thedailyexpress--2020-02-09--Tory civil war: MPs and campaigners stunned over planned tax raid

Sources have told The Telegraph that the ideas have been discussed at Downing Street and at The Treasury in recent weeks .
It is not yet clear what form the tax would take if it was to be included in the next budget .
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph , John O ’ Connell of the TaxPayer ’ s Alliance said : “ It seems to be a misunderstanding of what the Tories ’ new voters were looking for .
“ They may be new converts to the message , but they still expect the Conservatives to be the ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up doesn ’ t mean cutting other people down.
” Treasury officials are understood to have looked at a levy on expensive homes , capital gains and raids on business and inheritance tax to pay for an increase in public spending .
One idea is cutting pension tax relief for those earning greater than £50,000 a year from 40 to 20 percent , which could raise £10billion .
One senior Tory said : “ It is ridiculous .
They need tax cuts , they need to promote growth .
“ We have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties and as a result the volume of transactions has halved and the revenues have come down .
They should do the reform without the trade-off .
“ They have got to get rid of this idea that people believe in the politics of jealousy .
If you want to tax the rich out of the country you vote Labour or Liberal Democrat .
“ If you are happy for people to get on in the world and make a good living you vote Conservative.
” The manifesto the Tories ran on in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stamp duty “ on non-UK resident buyers '' and to ” redesign the tax system so it boosts growth , wages and investment and limits - arbitrary tax advantages for the wealthiest in society ” .
READ MORE : Rebecca Long-Bailey bid to ban checking emails out of work slammed “ They want to get out of these big spending commitments like HS2 , and get back to having a good , Conservative government.
” HS2 or High Speed 2 is a proposed railway link between London and the West Midlands in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leeds and Manchester in Phase 2 .
A publication to an independent review on the plans is expected shortly .
A Treasury spokesman said : “ While we keep all aspects of the tax system under review , we do not speculate ahead of the Budget .
”

Parliament: Webber discusses Crown dependencies in 2019
Sources have told The Telegraph that the ideas have been discussed at Downing Street and at The Treasury in recent weeks. It is not yet clear what form the tax would take if it was to be included in the next budget. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, John O’Connell of the TaxPayer’s Alliance said: “It seems to be a misunderstanding of what the Tories’ new voters were looking for.
“They may be new converts to the message, but they still expect the Conservatives to be the ones backing them when they succeed. Levelling up doesn’t mean cutting other people down.” Treasury officials are understood to have looked at a levy on expensive homes, capital gains and raids on business and inheritance tax to pay for an increase in public spending. One idea is cutting pension tax relief for those earning greater than £50,000 a year from 40 to 20 percent, which could raise £10billion. One senior Tory said: “It is ridiculous. They need tax cuts, they need to promote growth.
A mansion tax could be in next month's budget
John Redwood called for the budget to be 'optimistic'
“We have already got a mansion tax in excessive stamp duties and as a result the volume of transactions has halved and the revenues have come down. They should do the reform without the trade-off. “They have got to get rid of this idea that people believe in the politics of jealousy. If you want to tax the rich out of the country you vote Labour or Liberal Democrat. “If you are happy for people to get on in the world and make a good living you vote Conservative.” The manifesto the Tories ran on in the December election proposed only modest changes to stamp duty “on non-UK resident buyers" and to ”redesign the tax system so it boosts growth, wages and investment and limits - arbitrary tax advantages for the wealthiest in society”. READ MORE: Rebecca Long-Bailey bid to ban checking emails out of work slammed
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Philip Hammond delivering the last budget in 2018
Boris Johnson applauding Sajid Javid's speech at the Tory conference
Mr Javid and Mr Johnson manning the phone lines ahead of the last election
“They want to get out of these big spending commitments like HS2, and get back to having a good, Conservative government.” HS2 or High Speed 2 is a proposed railway link between London and the West Midlands in Phase 1 and the West Midlands to Leeds and Manchester in Phase 2. A publication to an independent review on the plans is expected shortly. A Treasury spokesman said: “While we keep all aspects of the tax system under review, we do not speculate ahead of the Budget.”
The list of British Prime Minsisters
Number 10 declined to comment. This will be the first budget delivered by Mr Javid who became Chancellor when Mr Johnson became Prime Minister. Mr Javid was touted as a potential Chancellor back in 2016 when Stephen Crabb ran for Tory leadership after the resignation of David Cameron.
The PM and Chancellor at the Bestway wholesellers in Manchester
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-09--Ireland election exit poll: Varadkar HUMILIATED as Dublin announces THREE-WAY TIE

Mary Lou McDonald , Sinn Fein leader , soared in the exit poll of the crunch Irish general election , which saw Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar humiliated .
Irish voters took to the polls today to elect the 33rd Dail .
The first votes were cast yesterday as people living on islands off the coast of Galway , Mayo and Donegal went to the ballot boxes , while the mainland voted today .
The results of the exit poll put Fine Gael at 22.4 percent , Sinn Fein at 22.3 and Fianna Fail at 22.2 percent .
This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also means forming a coalition from three major parties in Ireland could be impossible let alone challenging .
Shock rippled through Ireland , with voters taking to social media to express their options .
One said : “ This is seismic .
Absolutely seismic .
We are within the margin of error of being the biggest party in Ireland .
WOW # GE2020.
” A second said : “ A 3 way tie in the Exit Poll !
# GE2020.
” A third said : “ Three way tie - in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome for sure .
READ NOW : Italy demands 'place it deserves ' in EU post-Brexit No party is expected to reach the 80-seat threshold to enable it to govern on its own , and a coalition administration of some complexion is almost inevitable .
The results of the poll , carried out by the Irish Times ' pollsters Ipsos MRBI - commissioned jointly by The Irish Times , RTE , TG4 and UCD - were announced after voting finished at 10pm .
Sampling took place on Saturday across the country among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Break up of UK feared after Irish election but NI warned no ‘ bailout ’ [ INSIGHT ] Mr Varadkar will now have to woo the smaller parties to get enough support to cling onto his role .
Fine Gael are currently in coalition with four members of the ‘ independent alliance ’ and two other independents .
Turnout of the poll is thought to be low due to poor weather .
The count will begin on Sunday .
Allison Morris , a security correspondent and columnist for The Irish News has tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fein - no longer are there two big parties there ’ s now three .
”

Irish Election: Exit poll puts Fine Gael ahead on 22.4% of vote
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein leader, soared in the exit poll of the crunch Irish general election, which saw Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar humiliated. Irish voters took to the polls today to elect the 33rd Dail. The first votes were cast yesterday as people living on islands off the coast of Galway, Mayo and Donegal went to the ballot boxes, while the mainland voted today.
The results of the exit poll put Fine Gael at 22.4 percent, Sinn Fein at 22.3 and Fianna Fail at 22.2 percent. This means the three leading parties are completely divided. It also means forming a coalition from three major parties in Ireland could be impossible let alone challenging. Shock rippled through Ireland, with voters taking to social media to express their options.
Ireland election exit poll: Varadkar HUMILIATED
Mr Varadkar's party has not won a majority
One said: “This is seismic. Absolutely seismic. We are within the margin of error of being the biggest party in Ireland. WOW #GE2020.” A second said: “A 3 way tie in the Exit Poll! #GE2020.” A third said: “Three way tie - in statistical terms. No way of knowing the outcome for sure. READ NOW: Italy demands 'place it deserves' in EU post-Brexit
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The results were displayed on RTE
Mary Lou McDonald is the Sinn Fein leader
Irish President Michael D Higgins casting his vote
Mr Varadkar will now have to woo the smaller parties to get enough support to cling onto his role. Fine Gael are currently in coalition with four members of the ‘independent alliance’ and two other independents. Fianna Fail provide confidence.
Mary Lou McDonald agrees to power-sharing in Northern Ireland
Turnout of the poll is thought to be low due to poor weather. The count will begin on Sunday. Allison Morris, a security correspondent and columnist for The Irish News has tweeted: “A remarkable result for Sinn Fein - no longer are there two big parties there’s now three.”
Enda Kenny was Taoiseach before Mr Varadkar
The last time a member of neither Fine Gael or Fianna Fail was head of Ireland’s government was in 1932. WT Cosgrove, the nation’s first head of government spent his time in the role in Sinn Fein and then in Cumman na nGaedheal. The role of Taoiseach was not created until 1937 during the tenure of Cosgrove’s successor as President of the Executive Council, Eamon de Valera. Additional reporting by Gursimran Hans.


thedailyexpress--2020-02-09--Boris Johnson’s great Brexit revolution: TEN free ports in PM's HUGE infrastructure boost

The incredible package of spending on vital infrastructure is designed to ensure the whole country enjoys a renaissance of prosperity after Brexit .
Its other key aim is to guarantee Britain can compete with the rest of the world .
It is understood the Prime Minister will give the HS2 rail project the go-ahead and reveal that 10 free ports are to be set up around the nation .
They will allow firms to import goods and then re-export them outside normal tax and customs rules .
In a bid to see off criticism for backing the next phase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson is expected to reveal massive spending on local train and bus services .
Sources suggest that in a Commons statement on Tuesday , he will confirm money will be ploughed into Northern Powerhouse Rail to connect up the North as well as Crossrail 2 in London .
There will be details on rolling out superfast 5G broadband across the country , with initial projects unveiled .
All of this comes after weeks of globetrotting by the PM and his Cabinet team , designed to boost Britain ’ s links with other world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tokyo yesterday as part of a four-nation Asian tour aimed at paving the way for trade deals .
Mr Johnson ’ s free ports move will be a massive boost to trade .
The Sunday Express has been told that the Port of Tyne – which was brought to the fore in a high-profile campaign by Conservative South Shields candidate Oni Oviri – will be one of the first .
Ms Oviri said : “ Free ports will transform areas like South Shields , bring in billions of pounds of investment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West , with thousands of new jobs.
” The ports will become huge trading hubs which will take business from EU ports such as Antwerp , Rotterdam , Hamburg and Le Havre , which can not operate as free ports under EU rules and so must impose tariffs .
In a signal that he is focused on the new Tory seats won in former Labour heartlands , the Prime Minister will say investment is needed at all levels – in towns , cities , villages .
This will close gaps in opportunity around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election campaign .
The Government has already launched a fund to reopen some Beeching railway lines .
It has also taken over Northern Rail to improve services , and allocated £170million to kick-start a green bus revolution .
Mr Johnson is expected to go much further , with funding to boost the country ’ s patchy bus network .
Describing the scale of the plans as a whole , a source said it will be the “ biggest transport and communications revolution in Britain since the Victorian era ” .
The promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North and Midlands has been welcomed by MPs who saw off Labour rivals in those areas in December .
Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns said : “ It is fantastic that the Prime Minister is focused on driving through his Blue Collar Conservatism agenda of radically investing in the North .
I ’ ve campaigned for years to improve commuting .
“ Connecting the regions with better bus services and roads is a vital first step to unlocking this country ’ s full potential.
” Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make 75 percent of their trips on public transport by bus .
He added : “ For those without access to a car , bus services are essential for employment and education opportunities.
” It is hoped that the announcement on transport infrastructure will quell anger among MPs over the decision to back HS2 .
After a showdown following Prime Minister ’ s Questions last week it emerged that 63 Tory backbenchers have registered their opposition to the line , which is being built to connect London and Birmingham in the first stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs were already angry about allowing the Chinese tech firm Huawei to invest in Britain amid security concerns .

Brexit: Johnson says UK will maintain ‘highest standards’
The incredible package of spending on vital infrastructure is designed to ensure the whole country enjoys a renaissance of prosperity after Brexit. Its other key aim is to guarantee Britain can compete with the rest of the world. It is understood the Prime Minister will give the HS2 rail project the go-ahead and reveal that 10 free ports are to be set up around the nation. They will allow firms to import goods and then re-export them outside normal tax and customs rules. In a bid to see off criticism for backing the next phase of the controversial £100billion HS2 scheme, Mr Johnson is expected to reveal massive spending on local train and bus services.
Sources suggest that in a Commons statement on Tuesday, he will confirm money will be ploughed into Northern Powerhouse Rail to connect up the North as well as Crossrail 2 in London. There will be details on rolling out superfast 5G broadband across the country, with initial projects unveiled. All of this comes after weeks of globetrotting by the PM and his Cabinet team, designed to boost Britain’s links with other world powers. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was in Tokyo yesterday as part of a four-nation Asian tour aimed at paving the way for trade deals. Mr Johnson’s free ports move will be a massive boost to trade. The Sunday Express has been told that the Port of Tyne – which was brought to the fore in a high-profile campaign by Conservative South Shields candidate Oni Oviri – will be one of the first.
A package of spending will be unveiled by Boris Johnson this week
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (R) and Japan’s Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi
Ms Oviri said: “Free ports will transform areas like South Shields, bring in billions of pounds of investment and turn them into the Dubai of the West, with thousands of new jobs.” The ports will become huge trading hubs which will take business from EU ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Le Havre, which cannot operate as free ports under EU rules and so must impose tariffs. In a signal that he is focused on the new Tory seats won in former Labour heartlands, the Prime Minister will say investment is needed at all levels – in towns, cities, villages. This will close gaps in opportunity around the country, as was promised during the election campaign. The Government has already launched a fund to reopen some Beeching railway lines. It has also taken over Northern Rail to improve services, and allocated £170million to kick-start a green bus revolution. Mr Johnson is expected to go much further, with funding to boost the country’s patchy bus network. Describing the scale of the plans as a whole, a source said it will be the “biggest transport and communications revolution in Britain since the Victorian era”. The promise of investing in local infrastructure across the North and Midlands has been welcomed by MPs who saw off Labour rivals in those areas in December.
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Boris Johnson visited Berlin last month
Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns said: “It is fantastic that the Prime Minister is focused on driving through his Blue Collar Conservatism agenda of radically investing in the North. I’ve campaigned for years to improve commuting. “Connecting the regions with better bus services and roads is a vital first step to unlocking this country’s full potential.” Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes said that the country’s lowest income groups make 75 percent of their trips on public transport by bus. He added: “For those without access to a car, bus services are essential for employment and education opportunities.” It is hoped that the announcement on transport infrastructure will quell anger among MPs over the decision to back HS2. After a showdown following Prime Minister’s Questions last week it emerged that 63 Tory backbenchers have registered their opposition to the line, which is being built to connect London and Birmingham in the first stage and then Manchester in the second. MPs were already angry about allowing the Chinese tech firm Huawei to invest in Britain amid security concerns.
It is hoped that the announcement will quell anger among MPs over the decision to back HS2


thedailyexpress--2020-02-08--Irish election: Sinn Fein surge to shake up Brexit trade talks as Varadkars hopes flounder

Speaking of how a Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail coalition would disrupt post-Brexit trade negotiations , senator for Leo Varadkar ’ s Fine Gael , Neale Richmond said : “ It would certainly bring a far more inexperienced team and a far more nationalist government to the fore in Ireland.
” He added : “ Sinn Féin are extremely hostile to both the EU and the UK.
” This claim is disputed by Sinn Fein TD , Teachta Dála or Irish member of parliament , Eoin Ó Broin who said that all of the Irish political parties are in alignment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-Brexit trade negotiations .
Many circumstances may affect the result of today ’ s Irish general election such as the arrival of Storm Ciara , the Ireland Wales rugby match and the fact it is a weekend election as opposed to the traditional weekday polling .
Record numbers have turned out to vote , making establishment parties wary of being sept aside by a Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail coalition .
Although Fianna Fail dispute claims that they would consider forming a government with Sinn Fein , Senator Richmond said : “ Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Micheál Martin a large proportion of his TDs have stated their willingness to enter into Government with Sinn Féin.
” In Co Wicklow , 34 percent of the electorate had turned out to cast their ballots at one polling station by the coast at Bray by midday , according to the Wicklow returning officer ’ s office .
In Blessington , in the west of the county , turnout was 25 percent .
Overall in west Wicklow , figures ranged between 18 and 25 percent .
In the east of the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by noon .
For nearly 100 years , Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have dominated the Irish political landscape .
JUST IN : EU already missing UK influence in fight against Franco-German axis But long gone are the lofty heights of the 1980s , when they commanded more than 80 percent of the national vote between them .
Sinn Fein has been growing rapidly in the few decades since it entered the Dail in Dublin , so much so that in recent years it has supplanted Labour as the third party .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reunify Ireland looked set to win more votes than its rivals in today ’ s general election , according to recent opinion polls , in what would be the best showing for the left in the country ’ s history .
Footage of Russia and US troops showdown sparks fears of military conflict [ VIDEO ] Britons RAGING at ‘ virtue signalling ’ on GMB sparking Iain Dale walk off [ VIDEO ] Le Pen destroys Brussels ' plot to punish UK 'More countries will leave ' [ VIDEO ] Fine Gael and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties that have alternated in governing Ireland since it gained independence from the UK in 1922 .
Even if it wins the largest number of votes , however , the party is unlikely to be part of the next government , because no other large party is willing to join it in a coalition .
One obstacle for Sinn Féin has been its beginnings as the political arm of the Irish Republican Army , a terrorist group that fought a three-decade battle to forcibly unify Ireland .
When Ireland became independent , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its population in the northeast of the island , forming a separate unit known as Northern Ireland .
Following a peace deal in 1998 , Sinn Féin focused on becoming a more conventional political party and expanding beyond its strongholds along the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland , finding voters in poorer parts of Dublin and the countryside .
Opinion polls suggest that many of its new voters are younger people who have no direct memory of the violent , late-20th-century conflict known as the Troubles and who see Sinn Féin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These voters grew up during the last two decades as Ireland wrestled with the most severe economic crisis in its history as an independent country , tarnishing the reputation of Fianna Fáil , long the most popular party .
Sinn Féin has also benefited from the transition to a new generation of leaders who aren ’ t directly associated with the party ’ s violent past , swapping longtime leader Gerry Adams for Mary Lou McDonald .

Irish Election: Mary Lou McDonald votes in Dublin
Speaking of how a Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail coalition would disrupt post-Brexit trade negotiations, senator for Leo Varadkar’s Fine Gael, Neale Richmond said: “It would certainly bring a far more inexperienced team and a far more nationalist government to the fore in Ireland.” He added: “Sinn Féin are extremely hostile to both the EU and the UK.” This claim is disputed by Sinn Fein TD, Teachta Dála or Irish member of parliament, Eoin Ó Broin who said that all of the Irish political parties are in alignment when it comes to their stance on post-Brexit trade negotiations.
Many circumstances may affect the result of today’s Irish general election such as the arrival of Storm Ciara, the Ireland Wales rugby match and the fact it is a weekend election as opposed to the traditional weekday polling. Record numbers have turned out to vote, making establishment parties wary of being sept aside by a Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail coalition. Although Fianna Fail dispute claims that they would consider forming a government with Sinn Fein, Senator Richmond said: “Despite the firm line of Fianna Fail’s Micheál Martin a large proportion of his TDs have stated their willingness to enter into Government with Sinn Féin.” In Co Wicklow, 34 percent of the electorate had turned out to cast their ballots at one polling station by the coast at Bray by midday, according to the Wicklow returning officer’s office.
Michael Martin, leader of Fianna Fail
In Blessington, in the west of the county, turnout was 25 percent. Overall in west Wicklow, figures ranged between 18 and 25 percent. In the east of the county, turnout was averaging around 20 percent by noon. For nearly 100 years, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have dominated the Irish political landscape. JUST IN: EU already missing UK influence in fight against Franco-German axis
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein with Gerry Adams
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But long gone are the lofty heights of the 1980s, when they commanded more than 80 percent of the national vote between them. Today, they’re lucky to get 50 percent combined. Sinn Fein has been growing rapidly in the few decades since it entered the Dail in Dublin, so much so that in recent years it has supplanted Labour as the third party. A left-wing party whose primary objective is to reunify Ireland looked set to win more votes than its rivals in today’s general election, according to recent opinion polls, in what would be the best showing for the left in the country’s history. DON'T MISS: Footage of Russia and US troops showdown sparks fears of military conflict [VIDEO]
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Le Pen destroys Brussels' plot to punish UK 'More countries will leave' [VIDEO]
Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael
Gerry Adams
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have been the two centre-right parties that have alternated in governing Ireland since it gained independence from the UK in 1922. Even if it wins the largest number of votes, however, the party is unlikely to be part of the next government, because no other large party is willing to join it in a coalition. One obstacle for Sinn Féin has been its beginnings as the political arm of the Irish Republican Army, a terrorist group that fought a three-decade battle to forcibly unify Ireland. When Ireland became independent, the UK retained sovereignty over roughly a third of its population in the northeast of the island, forming a separate unit known as Northern Ireland.
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Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein


thedailyexpress--2020-02-08--Italy demands 'place it deserves' in EU post-Brexit 'We're the third biggest contributor!'

Rome ’ s League political party hit out at the bloc and demanded the nation be given the “ place it deserves ” now that Britain ’ s departure has made Italy the third largest funder in Brussels .
MEP Matteo Adinolfi said : “ Today is a stimulating day because we are facing the next budget of the European Union and we are here with all the political forces because the future of the EU and Italy at this stage , defined by Brexit , is very important.
” He added : “ Italy must remain in the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the place it deserves because today , after Brexit , we have become the third European contributor.
” He also demanded a “ new European budget capable of facing the challenges ” .
Germany has always been the biggest contributor of the EU and serves up a massive 20.78 percent .
France follows at 15.58 percent .
The UK came in third , paying 11.88 percent of the total budget before Brexit last Friday .
Italy pays 11.74 - now making it third in the bloc ’ s long list of contributors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their treatment by EU officials .
Ireland , which is going to the polls today to elect a new government , has sparked concerns among leaders in Brussels .
Irish Times journalist Denis Staunton told Channel 4 News that whoever wins the election could ask Brussels to give the UK concessions , over fears of disruption to the Irish economy in a U-turn to what current Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said .
Mr Staunton claimed that Ireland `` wo n't receive a warm welcome '' in Brussels if it 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them '' .
READ NOW : Radio host in fiery clash with friend of BBC over anti-Brexit bias [ NEWS ] Ireland is one of Europe ’ s fastest growing economies and there is concern that a so-called `` bare bones Brexit deal '' could significantly disrupt Irish industry .
Staunton said : “ There is still some hope in Dublin which is misplaced that Boris doesn ’ t mean his hardline approach .
“ There is a belief that once the reality of the negotiations sinks in , he is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
“ But the reason we have the backstop is that the rest of the UK can diverge from the EU .
DO N'T MISS : EU split : Ireland threatens to rip up Brussels hardline approach [ NEWS ] Scotland independence : How PM stopped plans for separate Scottish time [ INSIGHT ] ’ They ’ ve learned nothing !
EU taken apart for blunders in Japan deal [ VIDEO ] “ I don ’ t think people in Dublin have digested the possible consequences of Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bare bones trade agreement , or he will go to a no deal WTO arrangement , which would be even more disruptive .
“ The economic impact will be severe .
Britain is still a key market , particularly for agriculture and so on .
“ It is a future that Dublin has to manage .
Once the Government gets in and talks begin in Brussels , the Irish Government will not get a particularly warm welcome in Brussels if its looking for concessions for Britain to ease things in Ireland .

Brexit: No deal will have 'local implications’ says expert
Rome’s League political party hit out at the bloc and demanded the nation be given the “place it deserves” now that Britain’s departure has made Italy the third largest funder in Brussels. MEP Matteo Adinolfi said: “Today is a stimulating day because we are facing the next budget of the European Union and we are here with all the political forces because the future of the EU and Italy at this stage, defined by Brexit, is very important.” He added: “Italy must remain in the European Union, but it must also have the place it deserves because today, after Brexit, we have become the third European contributor.”
He also demanded a “new European budget capable of facing the challenges”. Germany has always been the biggest contributor of the EU and serves up a massive 20.78 percent. France follows at 15.58 percent. The UK came in third, paying 11.88 percent of the total budget before Brexit last Friday. Italy pays 11.74 - now making it third in the bloc’s long list of contributors.
Rome’s League political party hit out at the bloc
Italy pays 11.74 - now making it third in the bloc’s long list of contributors
Italy is not the only nation unhappy with their treatment by EU officials. Ireland, which is going to the polls today to elect a new government, has sparked concerns among leaders in Brussels. Irish Times journalist Denis Staunton told Channel 4 News that whoever wins the election could ask Brussels to give the UK concessions, over fears of disruption to the Irish economy in a U-turn to what current Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said. Mr Staunton claimed that Ireland "won't receive a warm welcome" in Brussels if it's "looking for Britain to ease things for them". READ NOW: Radio host in fiery clash with friend of BBC over anti-Brexit bias [NEWS]
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Boris Johnson is calling for a Canada-style free trade deal
Ireland is one of Europe’s fastest growing economies and there is concern that a so-called "bare bones Brexit deal" could significantly disrupt Irish industry. Staunton said: “There is still some hope in Dublin which is misplaced that Boris doesn’t mean his hardline approach. “There is a belief that once the reality of the negotiations sinks in, he is going to compromise like he did over the backstop." “But the reason we have the backstop is that the rest of the UK can diverge from the EU. DON'T MISS:
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Brexit took place last Friday
“I don’t think people in Dublin have digested the possible consequences of Boris Johnson’s Brexit. “He will either go for a bare bones trade agreement, or he will go to a no deal WTO arrangement, which would be even more disruptive. “The economic impact will be severe. Britain is still a key market, particularly for agriculture and so on. “It is a future that Dublin has to manage. Once the Government gets in and talks begin in Brussels, the Irish Government will not get a particularly warm welcome in Brussels if its looking for concessions for Britain to ease things in Ireland.
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-08--Trump’s revenge: US President sacks key witnesses from his impeachment trial

Mr Trump fired his EU ambassador and his Ukraine security adviser , who was frogmarched from the White House yesterday .
Gordon Sondland , the EU ambassador who was also a key donor in Mr Trump ’ s campaign , had told Congress there was indeed a “ quid pro quo ” with Ukraine , something the president has furiously denied .
He said he “ was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately ” from Europe .
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Vindman , Ukraine expert , testified under subpoena in the impeachment hearing .
He told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s demands “ inappropriate ” .
Lt. Col. Vindman was then given the boot from the National Security Council .
His brother , Yevgeny Vindman , a lawyer for the National Security Council was also given the shove , and sent back to the Department of the Army .
In a statement released by his lawyer , Mr Sondland elaborated on the news he received .
He said : “ I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve , to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professionals at the US mission to the European Union .
“ I am proud of our accomplishments .
Our work here has been the highlight of my career.
” Lt. Col. Vindman ’ s lawyer , David Pressman , however , seemed less impressed by his client ’ s removal .
READ MORE : Trump to sack official who testified against him in impeachment In a statement , he told the BBC : “ There is no question in the mind of any American why this man ’ s job is over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldier serving it at the White House .
“ LTC Vindman was asked to leave for telling the truth .
His honour , his commitment to right , frightened the powerful .
“ The truth has cost LTC Alexander Vindman his job , his career , and his privacy .
“ The most powerful man in the world - buoyed by the silent , the pliable , and the complicit - has decided to exact revenge.
” Democrats described the sackings as “ retribution ” for offering the truth in Mr Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared him of abuse of power and obstruction over his attempts to force Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden , in exchange for military aid .
DO N'T MISS Donald Trump named ‘ most admired man ’ in Gallup poll in huge boost [ POLL ] US Democrats are making the same mistake as LABOUR , says ROSS CLARK [ OPINION ] How Donald Trump ’ s impeachment boost could hand him 2020 election win [ ANALYSIS ] Mr Trump was previously impeached in the first part of a two step process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president remains impeached , however , not removed from office .
As Mr Trump departed for North Carolina , he told reporters : “ I ’ m not happy with him [ Lt. Col. Vindman ] .
“ You think I ’ m supposed to be happy with him ?
I ’ m not.
” It is believed the move comes as Mr Trump is attempting to cull his perceived enemies within his staff and his party .
The President has seemingly set his sights on Mitt Romney , a former Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only Republican senator who voted to convict Mr Trump of abuse of power .
The President ’ s son , Donald Trump Jr , has called for Mr Romney to be expelled from the party .
Mr Romney told the Salt Lake Tribune , “ I will accept whatever consequence is sent my way and recognise that is part of the job .
“ Of course , the animosity that might be levelled from people in the street is going to be real as well.
” Jennifer Williams , an advisor to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , upon hearing Mr Trump ’ s telephone call with the Ukrainian president where he allegedly asked for a “ favour ” .
Ms Williams is now being shipped out of Washington , to an office in Florida .
And Mr Trump was forced to dispel rumours he was willing to replace Mick Mulvaney , his acting chief-of-staff .
Mr Mulvaney had previously seemed to confirm collusion with Ukraine when he told a press conference : “ We do it all the time .
Get over it .
”

Donald Trump says other Presidents wouldn't be able to 'take it'
Mr Trump fired his EU ambassador and his Ukraine security adviser, who was frogmarched from the White House yesterday. Gordon Sondland, the EU ambassador who was also a key donor in Mr Trump’s campaign, had told Congress there was indeed a “quid pro quo” with Ukraine, something the president has furiously denied. He said he “was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately” from Europe.
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Vindman, Ukraine expert, testified under subpoena in the impeachment hearing. He told the impeachment hearing panel he found Mr Trump’s demands “inappropriate”. Lt. Col. Vindman was then given the boot from the National Security Council. His brother, Yevgeny Vindman, a lawyer for the National Security Council was also given the shove, and sent back to the Department of the Army.
President Trump has seemingly taken revenge on those who testified at his impeachment hearing
Trump booted out two of his officials
In a statement released by his lawyer, Mr Sondland elaborated on the news he received. He said: “I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve, to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support, and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the US mission to the European Union. “I am proud of our accomplishments. Our work here has been the highlight of my career.” Lt. Col. Vindman’s lawyer, David Pressman, however, seemed less impressed by his client’s removal. READ MORE: Trump to sack official who testified against him in impeachment
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Ambassador Sondland was brought back from Europe
In a statement, he told the BBC: “There is no question in the mind of any American why this man’s job is over, why this country now has one less soldier serving it at the White House. “LTC Vindman was asked to leave for telling the truth. His honour, his commitment to right, frightened the powerful. “The truth has cost LTC Alexander Vindman his job, his career, and his privacy. “The most powerful man in the world - buoyed by the silent, the pliable, and the complicit - has decided to exact revenge.” Democrats described the sackings as “retribution” for offering the truth in Mr Trump’s impeachment hearing. Senators this week cleared him of abuse of power and obstruction over his attempts to force Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, in exchange for military aid. DON'T MISS
Donald Trump named ‘most admired man’ in Gallup poll in huge boost [POLL]
US Democrats are making the same mistake as LABOUR, says ROSS CLARK [OPINION]
How Donald Trump’s impeachment boost could hand him 2020 election win [ANALYSIS]
Mr Trump told reporters he was not happy
Lt. Col. Vindman was also sacked by Trump
Mr Trump was previously impeached in the first part of a two step process by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. The president remains impeached, however, not removed from office. As Mr Trump departed for North Carolina, he told reporters: “I’m not happy with him [Lt. Col. Vindman]. “You think I’m supposed to be happy with him? I’m not.” It is believed the move comes as Mr Trump is attempting to cull his perceived enemies within his staff and his party. The President has seemingly set his sights on Mitt Romney, a former Republican presidential hopeful.
Donald Trump's family tree
Mr Romney was the only Republican senator who voted to convict Mr Trump of abuse of power. The President’s son, Donald Trump Jr, has called for Mr Romney to be expelled from the party. Mr Romney told the Salt Lake Tribune, “I will accept whatever consequence is sent my way and recognise that is part of the job. “Of course, the animosity that might be levelled from people in the street is going to be real as well.” Jennifer Williams, an advisor to the vice-president, testified in the impeachment trial, upon hearing Mr Trump’s telephone call with the Ukrainian president where he allegedly asked for a “favour”. Ms Williams is now being shipped out of Washington, to an office in Florida. And Mr Trump was forced to dispel rumours he was willing to replace Mick Mulvaney, his acting chief-of-staff. Mr Mulvaney had previously seemed to confirm collusion with Ukraine when he told a press conference: “We do it all the time. Get over it.”
Mr Trump's son has called for the expulsion of Mitt Romney from the party
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Labour CRISIS: Leadership contest engulfed in dirty tricks row sparking ‘investigation'

But centrists said the allegation was “ pumped up ” in an attempt to derail the shadow Brexit Secretary ’ s campaign in favour of Corbynista candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey .
The row came as Sir Keir was hit by a family tragedy after his mother-in-law died following an accident .
Labour said it is conducting `` a thorough investigation '' into the hacking claims and has written to all candidates warning them not to misuse data .
Sir Keir ’ s team said the allegations were “ nonsensical ” and only surfaced after they had raised concerns last week about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection breach by rival Ms Long-Bailey ’ s team .
Lord Falconer , a Cabinet minister under Tony Blair , said the decision to report Sir Keir ’ s campaign , then leak the story “ tells us much more about the sense of the left in labour losing its grip on the party ” .
“ Do you believe Kier Starmer or do you believe that shower that have been around dealing for example with allegations of anti-Semitism ?
My money is on the Kier Starmer side , not on that lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be trusted , ” he told BBC Radio 5 Live Pienaar ’ s Politics .
“ It ’ s a pumped up allegation given to the media straight away rather than in any attempt to investigate the truth it really honestly makes me think , as a long term labour member , that we really need to be able to make sure that you can trust the organisation of the Labour party.
” Jenny Chapman , who is running Sir Keir ’ s campaign said the allegations are `` utter , utter nonsense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

But centrists said the allegation was “pumped up” in an attempt to derail the shadow Brexit Secretary’s campaign in favour of Corbynista candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey. The row came as Sir Keir was hit by a family tragedy after his mother-in-law died following an accident. Labour said it is conducting "a thorough investigation" into the hacking claims and has written to all candidates warning them not to misuse data.
Sir Keir’s team said the allegations were “nonsensical” and only surfaced after they had raised concerns last week about a potentially "very serious" data protection breach by rival Ms Long-Bailey’s team.
Lord Falconer, a Cabinet minister under Tony Blair, said the decision to report Sir Keir’s campaign, then leak the story “tells us much more about the sense of the left in labour losing its grip on the party”.
“Do you believe Kier Starmer or do you believe that shower that have been around dealing for example with allegations of anti-Semitism? My money is on the Kier Starmer side, not on that lot, we know they can’t be trusted,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live Pienaar’s Politics.
“It’s a pumped up allegation given to the media straight away rather than in any attempt to investigate the truth it really honestly makes me think, as a long term labour member, that we really need to be able to make sure that you can trust the organisation of the Labour party.”
Jenny Chapman, who is running Sir Keir’s campaign said the allegations are "utter, utter nonsense" and “didn't happen”.


thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Cabinet reshuffle: Women to be the big winners on Thursday

A group of highly rated female MPs in junior positions and stuck on the backbenches are set to get into the Cabinet or receive senior jobs from Boris Johnson .
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch , who resigned from Theresa May ’ s government when the former prime minister backtracked on clamping down on fixed-odds betting machines , is being tipped for a post .
Former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt , who was sacked by Mr Johnson when he reached No 10 , is expected to return to the cabinet .
Former Brexit minister Suella Braverman , who resigned over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently became a mother , is also set for a return to the ministerial ranks and tipped to make the Cabinet .
The Fareham MP , who had a distinguished career as a lawyer , is part of a group of Conservative backbenchers pushing for legal changes to limit the power of judges to make new laws through judicial activism .
Ms Braverman raised the issue in Prime Minister ’ s Questions last week and was later supported by former minister Sir John Hayes and Witney MP Robert Courts .
With Geoffrey Cox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move on , Ms Braverman is one of the candidates to replace him along with prisons minister Lucy Frazer , who is being tipped to get into the Cabinet .
Others expected to make their way into senior jobs are Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan , a leading Brexiteer , and culture minister Helen Whately .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is expected to stay in the Cabinet along with Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg after early speculation that they were returning to the back benches .
However , the only Cabinet minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Grant Shapps .
A source close to the Prime Minister said last night : “ Downing Street has been impressed by his grip on the portfolio , and his disciplined approach to media.
” Last month ministers were told that they would be judged on how well they did their job and told not to tour the TV studios or lunch with journalists .
It is understood Mr Johnson could move Chancellor Sajid Javid but may wait for a subsequent reshuffle because the Budget is due next month .
A senior source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street as a placeholder for [ his deputy , Chief Secretary to the Treasury ] Rishi Sunak .
“ But Rishi needs to show how well he performs in the spending review first .
”

Penny Mordaunt
A group of highly rated female MPs in junior positions and stuck on the backbenches are set to get into the Cabinet or receive senior jobs from Boris Johnson. Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who resigned from Theresa May’s government when the former prime minister backtracked on clamping down on fixed-odds betting machines, is being tipped for a post. Former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt, who was sacked by Mr Johnson when he reached No 10, is expected to return to the cabinet.
Former Brexit minister Suella Braverman, who resigned over Mrs May’s Chequers plans and subsequently became a mother, is also set for a return to the ministerial ranks and tipped to make the Cabinet. The Fareham MP, who had a distinguished career as a lawyer, is part of a group of Conservative backbenchers pushing for legal changes to limit the power of judges to make new laws through judicial activism. Ms Braverman raised the issue in Prime Minister’s Questions last week and was later supported by former minister Sir John Hayes and Witney MP Robert Courts. With Geoffrey Cox, the Attorney General, expected to move on, Ms Braverman is one of the candidates to replace him along with prisons minister Lucy Frazer, who is being tipped to get into the Cabinet.
Lucy Frazer
Others expected to make their way into senior jobs are Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a leading Brexiteer, and culture minister Helen Whately. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is expected to stay in the Cabinet along with Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg after early speculation that they were returning to the back benches. However, the only Cabinet minister guaranteed to keep his job is Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. A source close to the Prime Minister said last night: “Downing Street has been impressed by his grip on the portfolio, and his disciplined approach to media.”
Liz Truss
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Irish election POLL: Sinn Féin WINS crunch vote - are you worried for breakup of UK? VOTE

In what leader Mary Lou McDonald described as “ something of a revolution ” , the left-wing republicans came top of the pile in terms of votes cast in the country ’ s proportional representation electoral system .
Sinn Fein received 24.5 percent of the vote share on first preference , beating both major parties , Fianna Fail on 22.2 percent and Fine Gael on 20.9 percent .
Counting of votes resumes on Monday in 26 constituencies to fill the remaining 82 seats .
Mr Varadkar , whose days as Taoiseach are likely to be numbered after the disastrous result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the formation of a new government .
Mrs McDonald is on record as saying “ Irish unity ” was the best way to defeat a “ Tory Brexit ” , and is likely to use her significant mandate to push for a referendum on the subject .
The landmark Good Friday Agreement , which was signed in 1997 , includes provision for a border poll .
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith is required to call one “ if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland ” .
If he opts to do so , votes would need to be held in the North and the South , with majorities required in both for Irish unification to take place .
JUST IN : Varadkar humiliated - how shock Irish election pact could doom PM Speaking after the polls closed yesterday , Mrs McDonald said : `` We want to talk to anyone who is interested in delivering a programme for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grips with the housing crisis and solving it , getting to grips with the crisis in health and giving families and workers a break and giving a new lease of life to government .
`` A government that people relate to , that is in tune with the realities of people 's day-to-day lives , not one that is aloof and adrift from the experiences of citizens .
DO N'T MISS : Irish election : Sinn Fein surge to shake up Brexit trade talks [ LATEST ] Italy demands 'place it deserves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU split : Ireland threatens to rip up Brussels hardline approach [ UPDATE ] “ This campaign has been about change and giving Sinn Fein a chance to demonstrate what it feels like when it is led by or has a party of the people in it , that has been the theme of our discussions and conversations .
`` This vote for Sinn Fein is for Sinn Fein to be in government , for Sinn Fein to make a difference , for Sinn Fein to be tested , for Sinn Fein to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a harder line on trade negotiations with the UK than Mr Varadkar ’ s party did previously , and should they be offered a seat at the table , talks with Britain are likely to become more difficult .
Sinn Fein is committed to a policy whereby Northern Ireland is designated special status within the EU , with the whole of the island of Ireland to remain within the EU together .
The party was also hugely critical of Mr Varadkar in the wake of the Brexit deal struck between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had made far too many concessions to Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Current projections suggest Sinn Fein will take 37 seats in the 160-seat Dail , or Parliament , meaning they will be hard to ignore when negotiations over the formation of the next Government get under way , with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin , unlike Taoiseach Leo Varadkar , refusing to rule out a possible deal .

Mary Lou McDonald on how Brexit could impact Ireland in 2019
In what leader Mary Lou McDonald described as “something of a revolution”, the left-wing republicans came top of the pile in terms of votes cast in the country’s proportional representation electoral system. Sinn Fein received 24.5 percent of the vote share on first preference, beating both major parties, Fianna Fail on 22.2 percent and Fine Gael on 20.9 percent.
Counting of votes resumes on Monday in 26 constituencies to fill the remaining 82 seats.
Mr Varadkar, whose days as Taoiseach are likely to be numbered after the disastrous result, has said it could be months before the formation of a new government.
Mrs McDonald is on record as saying “Irish unity” was the best way to defeat a “Tory Brexit”, and is likely to use her significant mandate to push for a referendum on the subject.
Mary Lou McDonald may prove a challenge for Boris Johnson
The landmark Good Friday Agreement, which was signed in 1997, includes provision for a border poll.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith is required to call one “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland”.
If he opts to do so, votes would need to be held in the North and the South, with majorities required in both for Irish unification to take place. JUST IN: Varadkar humiliated - how shock Irish election pact could doom PM
Sinn Fein's jubilant leader, Mary Lou McDonald
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Leo Varadkar is under considerable pressure
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has not rule out working with Sinn Fein
Counting continues today
“This campaign has been about change and giving Sinn Fein a chance to demonstrate what it feels like when it is led by or has a party of the people in it, that has been the theme of our discussions and conversations. "This vote for Sinn Fein is for Sinn Fein to be in government, for Sinn Fein to make a difference, for Sinn Fein to be tested, for Sinn Fein to deliver." Mrs McDonald is likely to take a harder line on trade negotiations with the UK than Mr Varadkar’s party did previously, and should they be offered a seat at the table, talks with Britain are likely to become more difficult.
Irish border arrangements in accordance with Boris Johnson's deal
Sinn Fein is committed to a policy whereby Northern Ireland is designated special status within the EU, with the whole of the island of Ireland to remain within the EU together. The party was also hugely critical of Mr Varadkar in the wake of the Brexit deal struck between the UK and the EU, arguing he had made far too many concessions to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Current projections suggest Sinn Fein will take 37 seats in the 160-seat Dail, or Parliament, meaning they will be hard to ignore when negotiations over the formation of the next Government get under way, with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, unlike Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, refusing to rule out a possible deal.
Sinn Fein believes Leo Varadkar made too many concessions to Boris Johnson
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Leo Varadkar Brexit hell: Irish PM to pay dangerous price for ‘ignoring voice of people’

The shape of the Republic of Ireland ’ s next Government remains uncertain after a historic general election .
With all first preferences counted , Sinn Féin secured 24.5 percent compared to 22.2 percent for Fianna Fáil and 20.9 percent for Irish Premier Leo Varadkar ’ s party Fine Gael .
As no one has enough seats for an outright majority , Mr Varadkar is scrambling for a coalition , but has been warned by Sky Correspondent David Blevin to take a lesson from Brexit , which proved it would be “ difficult ” to “ ignore the voice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I think it ’ s likely that we ’ ll see those two big parties , Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael , forming a grand coalition themselves , although that ’ s dangerous for them .
“ Brexit has shown us how difficult it is to ignore the voice of the people , and a third of the electorate voted for Sinn Féin .
“ And to do so , of course , would make Sinn Féin the main opposition party .
“ We talk about politics earthquakes , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE : Varadkar humiliated : How shock Irish election pact could doom PM The Sky Correspondent continued : “ Gone are the days of the two party state here in Ireland with one of the two dominant parties Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael taking responsibility for forming the next coalition Government .
“ There is now a third contender , Sinn Féin , and that takes us into uncharted territory .
“ In terms of first preference votes , Sinn Féin won this election .
“ But it ’ s important to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party will not end up with the largest number of seats.
” He added : “ That means really the business of forming a coalition Government is completely up for grabs .
“ Mary Lou McDonald , the Sinn Féin leader , is already talking to other parties on the left about trying to form a coalition without one of the two larger parties .
“ But that is a really tall order .
It would requite virtually every other member of Parliament to be onboard in what would be the mother of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar on the brink : Sinn Fein top poll in PM constituency [ LATEST ] Varadkar responds after election - rules out Sinn Fein coalition [ VIDEO ] Varadkar HUMILIATED : Poll disaster may spell end , says expert [ LATEST ] Mr Blevin offered further insight : “ So the other option would be for one of those two big parties to cross its self-imposed red line and bring Sinn Féin into a coalition Government .
“ It would also probably require another smaller party like the Greens .
“ But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Sinn Féin either being in the coalition Government or being the main opposition here in Ireland , illustrates just the extent to which the political plates have shifted over the weekend.
” Mr Varadkar said it would be `` challenging '' to form a Government .
His party looks set to lose seats for the second election in a row , while Sinn Féin is set to dramatically increase how many it holds .

Irish election: Expert outlines 'dangerous' coalition strategy
The shape of the Republic of Ireland’s next Government remains uncertain after a historic general election. With all first preferences counted, Sinn Féin secured 24.5 percent compared to 22.2 percent for Fianna Fáil and 20.9 percent for Irish Premier Leo Varadkar’s party Fine Gael. As no one has enough seats for an outright majority, Mr Varadkar is scrambling for a coalition, but has been warned by Sky Correspondent David Blevin to take a lesson from Brexit, which proved it would be “difficult” to “ignore the voice of the people”.
Mr Blevin said: “I think it’s likely that we’ll see those two big parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, forming a grand coalition themselves, although that’s dangerous for them. “Brexit has shown us how difficult it is to ignore the voice of the people, and a third of the electorate voted for Sinn Féin. “And to do so, of course, would make Sinn Féin the main opposition party. “We talk about politics earthquakes, this is something of a political tsunami.” READ MORE: Varadkar humiliated: How shock Irish election pact could doom PM
Varadkar nightmare: Brexit making it ‘difficult’ for Irish PM to ‘ignore voice of people’
varadkar news irish election latest exit poll
The Sky Correspondent continued: “Gone are the days of the two party state here in Ireland with one of the two dominant parties Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael taking responsibility for forming the next coalition Government. “There is now a third contender, Sinn Féin, and that takes us into uncharted territory. “In terms of first preference votes, Sinn Féin won this election. “But it’s important to remember that it is proportional representation so the party will not end up with the largest number of seats.”
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varadkar news irish election latest exit poll
Irish election: Sinn Fein coalition ‘not an option’ says Varadkar
He added: “That means really the business of forming a coalition Government is completely up for grabs. “Mary Lou McDonald, the Sinn Féin leader, is already talking to other parties on the left about trying to form a coalition without one of the two larger parties. “But that is a really tall order. It would requite virtually every other member of Parliament to be onboard in what would be the mother of all coalition Governments.” DON'T MISS
Varadkar on the brink: Sinn Fein top poll in PM constituency [LATEST]
Varadkar responds after election - rules out Sinn Fein coalition [VIDEO]
Varadkar HUMILIATED: Poll disaster may spell end, says expert [LATEST]
Impact of hard Brexit on Ireland's GDP growth rate
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Varadkar humiliated: How shock Irish election pact could doom PM - 'A revolution!'

And one political analyst has said the results significantly increase the chances of a referendum on the question of a united Ireland .
In what is being talked about as a watershed moment for the country , Sinn Fein , the left-wing party historically associated with the IRA , emerged as the most popular party , winning the most first preference votes in Ireland ’ s proportional representation voting system .
The party , led by Mary Lou McDonald , topped the polls in the vast majority of constituencies across Ireland , receiving 24.5 percent of the vote .
Fianna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Fine Gael just 20.9 percent .
Speaking in Cork yesterday , Fianna Fail ’ s Mr Martin refused to rule out working with Sinn Fein , despite having insisted he would not do so during the campaign .
Repeatedly asked to reiterate his opposition , he insisted even though there were `` significant incompatibility '' issues in terms of policy , he was not prepared to dismiss the possibility outright .
However , he added : `` Our policies , our positions and principles have n't changed overnight or in 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is exactly what I have said during the campaign and what I said during the campaign and what my party said during the campaign was n't a tactic or a strategy , it was what we honestly believed and for us coalition with Sinn Fein is not an op He said : “ My view on this is exactly what I have said during the campaign and what I said during the campaign and what my party said during the campaign was n't a tactic or a strategy , it was what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinn Fein is not an option.
” Ms McDonald , who described the result as “ something of a revolution ” , said she was ready to talk to all leaders - but said she hoped to lead a left-wing coalition of smaller parties , without any input from with of Ireland ’ s two main parties , which have swapped power for decades .
She added : `` It 's been an election about change .
READ MORE : Varadkar HUMILIATED : Poll disaster may spell end , says expert '' The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political establishment , and by that I mean Fianna Fail and Fine Gael , are in a state of denial .
`` They are still not listening to what the people have said . ''
In contrast to the UK ’ s first-past-the-post system , the 160 members of Ireland ’ s Parliament , the Dail Eireann , are elected by a single transferable vote ( STV ) system in 39 constituencies , with each returning between three and five TDs ( equivalent to MPs ) .
DO N'T MISS : SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Nicola Sturgeon ’ s strategy [ EXCLUSIVE ] Royal secrets : How Boris Johnson lifted lid on relationship with Queen [ INSIGHT ] Jacob Rees-Mogg ’ s unusual 21st birthday party location revealed [ REVEALED ] Each ballot goes to its first-preference candidate but is transferred to the next available preference when the first choice is elected or eliminated .
Humiliatingly for Mr Varadkar , he was only elected on the fifth count in his Dublin West constituency , where Sinn Fein ’ s Paul Donnelly was elected with 12,456 first preference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 8,478 .
The most recent seat projection , by University College Dublin for RTE , indicated Fianna Fail will be the largest party on 45 seats , with Sinn Fein on 37 and Fine Gael on 36 .
Mr Varadkar 's last government , a minority Fine Gael-led administration which included several independent TDs , was propped up via a confidence and supply arrangement with Fianna Fail , and a similar , albeit reversed , arrangement , with Fianna Fail leading a minority government , remains a possibility .
In the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then led by Enda Kenny , secured 25.5 percent of first preference votes , taking 50 seats , compared with Fianna Fail ’ s 24.3 percent and 44 seats respectively .
Sinn Fein , then led by Gerry Adams , took 13.8 percent and won 23 seats .

Irish election: Leo Varadkar finds out he is not elected
And one political analyst has said the results significantly increase the chances of a referendum on the question of a united Ireland. In what is being talked about as a watershed moment for the country, Sinn Fein, the left-wing party historically associated with the IRA, emerged as the most popular party, winning the most first preference votes in Ireland’s proportional representation voting system. The party, led by Mary Lou McDonald, topped the polls in the vast majority of constituencies across Ireland, receiving 24.5 percent of the vote. Fianna Fail got 22.2 percent and Mr Varadkar’s Fine Gael just 20.9 percent.
Speaking in Cork yesterday, Fianna Fail’s Mr Martin refused to rule out working with Sinn Fein, despite having insisted he would not do so during the campaign. Repeatedly asked to reiterate his opposition, he insisted even though there were "significant incompatibility" issues in terms of policy, he was not prepared to dismiss the possibility outright. However, he added: "Our policies, our positions and principles haven't changed overnight or in 24 hours."
Micheal Martin - unlike Leo Varadkar - has not ruled out working with Sinn Fein
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald was jubilant after the result
My view on this is exactly what I have said during the campaign and what I said during the campaign and what my party said during the campaign wasn't a tactic or a strategy, it was what we honestly believed and for us coalition with Sinn Fein is not an op Leo Varadkar
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He said: “My view on this is exactly what I have said during the campaign and what I said during the campaign and what my party said during the campaign wasn't a tactic or a strategy, it was what we honestly believed and for us coalition with Sinn Fein is not an option.” Ms McDonald, who described the result as “something of a revolution”, said she was ready to talk to all leaders - but said she hoped to lead a left-wing coalition of smaller parties, without any input from with of Ireland’s two main parties, which have swapped power for decades. She added: "It's been an election about change. READ MORE: Varadkar HUMILIATED: Poll disaster may spell end, says expert
Leo Varadkar's hold on power is tenuous after the result
"The extraordinary thing is that it seems that the political establishment, and by that I mean Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, are in a state of denial. "They are still not listening to what the people have said." In contrast to the UK’s first-past-the-post system, the 160 members of Ireland’s Parliament, the Dail Eireann, are elected by a single transferable vote (STV) system in 39 constituencies, with each returning between three and five TDs (equivalent to MPs). DON'T MISS:
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Jacob Rees-Mogg’s unusual 21st birthday party location revealed [REVEALED]
Ireland elects TDs by way of the Single Transferable Vote system
Sinn Fein's Paul Donnelly beat Mr Varadkar in Dublin West
Each ballot goes to its first-preference candidate but is transferred to the next available preference when the first choice is elected or eliminated. Humiliatingly for Mr Varadkar, he was only elected on the fifth count in his Dublin West constituency, where Sinn Fein’s Paul Donnelly was elected with 12,456 first preference votes, compared with the Taoiseach’s 8,478. The most recent seat projection, by University College Dublin for RTE, indicated Fianna Fail will be the largest party on 45 seats, with Sinn Fein on 37 and Fine Gael on 36.
Sinn Fein's strong performance will increase pressure for a border poll
Mr Varadkar's last government, a minority Fine Gael-led administration which included several independent TDs, was propped up via a confidence and supply arrangement with Fianna Fail, and a similar, albeit reversed, arrangement, with Fianna Fail leading a minority government, remains a possibility. In the previous election, in 2016, Fine Gael, then led by Enda Kenny, secured 25.5 percent of first preference votes, taking 50 seats, compared with Fianna Fail’s 24.3 percent and 44 seats respectively. Sinn Fein, then led by Gerry Adams, took 13.8 percent and won 23 seats.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, pictured in Cork
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Brexit bombshell: May’s former deputy reveals critical 'mistakes' made 'early on' by ex-PM

He said “ mistakes were made early on ” in Theresa May 's premiership regarding Brexit , adding “ every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their Government ” .
Sir David criticised her hardline approach to negotiations with the European Union and suggested the former Prime Minister should have “ reached out ” to Labour as early as 2016 .
Mrs May ’ s former deputy was speaking at an event organised by political think tank the Institute for Government .
When asked whether she was to blame for what happened , he said : “ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ultimately every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their government .
“ I do think the mistakes were made early .
If you go back to 2016 , I don ’ t think that there was sufficient recognition of how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be .
“ I think it is possible – you never know , we are looking at it with hindsight , but it is possible – what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier .
“ Possibly , you know , an attempt to reach out to other parties early on , saying : 'This is a national decision , we have had a vote in the referendum , now we need to move forward together ' .
“ I think probably she ( Theresa May ) felt that , you know , having supported Remain , that she had to demonstrate her credentials as committed to delivering the referendum result.
” Mrs May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 10 Downing Street she would be resigning as Prime Minister , after suffering a series of humiliating defeats in the House of Commons as MPs failed to give sufficient backing to her much-criticised Brexit deal .
But just weeks before this announcement , her Conservative Party opened talks with Labour in a desperate attempt to break the Brexit impasse .
Sir David claimed the cross-party talks came “ pretty close ” to finding a compromise on Brexit .
He said : “ I think , at the end of the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just there was an unwillingness on both sides , I think , to make the final leap .
“ The two issues on which it broke down were customs and a second referendum , where we couldn ’ t quite get agreement .
“ The negotiations took place on both sides , with the understanding that this was without prejudice , they would have to go back to cabinet and shadow cabinet and check their view .
“ So , in the room , we said to Labour : 'Look , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will offer , is something where both of us can say that our real objective is not prejudiced ahead of a general election ' .
DO N'T MISS Bercow says he is victim of Tory 'conspiracy ' over peerage block [ VIDEO ] Brexit Britain : Lord Owen reveals plan to get rid of London elite [ INSIGHT ] Irish election : Sinn Fein surge to shake up Brexit trade talks [ POLL ] “ In effect , that meant having what amounted to a customs union with the EU , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after which whoever won would be free to do their own thing .
“ Labour did rub our noses in it a bit , and wanted to actually call it a customs union , where we wanted language about 'the benefits of a customs union ' , zero tariffs , zero quotas and so on.
” Sir David also claimed the cross-party talks collapsed due to Labour ’ s continued demands for a second referendum .
Mrs May ’ s former deputy said a second referendum was “ undesirable ” because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been `` severe ” .
He added : “ The other thing was a second referendum , and we did offer a guaranteed debate and vote at both committee and report ( parliamentary stages of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill ) .
“ Labour said that they had to have a second referendum in the bill at the start and the vote would have to be whether to drop it .
“ We just knew that would lose many more Conservatives than you would gain Labour members in the House of Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be difficult for a second referendum to get a majority on a free vote there .

Brexit: Johnson has 'learnt from May's mistakes' says Dale
He said “mistakes were made early on” in Theresa May's premiership regarding Brexit, adding “every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their Government”. Sir David criticised her hardline approach to negotiations with the European Union and suggested the former Prime Minister should have “reached out” to Labour as early as 2016. Mrs May’s former deputy was speaking at an event organised by political think tank the Institute for Government.
I do think the mistakes were made early. If you go back to 2016, I don’t think that there was sufficient recognition of how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be David Lidington
When asked whether she was to blame for what happened, he said: “Well, I mean, I think look, ultimately every Prime Minister has responsibility for what happens in their government. “I do think the mistakes were made early. If you go back to 2016, I don’t think that there was sufficient recognition of how hard some of the political choices in the negotiations would be. “I think it is possible – you never know, we are looking at it with hindsight, but it is possible – what I think should happen is there should have been a different approach to the negotiations at the start because I think it would have been possible then to come to the deal earlier. “Possibly, you know, an attempt to reach out to other parties early on, saying: 'This is a national decision, we have had a vote in the referendum, now we need to move forward together'.
Brexit news: Theresa May has come under attack from her former deputy Sir David Lidington
Brexit news: The former deputy said “mistakes were made early on” in Theresa May's premiership in regards to Brexit
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“I think probably she (Theresa May) felt that, you know, having supported Remain, that she had to demonstrate her credentials as committed to delivering the referendum result.” Mrs May tearfully announced in June on the steps of 10 Downing Street she would be resigning as Prime Minister, after suffering a series of humiliating defeats in the House of Commons as MPs failed to give sufficient backing to her much-criticised Brexit deal. But just weeks before this announcement, her Conservative Party opened talks with Labour in a desperate attempt to break the Brexit impasse. Sir David claimed the cross-party talks came “pretty close” to finding a compromise on Brexit. READ MORE: Nigel Farage reveals special Brexit gift he gave Donald Trump
Brexit news: Theresa May's hardline approach in negotiations with the EU has been criticised
He said: “I think, at the end of the day, perhaps late in the day, it was just there was an unwillingness on both sides, I think, to make the final leap. “The two issues on which it broke down were customs and a second referendum, where we couldn’t quite get agreement. “The negotiations took place on both sides, with the understanding that this was without prejudice, they would have to go back to cabinet and shadow cabinet and check their view. “So, in the room, we said to Labour: 'Look, what we will go for is, what we will offer, is something where both of us can say that our real objective is not prejudiced ahead of a general election'. DON'T MISS
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“In effect, that meant having what amounted to a customs union with the EU, at least until the general election took place, after which whoever won would be free to do their own thing. “Labour did rub our noses in it a bit, and wanted to actually call it a customs union, where we wanted language about 'the benefits of a customs union', zero tariffs, zero quotas and so on.” Sir David also claimed the cross-party talks collapsed due to Labour’s continued demands for a second referendum. Mrs May’s former deputy said a second referendum was “undesirable” because of the political damage it would have done would have been "severe”.
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He added: “The other thing was a second referendum, and we did offer a guaranteed debate and vote at both committee and report (parliamentary stages of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill). “Labour said that they had to have a second referendum in the bill at the start and the vote would have to be whether to drop it. “We just knew that would lose many more Conservatives than you would gain Labour members in the House of Commons. I think that it was going to be difficult for a second referendum to get a majority on a free vote there.
Brexit news: Cross-party talks between the Tories and Labour came 'pretty close' to finding a compromise
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Canada chief hails huge 'opportunity' for Brexit trade deal with Great Britain

Canada ’ s high commissioner to the UK Janice Charette hopes negotiators will be able to improve on the current Canada-EU trade agreement when the Brexit transition period is over .
This will allow a closer relationship between Britain and Canada and provide countless trade opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic .
Britain is the largest market in Europe Canada trades with and is its third-biggest trade partner overall .
Ms Charette said : “ We are in a very good place .
“ The opportunity is whether an improved agreement can be made at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK are currently bound by the Canada-EU trade agreement which continues until the end of the transition period .
But once the transition period ends Britain and Canada will be able to form an independent trade deal specifically designed to make trade as easy as possible between the two nations .
READ MORE : Megxit pressure : ONE sign of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry struggle Some tariffs and obstacles are expected due to the difference between the trade markets of Canada and Britain .
However , in comparison to trading with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be more efficient to trade with Canada .
Ms Charette added : “ We are very fortunate we have this comprehensive agreement for companies on both sides of our borders .
“ If you think about relative to other countries in the world the UK is one of the most open and most barrier-free markets that Canada trades in.
” Britain ’ s Europe minister Christopher Pincher said he wants the UK to have a Canada-style agreement with the EU .
He said : “ We want a Canada-style agreement that incorporates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
“ We accept that comes with consequences for both sides.
” The current Canada-EU trade agreement sets out the removal of tariffs on 99 percent of all types of goods .
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Brexit: UK-Canada trade 'in a good place' says Janice Charette
Canada’s high commissioner to the UK Janice Charette hopes negotiators will be able to improve on the current Canada-EU trade agreement when the Brexit transition period is over. This will allow a closer relationship between Britain and Canada and provide countless trade opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Britain is the largest market in Europe Canada trades with and is its third-biggest trade partner overall.
Ms Charette said: “We are in a very good place. “The opportunity is whether an improved agreement can be made at the end of the transition period.” Canada and the UK are currently bound by the Canada-EU trade agreement which continues until the end of the transition period. But once the transition period ends Britain and Canada will be able to form an independent trade deal specifically designed to make trade as easy as possible between the two nations. READ MORE: Megxit pressure: ONE sign of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry struggle
Canada's chief commissioner hopes trade will blossom with UK
Canada's chief commissioner hopes a closer relationship can be established
Some tariffs and obstacles are expected due to the difference between the trade markets of Canada and Britain. However, in comparison to trading with other nations around the world, it will be more efficient to trade with Canada. Ms Charette added: “We are very fortunate we have this comprehensive agreement for companies on both sides of our borders. “If you think about relative to other countries in the world the UK is one of the most open and most barrier-free markets that Canada trades in.”
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Canada's Chief commissioner spoke to Adam Bolton
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--'We'll keep the EU flag flying!' Remainers mocked for 'shameful and disgraceful' stunt

Hounslow Council insisted it would continue to display the blue and gold stars outside the town hall to show solidarity with European citizens who call the borough their home .
In a tweet posted on Brexit Day , the council said : “ The EU flag will keep flying at Hounslow House - a ‘ symbol that we remain an internationalist borough , a gateway to London for people and business , a place which embraces diversity and which EU citizens can call home.
’ ” The tweet included a snap of council leader Steve Curran holding the EU flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with council staff from Poland , Croatia , Germany , Norway and Romania “ to reassure them that the council values their contribution not only in Hounslow but also London and the country ” .
While Remainers have welcomed the announcement , Brexit supporters have been quick to slam the council and accuse it of “ virtue signalling ” .
One person said the council ’ s actions proved local politicians “ can ’ t see the difference between a corrupt , dictatorial organisation - the EU - and an open world ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hounslow wants to virtue signal its ‘ internationalism ’ and how much it ‘ embraces diversity ’ , wouldn ’ t it make more sense to fly the United Nations flag ?
“ The UK is actually a member ( and founder ) of the UN.
” Another social media user used the same point in their argument , saying : “ Really ?
It begs the question why have n't you been flying the flag of the United Nations all this time ?
” They criticised the council for appearing to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... .you don ’ t ” .
And yet another opponent urged local residents to “ stop paying council tax in Hounslow !
” One man was particularly angered by the authority 's stance and urged the elected representatives to get down to business instead of concentrating on which international symbols should be displayed .
He said : “ This is a shameful and disgraceful decision .
“ The council should be doing its job , not debating whether a flag should be flying or not !
We have left !
” And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson to “ ban EU flags on government buildings since Housing Council leader said he will keep it up even though we have left the EU ” .
But Remain supporters lauded the council for going against the tide after the UK left the EU on January 31 .
One supporter said : “ Good to see .
Hope there ’ s real support for non-UK Europeans here too , not just the flag !
” Another added : “ Thank you Hounslow Council .
There is some decency still in this @ @ @

Brexit Day: 'Vigil' held in Oxford for European Union
Hounslow Council insisted it would continue to display the blue and gold stars outside the town hall to show solidarity with European citizens who call the borough their home. In a tweet posted on Brexit Day, the council said: “The EU flag will keep flying at Hounslow House - a ‘symbol that we remain an internationalist borough, a gateway to London for people and business, a place which embraces diversity and which EU citizens can call home.’”
The tweet included a snap of council leader Steve Curran holding the EU flag. Another photo shows Mr Curran meeting with council staff from Poland, Croatia, Germany, Norway and Romania “to reassure them that the council values their contribution not only in Hounslow but also London and the country”. While Remainers have welcomed the announcement, Brexit supporters have been quick to slam the council and accuse it of “virtue signalling”. One person said the council’s actions proved local politicians “can’t see the difference between a corrupt, dictatorial organisation - the EU - and an open world”.
Hounslow Council has drawn the wrath of Brexiteers for refusing to take down an EU flag
Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran poses with the EU flag which will continue to fly at the town hall
One woman said: “If Hounslow wants to virtue signal its ‘internationalism’ and how much it ‘embraces diversity’, wouldn’t it make more sense to fly the United Nations flag? “The UK is actually a member (and founder) of the UN.” Another social media user used the same point in their argument, saying: “Really? It begs the question why haven't you been flying the flag of the United Nations all this time?” They criticised the council for appearing to “think you speak for EVERYONE in Hounslow....you don’t”. READ MORE: Boris Johnson's Brexit immigration 'plan to SLASH unskilled EU workers
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Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran meets with European council staff
Brexit supporters celebrate in London on January 31
Brexit supporters take part in celebrations on January 31
And yet another opponent urged local residents to “stop paying council tax in Hounslow!” One man was particularly angered by the authority's stance and urged the elected representatives to get down to business instead of concentrating on which international symbols should be displayed. He said: “This is a shameful and disgraceful decision. “The council should be doing its job, not debating whether a flag should be flying or not! We have left!”
Brexit voters across the UK celebrated the momentous day on January 31
And another disgruntled person responded by calling on Boris Johnson to “ban EU flags on government buildings since Housing Council leader said he will keep it up even though we have left the EU”. But Remain supporters lauded the council for going against the tide after the UK left the EU on January 31. One supporter said: “Good to see. Hope there’s real support for non-UK Europeans here too, not just the flag!” Another added: “Thank you Hounslow Council. There is some decency still in this crazy country.
A man plays a guitar at Brexit Day celebrations in London
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-10--Nigel Farage ‘shocked’ as Tories to punish OWN voters with mansion tax 'miscalculation'

Mr Farage was left stunned after being informed Mr Johnson plans to introduce a mansion tax at the next budget .
On Saturday the Daily Telegraph revealed Boris Johnson has been weighing up shock plans to introduce a mansion tax .
Severe cuts to pension tax relief enjoyed by millions of voters are also being considered by the Prime Minister in an effort to pay for a huge increase in public spending .
Mr Farage said : “ I suspect this is a miscalculation politically based on what Labour-type voters want to hear .
“ Labour voters don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money hit .
They just want their lives to be better.
” Mr Hope said : “ It is such a surprise .
We are on day 80 of this new Boris Johnson Government and they are looking for ways to try and chum up to their new voters in the north .
“ They are trying to find ways to milk the historic base .
“ It is a massive gamble this so early on in a premiership for Boris Johnson .
Can he survive this attack on his core base ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telegraph stated “ it is starting to feel as if Treasury mandarins have forgotten who won the election.
” Chancellor Sajid Javid is suspected to reveal a mansion tax , green taxes and cuts to pension tax relief in his budget speech on 11 March .
The mansion tax is a policy which has been pushed by former Liberal Democrat and Labour leaders Vince Cable and Ed Miliband .
Mr Farage added : “ I wonder whether somebody has said ‘ We have got to keep these Labour voters who have lent us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocked me , even more , was the idea that private pensions for those earning more than £50,000 a year , will be hit by changing tax relief .
“ This is millions of Conservative voters who save for private pensions.
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Nigel Farage slams Boris Johnson over policy 'miscalculation'
Mr Farage was left stunned after being informed Mr Johnson plans to introduce a mansion tax at the next budget. On Saturday the Daily Telegraph revealed Boris Johnson has been weighing up shock plans to introduce a mansion tax. Severe cuts to pension tax relief enjoyed by millions of voters are also being considered by the Prime Minister in an effort to pay for a huge increase in public spending.
Mr Farage said: “I suspect this is a miscalculation politically based on what Labour-type voters want to hear. “Labour voters don’t want to see people who earn more money hit. They just want their lives to be better.” Mr Farage was speaking to Telegraph Chief Political Correspondent Christopher Hope. Mr Hope said: “It is such a surprise. We are on day 80 of this new Boris Johnson Government and they are looking for ways to try and chum up to their new voters in the north. READ MORE: Outrage after EU funded museum snubs Nigel Farage
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“They are trying to find ways to milk the historic base. “It is a massive gamble this so early on in a premiership for Boris Johnson. Can he survive this attack on his core base?” An editorial opinion article from the Telegraph stated “it is starting to feel as if Treasury mandarins have forgotten who won the election.” Chancellor Sajid Javid is suspected to reveal a mansion tax, green taxes and cuts to pension tax relief in his budget speech on 11 March.
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The mansion tax is a policy which has been pushed by former Liberal Democrat and Labour leaders Vince Cable and Ed Miliband. Mr Farage added: “I wonder whether somebody has said ‘We have got to keep these Labour voters who have lent us their votes on board.’ “What shocked me, even more, was the idea that private pensions for those earning more than £50,000 a year, will be hit by changing tax relief. “This is millions of Conservative voters who save for private pensions.” DON'T MISS
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