thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Corbynista MP Long-Bailey FINALLY deletes tweet that got her sacked in anti-Semitism row

The Labour MP shared an interview with Maxine Peake on Thursday which contained at anti-Semitic conspiracy theory - and resulted in Ms Long-Bailey losing her job .
In the retweet of the article , the former leadership candidate called the actress an “ absolute diamond ” .
But Ms Long-Bailey finally removed the post last night , according to a Twitter account that monitors tweets deleted by MPs .
The Corbynista MP was asked by Labour leader Sir Keir Stamer to quit her role as shadow education secretary hours after the tweet .
Sir Keir said his `` primary objective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish community after years of allegations of not addressing anti-Semitism under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn .
He said : `` I do not consider sharing that article furthered the cause of rebuilding trust with the Jewish community and that 's why I stood Rebecca Long-Bailey down .
`` I did n't do that because she is anti-Semitic , I did it because she shared the article which has got - in my view - anti-Semitic conspiracy theories in it . ''
Ms Long-Bailey originally retweeted a link to the interview with Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted a “ clarification ” insisting she shared the article because of the actress 's `` significant achievements '' and her support for Labour .
The Corbynista MP added : `` It was n't intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article . ''
READ MORE : Len McCluskey turns on Starmer as Labour rift rips wide open However , it was announced shortly after 3pm that she had been dramatically axed from the shadow cabinet .
Following her sacking , Ms Long-Bailey said that despite agreeing on the wording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office she had subsequently been ordered to take it down along with the original tweet .
She said : `` I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification .
`` I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take , but sadly he had already made his decision . ''
DO N'T MISS Keir Starmer on the spot as BBC host points out Long-Bailey issue [ VIDEO ] Kate Green announced as shadow education secretary - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Keir Starmer WARNED : Labour leader faces Momentum 'CIVIL WAR ' [ INSIGHT ] The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl said : `` After Rebecca Long-Bailey shared a conspiracy theory , we and others gave her the opportunity to retract and apologise .
To our surprise and dismay , her response was pathetic .
Her position as shadow education secretary was therefore untenable . ''
Senior Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge , who is Jewish and was a critic of Mr Corbyn , added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like .
This is what zero tolerance looks like .
This is what rebuilding trust with the Jewish community looks like . ''
But there was an angry reaction from the Labour left .

Rebecca Long-Bailey: Keir Starmer on why he sacked MP
The Labour MP shared an interview with Maxine Peake on Thursday which contained at anti-Semitic conspiracy theory - and resulted in Ms Long-Bailey losing her job. In the retweet of the article, the former leadership candidate called the actress an “absolute diamond”.
But Ms Long-Bailey finally removed the post last night, according to a Twitter account that monitors tweets deleted by MPs. The Corbynista MP was asked by Labour leader Sir Keir Stamer to quit her role as shadow education secretary hours after the tweet. Sir Keir said his "primary objective" was to rebuild trust with the Jewish community after years of allegations of not addressing anti-Semitism under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He said: "I do not consider sharing that article furthered the cause of rebuilding trust with the Jewish community and that's why I stood Rebecca Long-Bailey down.
Rebecca Long-Bailey has finally deleted the tweet that led to her being sacked
Ms Long-Bailey finally removed the post last night, according to a Twitter account that monitors tweets deleted by MPs
"I didn't do that because she is anti-Semitic, I did it because she shared the article which has got - in my view - anti-Semitic conspiracy theories in it." Ms Long-Bailey originally retweeted a link to the interview with Ms Peake on Thursday morning. She later tweeted a “clarification” insisting she shared the article because of the actress's "significant achievements" and her support for Labour. The Corbynista MP added: "It wasn't intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article." READ MORE: Len McCluskey turns on Starmer as Labour rift rips wide open
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The Corbynista MP was asked by Labour leader Sir Keir Stamer to quit her role as shadow education secretary hours after the tweet
However, it was announced shortly after 3pm that she had been dramatically axed from the shadow cabinet. Following her sacking, Ms Long-Bailey said that despite agreeing on the wording of her clarification with Sir Keir’s office she had subsequently been ordered to take it down along with the original tweet. She said: "I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification. "I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision." DON'T MISS
Keir Starmer on the spot as BBC host points out Long-Bailey issue [VIDEO]
Kate Green announced as shadow education secretary - but who is she? [ANALYSIS]
Keir Starmer WARNED: Labour leader faces Momentum 'CIVIL WAR' [INSIGHT]
The Labour MP shared an interview with Maxine Peake on Thursday which contained at anti-Semitic conspiracy theory
Sir Keir said his "primary objective" was to rebuild trust with the Jewish community after years of allegations of not addressing anti-Semitism under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
Jewish groups praised Sir Keir for moving quickly to oust Ms Long-Bailey. The Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl said: "After Rebecca Long-Bailey shared a conspiracy theory, we and others gave her the opportunity to retract and apologise. To our surprise and dismay, her response was pathetic. Her position as shadow education secretary was therefore untenable." Senior Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish and was a critic of Mr Corbyn, added: "This is what a change in culture looks like. This is what zero tolerance looks like. This is what rebuilding trust with the Jewish community looks like." But there was an angry reaction from the Labour left.
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--SNP MP mocked over giving up independence as Scotland Secretary insists 'UK will be free'

The SNP MP challenged Mr Jack to comment on recent polls showing growing support for both an extension to the Brexit transition and Scottish independence .
Pete Wishart insisted the two debates remained linked in the minds of Scottish voters as he questioned the Secretary for Scotland on the direction of the UK .
Before delivering a fierce rebuke of Mr Wishart statement , Mr Jack mocked his SNP colleague for renouncing `` his own independence '' .
The Conservative MP said : `` I was going to say I was pleased for once that the Honourable Gentleman hadn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he managed to weave it in .
`` I think the whole House would like to congratulate him on giving up his own independence , getting engaged last weekend . ''
On a more serious note , Mr Jack replied : `` The answer is we had a general election , we had a resounding majority across the United Kingdom for a manifesto that said we would leave , we would honour the result of the referendum .
`` We are going to honour that result and take back control of our laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JUST IN : Merkel orders EU leaders prepare for no-deal in bombshell speech '' And we ’ re going to leave the hated Common Fisheries Policy and become – here ’ s the independent bit – an independent coastal state . ''
Mr Wishart appeared to suggest the pursuit of Brexit under the Conservative Government of Boris Johnson has been driving support for Scotland 's independence up .
He said : `` An opinion poll recently found that 63 percent of the Scottish people back a Brexit extension .
An overwhelming majority are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirety .
`` The Secretary of State has probably seen an opinion poll that found 54 percent of the Scottish people now want an independent Scotland .
READ MORE : China has ‘ VIOLATED ’ Hong Kong !
Boris urges 3 million citizens to head to Britain '' What does the Secretary of State believe links these opinion polls and what does it tell him where our country is headed ? ''
A Panelbase survey of 1,070 Scots aged over 16 conducted in over the third week of June found 54 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2014 independence referendum saw the Yes campaign led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon come up short 10 percent against unionist campaigners in a 45 percent to 55 percent loss .
But SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said latest polls have mostly shown increased support for independence , with Mr Brown blaming Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard for the change .
Nicola Sturgeon warning : Scotland in a ‘ worse position than Greece ’ [ ANALYSIS ] Sturgeon 's 'embarrassing ' plan to keep Scotland in single market [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Did n't even ask ! '
[ VIDEO ] Mr Brown said : “ Poll after poll now puts support for independence above 50 % .
This is no longer a trend – majority support for independence is now the established position .
“ All efforts of the Scottish Government have rightly been focused on combating the COVID crisis but , where Nicola Sturgeon has shown exemplary leadership , the Westminster government has lurched from blunder to blunder and the clear gulf in class is clearly not lost on Scottish voters .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Scots want shot of Boris Johnson and his cabinet of incompetents .
“ And as for Richard Leonard , his doubling down on his opposition to Indyref2 leaves him out of step with 50 % of his party ’ s supporters .
”

SNP's Pete Wishart mocked by Alister Jack for getting engaged
The SNP MP challenged Mr Jack to comment on recent polls showing growing support for both an extension to the Brexit transition and Scottish independence. Pete Wishart insisted the two debates remained linked in the minds of Scottish voters as he questioned the Secretary for Scotland on the direction of the UK. Before delivering a fierce rebuke of Mr Wishart statement, Mr Jack mocked his SNP colleague for renouncing "his own independence".
Trending
The Conservative MP said: "I was going to say I was pleased for once that the Honourable Gentleman hadn’t made it all about independence but he managed to weave it in. "I think the whole House would like to congratulate him on giving up his own independence, getting engaged last weekend." On a more serious note, Mr Jack replied: "The answer is we had a general election, we had a resounding majority across the United Kingdom for a manifesto that said we would leave, we would honour the result of the referendum. "We are going to honour that result and take back control of our laws, our borders, our money. JUST IN: Merkel orders EU leaders prepare for no-deal in bombshell speech
SNP MP Pete Wishart challenged Jack over recent surveys on independence
Wishart noted polls showed a majority of Scots want a Brexit extension
"And we’re going to leave the hated Common Fisheries Policy and become – here’s the independent bit – an independent coastal state." Mr Wishart appeared to suggest the pursuit of Brexit under the Conservative Government of Boris Johnson has been driving support for Scotland's independence up. He said: "An opinion poll recently found that 63 percent of the Scottish people back a Brexit extension. An overwhelming majority are opposed to the Brexit disaster in its entirety. "The Secretary of State has probably seen an opinion poll that found 54 percent of the Scottish people now want an independent Scotland. READ MORE: China has ‘VIOLATED’ Hong Kong! Boris urges 3 million citizens to head to Britain
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Nicola Sturgeon grilled on ‘irresponsible’ border closure plans
Scotland Secretary Alistair Jack teased Wishart over giving up "his own independence"
"What does the Secretary of State believe links these opinion polls and what does it tell him where our country is headed?" A Panelbase survey of 1,070 Scots aged over 16 conducted in over the third week of June found 54 percent of respondents are in favour of Scottish independence. The 2014 independence referendum saw the Yes campaign led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon come up short 10 percent against unionist campaigners in a 45 percent to 55 percent loss. But SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said latest polls have mostly shown increased support for independence, with Mr Brown blaming Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard for the change. DON'T MISS: Nicola Sturgeon warning: Scotland in a ‘worse position than Greece’ [ANALYSIS]
Sturgeon's 'embarrassing' plan to keep Scotland in single market [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon scolded for criticising Johnson's new deal 'Didn't even ask!' [VIDEO]
Jack dismissed Wishart's points on independence and Brexit as he insisted the UK "will be free"


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Dominic Raab blasts China's 'strangulation of Hong Kong' in stern warning to Beijing

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Addressing MPs in the Commons on Wednesday , the Foreign Secretary said China 's latest move against Hong Kong threatens the `` strangulation of Hong Kong 's freedoms '' .
Dominic Raab said : `` As I feared when I addressed the House on 2 June , yesterday the Standing Committee of the National People 's Congress in Beijing adopted a wide-ranging national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a grave and deeply disturbing step . ''
He added : `` Today I have the depressing but necessary duty to report to the House that the enactment of this legislation imposed by the authorities in Beijing on the people of Hong Kong constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Joint Declaration . ''
The Foreign Secretary warned China the UK will not `` duck our historic responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong '' .
He added the Government will continue to speak to international partners about what more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab added that the legislation contains measures that `` directly threaten the freedoms and rights '' of the people of Hong Kong .
He said : `` First , the legislation violates the high degree of autonomy , executive and legitimate powers and independent judicial authority provided for in paragraph 3 of the joint declaration . ''
Mr Raab told MPs that the legislation also contains measures `` that directly threaten the freedoms and rights protected by the joint declaration '' .
READ MORE : China threat : Lord Patten warns of damaging @ @ @ @

China: Raab hits out at 'strangulation' of Hong Kong's freedoms
Addressing MPs in the Commons on Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary said China's latest move against Hong Kong threatens the "strangulation of Hong Kong's freedoms". Dominic Raab said: "As I feared when I addressed the House on 2 June, yesterday the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing adopted a wide-ranging national security law for Hong Kong. This is a grave and deeply disturbing step."
Trending
He added: "Today I have the depressing but necessary duty to report to the House that the enactment of this legislation imposed by the authorities in Beijing on the people of Hong Kong constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Joint Declaration." The Foreign Secretary warned China the UK will not "duck our historic responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong". He added the Government will continue to speak to international partners about what more to do to fix the issue. Dominic Raab added that the legislation contains measures that "directly threaten the freedoms and rights" of the people of Hong Kong. He said: "First, the legislation violates the high degree of autonomy, executive and legitimate powers and independent judicial authority provided for in paragraph 3 of the joint declaration." Mr Raab told MPs that the legislation also contains measures "that directly threaten the freedoms and rights protected by the joint declaration". READ MORE: China threat: Lord Patten warns of damaging consequences of HK law
Dominic Raab says China's new security law against Hong Kong is 'grave'
Dominic Raab outlined new regulations for BNO passport holders to enter the UK
He said the measures "represent a flagrant assault on freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful protest for the people of Hong Kong". Mr Raab said: "Third, the legislation provides that Hong Kong's chief executive rather than the chief justice will appoint judges to hear national security cases, a move that clearly risks undermining the independence of Hong Kong's judiciary." The Foreign Secretary continued: "For our part, the Prime Minister and the Government are crystal clear, the UK will keep its word. "We will live up to our responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong and I can tell the House that after further detailed discussions with (my right honourable friend) the Home Secretary, I can now confirm we will proceed to honour our commitment to change the arrangements for those holding BNO status. "And I can update honourable members that we have worked with ministers right across Whitehall and we have now developed proposals for a bespoke immigration route for BNOs and their dependants.
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PMQs: China has 'violated' Hong Kong's autonomy says Johnson
"We will grant BNOs five years' limited leave to remain, with a right to work or study. "After these five years they'll be able to apply for settled status and after a further 12 months with settled status, they will be able to apply for citizenship. "This is a special bespoke set of arrangements, developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong. "All of those with BNO status will be eligible as will their dependents who are usually resident in Hong Kong and the Home Office will put in place a simple streamlined application process and I can reassure (honourable members) there will be no quotas on numbers." Hong Kong police fired water cannon and tear gas and arrested nearly 200 people as protesters took to the streets in defiance of sweeping security legislation introduced by China that they say is aimed at snuffing out dissent. DON'T MISS:
Hong Kong citizens wake up to new security laws on anniversary [INSIGHT]
China brutally condemned over new Hong Kong security law [REACTION]
China warned over 'severe consequences' for Hong Kong security laws [VIDEO]
China news: Johnson would stand by its pledge to give BNO passport holders a path to citizenship


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Desperate Remainers launch online bid to 'Rejoin EU' after final extension deadline

EU supporters expressed their woes on social media after the clock struck midnight and Britain could no longer request a Brexit delay .
They hit out at the “ criminals ” that “ colluded to make Brexit happen ” as the UK finally ruled out a delay to unshackling itself from the bloc .
Another tweeted : “ Last night , this far right authoritarian government stole the rights for you , your children & grandchildren to work , live , study & retire in 27 European countries .
“ In December , your right to access life-saving meds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too # RejoinEU # Brexit.
” Another Remainer added : “ Today , I have no witticisms or rants to share .
I am too angry with the criminals ( for that is what they are ) who colluded to make Brexit happen & too heartbroken at all we are losing .
# RejoinEU ” One posted : “ Only one thought this desperately sad morning and one hashtag .
# RejoinEU And you ?
Another said : “ No extension .
Which should horrify anyone with a conscience : real hardships will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot harder than Remainers .
Their project just got sabotaged .
Life outside the EU will now definitely be awful .
And after the pain and chaos we will # RejoinEU.
” One added : “ ur gov - so small-minded , so corrupt and so arrogant .
Maybe it ’ s too early to say # RejoinEU but it ’ s all I have in my heart right now to give me hope .
One day .
( sic ) ” Another posted : “ Why don ’ t Brexiters care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # RejoinEU.
” Their voices added to a rally of Brexit panic sweeping through the Remainer camp with Anna Soubry warning a no deal outcome between the UK and EU is `` perilously close ” .
The former Government minister and leader of the failed Independent Group for Change tweeted : `` The date for any extension has passed & we ’ re perilously close to the no deal # Brexit Leave leaders promised would never happen but which we now know they actually want .
`` # Covid19 will be a convenient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NoDeal .
`` They just keep on lying to us . ''
Meanwhile , the Scotland Secretary told MPs Scottish ministers `` need to wake up to the fact that we have left the EU and we will leave the transition period on the 31 December '' .
Alister Jack said : `` I know the Scottish Government do n't like the outcomes of referendums when they do n't go their way , but this is another one we 're delivering on . ''
SNP MP Pete Wishart ( Perth and North Perthshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` An opinion poll recently found that 63 % of the Scottish people back a Brexit extension on top of an overwhelming majority who opposed a Brexit disaster in its entirety .
And the Secretary of State 's probably seen an opinion poll that finds 54 % of the Scottish people now want an independent Scotland .
What does the Secretary of State believe links these opinion polls and what does it tell him about where our country 's headed ? ''
Mr Jack replied : `` I think the whole House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up his own independence getting engaged last weekend .
The answer is that we had a general election , we had resounding majority across the UK for a manifesto that said we would leave , we would honour the result of the referendum .
'We are going to honour that result , we 're going to take back control of our laws , our borders , our money and we 're going to leave the hated Common Fisheries Policy - here 's the independent bit for ( him ) we 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Grant Shapps says UK 'will not extend Brexit transition period'
EU supporters expressed their woes on social media after the clock struck midnight and Britain could no longer request a Brexit delay. They hit out at the “criminals” that “colluded to make Brexit happen” as the UK finally ruled out a delay to unshackling itself from the bloc.
Trending
Britain’s transition period ends in December. Remainers took to social media to complain of the “desperately sad day”. One said: “Let's #RejoinEU”
Remainers are calling for the UK to rejoin the EU
The deadling for the Brexit transition period has expired
Another tweeted: “Last night, this far right authoritarian government stole the rights for you, your children & grandchildren to work, live, study & retire in 27 European countries. “In December, your right to access life-saving meds, and freely available fresh food will go too #RejoinEU #Brexit.” Another Remainer added: “Today, I have no witticisms or rants to share. I am too angry with the criminals (for that is what they are) who colluded to make Brexit happen & too heartbroken at all we are losing. #RejoinEU” READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: UK ignores transition deadline in huge move
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Remainers expressed their woes
One posted: “Only one thought this desperately sad morning and one hashtag. #RejoinEU And you? Another said: “No extension. Which should horrify anyone with a conscience: real hardships will result. But Brexiters should take it a lot harder than Remainers. Their project just got sabotaged. Life outside the EU will now definitely be awful. And after the pain and chaos we will #RejoinEU.” One added: “ur gov - so small-minded, so corrupt and so arrogant. Maybe it’s too early to say #RejoinEU but it’s all I have in my heart right now to give me hope. One day. (sic)”
Remainers are desperate for the UK to stay in the EU
Boris Johnson refused to call for a Brexit delay
Another posted: “Why don’t Brexiters care about losing their freedom of movement? #RejoinEU.” Their voices added to a rally of Brexit panic sweeping through the Remainer camp with Anna Soubry warning a no deal outcome between the UK and EU is "perilously close”. The former Government minister and leader of the failed Independent Group for Change tweeted: "The date for any extension has passed & we’re perilously close to the no deal #Brexit Leave leaders promised would never happen but which we now know they actually want.
Brexit timeline revealed
"#Covid19 will be a convenient mask for impending economic disaster of #NoDeal. "They just keep on lying to us." Meanwhile, the Scotland Secretary told MPs Scottish ministers "need to wake up to the fact that we have left the EU and we will leave the transition period on the 31 December". Alister Jack said: "I know the Scottish Government don't like the outcomes of referendums when they don't go their way, but this is another one we're delivering on."


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Oh dear, Anna! Remainer Soubry panics as Brexit deadline PASSED - 'They're lying to us!'

Britain and the European Union have resumed face-to-face talks over a post-Brexit trade deal for the first time since coronavirus lockdown measures were enforced throughout the continent .
The two negotiating teams - led by David Frost and Michel Barnier - are meeting in Brussels this week in an attempt to break a stalemate in talks over the future relationship between the trading blocs .
Boris Johnson has always insisted the UK will leave the EU at the end of the transition period on December 31 , 2020 .
The deadline for requesting an extension to that deadline with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will depart the bloc over the coming months - with or without a deal in place .
The Prime Minister wants the broad outline of a deal agreed later this month , with all the loose ends tied up as soon as the autumn .
But several EU leaders , including German Chancellor Angela Merkel , have warned talks between the two sides could stretch well into September - providing very little time to get an agreement completed .
Arch Raminers are increasingly panicking over the prospect of a no deal Brexit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU are coming `` perilously close '' to that scenario .
The former Government minister and leader of the failed Independent Group for Change has accused Brexiteers of `` lying '' to the country .
She tweeted : `` The date for any extension has passed & we ’ re perilously close to the no deal # Brexit Leave leaders promised would never happen but which we now know they actually want .
`` # Covid19 will be a convenient mask for impending economic disaster of # NoDeal .
`` They just keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soubry was reacting to the news more than 100 UK company bosses , entrepreneurs and business groups have written to the Prime Minister to warn his of the `` hugely damaging '' impact a no deal Brexit would have on the country 's economy .
The letter , signed by bosses and founders of companies such as Ebookers , Zoopla and Argus Media , warns such a scenario would result “ in more people out of work and lower living standards ” .
It added businesses “ simply do not have time or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading rules by the end of the year — especially given that we are already grappling with the upheaval caused by coronavirus ” .
The letter is one of the first cross-industry efforts since the coronavirus outbreak in the UK to exert pressure on the Brexit negotiators to strike a business-friendly trade deal with the EU .
DO N'T MISS Brexit prediction : 'Big hurdles ' ahead for UK and Brussels [ FORECAST ] Nigel Farage claims VICTORY as Boris 'adopts Brexit Party plan ' [ COMMENT ] Dutch , French and Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ WARNING ] This also shows businesses are becoming increasingly concerned over a lack of progress in EU trade talks - something both the UK and EU have bemoaned over recent weeks of virtual meetings .
Mr Johnson has given the EU three months to confirm a trade deal , with Downing Street warning talks ca n't stretch into the autumn .
The Prime Minister reportedly does not want talks to continue past September because it will leave businesses with little time to get ready for the end of the transition period in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that the UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator will take on his new position as Mr Johnson ’ s national security adviser at the end of August .

Brexit: EU to ‘soften’ their position in negotiations claims expert
Britain and the European Union have resumed face-to-face talks over a post-Brexit trade deal for the first time since coronavirus lockdown measures were enforced throughout the continent. The two negotiating teams - led by David Frost and Michel Barnier - are meeting in Brussels this week in an attempt to break a stalemate in talks over the future relationship between the trading blocs. Boris Johnson has always insisted the UK will leave the EU at the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020.
Trending
The deadline for requesting an extension to that deadline with the EU expired on Tuesday, meaning Britain will depart the bloc over the coming months - with or without a deal in place. The Prime Minister wants the broad outline of a deal agreed later this month, with all the loose ends tied up as soon as the autumn. But several EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have warned talks between the two sides could stretch well into September - providing very little time to get an agreement completed. Arch Raminers are increasingly panicking over the prospect of a no deal Brexit, with Anna Soubry warning the UK and EU are coming "perilously close" to that scenario.
Brexit news: Anna Soubry is panicking a no deal scenario is 'perilously close'
Brexit news: Anna Soubry launched a blistering attack on the Government and Leave leaders
The date for any extension has passed & we’re perilously close to the no deal #Brexit Leave leaders promised would never happen but which we now know they actually want Anna Soubry
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The former Government minister and leader of the failed Independent Group for Change has accused Brexiteers of "lying" to the country. She tweeted: "The date for any extension has passed & we’re perilously close to the no deal #Brexit Leave leaders promised would never happen but which we now know they actually want. "#Covid19 will be a convenient mask for impending economic disaster of #NoDeal. "They just keep on lying to us." READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: UK ignores transition deadline in huge move
Brexit news: Anna Soubry accused Leave leaders of 'lying' to the British public
Ms Soubry was reacting to the news more than 100 UK company bosses, entrepreneurs and business groups have written to the Prime Minister to warn his of the "hugely damaging" impact a no deal Brexit would have on the country's economy. The letter, signed by bosses and founders of companies such as Ebookers, Zoopla and Argus Media, warns such a scenario would result “in more people out of work and lower living standards”. It added businesses “simply do not have time or capacity to prepare for big changes in trading rules by the end of the year — especially given that we are already grappling with the upheaval caused by coronavirus”. The letter is one of the first cross-industry efforts since the coronavirus outbreak in the UK to exert pressure on the Brexit negotiators to strike a business-friendly trade deal with the EU. DON'T MISS
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Dutch, French and Spanish fishing industries could be ‘FINISHED' [WARNING]
Brexit news: Boris Johnson wants a trade deal with the EU signed within weeks
Brexit news: Trade deal talks between the UK and EU have resumed in Brussels
This also shows businesses are becoming increasingly concerned over a lack of progress in EU trade talks - something both the UK and EU have bemoaned over recent weeks of virtual meetings. Mr Johnson has given the EU three months to confirm a trade deal, with Downing Street warning talks can't stretch into the autumn. The Prime Minister reportedly does not want talks to continue past September because it will leave businesses with little time to get ready for the end of the transition period in December. This comes as Downing Street confirmed that the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator will take on his new position as Mr Johnson’s national security adviser at the end of August.
Brexit news: The deadline for extending the transition period beyond 2020 has passed


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Coronavirus crisis: Defiant Boris Johnson vows to work fast to drag Britain out of slump

In a rallying cry for national recovery , the Prime Minister said the Government will turn on the spending taps and slash red tape to trigger a construction boom .
He also took the controls of a digger on a visit to Dudley , West Midlands , to demonstrate his desire for the UK to `` build , build , build '' its way out of the slump caused by weeks of lockdown .
`` We must work fast , '' he said in a keynote speech announcing the acceleration of projects worth more than £5billion including new hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and courts .
Mr Johnson hailed Britons for `` a display of solidarity not seen since World War Two '' in pulling together to observe the lockdown that has driven down virus infections .
And he pledged to channel the same spirit in the effort to kickstart the economic recovery .
He said : `` We must combine that energy and drive with that concentrated burst of collective willpower that protected the NHS , controlled the virus and saved literally hundreds of thousands of lives and we must work fast .
`` Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Armed Services who helped to build the Nightingales .
Let 's take the selflessness and the love of the health and the care workers and the charities .
`` The public spirit and the good humour of the entire population .
`` And let 's brew them together with the superhuman energy of Captain Tom , bounding around his garden at the age of 100 and raising millions for charity .
`` Let 's take that combination , that spirit : Bottle it , swig it .
And I believe we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potion , at least the right formula to get us through these dark times . ''
He said the Government will battle to raise productivity and sweep away bureaucratic delays by overhauling the planning system to allow firms to grow rapidly , adding : `` Covid has taught us the cost of delay . ''
Our sluggish planning system saw the UK build 2.25 homes per 1,000 people in 2018 as Germany built 3.6 , the Netherlands 3.8 and France 6.8 .
Signalling his frustration that environmental concerns often held up development , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , and the newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag on productivity and prosperity .
So we will build better and build greener but we will also build faster . ''
New regulations will seek to give greater freedom for land and property owners to change the use of assets without planning permission and create new homes from the regeneration of vacant and redundant buildings .
The rules will make it easier for existing commercial properties , including newly vacant shops , to be converted into housing .
Working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a `` Project Speed '' Infrastructure Delivery Taskforce to `` scythe through red tape and get things done '' .
Mr Johnson , who visited Dudley College of Technology , insisted the Government will not slash spending to reduce the soaring Treasury debt left by bailing out firms during the lockdown .
He said : `` I just serve notice that we will not be responding to this crisis with what people called austerity .
We are not going to try to cheese-pare our way out of trouble - the world has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new and in some ways far bigger challenge . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out plans to `` support the economy through the first phase of our recovery '' next week , he added .
His surge in investment in major infrastructure will be targeted at previously neglected communities as part of his general election promise to `` level up '' the country .
He went on : `` We will be doubling down on our strategy , we will double down on levelling up .
`` And when I say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking our great companies .
I do n't mean impeding the success of London or launching a punitive raid on wealth creators . ''
Taking a swipe at attempts to topple statues of historical figures in recent anti-racism protests , he added : `` I do n't believe in tearing people down any more than I believe in tearing down statues that are part of our heritage .
I believe in building people up . ''
Mr Johnson also sought to ease concerns of some Tory MPs that his big-spending plans signalled a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government .
He said : `` My friends , I am not a Communist .
I believe it is also the job of government to create the conditions for free market enterprise .
`` And yes of course we clap for our NHS but we also applaud those who make our NHS possible - our innovators , our wealth creators , our capitalists and financiers .
`` Because in the end it is their willingness to take risks with their own money that will be crucial . ''
He also dropped a reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the architect of the big-spending `` New Deal '' policies during the Great Depression , in what appeared to be another bid to avoid irritating the Tory Right .
Mr Johnson also hinted that the Government will soon publish much-delayed plans for overhauling social care services .
Stephen Phipson , chief executive of the Make UK manufacturers ' organisation , said : `` This is a welcome announcement which will start the process of building business confidence and healing the economy .
The key now is to ensure that these projects get off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Boris Johnson admits there will 'still be tough times ahead'
In a rallying cry for national recovery, the Prime Minister said the Government will turn on the spending taps and slash red tape to trigger a construction boom. He also took the controls of a digger on a visit to Dudley, West Midlands, to demonstrate his desire for the UK to "build, build, build" its way out of the slump caused by weeks of lockdown. "We must work fast," he said in a keynote speech announcing the acceleration of projects worth more than £5billion including new hospitals and roads and upgrades to schools, prisons and courts.
Mr Johnson hailed Britons for "a display of solidarity not seen since World War Two" in pulling together to observe the lockdown that has driven down virus infections. And he pledged to channel the same spirit in the effort to kickstart the economic recovery. He said: "We must combine that energy and drive with that concentrated burst of collective willpower that protected the NHS, controlled the virus and saved literally hundreds of thousands of lives and we must work fast. "Let's take the zap and elan of the Armed Services who helped to build the Nightingales. Let's take the selflessness and the love of the health and the care workers and the charities. "The public spirit and the good humour of the entire population. "And let's brew them together with the superhuman energy of Captain Tom, bounding around his garden at the age of 100 and raising millions for charity. "Let's take that combination, that spirit: Bottle it, swig it. And I believe we will have found if not quite a magic potion, at least the right formula to get us through these dark times."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister tries his hand on a building site digger
He said the Government will battle to raise productivity and sweep away bureaucratic delays by overhauling the planning system to allow firms to grow rapidly, adding: "Covid has taught us the cost of delay." Our sluggish planning system saw the UK build 2.25 homes per 1,000 people in 2018 as Germany built 3.6, the Netherlands 3.8 and France 6.8. Signalling his frustration that environmental concerns often held up development, Mr Johnson said: "Time is money, and the newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag on productivity and prosperity. So we will build better and build greener but we will also build faster." New regulations will seek to give greater freedom for land and property owners to change the use of assets without planning permission and create new homes from the regeneration of vacant and redundant buildings. The rules will make it easier for existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, to be converted into housing. Working with the Chancellor, the PM will set up a "Project Speed" Infrastructure Delivery Taskforce to "scythe through red tape and get things done".
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak
Mr Johnson, who visited Dudley College of Technology, insisted the Government will not slash spending to reduce the soaring Treasury debt left by bailing out firms during the lockdown. He said: "I just serve notice that we will not be responding to this crisis with what people called austerity. We are not going to try to cheese-pare our way out of trouble - the world has moved on since 2008 and we face a new and in some ways far bigger challenge." Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out plans to "support the economy through the first phase of our recovery" next week, he added. His surge in investment in major infrastructure will be targeted at previously neglected communities as part of his general election promise to "level up" the country. He went on: "We will be doubling down on our strategy, we will double down on levelling up. "And when I say level up, I don't mean attacking our great companies. I don't mean impeding the success of London or launching a punitive raid on wealth creators."


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Brussels crisis: Germany's 'ARROGANCE' the 'greatest threat' to the European Union

The European Union faces an uncertain future due to the coronavirus pandemic which has crippled economies around the world .
Both German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President , Emmanuel Macron have pushed for a huge €750billion ( £676billion ) package to help European states recover from the coronavirus pandemic .
Germany also takes up its presidency of the EU Council this month .
However , with Germany now taking a more prominent role in Europe , Green politician Franziska Brantner warned “ German arrogance ” may be the biggest threat to the bloc ’ s future .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ We have to be careful with the arrogance that sometimes radiates from Germany .
“ This claim , ‘ if everyone were just like us , everything would be good ’ .
“ You can find this in all parties , not just the Greens and the Conservatives .
“ Perhaps this form of arrogance is the greatest threat to the European Union.
” This warning comes as the UK and EU passed the deadline to extend the transition period to Brexit trade talks on June 30 .
Both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson has even indicated a deal could be struck this month .
On the EU side , the bloc ’ s chief negotiator , Michel Barnier declared there had been little progress in talks since January .
JUST IN : Brexit breakthrough : Huge sign deal between UK and EU is not too far Ms Merkel has even called for the EU to plan for a no deal Brexit due to the lack of progression in negotiations .
Speaking on Wednesday , Ms Merkel said : “ To put it mildly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited .
“ I will continue to press for a good solution .
“ But we in the EU and also in Germany must and should prepare for the event that an agreement is not reached after all.
” DO N'T MISS EU president breaks cover with no deal admission –admits to missing UK [ Latest ] EU ’ s dilemma laid bare as any ‘ bid to hurt UK will cripple bloc ’ [ Update ] Merkel and Macron warned EU fund 'not going to fix ' eurozone collapse [ Insight ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal by July , leaked internal documents from the German government have suggested talks will drag on until September .
Seen by Reuters , the leaked document read : “ From September , the negotiations enter a hot phase .
“ Britain is already escalating threats in Brussels , wants to settle as much as possible in the shortest possible time and hopes to achieve last-minute success in the negotiations.
” A No 10 spokesman insisted talks can not continue into the autumn and that progress would need to be made quickly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK could walk away from talks if a deal is not reached soon .
Following talks with Poland ’ s Prime Minister , Mateusz Morawiecki , Mr Johnson reiterated the UK may well leave negotiations on the same terms Australia has with the bloc .
Australia doesn ’ t have an agreed free trade agreement with the EU but multiple bilateral treaties .
Due to that , some have claimed leaving on Australia terms would be similar to a no deal Brexit .

Merkel warned by expert: Recovery plan ‘won’t fix’ Eurozone
The European Union faces an uncertain future due to the coronavirus pandemic which has crippled economies around the world. Both German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President, Emmanuel Macron have pushed for a huge €750billion (£676billion) package to help European states recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Germany also takes up its presidency of the EU Council this month.
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However, with Germany now taking a more prominent role in Europe, Green politician Franziska Brantner warned “German arrogance” may be the biggest threat to the bloc’s future. In an interview for Germany publication, T-Online she said: “We have to be careful with the arrogance that sometimes radiates from Germany. “This claim, ‘if everyone were just like us, everything would be good’. “You can find this in all parties, not just the Greens and the Conservatives.
Brexit news: German arrogance biggest threat to the EU
EU News: Germany take up joint Presidency of the Council
“Perhaps this form of arrogance is the greatest threat to the European Union.” This warning comes as the UK and EU passed the deadline to extend the transition period to Brexit trade talks on June 30. Both sides pledged to intensify talks going forward and Boris Johnson has even indicated a deal could be struck this month. On the EU side, the bloc’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier declared there had been little progress in talks since January. JUST IN: Brexit breakthrough: Huge sign deal between UK and EU is not too far
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EU news: Ms Merkel warned of a no deal
EU news: Michel Barnier stated little progress had been made
EU news: Talks continued this week
While Mr Johnson has pushed for a deal by July, leaked internal documents from the German government have suggested talks will drag on until September. Seen by Reuters, the leaked document read: “From September, the negotiations enter a hot phase. “Britain is already escalating threats in Brussels, wants to settle as much as possible in the shortest possible time and hopes to achieve last-minute success in the negotiations.” A No 10 spokesman insisted talks cannot continue into the autumn and that progress would need to be made quickly.
EU-UK trade negotiations
The Prime Minister warned last weekend, the UK could walk away from talks if a deal is not reached soon. Following talks with Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, Mr Johnson reiterated the UK may well leave negotiations on the same terms Australia has with the bloc. Australia doesn’t have an agreed free trade agreement with the EU but multiple bilateral treaties. Due to that, some have claimed leaving on Australia terms would be similar to a no deal Brexit.
EU news: Mr Johnson stated his intent for a deal to be struck this month


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--UK housing POLL: As Boris pledges housing revolution, do YOU think we need more homes?

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Speaking from the Midlands town of Dudley earlier this week , the Prime Minister set out his strategy to boost the UK economy .
Saying it is `` vital '' for the UK to plan for the future , he promised to end the `` chronic failure of the British state '' to build enough houses .
Average house prices slip down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Property : This UK city has had most listings during lockdown He said : `` We will build fantastic new homes on brownfield sites and other areas that , with better transport and other infrastructure , could frankly be suitable and right for development and address that intergenerational injustice and help young people get on the housing ladder in the way that their parents and grandparents could .
`` To galvanise this whole process this Government will shortly bring forward the most radical reforms of our planning system since the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Why are we so slow at building homes by comparison with other European countries ?
In 2018 we built 2.25 homes per 1000 people .
Speaking on Radio 4 's Today programme this morning , Business Secretary Alok Sharma confirmed the Government was committed to building more homes .
He said : `` I think the people across the country will tell you that we need to build more homes so that people can live in them .
`` There has been a shortage of home building over a long period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've got 241,000 homes built , the largest number in 30 years , but of course we need to do more . ''
But do you agree ?
- Does Britain need hundreds of thousands of new homes ?

Alok Sharma says public ‘understand need for more housing’
Speaking from the Midlands town of Dudley earlier this week, the Prime Minister set out his strategy to boost the UK economy. Saying it is "vital" for the UK to plan for the future, he promised to end the "chronic failure of the British state" to build enough houses.
He said: "We will build fantastic new homes on brownfield sites and other areas that, with better transport and other infrastructure, could frankly be suitable and right for development and address that intergenerational injustice and help young people get on the housing ladder in the way that their parents and grandparents could. "To galvanise this whole process this Government will shortly bring forward the most radical reforms of our planning system since the end of the Second World War." He added: "Why are we so slow at building homes by comparison with other European countries? In 2018 we built 2.25 homes per 1000 people. "Germany managed 3.6, the Netherlands 3.8, France 6.8." Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Business Secretary Alok Sharma confirmed the Government was committed to building more homes. He said: "I think the people across the country will tell you that we need to build more homes so that people can live in them. "There has been a shortage of home building over a long period of time. "The last year we've got 241,000 homes built, the largest number in 30 years, but of course we need to do more." But do you agree? - Does Britain need hundreds of thousands of new homes?
Does Britain need hundreds of thousands of new homes?
Currently there are 226,000 long-term empty homes in England, according to the campaign group Action on Empty Homes. Meanwhile, there are 27,000 empty privately-owned homes in Wales and 37,000 long term empty homes in Scotland according to the charity Shelter. The Prime Minister's pledge to turbo-charge the building of homes on brownfield sites comes after the UK death rate was higher than the number of people being born. According to the latest UK figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), in 2018 there were 471,476 live births in England and Wales. In comparison, there were 487,618 deaths registered deaths. READ MORE: Boris Johnson unveils latest £5bn coronavirus recovery plan
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Boris Johnson has promised an infrastructure revolution
The Prime Minister said housing was one of the 'great unresolved challenges of our time'
The Conservative leader rode a digger at a photo-op as he pledged to 'build, build, build'
Boris Johnson has pledged to slash red tape to build more homes
It said: “While there are still more EU citizens moving to the UK than leaving, EU net migration has fallen since 2016, driven by fewer EU arrivals for work. "In contrast, non-EU net migration has gradually increased for the past six years, largely as more non-EU citizens came to study." Despite these statistics, the Prime Minister has said a shortage in housing remains one of the "great unresolved challenges of our time". He said yesterday: "We will build better and build greener but we will also build faster and that is why the Chancellor and I have set up Project Speed to scythe through red tape and get things done.
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Brexit bombshell: The one surprising compromise Boris Johnson must face to avoid no deal

The UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , David Frost , and his EU counterpart , Michel Barnier , have not met in person since March due to the pandemic .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to extend the transition period past the end of the year .
During this period the UK is continuing to follow some EU rules while a trade deal is being decided .
Cabinet Minister Michael Gove confirmed that there would be no extension .
In a tweet he wrote : “ On 1 January 2021 , we will take back control and regain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and the EU have acknowledged that a deal would need to be in place by October to be established by the end of 2020 .
Speaking to Express.co.uk , Anand Menon , Director of UK in a Changing Europe explained how there is a chance that a no trade deal could be on the Brexit table , before arguing Mr Johnson must compromise on his `` flexibility '' during talks .
He said : “ You could end up with neither side being flexible .
Both sides are going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if they are not then we won ’ t .
Ahead of this week ’ s face-to-face negotiations , Mr Frost said : “ These meetings will be smaller and focused on seeing whether we can begin to make genuine and rapid progress towards an agreement .
“ We will go to Brussel ’ s in good faith to engage with the EU ’ s concerns .
“ This needs to be a real negotiation and some of the EU ’ s unrealistic positions will have to change if we are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be significant impacts that will come from having a no trade deal scenario at the end of the year .
He said : “ Trade will be harder with no deal than it would be with a deal , harder and more expensive .
“ The other thing is politically if you get no deal the danger then is that you end up in a sort of spiral of mutual recrimination as both sides blame the other for the sort of failure to get a deal.
” Although the UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the year , the timing of a confirmed trade deal is still unknown .

Brexit: EU has offered the UK 'unique' security deal says expert
Face-to-face negotiations kick started this week in Brussels between the UK and EU. Negotiations have continued through the coronavirus pandemic but have been taking place virtually.
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The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost, and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, have not met in person since March due to the pandemic. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to extend the transition period past the end of the year. During this period the UK is continuing to follow some EU rules while a trade deal is being decided. Cabinet Minister Michael Gove confirmed that there would be no extension.
A no trade deal scenario could be back on the Brexit table
Face-to-face negotiations kick started this week in Brussels between the UK and EU
In a tweet he wrote: “On 1 January 2021, we will take back control and regain our political and economic independence.” Both the UK and the EU have acknowledged that a deal would need to be in place by October to be established by the end of 2020. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe explained how there is a chance that a no trade deal could be on the Brexit table, before arguing Mr Johnson must compromise on his "flexibility" during talks. He said: “You could end up with neither side being flexible. Both sides are going to have to be flexible to get an agreement and if they are not then we won’t. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: UK ignores transition deadline in huge move
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A no trade deal scenario would mean both sides would levy tariffs on each other’s goods
The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost
Ahead of this week’s face-to-face negotiations, Mr Frost said: “These meetings will be smaller and focused on seeing whether we can begin to make genuine and rapid progress towards an agreement. “We will go to Brussel’s in good faith to engage with the EU’s concerns. “This needs to be a real negotiation and some of the EU’s unrealistic positions will have to change if we are to move forward.” Mr Menon explained how there will be significant impacts that will come from having a no trade deal scenario at the end of the year.
Brexit: David Frost appointment ‘adding pressure’ says expert
He said: “Trade will be harder with no deal than it would be with a deal, harder and more expensive. “The other thing is politically if you get no deal the danger then is that you end up in a sort of spiral of mutual recrimination as both sides blame the other for the sort of failure to get a deal.” Although the UK is on track to leave the transition period at the end of the year, the timing of a confirmed trade deal is still unknown.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Brussels to plan for a no trade deal scenario


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Commons in stitches as Boris Johnson humiliates SNP's Ian Blackford in PMQs row

The SNP Westminster leader claimed the UK Government is `` heartlessly and cruelly '' denying extra funds to Scotland to ensure its election promise of levelling up the country is kept .
But Boris Johnson wittily dismantled his claim causing MPs in the Commons to laugh .
He said : `` Mr Speaker , I beseech the right honourable gentleman just to think that he may be mistaken .
`` The UK Government is absolutely dedicated to supporting people of all people across the country .
`` That 's why we 've actually increased spending on benefits by £7 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do more .
`` But I can tell him that there will be plenty of wonderful things that we want to do working with him , working with the Scottish administration to improve transport and other infrastructure across the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland . ''
Boris Johnson also said he found suggestions that people going to Scotland from other parts of the UK would have to be quarantined `` astonishing '' .
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie ( West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine ) said : `` Does ( Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration of the Scottish tourist sector , just as it 's getting back on its feet , that it 's having the legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible , damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closures and quarantining of visitors from across the United Kingdom ? ''
`` I must say I found the suggestion absolutely astonishing , '' Mr Johnson responded .
`` There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that but I would point out to ( Mr Bowie ) what he knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing as a border between England and Scotland . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked `` why was the Government so slow to act '' to implement a lockdown in Leicester after it knew of a spike in virus cases .
During PMQs , he told the Commons : `` At the daily press conference on June 18 the Health Secretary said 'there 's an outbreak of Covid-19 right now in parts of Leicester ' .
`` Yet it was only on Monday evening this week that the Government introduced restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days during which the virus was spreading in Leicester .
`` Why was the Government so slow to act ? ''
But the Prime Minister said the Government `` acted decisively '' and `` put on the breaks '' in Leicester .
DO N'T MISS : Nicola Sturgeon warning : Scotland in a ‘ worse position than Greece ’ [ ANALYSIS ] Sturgeon 's 'embarrassing ' plan to keep Scotland in single market [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon scolded for criticising Johnson 's new deal 'Did n't even ask ! '
[ VIDEO ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government first took notice and acted that was going on in Leicester on June 8 because we could see there was an issue there .
`` We sent mobile testing units shortly thereafter .
`` We engaged actively with the authorities in Leicester , with public health in Leicester , with everyone responsible in Leicester , in the way we have done with other areas that have had similar issues .
`` Unfortunately in Leicester , it did not prove possible to get the results that we have seen elsewhere so on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope the right honourable gentleman approves of , to go into lockdown in Leicester .
`` Because I have been absolutely clear with the House and with the country we are going forward , we have made huge progress but where necessary we will put on the breaks .
We acted decisively and I think it was the right thing to do . ''

PMQs: Johnson tells Blackford he is 'mistaken' over benefits
The SNP Westminster leader claimed the UK Government is "heartlessly and cruelly" denying extra funds to Scotland to ensure its election promise of levelling up the country is kept. But Boris Johnson wittily dismantled his claim causing MPs in the Commons to laugh. He said: "Mr Speaker, I beseech the right honourable gentleman just to think that he may be mistaken.
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"The UK Government is absolutely dedicated to supporting people of all people across the country. "That's why we've actually increased spending on benefits by £7 billion with Universal Credit and we stand ready to do more. "But I can tell him that there will be plenty of wonderful things that we want to do working with him, working with the Scottish administration to improve transport and other infrastructure across the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland." Boris Johnson also said he found suggestions that people going to Scotland from other parts of the UK would have to be quarantined "astonishing". READ MORE: Sturgeon crisis: Scotland faces eye-watering 50% rise in council tax
SNP Ian Blackford humiliated by Boris Johnson during PMQs
Boris Johnson sparked laughter in the Commons as he responded to Ian Blackford
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) said: "Does (Mr Johnson) not share my anger and the frustration of the Scottish tourist sector, just as it's getting back on its feet, that it's having the legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible, damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closures and quarantining of visitors from across the United Kingdom?" "I must say I found the suggestion absolutely astonishing," Mr Johnson responded. "There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that but I would point out to (Mr Bowie) what he knows very well - there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked "why was the Government so slow to act" to implement a lockdown in Leicester after it knew of a spike in virus cases.
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PMQs: Boris Johnson slams Sturgeon for talks of ‘border closure’


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Remainers told 'accept it' as 'highly significant' Brexit date reached – 'You have FAILED'

And Robert Oulds , director of the think tank Bruges Group , begged anti-Brexit campaigners including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and stalwart campaigner Steve Bray to accept the reality of Britain 's departure from the bloc , comparing failure to do so to a Japanese soldier who refused to surrender at the end of World War 2 .
July 1 marks another milestone in the process of Brexit because afterwards , neither side is permitted to request a further delay to the transition period .
Up until today , Article 132 of the Withdrawal Agreement stated that the Joint ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single decision extending the transition period for up to one or two years '' .
The UK Government had repeatedly said such a move was not an option - but Mr Khan was among those who campaigned for an extension right up to the bitter end , tweeting on Monday : `` No one anticipated that crucial Brexit deal trade negotiations would take place in the middle of a global pandemic .
`` Asking for an extension would show that the government is willing to put the national interest ahead of political dogma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bray , well-known for his `` Stop Brexit '' battle-cry , even moved into an apartment opposite Jacob Rees-Mogg in January , after the EU Withdrawal Bill had been passed by the Commons , to continue his protest in Westminster .
Robert Oulds said the arrival of July 1 was `` highly significant '' .
He added : `` From now on the Government is answerable to the British people and not the European Union .
JUST IN : China vs India - military vessels sent to patrol disputed lake '' The world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved on .
`` For their own sake , I say this in a bid to be magnanimous .
`` I want them to realise what has happened and for their own sake .
`` The lockdown is ending now , so soon they will able to go the pub , as long as they are suitably socially distanced , and drown their sorrows .
`` Perhaps they could establish some sort of support group . ''
The UK and the EU - led by David Frost and Michel Barnier respectively - now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agree a wide-ranging free trade deal .

Brexit: Remainer says he's 'going to carry on protesting'
And Robert Oulds, director of the think tank Bruges Group, begged anti-Brexit campaigners including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and stalwart campaigner Steve Bray to accept the reality of Britain's departure from the bloc, comparing failure to do so to a Japanese soldier who refused to surrender at the end of World War 2. July 1 marks another milestone in the process of Brexit because afterwards, neither side is permitted to request a further delay to the transition period.
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Up until today, Article 132 of the Withdrawal Agreement stated that the Joint (UK/EU) Committee could adopt "a single decision extending the transition period for up to one or two years". The UK Government had repeatedly said such a move was not an option - but Mr Khan was among those who campaigned for an extension right up to the bitter end, tweeting on Monday: "No one anticipated that crucial Brexit deal trade negotiations would take place in the middle of a global pandemic. "Asking for an extension would show that the government is willing to put the national interest ahead of political dogma."
Sadiq Khan and Steve Bray have been urged to accept the inevitable
Steve Bray has continued his lonely protest outside Parliament
Meanwhile, veteran campaigner Mr Bray, well-known for his "Stop Brexit" battle-cry, even moved into an apartment opposite Jacob Rees-Mogg in January, after the EU Withdrawal Bill had been passed by the Commons, to continue his protest in Westminster. Robert Oulds said the arrival of July 1 was "highly significant". He added: "From now on the Government is answerable to the British people and not the European Union. JUST IN: China vs India - military vessels sent to patrol disputed lake
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David Frost and Michel Barnier in Brussels
I plead with the Remainer establishment for their own sake, not to be that soldier who for 30 years kept on fighting World War 2 in the Philippines Robert Oulds
Sadiq Khan's tweet on Monday
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
"The world has moved on, the Government has moved on. "For their own sake, I say this in a bid to be magnanimous. "I want them to realise what has happened and for their own sake.
Brexit timetable
"The lockdown is ending now, so soon they will able to go the pub, as long as they are suitably socially distanced, and drown their sorrows. "Perhaps they could establish some sort of support group." The UK and the EU - led by David Frost and Michel Barnier respectively - now have until the end of the year to agree a wide-ranging free trade deal.
The clock is ticking down to December 31 - the end of the transition period


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Peter Bone takes swipe at ex-Speaker Bercow in Commons outburst - 'What an absurd idea!'

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Tory MPs have blocked a bid to prevent prime ministers being nominated without the consent of Parliament .
The Prime Minister ( Nomination ) and Cabinet ( Appointment ) Bill was brought forward with Theresa May and Boris Johnson both having previously assumed office without a general election .
Conservative MP Peter Bone railed against the bill in the House of Commons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Speaker John Bercow making Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister .
In the proposed bill , in a situation where the reigning Prime Minister resigned , the Speaker of the House of Commons would nominate the next Prime Minister , who would then be voted for by Parliament .
Mr Bone said : `` What would have happened when Mrs May resigned ?
If that proposition was in place and we had Speaker Bercow in the chair .
`` It would have not been impossible to see the situation where the opposition combined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Islington North , and maybe one or two disenchanted Conservatives joined that vote .
`` Then Mr Speaker would be proposing to the Queen the Rt .
Honourable member for Islington North as Prime Minister of a Conservative Government , which nobody on these benches would support . ''
READ MORE : Michael Gove warns Brussels 'independent ' UK will NOT be shackled EU

Peter Bone slams Bercow in Commons debate over cabinet bill
Tory MPs have blocked a bid to prevent prime ministers being nominated without the consent of Parliament. The Prime Minister (Nomination) and Cabinet (Appointment) Bill was brought forward with Theresa May and Boris Johnson both having previously assumed office without a general election. Conservative MP Peter Bone railed against the bill in the House of Commons, claiming that it could have led to former Speaker John Bercow making Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister.
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In the proposed bill, in a situation where the reigning Prime Minister resigned, the Speaker of the House of Commons would nominate the next Prime Minister, who would then be voted for by Parliament. Mr Bone said: "What would have happened when Mrs May resigned? If that proposition was in place and we had Speaker Bercow in the chair. "It would have not been impossible to see the situation where the opposition combined to vote for the Rt. Honourable member for Islington North, and maybe one or two disenchanted Conservatives joined that vote. "Then Mr Speaker would be proposing to the Queen the Rt. Honourable member for Islington North as Prime Minister of a Conservative Government, which nobody on these benches would support." READ MORE: Michael Gove warns Brussels 'independent' UK will NOT be shackled EU
Peter Bone takes swipe at ex-Speaker Bercow in Commons outburst - 'What an absurd idea!'
Tory MPs have blocked a bid to prevent prime ministers being nominated.
He continued: "That's a nice try, but honestly that doesn't work. "The fundamental issue is allowing Speaker Bercow to nominate to the Queen, the Rt. Honourable Gentleman for Islington North. "What an absurd idea. "And for that alone, leave for this bill should not be granted."
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'What an absurd idea.'
Leicester: Jon Ashworth says he ‘doesn’t want’ road blocks
SNP Cabinet Office spokesman Pete Wishart, who brought forward the proposal, insisted that any Prime Minister should demonstrate that they have the confidence of the Commons. Mr Wishart said: “All of us are right relieved to see the Prime Minister back in such rude health, press-upping his way to his disastrous Brexit. “And looking at this epitome of a butcher's dog, it's hard to believe that it was touch and go for him only a few short weeks ago." DON'T MISS
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Emily Thornberry's post-Brexit US trade warning slapped down [WARNING]
UK PRIME MINISTERS


thedailyexpress--2020-07-01--Brexit breakthrough: Huge sign deal between UK and EU is not too far away

Brexit trade talks between the UK and the European Union intensified on Monday as face-to-face discussions resumed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic .
The latest round of trade talks will continue until Friday , where the UK ’ s Brexit negotiator David Frost will showdown with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier .
The clearest sign a breakthrough is about to be made has emerged following reports Mr Barnier is being considered for a top role in Emmanuel Macron ’ s cabinet re-shuffle , amid a disastrous showing at the second round of local elections in France .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ politician also follows on from the news over the weekend coming out of Downing Street , that Mr Frost will replace Sir Mark Sedwill as national security adviser .
According to French Daily newspaper Ouest-France , Mr Barnier is being considered as a replacement for Prime Minister Edouard Philippe .
On Sunday , Mr Philippe was elected Mayor of the northern port city of Le Havre .
The French constitution allows him to appoint someone else to act as mayor while he remains Prime Minister .
Alex Pigman Brussels-based reporter for the AFP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier is among those rumoured to be under consideration to take over as Prime Minister in Paris.
” Asked about Mr Philippe ’ s future , a source close to the French President said : `` What follows will be enshrined in continuity . ''
Emmanuel Macron is under mounting pressure to make changes after suffering loses in the second round of local elections .
Mr Macron ’ s La République En Marche party failed to win in any big city , leaving the under-fire President without control over a major local authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-wing allies made significant gains after receiving the support of major cities including Lyon , Strasbourg , Bordeaux and Besançon .
READ MORE : Coronavirus map LIVE : Three UK cities on local lockdown watchlist As Brexit talks reach a crucial stage Mr Barnier said the EU would `` make the most '' of the intensified process over the coming weeks and months .
The Brussels chief added the bloc remains `` calm and united in its principles and values '' .
Meanwhile , Downing Street has reaffirmed the UK ’ s stance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk away from a trade deal after Angela Merkel ramped up no deal preparations .
FTSE 100 LIVE : Global stocks climb amid hopes of economy recovery [ LIVE ] Coronavirus update : Asymptomatic cases in Italy prompt mass testing [ INSIGHT ] SNP MP mocked over 'giving up his independence ' following Brexit plea [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Michel Barnier says ‘UK keeps on backtracking’
Brexit trade talks between the UK and the European Union intensified on Monday as face-to-face discussions resumed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest round of trade talks will continue until Friday, where the UK’s Brexit negotiator David Frost will showdown with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier.
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The clearest sign a breakthrough is about to be made has emerged following reports Mr Barnier is being considered for a top role in Emmanuel Macron’s cabinet re-shuffle, amid a disastrous showing at the second round of local elections in France. A potential new role for the French politician also follows on from the news over the weekend coming out of Downing Street, that Mr Frost will replace Sir Mark Sedwill as national security adviser. According to French Daily newspaper Ouest-France, Mr Barnier is being considered as a replacement for Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
Michel Barnier is reportedly being lined up for a top job in France
Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Michel Barnier in January
On Sunday, Mr Philippe was elected Mayor of the northern port city of Le Havre. The French constitution allows him to appoint someone else to act as mayor while he remains Prime Minister. Alex Pigman Brussels-based reporter for the AFP news agency wrote on Twitter: “Barnier is among those rumoured to be under consideration to take over as Prime Minister in Paris.” Asked about Mr Philippe’s future, a source close to the French President said: "What follows will be enshrined in continuity."
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David Frost and Michel Barnier resumed trade talks this week
Emmanuel Macron is under mounting pressure to make changes after suffering loses in the second round of local elections. Mr Macron’s La République En Marche party failed to win in any big city, leaving the under-fire President without control over a major local authority. The resurgent Green party and its left-wing allies made significant gains after receiving the support of major cities including Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Besançon. READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: Three UK cities on local lockdown watchlist
Angela Merkel has issued a warning over a no deal outcome
As Brexit talks reach a crucial stage Mr Barnier said the EU would "make the most" of the intensified process over the coming weeks and months. The Brussels chief added the bloc remains "calm and united in its principles and values". Meanwhile, Downing Street has reaffirmed the UK’s stance and warned Boris Johnson is prepared to walk away from a trade deal after Angela Merkel ramped up no deal preparations. DON'T MISS FTSE 100 LIVE: Global stocks climb amid hopes of economy recovery [LIVE]
Coronavirus update: Asymptomatic cases in Italy prompt mass testing [INSIGHT]
SNP MP mocked over 'giving up his independence' following Brexit plea [VIDEO]
A timeline of Brexit talks


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Brexit POLL: After Merkel's no deal warning, should UK call EU's bluff and walk away? VOTE

Britain left the bloc on January 31 and pressure is mounting to agree a free trade deal before the end of the year when the transition period in which the UK remains in the EU single market and customs union expires .
But talks have stalled on a wide range of issues including fishing rights , security and data protection .
Ms Merkel told the German parliament the EU must now prepare for the future relationship negotiations ending without an agreement .
She said : “ I will continue to work for a good solution , but we , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be prepared for the case that an agreement will not happen after all.
” The deadline falls within Germany 's six-month rotating presidency of the EU which began which it took over yesterday .
Ms Merkel said : `` Progress in talks is , to put it cautiously , very limited .
`` We have agreed with Britain to speed up the talks in order to seal a deal in the autumn that must be ratified by the end of the year . ''
A round of `` intensified negotiations '' is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has insisted it still wants to `` work constructively '' with the EU .
Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said a deal was still possible but Britain was prepared for either scenario .
The spokesman said : `` We believe that there is a free trade agreement to be reached but we have also been very clear that we will be prepared for either eventuality at the end of the year , whether that be a free trade agreement or whether that be having a trading relationship based on the same terms that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Heiko Maas criticised London , saying the talks were moving `` very sluggishly and slowly '' .
Mr Maas said : `` This is partly because we do n't know if the British want an agreement or not .
Earlier this week European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned Brussels was better prepared for a no deal situation than the UK .
Ms von der Leyen insisted the EU negotiators will not budge on a wide range of issues including fishing rights , data protection and the European Court of Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , we want an agreement with our British friends , but we do n't want it at any costs .
`` That means our principles will not be abandoned and indeed , one issue is fair competition , it has to be .
DO N'T MISS Brexit warning : Anna Soubry gives harrowing EU prediction [ INSIGHT ] Britain ’ s post-Brexit Galileo ‘ rival ’ is back – and possibly better [ ANALYSIS ] Germany 's 'ARROGANCE ' the 'greatest threat ' to EU 's future [ FOCUS ] '' The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our citizens to have the European Court of Justice in the dispute settlement mechanism for the protection of fundamental rights and where European law is concerned , that is part of it .
`` Fishing is a big issue and the issue of data protection if we also provide access to our data .
`` So , these are basic principles in addition to the many , many , many other topics , which of course will continue to be negotiated with each other .
`` And here we are very clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as Britain of course also has its points of view .
`` We want an agreement .
It is better for both parties .
But we also say that if there is no agreement , we are prepared and we are better prepared . ''

Brexit: EU has offered the UK 'unique' security deal says expert
Britain left the bloc on January 31 and pressure is mounting to agree a free trade deal before the end of the year when the transition period in which the UK remains in the EU single market and customs union expires. But talks have stalled on a wide range of issues including fishing rights, security and data protection. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED. VIEW THE RESULTS HERE.
The EU and in Germany must be prepared for the case that an agreement will not happen Angela Merkel
Ms Merkel told the German parliament the EU must now prepare for the future relationship negotiations ending without an agreement. She said: “I will continue to work for a good solution, but we, in the EU and in Germany, must also be prepared for the case that an agreement will not happen after all.” The deadline falls within Germany's six-month rotating presidency of the EU which began which it took over yesterday.
Should the UK just walk away from Brexit talks
Ms Merkel said: "Progress in talks is, to put it cautiously, very limited. "We have agreed with Britain to speed up the talks in order to seal a deal in the autumn that must be ratified by the end of the year." A round of "intensified negotiations" is taking place this week and the UK has insisted it still wants to "work constructively" with the EU. Boris Johnson's official spokesman said a deal was still possible but Britain was prepared for either scenario. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson blames EU for missing key talks deadline
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Angela Merkel has issued fresh warnings of a no deal Brexit
The spokesman said: "We believe that there is a free trade agreement to be reached but we have also been very clear that we will be prepared for either eventuality at the end of the year, whether that be a free trade agreement or whether that be having a trading relationship based on the same terms that Australia currently has." German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas criticised London, saying the talks were moving "very sluggishly and slowly". Mr Maas said: "This is partly because we don't know if the British want an agreement or not.
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Earlier this week European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned Brussels was better prepared for a no deal situation than the UK. Ms von der Leyen insisted the EU negotiators will not budge on a wide range of issues including fishing rights, data protection and the European Court of Justice. She told Deutschlandfunk radio: "Well, we want an agreement with our British friends, but we don't want it at any costs. "That means our principles will not be abandoned and indeed, one issue is fair competition, it has to be. DON'T MISS
Brexit warning: Anna Soubry gives harrowing EU prediction [INSIGHT]
Britain’s post-Brexit Galileo ‘rival’ is back – and possibly better[ANALYSIS]
Germany's 'ARROGANCE' the 'greatest threat' to EU's future [FOCUS]
Brexit timeline