , Lord Frost added : “ The EU knows perfectly well all the details of our food standards rules because we are operating EU rules .
The situation on 1.1.21 is accordingly perfectly clear .
We have discussed this frequently with the EU including last week .
“ Any changes in future would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the usual way with plenty of lead time .
The EU lists dozens of countries globally on precisely this basis , without any sort of commitment about the future .
“ Yet it has been made clear to us in the current talks that there is no guarantee of listing us .
I am afraid it has also been said to us explicitly in these talks that if we are not listed we will not be able to move food to Northern Ireland .
“ The EU 's position is that listing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not Northern Ireland .
So if GB were not listed , it would be automatically illegal for NI to import food products from GB.
” Lord Frost ended the Twitter thread by calling on Brussels to “ think better of this ” .
He said : “ It obviously makes it no easier to negotiate a good free trade agreement and the solid future relationship which we all want.
” 2pm update : Are Blair and Major right to intervene in Boris ’ s Brexit plan ?
Tony Blair and Sir John Major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit plan - but are the former prime minister 's right to intervene ?
Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether they think the Conservative and Labour grandees are right to speak out on the Prime Minister ’ s new Brexit legislation .
A post-Brexit trade agreement between the UK and the EU is still possible , Ireland 's foreign affairs minister has said .
Simon Coveney told the BBC 's The Andrew Marr Show : `` Both the British and Irish economies are going to be damaged significantly and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not anything else . ''
He added : `` It is possible to get agreement , it will probably be a basic pretty thin agreement . ''
12.25pm update : Barnier explodes with fury and orders UK to 'stick to facts ' on Brexit Michel Barnier said on Twitter : “ Protocol on IE/NI is not a threat to the integrity of the UK .
“ We agreed this delicate compromise with @ BorisJohnson & his gov in order to protect peace & stability on island of Ireland .
“ We could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # Brexit .
“ Sticking to facts is also essential .
A case in point : [ EU ] is not refusing to list [ UK ] as a third country for food imports ( SPS ) .
“ To be listed , we need to know in full what a country ’ s rules are , incl .
for imports .
The same objective process applies to all listed countries.
” Former Labour MP Kate Hoey tweeted : “ Not surprising that Major and Blair who were amongst the most extreme proponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on free trade throughout the UK .
“ I predict an even bigger majority for the Internal Market Bill tomorrow # rightthingtodo.
” 11.30am update : Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster urges Government to ‘ get Brexit done ’ and focus on coronavirus Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves has urged the Government to `` get Brexit done '' and focus on getting coronavirus under control .
She told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show : `` I think the simplicity of the rule of six is useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep under review whether children need to be included in that or whether we can do more to enable families to come together .
`` But the most important thing for all families across our country is protecting ourselves against this deadly virus .
`` It has n't gone away , Government advisers are saying it is endemic in some communities , the Government should have used the summer to get a grip and get control .
`` Our testing regime , our tracing regime are on the verge of collapse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its efforts into that , and that 's why we 're saying get Brexit done , get a deal and concentrate , please , on getting control of this virus . ''
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has said Boris Johnson `` absolutely '' does want to broker a free trade deal with the EU .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` He wanted a deal last year , I believed him , I was right in my belief I know and believe he wants a deal this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national interest to get a good deal , that 's what we 're all committed to doing . ''
Mr Buckland also insisted new legislation that could break international law by overriding the Withdrawal Agreement is the actions of a `` responsible Government '' .
Donald Trump told Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel the EU was `` worse than China only smaller '' and treats the US `` horribly '' during a tense meeting , a former senior Whitehouse official has said .
John Bolton , who was the President 's National Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his post in acrimonious circumstances , makes the startling revelation in his new book The Room Where It Happened .
Mr Bolton also reveals the President 's contempt for former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker , whom Mr Trump regarded as `` vicious '' and full of `` hatred '' for the US .
Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe hit out at ex-prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major after they condemned Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit plan .
Mr Lowe said : “ Tony Blair and John Major working together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Blair is an insufferable man desperate to be relevant .
There 's a reason he 's so wildly unpopular - stay out of it Tony !
” Tony Blair and Sir John Major have sparked a backlash after the former prime ministers teamed up to attack Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit plan .
One Twitter user wrote : “ So when it comes to shameful these 2 have some form do n't they ?
” Another fumed : “ If Blair and Major want the Withdrawal Agreement kept it must be very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the worst PMs we have ever had.
” A third blasted : “ If Blair and Major are against it , we know it must be right to proceed with the Internal Market Bill in full.
” Another hit out : “ I remember the last time Blair and Major joined forces to persuade everyone to vote remain.
” 9.10am update : French politician warns EU will not be divided France ’ s Secretary of State for European Affairs has warned the EU will not be divided .
Clement Beaune tweeted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the knife in the contract , with the idea of dividing Europe , that will not work.
” Former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair have criticised Boris Johnson 's Brexit legislation .
The Conservative and Labour grandees wrote in The Sunday Times : `` It puts the Good Friday Agreement at risk , because it negates the predictability , political stability and legal clarity that are integral to the delicate balance between the north and south of Ireland that is at the core of the peace process .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only make negotiation with the EU more difficult , but also any trade negotiations with other nations , including the United States .
Once trust is undermined , distrust becomes prevalent .
`` We both opposed Brexit .
We both accept it is now happening .
But this way of negotiating , with reason cast aside in pursuit of ideology and cavalier bombast posing as serious diplomacy , is irresponsible , wrong in principle and dangerous in practice .
`` It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal - crucial though they are .
It questions the very integrity of our nation . ''
Sir Keir Starmer has said Labour will back Boris Johnson 's new Brexit legislation if the Prime Minister addresses `` substantial cross-party concerns '' .
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph , the Labour leader said : `` Labour is prepared to play its part in making that happen .
“ If the Government fixes the substantial cross-party concerns that have been raised about the Internal Market Bill , then we are prepared to back it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the talk collapse , then it is their failure and incompetence that will have let the British people down . ''
But huge changes are understood to be necessary to win Labour ’ s support for the controversial legislation , which could override the Withdrawal Agreement the Prime Minister struck with the EU last October .

Brexit: Michael Gove denies UK are 'playing hardball' with EU
Mr Barnier dismissed the Prime Minister’s claim that the Northern Ireland Protocol could be used to break up the UK and denied Brussels is refusing to list Britain as a third country for food imports. But Lord Frost was quick to respond to his EU counterpart in a series of seven tweets. He said: “I would like to make a few comments and state a few facts, in my capacity as the PM's negotiator in the current and last autumn's talks. THIS BLOG IS CLOSED. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES.
“On the Protocol, we indeed negotiated a careful balance in order to preserve peace and the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. “It is precisely to ensure this balance can be preserved in all circumstances that the Govt needs powers in reserve to avoid it being disrupted.” On third country listings, Lord Frost added: “The EU knows perfectly well all the details of our food standards rules because we are operating EU rules. The situation on 1.1.21 is accordingly perfectly clear. We have discussed this frequently with the EU including last week. “Any changes in future would be notified to the WTO and EU in the usual way with plenty of lead time. The EU lists dozens of countries globally on precisely this basis, without any sort of commitment about the future.
Lord Frost has brilliantly hit back at Michel Barnier in a Twitter spat
UK chief negotiator Lord Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier
“Yet it has been made clear to us in the current talks that there is no guarantee of listing us. I am afraid it has also been said to us explicitly in these talks that if we are not listed we will not be able to move food to Northern Ireland. “The EU's position is that listing is needed for Great Britain only, not Northern Ireland. So if GB were not listed, it would be automatically illegal for NI to import food products from GB.” Lord Frost ended the Twitter thread by calling on Brussels to “think better of this”. He said: “It obviously makes it no easier to negotiate a good free trade agreement and the solid future relationship which we all want.” FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
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10pm update: Boris faces backbench rebellion over plan to override Brexit deal Boris Johnson is facing a mounting backlash from backbench MPS over its plans to override parts of the Withdrawal Agreement with the Internal Market Bill. Dozens of Tory MPs are expected to back a key amendment to the Bill that would give Parliament a veto of any changes to the agreement. A vote will take place after the second reading in Monday. 8.37pm update: Who will be the UK’s most important trade partner in 2021? Express.co.uk is asking who you think will be Britain’s most important trade partner in 2021, the first year after the UK has fully left the EU? Do you think it will be Japan, the US, the EU or another country? VOTE HERE 6.24pm update: Andrew Neil confronts Michel Barnier over his furious Brexit outburst ’what’s the problem?’ Andrew Neil has challenged Michel Barnier to explain the issue regarding EU food standards in the current post-Brexit trade talks. Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, heavily criticised Boris Johnson on Twitter this morning. Responding to the EU negotiator on Twitter, Mr Neil wrote: “My understanding is that UK is sticking with EU food standards after 01.01.21. "Any subsequent changes would have to be communicated thru WTO, for EU response, as per all other listed countries. So what‘s the problem?” It comes after Mr Barnier hinted on Thursday Brussels could block the UK from exporting its agriculture and food to the bloc.
Sir Keir Starmer urged Boris Johnson to “get on with Brexit”
5pm update: Brexiteer orders Boris Johnson to simply 'walk away' from EU's 'unthinkable' demands Boris Johnson should abandon trade talks and tear up the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement if the EU continues to play hardball in negotiations, a leading Brexiteer has said. Daniel Hannan, a former Tory MEP, has lashed out at Brussels for refusing to engage with the UK, following the Prime Minister’s attempts to alter the Northern Ireland protocol in the Brexit deal signed in January. MPs will this week debate the Internal Market Bill, which aims to give Ministers the power to modify rules in relation to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland from January 1, if there is no trade deal. Mr Hannan said: “The Government has, by openly and honestly proposing these modifications in advance, signalled to the EU that it wants to continue talking in the hope of finding a sensible deal. “If Brussels won’t engage, then, instead of arguably welshing on one part of the treaty, we should give notice and nullify the lot – withdrawing, so to speak, from the Withdrawal Agreement.” 4.13pm update: Verhofstadt admits EU not working and makes plea for meeting about future Guy Verhofstadt has pleaded with the EU to urgently hold a conference to discuss the future of the Brussels bloc as he warns "European values are beleaguered on all sides". The Chair of the Brexit Steering Group tweeted: "Russia and Turkey, Hungary and Poland, Moria and Minsk. European values are beleaguered on all sides and the EU is late to act. The Conference on the Future of Europe is needed more than ever. "What does the EU stand for and how do we stand stronger together?" Mr Verhofstadt, an advocate for the federalisation of the European Union, is referring to unrest and political crises across Europe. 3.10pm update: DUP will attempt to amend Internal Market Bill The DUP will attempt to amend the Internal Market Bill to ensure the UK sets the rules on state aid in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Protocol sets out that EU state aid rules will apply to commerce. State aid means a government cannot subsidise a product to allow it to be sold more cheaply in other parts of the EU to the potential detriment of businesses there. The DUP's Westminster chief whip Sammy Wilson lambasted former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair after they warned the UK's latest proposals could undermine the 1998 Belfast Agreement. Emily Ferguson has taken over live reporting from Katie Harris
Michel Barnier ordered the UK to "stick to facts" on Brexit
2.25pm update: Arch-Remainer warns Labour against ‘endorsing’ Brexit Lord Adonis tweeted: “It would be a serious strategic mistake for Labour to endorse Brexit, which is turning into a bigger and bigger disaster, undermining people’s living standards and the the rule of law. Labour should have nothing to do with it.” His post comes after the Labour leader urged Boris Johnson to “get on with Brexit”. Writing for the Sunday Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer said: "The priorities of the British people. We should be getting on with defeating this virus, not banging on about Europe. "Get on with Brexit and defeat the virus. That should be the Government's mantra." 2pm update: Are Blair and Major right to intervene in Boris’s Brexit plan? Tony Blair and Sir John Major have hit out at Boris Johnson's Brexit plan - but are the former prime minister's right to intervene? Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether they think the Conservative and Labour grandees are right to speak out on the Prime Minister’s new Brexit legislation. 1.15pm update: Post-Brexit deal still possible - Coveney A post-Brexit trade agreement between the UK and the EU is still possible, Ireland's foreign affairs minister has said. Simon Coveney told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show: "Both the British and Irish economies are going to be damaged significantly and that will be a significant failure of politics not anything else." He added: "It is possible to get agreement, it will probably be a basic pretty thin agreement."
Kate Hoey predicted an ‘even bigger majority’ for UK Internal Market Bill after Tony Blair and Sir John Major's intervention
12.25pm update: Barnier explodes with fury and orders UK to 'stick to facts' on Brexit Michel Barnier said on Twitter: “Protocol on IE/NI is not a threat to the integrity of the UK. “We agreed this delicate compromise with @BorisJohnson & his gov in order to protect peace & stability on island of Ireland. “We could not have been clearer about the consequences of #Brexit. “Sticking to facts is also essential. A case in point: [EU] is not refusing to list [UK] as a third country for food imports (SPS). “To be listed, we need to know in full what a country’s rules are, incl. for imports. The same objective process applies to all listed countries.” 11.55am update: Brexiteer Hoey predicts ‘even bigger majority’ for UK Internal Market Bill Former Labour MP Kate Hoey tweeted: “Not surprising that Major and Blair who were amongst the most extreme proponents of Brexit are supporting the EU position on free trade throughout the UK. “I predict an even bigger majority for the Internal Market Bill tomorrow #rightthingtodo.”
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has said Boris Johnson "absolutely" does want to broker a free trade deal with the EU
11.30am update: Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster urges Government to ‘get Brexit done’ and focus on coronavirus Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves has urged the Government to "get Brexit done" and focus on getting coronavirus under control. She told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I think the simplicity of the rule of six is useful, but I think the Government need to keep under review whether children need to be included in that or whether we can do more to enable families to come together. "But the most important thing for all families across our country is protecting ourselves against this deadly virus. "It hasn't gone away, Government advisers are saying it is endemic in some communities, the Government should have used the summer to get a grip and get control. "Our testing regime, our tracing regime are on the verge of collapse. The Government need to put all of its efforts into that, and that's why we're saying get Brexit done, get a deal and concentrate, please, on getting control of this virus." 10.50am update: Justice Secretary insists Boris wants EU trade deal Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has said Boris Johnson "absolutely" does want to broker a free trade deal with the EU. He told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "He wanted a deal last year, I believed him, I was right in my belief I know and believe he wants a deal this year. "We know it is in the national interest to get a good deal, that's what we're all committed to doing." Mr Buckland also insisted new legislation that could break international law by overriding the Withdrawal Agreement is the actions of a "responsible Government".
Tony Blair and Sir John Major have sparked a backlash after the former prime ministers teamed up to attack Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan
10.15am update: Donald Trump confronts Merkel with damning verdict on EU Donald Trump told Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel the EU was "worse than China only smaller" and treats the US "horribly" during a tense meeting, a former senior Whitehouse official has said. John Bolton, who was the President's National Security Advisor until last year when he left his post in acrimonious circumstances, makes the startling revelation in his new book The Room Where It Happened. Mr Bolton also reveals the President's contempt for former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, whom Mr Trump regarded as "vicious" and full of "hatred" for the US. 10am update: Former MEP blasts Blair and Major Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe hit out at ex-prime ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major after they condemned Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan. Mr Lowe said: “Tony Blair and John Major working together, what a team that is. “Blair is an insufferable man desperate to be relevant. There's a reason he's so wildly unpopular - stay out of it Tony!”
Former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair have criticised Boris Johnson's Brexit legislation
9.50am update: Blair and Major's Brexit meddling backfires Tony Blair and Sir John Major have sparked a backlash after the former prime ministers teamed up to attack Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan. One Twitter user wrote: “So when it comes to shameful these 2 have some form don't they?” Another fumed: “If Blair and Major want the Withdrawal Agreement kept it must be very bad news for the UK. Two of the worst PMs we have ever had.” A third blasted: “If Blair and Major are against it, we know it must be right to proceed with the Internal Market Bill in full.” Another hit out: “I remember the last time Blair and Major joined forces to persuade everyone to vote remain.” 9.10am update: French politician warns EU will not be divided France’s Secretary of State for European Affairs has warned the EU will not be divided. Clement Beaune tweeted: "If the British multiply the blows of the knife in the contract, with the idea of dividing Europe, that will not work.”
Five key moments that led to Brexit
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-13--Labour MP dodges Brexit question THREE times on whether Starmer would 'roll over' to EU

Sir Keir Starmer has written for the Sunday Telegraph to urge the Government to `` get on with Brexit '' so that the country can focus on defeating coronavirus .
Sky News ' Sophy Ridge grilled Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh over whether the party leader was calling for the Government to `` compromise '' over the two outstanding issues that are preventing a trade deal .
However , the Labour MP appeared to dodge the question as many as three times in the interview .
Ms Ridge asked : `` Would Labour support the Government rolling over on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haigh replied : `` Keir Starmer has written to say Boris Johnson 's actions completely compromise progress towards securing a free trade deal with the EU . ''
The Sky host interrupted to repeat her question , saying : `` We know that things that are holding up the trade deal are on fishing and on state aid .
`` So in order to get Brexit done , is Labour saying that the Government should compromise on those two things ? ''
The MP shot back : `` The point is that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're important to swathes of our economy , but they 're certainly not insurmountable .
`` What 's baffling about the Government 's approach is that there was every prospect that those issues were going to reach agreement in the joint committee this week .
`` It 's really important that it is through that joint committee between the UK and EU that that is how the agreement in reached .
`` That is what was put forward in the withdrawal agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol . ''
Ca n't see this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your browser She continued : `` What I would say on state aid is that the Government has not used its ability to spend on state aid even whilst we 've remained in the EU .
`` The idea that we 're picking a fight with the EU on this and potentially undermining the prospect of securing a trade deal is quite frankly baffling . ''
Ms Ridge repeated her question for the third time , warning her guest that it was `` easy to critcise '' the Government 's actions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Labour 's stance .
DO N'T MISS Kuenssberg reveals key reason Keir Starmer desperate to avoid Brexit [ EXPERT INSIGHT ] Starmer accused of 'fake political posturing ' as he launches attack [ VIDEO ] Labour U-turns on school plan as Ashworth defies to demand face masks [ INTERVIEW ]

Brexit: Louise Haigh grilled on Labour’s stance on fishing
Sir Keir Starmer has written for the Sunday Telegraph to urge the Government to "get on with Brexit" so that the country can focus on defeating coronavirus. Sky News' Sophy Ridge grilled Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh over whether the party leader was calling for the Government to "compromise" over the two outstanding issues that are preventing a trade deal. However, the Labour MP appeared to dodge the question as many as three times in the interview.
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Ms Ridge asked: "Would Labour support the Government rolling over on fishing and state aid?" Ms Haigh replied: "Keir Starmer has written to say Boris Johnson's actions completely compromise progress towards securing a free trade deal with the EU." The Sky host interrupted to repeat her question, saying: "We know that things that are holding up the trade deal are on fishing and on state aid. "So in order to get Brexit done, is Labour saying that the Government should compromise on those two things?" READ MORE: Labour peer savages Boris Johnson Brexit plan as 'stinking hypocrisy'
Labour MP dodges Brexit question THREE times on whether Starmer would 'roll over' to EU
'Would Labour suppor the Government rolling over on fishing and state aid?'
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The MP shot back: "The point is that these issues are not insignificant, and they're important to swathes of our economy, but they're certainly not insurmountable. "What's baffling about the Government's approach is that there was every prospect that those issues were going to reach agreement in the joint committee this week. "It's really important that it is through that joint committee between the UK and EU that that is how the agreement in reached. "That is what was put forward in the withdrawal agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol." Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
'That is what was put forward in the withdrawal agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol.'
Caroline Flint outlines 'major problems' within the Labour party
She continued: "What I would say on state aid is that the Government has not used its ability to spend on state aid even whilst we've remained in the EU. "The idea that we're picking a fight with the EU on this and potentially undermining the prospect of securing a trade deal is quite frankly baffling." Ms Ridge repeated her question for the third time, warning her guest that it was "easy to critcise" the Government's actions, but there was still no clear idea of Labour's stance. DON'T MISS
Kuenssberg reveals key reason Keir Starmer desperate to avoid Brexit [EXPERT INSIGHT]
Starmer accused of 'fake political posturing' as he launches attack [VIDEO]
Labour U-turns on school plan as Ashworth defies to demand face masks [INTERVIEW]
EU TRADE NEGOTIATIONS


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--SNP’s shameless plot to block Boris: Ian Blackford launches bid to WRECK Brexit masterplan

Senior party figures insist Scottish independence is the only way to protect such institutions from eventually being sold off by the Tories .
The SNP 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford is urging MPs to get behind a cross-party amendment to reject the UK Internal Market Bill which has its second reading in the Commons today .
Mr Blackford warned the Bill would give the Government powers to overrule the Scottish Parliament in devolved areas and give private health providers and water companies the right to unhindered trade in Scotland .
And he said Mr Johnson 's willingness to break the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to just a few months ago proved it could not be trusted .
Mr Blackford said : `` This Tory power grab is a Trojan Horse Bill , which could open Scotland 's NHS and water services up to the kind of creeping privatisation and deregulation that we are already seeing under the Tories in England .
`` The whole thrust of Boris Johnson ’ s bill is to restrict devolved policy choices and impose Westminster decisions on Scotland . ''
He continued : `` It includes a Trojan Horse clause to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future even further on devolution against the will of the Scottish Parliament .
`` This bill must be stopped in its tracks .
`` The Tory Government has proven time and again that it can not be trusted .
`` It freely admits it is willing to break international law , impose an extreme Brexit , and destroy the foundations of Scotland 's devolution settlement .
`` If Westminster wo n't stop this unprecedented attack on devolution , it will demonstrate beyond all doubt that the only way to protect Scotland 's democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in Europe is to become an independent country . ''
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon row : UK recession 'will break up the union' The Prime Minister is under increasing pressure to back down on plans to override elements of his own Withdrawal Agreement , with former leaders calling on Tory rebels to vote his Bill down .
Mr Johnson has increased his rhetoric as senior Tories prepare to rebel against his legislation , warning that Brussels could `` carve up our country '' without his new Bill .
Former prime ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to urge MPs to reject the `` shaming '' legislation , saying it imperils the Irish peace process , trade negotiations and the UK 's integrity .
Writing in The Sunday Times , they said : `` It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland , the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are .
`` It questions the very integrity of our nation . ''
And despite Mr Johnson 's attempts to drum up support , Tory rebels suggested their numbers were growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's increased rhetoric .
Commons justice committee chairman Sir Bob Neill has tabled an amendment which he said would impose a `` parliamentary lock '' on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement .
DO N'T MISS SNP 's hate crime law now officially the 'most controversial ' law [ ANALYSIS ] Nicola Sturgeon plot : SNP could hold UK RANSOM to force referendum [ SPOTLIGHT ] Gloating SNP celebrates skyrocketing poll – Boris Johnson on alert [ FOCUS ]

Brexit: Internal Market Bill ‘must get through’ says Buckland
Senior party figures insist Scottish independence is the only way to protect such institutions from eventually being sold off by the Tories. The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford is urging MPs to get behind a cross-party amendment to reject the UK Internal Market Bill which has its second reading in the Commons today.
The only way to protect Scotland's democratic powers is to become an independent country Ian Blackford
Mr Blackford warned the Bill would give the Government powers to overrule the Scottish Parliament in devolved areas and give private health providers and water companies the right to unhindered trade in Scotland. And he said Mr Johnson's willingness to break the law and an international treaty it signed up to just a few months ago proved it could not be trusted. Mr Blackford said: "This Tory power grab is a Trojan Horse Bill, which could open Scotland's NHS and water services up to the kind of creeping privatisation and deregulation that we are already seeing under the Tories in England. "The whole thrust of Boris Johnson’s bill is to restrict devolved policy choices and impose Westminster decisions on Scotland."
Ian Blackford is urging MPs to block the UK Internal Market Bill
He continued: "It includes a Trojan Horse clause to allow Tory ministers to encroach in the future even further on devolution against the will of the Scottish Parliament. "This bill must be stopped in its tracks. "The Tory Government has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted. "It freely admits it is willing to break international law, impose an extreme Brexit, and destroy the foundations of Scotland's devolution settlement. "If Westminster won't stop this unprecedented attack on devolution, it will demonstrate beyond all doubt that the only way to protect Scotland's democratic powers, our NHS, and our place in Europe is to become an independent country." READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon row: UK recession 'will break up the union'
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Nicola Sturgeon's SNP is pushing for a second referendum on Scottish independence
Ian Blackford claims Boris's Bill could leave Scotland's NHS open to privatisation
The Prime Minister is under increasing pressure to back down on plans to override elements of his own Withdrawal Agreement, with former leaders calling on Tory rebels to vote his Bill down. Mr Johnson has increased his rhetoric as senior Tories prepare to rebel against his legislation, warning that Brussels could "carve up our country" without his new Bill. Former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair united to urge MPs to reject the "shaming" legislation, saying it imperils the Irish peace process, trade negotiations and the UK's integrity.
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Writing in The Sunday Times, they said: "It raises questions that go far beyond the impact on Ireland, the peace process and negotiations for a trade deal - crucial though they are. "It questions the very integrity of our nation." And despite Mr Johnson's attempts to drum up support, Tory rebels suggested their numbers were growing and opinions were only hardened by Mr Johnson's increased rhetoric. Commons justice committee chairman Sir Bob Neill has tabled an amendment which he said would impose a "parliamentary lock" on any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement. DON'T MISS
SNP's hate crime law now officially the 'most controversial' law[ANALYSIS]
Nicola Sturgeon plot: SNP could hold UK RANSOM to force referendum[SPOTLIGHT]
Gloating SNP celebrates skyrocketing poll – Boris Johnson on alert[FOCUS]
Boris Johnson is coming under pressure over his UK Internal Market Bill


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--SNP government slammed as 'unprepared' after handing £15million NHS contract to Amazon

Amazon Web Services , the US computing arm of the E-commerce giant is working with the Scottish Government on the new Protect Scotland app , launched last week .
But tax campaigners have slammed the Scottish Government/NHS Scotland for giving the ten-year public contract to the web giant .
Designed by software developers NearForm for NHS Scotland , the app uses the same technology as the Irish and Northern Irish proximity tracing apps .
The smartphone app can alert users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and advises them to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon said the voluntary app will `` complement existing contact tracing methods '' and could potentially help to avoid local lockdowns .
So far , more than 800,000 people have downloaded the app which does not store details on an individual or their location but uses encrypted , anonymised codes exchanged between smartphones to determine close contacts with people who test positive .
Paul Monaghan , chief executive of Fair Tax Mark , said : “ Amazon refuses to say how much income and profit it makes in the UK and the taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know from their US report and accounts that the web services arm is extremely lucrative and makes up more than half of all profits worldwide .
“ Questions need to be asked as to whether Scotland is getting value for money.
” Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard MSP told Express.co.uk : `` No company should be awarded public contracts unless they meet the Fair Tax Mark and treat their workers properly .
`` The fact that such a contract was awarded to this internet shopping company highlights the dearth in our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Government was for a public health crisis .
“ The state should instead be playing an entrepreneurial role in supporting technological development for the public good . ''
Amazon said that it handed £293 million directly to the UK taxman last year .
DO N'T MISS : Scottish politicians will cost taxpayers £1.5million in golden goodbye [ REVEAL ] SNP 's hate crime law now officially the 'most controversial ' law [ LATEST ] Sturgeon 's nightmare !
Orkney to demand independence from Scotland [ INSIGHT ] The online retail giant said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its UK operations last year , although the majority of this was from indirect taxes .
Amazon said employer taxes such as national insurance contributions made up the biggest proportion of the £293 million it paid directly to the tax authorities .
It said business rates were the next largest part of its tax payment last year , followed by corporation tax and other taxes such as stamp duty land tax .
The direct tax payment represents a 33.2 percent increase after paying £220 million in direct taxes in 2018 .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £13.73bn in the 2019/20 tax year , a 26 percent increase in profits .
Amazon and other tech giants have faced scrutiny over how much tax they pay in the UK , prompting the government to launch a digital sales tax in April .
Amazon said in a statement this week that it pays `` all taxes required in the UK ” and added : “ We are investing heavily in creating jobs and infrastructure across the UK - more than £23bn since 2010 .
`` We pay all taxes required in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Corporation tax is based on profits , not revenues , and our profits have remained low given retail is a highly-competitive , low margin business and we continue to invest heavily . ''
In response to the concerns , an NHS Education for Scotland spokesman said : “ The contract was a full Official Journal of European Union process and was won by AWS after a rigorous evaluation process in competition with other companies.
” A Scottish Government spokesperson , added : “ We strongly agree that all companies should pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporation tax is not something the Scottish Government has control of and is the responsibility of the UK Government.
” An Amazon Web Services spokesperson , said : “ Government departments using AWS are not only enjoying cost saving of up to 60 percent but also supporting a vast ecosystem of smaller companies , across the UK , that offer products and services that complement and help customers take full advantage of AWS .
`` Public sector organisations in the UK use the UK branch of AWS Europe which registers its sales in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , due on its profits , directly to HMRC .
`` Amazon recognises that its status as a supplier to the public sector is a privilege which has to continually be re-earned through the quality of our services and the value for money that we bring for UK taxpayers .
`` We know they will only remain customers for as long as we are able to deliver on both of those things .
”

Scottish Tory MP shames Sturgeon over Amazon tax payout
Amazon Web Services, the US computing arm of the E-commerce giant is working with the Scottish Government on the new Protect Scotland app, launched last week. But tax campaigners have slammed the Scottish Government/NHS Scotland for giving the ten-year public contract to the web giant.
Trending
Designed by software developers NearForm for NHS Scotland, the app uses the same technology as the Irish and Northern Irish proximity tracing apps. The smartphone app can alert users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and advises them to self-isolate and get tested. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the voluntary app will "complement existing contact tracing methods" and could potentially help to avoid local lockdowns. So far, more than 800,000 people have downloaded the app which does not store details on an individual or their location but uses encrypted, anonymised codes exchanged between smartphones to determine close contacts with people who test positive.
NHS Scotland have awarded a £15 million contract to Amazon
Amazon was awarded the contract by the Scottish NHS
Paul Monaghan, chief executive of Fair Tax Mark, said: “Amazon refuses to say how much income and profit it makes in the UK and the taxes it pays on this. “But we know from their US report and accounts that the web services arm is extremely lucrative and makes up more than half of all profits worldwide. “Questions need to be asked as to whether Scotland is getting value for money.” Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard MSP told Express.co.uk: "No company should be awarded public contracts unless they meet the Fair Tax Mark and treat their workers properly. READ MORE: Bargain Hunt will replace Nicola Sturgeon’s daily COVID-19 briefing
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The Scottish Government's app was released this week
“Amazon fails both these tests. "The fact that such a contract was awarded to this internet shopping company highlights the dearth in our own infrastructure and shows just how unprepared the Scottish Government was for a public health crisis. “The state should instead be playing an entrepreneurial role in supporting technological development for the public good." Amazon said that it handed £293 million directly to the UK taxman last year. DON'T MISS:
Scottish politicians will cost taxpayers £1.5million in golden goodbye [REVEAL]
SNP's hate crime law now officially the 'most controversial' law [LATEST]
Sturgeon's nightmare! Orkney to demand independence from Scotland [INSIGHT]
COVID-19 test sample analysis taking place in Glasgow
The online retail giant said it contributed £1.147 billion in total tax from its UK operations last year, although the majority of this was from indirect taxes. Amazon said employer taxes such as national insurance contributions made up the biggest proportion of the £293million it paid directly to the tax authorities. It said business rates were the next largest part of its tax payment last year, followed by corporation tax and other taxes such as stamp duty land tax. The direct tax payment represents a 33.2 percent increase after paying £220 million in direct taxes in 2018.
The App was built by Nearform
However, this was despite logging revenues of £13.73bn in the 2019/20 tax year, a 26 percent increase in profits. Amazon and other tech giants have faced scrutiny over how much tax they pay in the UK, prompting the government to launch a digital sales tax in April. Amazon said in a statement this week that it pays "all taxes required in the UK” and added: “We are investing heavily in creating jobs and infrastructure across the UK - more than £23bn since 2010. "We pay all taxes required in the UK and every country where we operate.
Richard Leonard slammed the relationship with Amazon
"Corporation tax is based on profits, not revenues, and our profits have remained low given retail is a highly-competitive, low margin business and we continue to invest heavily." In response to the concerns, an NHS Education for Scotland spokesman said: “The contract was a full Official Journal of European Union process and was won by AWS after a rigorous evaluation process in competition with other companies.” A Scottish Government spokesman added: “We strongly agree that all companies should pay their fair share of taxes – but corporation tax is not something the Scottish Government has control of and is the responsibility of the UK Government.”


thedailyexpress--2020-09-13--Andrew Neil confronts Barnier over his furious Brexit outburst 'what’s the problem?

Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , heavily criticised Boris Johnson on Twitter this morning .
The Frenchman scoffed at the Prime Minister ’ s claims the Withdrawal Agreement threatens the integrity of the UK , and also weighed in on the current dispute over food standards .
Mr Barnier wrote on Twitter : “ Protocol on IE/NI is not a threat to the integrity of the UK.
“ We agreed this delicate compromise with @ BorisJohnson & his gov in order to protect peace & stability on island of Ireland.
“ We could not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit .
`` Sticking to facts is also essential .
“ A case in point : The European Union is not refusing to list Flag of United Kingdom as a third country for food imports ( SPS ) .
“ To be listed , we need to know in full what a country ’ s rules are , incl .
for imports .
“ The same objective process applies to all listed countries.
” But political journalist Andrew Neil has confronted the EU chief , and asked Mr Barnier to explain what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JUST IN : Brexiteer orders Boris Johnson to simply 'walk away ' from talks Responding to the EU negotiator on Twitter , Mr Neil wrote : “ My understanding is that UK is sticking with EU food standards after 01.01.21 .
“ Any subsequent changes would have to be communicated thru WTO , for EU response , as per all other listed countries .
So what ‘ s the problem ?
” It comes after Mr Barnier hinted on Thursday Brussels could block the UK from exporting its agriculture and food to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to add the UK to a list of countries allowed to export to the EU over fears its food standards will not align .
DO N'T MISS : EU cracks under pressure as Irish minister loses it on BBC 's Marr [ INSIGHT ] Brexit outrage : Germany 's efforts to break European agreement [ DETAILS ] Brexit poll : Are Blair and Major right to intervene in Boris 's plan ?
[ POLL ] David Frost , the UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , also responded to Mr Barnier ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the food standards , he said : “ The EU knows perfectly well all the details of our food standards rules because we are operating EU rules .
`` The situation on 1.1.21 is accordingly perfectly clear .
`` We have discussed this frequently with the EU including last week .

Brexit: Marr grills Reeves on EU's 'third country listing' threat
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, heavily criticised Boris Johnson on Twitter this morning. The Frenchman scoffed at the Prime Minister’s claims the Withdrawal Agreement threatens the integrity of the UK, and also weighed in on the current dispute over food standards.
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Mr Barnier wrote on Twitter: “Protocol on IE/NI is not a threat to the integrity of the UK.“ We agreed this delicate compromise with @BorisJohnson & his gov in order to protect peace & stability on island of Ireland.“ We could not have been clearer about the consequences of #Brexit. "Sticking to facts is also essential.
Brexit news: Andrew Neil has challenged Michel Barnier to explain the issue regarding food standards
Andrew Neil made the comments on Twitter
“A case in point: The European Union is not refusing to list Flag of United Kingdom as a third country for food imports (SPS). “To be listed, we need to know in full what a country’s rules are, incl. for imports. “The same objective process applies to all listed countries.” But political journalist Andrew Neil has confronted the EU chief, and asked Mr Barnier to explain what he means by the food imports comment. JUST IN: Brexiteer orders Boris Johnson to simply 'walk away' from talks
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David Frost also responded to Michel Barnier's comments
Responding to the EU negotiator on Twitter, Mr Neil wrote: “My understanding is that UK is sticking with EU food standards after 01.01.21. “Any subsequent changes would have to be communicated thru WTO, for EU response, as per all other listed countries. So what‘s the problem?” It comes after Mr Barnier hinted on Thursday Brussels could block the UK from exporting its agriculture and food to the bloc. He said the bloc might refuse to add the UK to a list of countries allowed to export to the EU over fears its food standards will not align. DON'T MISS:
EU cracks under pressure as Irish minister loses it on BBC's Marr [INSIGHT]
Brexit outrage: Germany's efforts to break European agreement [DETAILS]
Brexit poll: Are Blair and Major right to intervene in Boris's plan? [POLL]
Michel Barnier visited the UK for Brexit talks this week
David Frost, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, also responded to Mr Barnier’s remarks on Twitter. Commenting on the food standards, he said: “The EU knows perfectly well all the details of our food standards rules because we are operating EU rules. "The situation on 1.1.21 is accordingly perfectly clear. "We have discussed this frequently with the EU including last week.
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Brexit plea: MPs urged to show UK is 'not villain in EU exit negotiations'

Paul Goodman , who was MP for Wycombe between 2001 and 2010 , urged those voting on the bill to pass it , despite outrage among some politicians over claims it breaks international law .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Brexit team have reviewed aspects of the withdrawal agreement , particularly surrounding Northern Ireland , should the EU and UK fail to reach a future trade deal .
The move sparked fury with the likes of former Attorney General Geoffrey Cox claiming he would vote against the Government 's bill , before accusing Mr Johnson of causing `` unconscionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world .
The new bill , if passed , would counteract the pact agreed by Brussels and the UK earlier this year , leading critics such as Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis to say the move would `` break international law '' in a `` specific and limited way '' .
The current withdrawal agreement , now an international treaty , enshrined the Northern Ireland Protocol .
This was created to ensure there would be no hard border returning across Ireland and Northern Ireland .
But the Government 's proposal would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions erupt across the political spectrum .
Yet , ConservativeHome editor Mr Goodman argues that it would be more beneficial for MPs to approve the bill as it was the `` least bad way forward '' for the UK .
He wrote for the website : `` We believe that the UK should not be the first party in a dispute to break international law – let alone present itself in that light .
`` So the least bad way forward now is for MPs to vote for amendments which would guarantee all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any triggering of the contested clauses . ''
Mr Goodman argued that by passing the amendments , the UK would be sending a message to `` three audiences '' .
JUST IN : Tony Blair sparks furious reaction over bid to stop Boris ' Brexit Bill He continued : `` First , to the courts : that any triggering would be the intention of the whole legislature .
`` Second , to the Government : that it has bungled by casting the UK as a villain – and that , worse , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the negotiation , leaving us open to the European Courts of Justice ( ECJ ) .
`` Finally , to the EU .
There can be no doubt that , if the negotiation collapses , and the Government then asserts that the EU has acted illegally , this Commons , with its Conservative majority of 80 , would then swiftly vote to implement the contested clauses of this Bill . ''
The ex-MP added : `` In sum , we believe that countries will sometimes be accused of breaking international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that position by triggering these clauses , so be it .
DO N'T MISS : When taking Brexit moral highground hurts British we should avoid it [ COMMENT ] EU ’ s negotiating strategy dubbed ‘ ridiculous ’ from day one of talks [ INSIGHT ] BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire in fiery clash with Swayne over Brexit Bill [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Ian Blackford grilled by host over his calls to stop bill
Paul Goodman, who was MP for Wycombe between 2001 and 2010, urged those voting on the bill to pass it, despite outrage among some politicians over claims it breaks international law. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Brexit team have reviewed aspects of the withdrawal agreement, particularly surrounding Northern Ireland, should the EU and UK fail to reach a future trade deal. The move sparked fury with the likes of former Attorney General Geoffrey Cox claiming he would vote against the Government's bill, before accusing Mr Johnson of causing "unconscionable" damage to the UK's reputation across the world.
Trending
The new bill, if passed, would counteract the pact agreed by Brussels and the UK earlier this year, leading critics such as Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis to say the move would "break international law" in a "specific and limited way". The current withdrawal agreement, now an international treaty, enshrined the Northern Ireland Protocol. This was created to ensure there would be no hard border returning across Ireland and Northern Ireland. But the Government's proposal would go against that pledge, which saw tensions erupt across the political spectrum.
Brexit news: MPs urged to show UK is 'not villain in EU exit negotiations'
Brexit news: MPs urged to show UK is 'not villain in EU exit negotiations'
Yet, ConservativeHome editor Mr Goodman argues that it would be more beneficial for MPs to approve the bill as it was the "least bad way forward" for the UK. He wrote for the website: "We believe that the UK should not be the first party in a dispute to break international law – let alone present itself in that light. "So the least bad way forward now is for MPs to vote for amendments which would guarantee all MPs rather than some a vote on any triggering of the contested clauses." Mr Goodman argued that by passing the amendments, the UK would be sending a message to "three audiences". JUST IN: Tony Blair sparks furious reaction over bid to stop Boris' Brexit Bill
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Brexit news: Geoffrey Cox has been critical of the Government
He continued: "First, to the courts: that any triggering would be the intention of the whole legislature. "Second, to the Government: that it has bungled by casting the UK as a villain – and that, worse, its pre-election predecessor cocked up the state aid part of the negotiation, leaving us open to the European Courts of Justice (ECJ). "Finally, to the EU. There can be no doubt that, if the negotiation collapses, and the Government then asserts that the EU has acted illegally, this Commons, with its Conservative majority of 80, would then swiftly vote to implement the contested clauses of this Bill." The ex-MP added: "In sum, we believe that countries will sometimes be accused of breaking international law. If the UK eventually finds itself in that position by triggering these clauses, so be it. DON'T MISS:
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Ireland lashes out at shadowy Brexit 'hawks' in No10 - before hinting at EU cave-in

Foreign minister Simon Coveney claimed the move to overwrite the Northern Ireland Protocol in last year ’ s divorce deal was orchestrated by former Vote Leave aides in Downing Street to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson from softening his position in the wrangling with Brussels .
Despite the bloc ’ s threat to walk away from the future relationship talks , Mr Coveney insisted a free-trade agreement could calm British nerves over state subsidies and customs procedures in the Withdrawal Agreement .
“ The negotiations were going in a way that was building pressure on the British Government to compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do – like agree with the EU a level playing field , so we ’ d have fair competition between the UK and EU markets , ” he said .
“ Last weekend , the hawks within No10 managed to convince the Prime Minister to take a much more aggressive approach to these negotiations , where effectively the UK Government is saying to the EU and Ireland ‘ Give us what we want in these negotiations ’ … some of which is not consistent with international law ’ .
“ In many ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take in a negotiation with a partner you ’ re looking to build a future relationship with.
” Mr Coveney said he doesn ’ t believe Mr Johnson wanted to use the legislation to force through a no-deal Brexit with the bloc .
He added : “ I think the British Prime Minister does want a deal , but he has a strange way of going about it.
” Informal trade talks will resume this week between Lord Frost , Britain ’ s lead negotiator with the EU , and his counterpart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue their work on a free-trade agreement despite the furious row over the Government ’ s Internal Market Bill .
Mr Coveney insisted the EU “ needs to understand what are the real issues the UK has that need to be solved ” with the Northern Ireland border fix agreed as part of last year ’ s divorce deal .
The Irish minister said the Government ’ s concerns the EU could use the Withdrawal Agreement to cut off the province from mainland Great Britain can be eased in any final trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resolve these issues in the appropriate place , which is the Joint Committee , the specialised committee , and negotiating rooms in a way that ’ s consistent with the Withdrawal Agreement , ” he added .
“ That ’ s where the focus needs to be now so we can concentrate on the bigger prize which is the basic trade deal that avoids the nightmare scenario for Britain and Ireland , and to a lesser extent the rest of the EU , where by January 1 there is no deal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a deal will spark a “ lot of acrimony ” between the UK and EU as they conduct business on world trade terms .
In a war of words , yesterday the EU ’ s Mr Barnier dismissed the Government ’ s claim the Northern Ireland Protocol could be used to break up the UK .
MUST READ : BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire in fiery clash with Swayne over Brexit Bill

Brexit: Coveney says UK 'must follow through on commitments'
Foreign minister Simon Coveney claimed the move to overwrite the Northern Ireland Protocol in last year’s divorce deal was orchestrated by former Vote Leave aides in Downing Street to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson from softening his position in the wrangling with Brussels. Despite the bloc’s threat to walk away from the future relationship talks, Mr Coveney insisted a free-trade agreement could calm British nerves over state subsidies and customs procedures in the Withdrawal Agreement. “The negotiations were going in a way that was building pressure on the British Government to compromise on some things they had agreed to do – like agree with the EU a level playing field, so we’d have fair competition between the UK and EU markets,” he said.
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“Last weekend, the hawks within No10 managed to convince the Prime Minister to take a much more aggressive approach to these negotiations, where effectively the UK Government is saying to the EU and Ireland ‘Give us what we want in these negotiations’… some of which is not consistent with international law’. “In many ways, it’s an extraordinary approach to take in a negotiation with a partner you’re looking to build a future relationship with.” Mr Coveney said he doesn’t believe Mr Johnson wanted to use the legislation to force through a no-deal Brexit with the bloc. He added: “I think the British Prime Minister does want a deal, but he has a strange way of going about it.”
Dublin says Brexit hawks in No 10 are to blame for Brexit Bill row
Simon Coveney is Ireland's foreign minister
Informal trade talks will resume this week between Lord Frost, Britain’s lead negotiator with the EU, and his counterpart Michel Barnier. The pair have committed to continue their work on a free-trade agreement despite the furious row over the Government’s Internal Market Bill. Mr Coveney insisted the EU “needs to understand what are the real issues the UK has that need to be solved” with the Northern Ireland border fix agreed as part of last year’s divorce deal. The Irish minister said the Government’s concerns the EU could use the Withdrawal Agreement to cut off the province from mainland Great Britain can be eased in any final trade deal.
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Lord Frost will travel to Brussels this week to continue Brexit talks with the EU
“We need to try and resolve these issues in the appropriate place, which is the Joint Committee, the specialised committee, and negotiating rooms in a way that’s consistent with the Withdrawal Agreement,” he added. “That’s where the focus needs to be now so we can concentrate on the bigger prize which is the basic trade deal that avoids the nightmare scenario for Britain and Ireland, and to a lesser extent the rest of the EU, where by January 1 there is no deal in place.” Mr Coveney said the lack of a deal will spark a “lot of acrimony” between the UK and EU as they conduct business on world trade terms. In a war of words, yesterday the EU’s Mr Barnier dismissed the Government’s claim the Northern Ireland Protocol could be used to break up the UK. MUST READ: BBC's Victoria Derbyshire in fiery clash with Swayne over Brexit Bill
Michel Barnier a social media war of words with Lord Frost this weekend
Brexit: Blair and Major’s comments on bill ‘utter tosh’ says MP


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Brexit rebellion: MP resigns over Boris Johnson's controversial new EU exit plan

Rehman Chishti , who is Boris Johnson 's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and also MP for Gillingham and Rainham Flag , wrote on Twitter he `` can ’ t support Internal Market Bill in its current form '' .
He said alongside the resignation letter he has sent to Mr Johnson : `` I ’ ve written to the PM resigning as PM ’ s Special Envoy on FoRB .
I can ’ t support Internal Market Bill in its current form , which unilaterally break UK ’ s legal commitments .
As an MP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respecting rule of law & honouring one ’ s word are dear to me . ''
The plan from the Prime Minister to defy international law with legislation that breaches parts of the Brexit divorce deal faces a vote in the House of Commons on Monday .
Parliament will debate the Internal Market Bill , with ministers then voting to decide if the legislation should proceeed to the House of Lords , where opposition from Conservative members is expected to be even stronger .
But the Mr Johnson , who has an 80-seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a revolt from some of his own ministers , while former Prime Ministers including David Cameron , Theresa May and Tony Blair have all criticised the plan .
Geoffrey Cox , who served as attorney general under Mr Johnson before he left the role in February , said it would be `` unconscionable '' to override the withdrawal agreement , adding there is `` no doubt '' the `` unpalatable '' implications of the treaty were known to the Prime Minister when he signed it .
The Brexiteer warned he would not back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impression they plan to `` permanently and unilaterally '' rewrite an international agreement , with tariffs and customs procedures on certain goods entering Northern Ireland from Britain were part of the deal .
Mr Cox added if the powers in the Bill were used to `` nullify those perfectly plain and foreseeable consequences '' then it would amount to the `` unilateral abrogation of the treaty obligations '' .
He wrote in The Times : `` When the Queen 's minister gives his word , on her behalf , it should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if the consequences are unpalatable .
`` No British minister should solemnly undertake to observe treaty obligations with his fingers crossed behind his back . ''
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Boris hit with NEW uprising from Tory ministers The former attorney general continued : `` What I can say from my perspective is we simply can not approve or endorse a situation in which we go back on our word , given solemnly not only by the British Government and on behalf of the British Crown , but also by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unless there are extreme circumstances which arrive involving a breach of duty of the good faith by the EU .
`` In those circumstances , there are then lawful remedies open to us and it is those we should take rather than violating international law and a solemn treaty . ''
`` The breaking of the law leads ultimately to very long-term and permanent damage to this country 's reputation and it is also a question of honour to me - we signed up , we knew what we were signing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those ordinary consequences of doing that and I simply ca n't support that .
`` But , as I 've said , there may be circumstances in which these powers could be lawfully used and it is those circumstances that the Government needs to define , I believe , to get the support of people like me .
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New Brexit proposals EXPLAINED [ ANALYSIS ] Geoffrey Cox offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan [ COMMENT ] '' And , may I say , I find myself in a very sad position - I 'm a strong supporter of this Government , I 'm a strong supporter of Brexit , but for me the crossing of an important boundary is when the Government says it is going to break the law and a treaty it signed . ''
David Cameron , who was Prime Minister at the time of the EU referendum vote in June 2016 , expressed `` misgivings '' about overriding the Brexit withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Act of Parliament and then going on to break an international treaty obligation is the very , very last thing you should contemplate .
`` It should be an absolute final resort .

Brexit: Swayne says bill does not breach international regulation
Rehman Chishti, who is Boris Johnson's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and also MP for Gillingham and Rainham Flag, wrote on Twitter he "can’t support Internal Market Bill in its current form". He said alongside the resignation letter he has sent to Mr Johnson: "I’ve written to the PM resigning as PM’s Special Envoy on FoRB. I can’t support Internal Market Bill in its current form, which unilaterally break UK’s legal commitments. As an MP for 10yrs & former Barrister, values of respecting rule of law & honouring one’s word are dear to me."
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The plan from the Prime Minister to defy international law with legislation that breaches parts of the Brexit divorce deal faces a vote in the House of Commons on Monday. Parliament will debate the Internal Market Bill, with ministers then voting to decide if the legislation should proceeed to the House of Lords, where opposition from Conservative members is expected to be even stronger. But the Mr Johnson, who has an 80-seat majority in the Commons, is facing a revolt from some of his own ministers, while former Prime Ministers including David Cameron, Theresa May and Tony Blair have all criticised the plan. Geoffrey Cox, who served as attorney general under Mr Johnson before he left the role in February, said it would be "unconscionable" to override the withdrawal agreement, adding there is "no doubt" the "unpalatable" implications of the treaty were known to the Prime Minister when he signed it.
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has suffered a blow after one of his own Tory MPs resigned
Brexit news: Rehman Chishti's resignation letter to Boris Johnson
The Brexiteer warned he would not back the Internal Market Bill unless ministers dispel the impression they plan to "permanently and unilaterally" rewrite an international agreement, with tariffs and customs procedures on certain goods entering Northern Ireland from Britain were part of the deal. Mr Cox added if the powers in the Bill were used to "nullify those perfectly plain and foreseeable consequences" then it would amount to the "unilateral abrogation of the treaty obligations". He wrote in The Times: "When the Queen's minister gives his word, on her behalf, it should be axiomatic that he will keep it, even if the consequences are unpalatable. "No British minister should solemnly undertake to observe treaty obligations with his fingers crossed behind his back." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris hit with NEW uprising from Tory ministers
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Brexit news: Boris Johnson is facing a huge rebellion from his own Tory MPs
The former attorney general continued: "What I can say from my perspective is we simply cannot approve or endorse a situation in which we go back on our word, given solemnly not only by the British Government and on behalf of the British Crown, but also by Parliament when we ratified this in February, unless there are extreme circumstances which arrive involving a breach of duty of the good faith by the EU. "In those circumstances, there are then lawful remedies open to us and it is those we should take rather than violating international law and a solemn treaty. "The breaking of the law leads ultimately to very long-term and permanent damage to this country's reputation and it is also a question of honour to me - we signed up, we knew what we were signing, we simply can't seek to nullify those ordinary consequences of doing that and I simply can't support that. "But, as I've said, there may be circumstances in which these powers could be lawfully used and it is those circumstances that the Government needs to define, I believe, to get the support of people like me. DON'T MISS
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Brexit news: Geoffrey Cox said it would be 'unconscionable' to override the withdrawal agreement
Brexit news: David Cameron joined several other former Prime Minister's in criticising Boris Johnson's plan
"And, may I say, I find myself in a very sad position - I'm a strong supporter of this Government, I'm a strong supporter of Brexit, but for me the crossing of an important boundary is when the Government says it is going to break the law and a treaty it signed." David Cameron, who was Prime Minister at the time of the EU referendum vote in June 2016, expressed "misgivings" about overriding the Brexit withdrawal agreement. He said: "Passing an Act of Parliament and then going on to break an international treaty obligation is the very, very last thing you should contemplate. "It should be an absolute final resort.


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Bye bye Barnier! Chief negotiator on way out says Brexiteer as he pinpoints huge EU error

Lee Rotherham , who was Director of Special Projects at Vote Leave , also believes the bloc made a huge mistake in appointing Mr Barnier in the first place - suggesting they should have gone with Dutch European Commissioner Frans Timmermans instead .
Mr Rotherham told Express.co.uk Mr Johnson 's Internal Market Bill was essentially a self-defence mechanism against Brussels overreach .
He said : `` We can not afford to take any chances with the EU .
The EU has form .
`` The EU is used to countries rolling over . ''
Assessing the bloc 's next move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take is someone needs to step in and remove Barnier .
`` The biggest mistake of the Commission was not appointing Frans Timmermans , the Dutch former vice-president of the Commission .
`` He is actually very clued up .
He is not a eurosceptic but he understands euroscepticism .
`` The biggest error the EU made was putting Barnier in charge and not Timmermans .
JUST IN : Why should we listen to THEM ?
Blair and Major 's records EXPOSED '' It would have been much better - everyone would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to redeem it by chucking out Barnier . ''
To underline why he believed Mr Barnier had been fundamentally ill-suited to the role of Brexit negotiator , Mr Rotherham pointed a book version of Brexit : Behind Closed Doors , a fly-on-the-wall documentary screened last year largely focused on Guy Verhofstadt , the European Parliament 's Brexit representative .
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[ VOTE ] Referring to an incident not covered in the film , Mr Rotherham said : `` Barnier says his ambition was throughout that the EU and the UK would have the most close customs and regulatory union as possible .
`` And he was pushing that because he also thought it also was in the UK 's best interests .
`` So that was his ambition from the start .
`` So Barnier has painted not just himself , but everybody into a corner and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in . ''
Mr Rotherham believes it was entirely possible such an intervention would come in the form of bilateral negotiations , explaining : `` There has already been talk of Merkel and Boris having a head-to-head .
`` And it says everything about Barnier and nothing about Frost if that happens - although that 's speculation .
`` But that 's how you do it - you fix the problem , and Barnier has always been the problem . ''

Michel Barnier arrives in London ahead of further Brexit talks
Lee Rotherham, who was Director of Special Projects at Vote Leave, also believes the bloc made a huge mistake in appointing Mr Barnier in the first place - suggesting they should have gone with Dutch European Commissioner Frans Timmermans instead. Mr Rotherham told Express.co.uk Mr Johnson's Internal Market Bill was essentially a self-defence mechanism against Brussels overreach.
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He said: "We cannot afford to take any chances with the EU. The EU has form. "The EU is used to countries rolling over." Assessing the bloc's next move, Mr Rotherham said: "My take is someone needs to step in and remove Barnier.
Lee Rotherham says the Commission, now led by Ursula von der Leyen, was wrong to appoint Mr Barnier
Frans Timmermans understood euroscepticism, said Lee Rotherham
The biggest error the EU made was putting Barnier in charge and not Timmermans Lee Rotherham
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"The biggest mistake of the Commission was not appointing Frans Timmermans, the Dutch former vice-president of the Commission. "He is actually very clued up. He is not a eurosceptic but he understands euroscepticism. "The biggest error the EU made was putting Barnier in charge and not Timmermans. JUST IN: Why should we listen to THEM? Blair and Major's records EXPOSED
Michel Barnier, with pro-EU campaigner Steve Bray behind him, arrives in London last week
Boris Johnson arrives at Number 10
Angela Merkel could soon hold direct talks with Mr Johnson, Lee Rotherham predicted
Referring to an incident not covered in the film, Mr Rotherham said: "Barnier says his ambition was throughout that the EU and the UK would have the most close customs and regulatory union as possible. "And he was pushing that because he also thought it also was in the UK's best interests. "So that was his ambition from the start.
Trade talks timeline
"So Barnier has painted not just himself, but everybody into a corner and at some point they will have to step in." Mr Rotherham believes it was entirely possible such an intervention would come in the form of bilateral negotiations, explaining: "There has already been talk of Merkel and Boris having a head-to-head. "And it says everything about Barnier and nothing about Frost if that happens - although that's speculation. "But that's how you do it - you fix the problem, and Barnier has always been the problem."
Guy Verhofstadt in a scene from Brexit: Behind Closed Doors