thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--Do you even WANT a deal? Irish EU trade chief savages UK over Brexit talks

The latest round of negotiations on the future relationship after Brexit took place in Brussels last week - the first time the two sides have met face-to-face in more than three months due to the coronavirus pandemic .
But talks collapsed and ended a day early , with both sides again blaming each other for a lack of progress being made and warning time is running out to agree a deal .
Speaking on RTÉ 's Brendan O'Connor programme with Damien O'Reilly , Ireland 's Mr Hogan claimed for the last few months , the EU has been trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , but without much success .
He still believes the two sides will strike a post-Brexit trade deal , but only if the UK really wants one and shows ambition to do so .
But the EU trade commissioner warned there is still frustration from Brussels the good faith being shown is not being replicated by British negotiators .
Mr Hogan said : `` I still believe there will be a deal .
The ambition of that deal on the European Union side is real .
`` I do n't see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's side so , the ball is in the UK 's court , if they want a deal , there is a deal to be done .
“ Very little has happened in the last few months and there ’ s a frustration on the EU side about the fact that the good faith in terms of the negotiations that ’ s required on both sides is not happening to the extent that it should .
“ Not any old deal will do . ''
Mr Hogan said huge divisions still remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from fisheries and the role of the European Court of Justice in dispute resolution .
He insisted the EU is willing to compromise and Brussels wants to agree a deal that could be approved by both the House of Commons and the European Parliament .
READ MORE : FTSE 100 LIVE : Banks urge Britain and EU to settle financial markets But the trade chief warned if these issues are n't quickly resolved , a no deal scenario will be the outcome by the time the transition period ends on December 31 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson has explicitly stated that he wants a deal , so we need to see movement on the UK side soon or else it ’ s going to be too late.
” The EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier will arrive in London this week for the latest round of post-Brexit trade talks with the UK , led by British counterpart David Frost .
Last week 's talks in Brussels collapsed and ended a day early due to major differences around several issues in the potential trade deal , with a one-on-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result .
DO N'T MISS Brexiteer Richard Tice demands EU back down NOW in fishing deal talks [ INTERVIEW ] UK SHOULD buy British to show EU we wo n't be pushed around [ POLL ] Brexit bombshell : How the UK is planning to gain global trade deal [ ANALYSIS ] They had intended to meet alone on Friday , but officials said 24 hours earlier that plan had been ditched .
Following the early end to trade talks , Mr Frost said in a statement : `` The negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues . ''
Mr Barnier insisted the EU had engaged `` constructively '' during post-Brexit trade talks in Brussels , and warned officials need to see an `` equivalent engagement from the UK side '' .
He said in a statement : `` After four days of discussions , serious divergences remain .

Brexit: EU told Barnier not to 'compromise' on fishing says expert
The latest round of negotiations on the future relationship after Brexit took place in Brussels last week - the first time the two sides have met face-to-face in more than three months due to the coronavirus pandemic. But talks collapsed and ended a day early, with both sides again blaming each other for a lack of progress being made and warning time is running out to agree a deal. Speaking on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor programme with Damien O'Reilly, Ireland's Mr Hogan claimed for the last few months, the EU has been trying to make progress with the UK on several issues, but without much success.
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He still believes the two sides will strike a post-Brexit trade deal, but only if the UK really wants one and shows ambition to do so. But the EU trade commissioner warned there is still frustration from Brussels the good faith being shown is not being replicated by British negotiators. Mr Hogan said: "I still believe there will be a deal. The ambition of that deal on the European Union side is real. "I don't see the same ambition at the moment on the UK's side so, the ball is in the UK's court, if they want a deal, there is a deal to be done.
Brexit news: Phil Hogan has hit out at the UK over a lack of ambition in trade talks with the EU
Brexit news: Ireland's trade chief has warned the UK time is running out to agree a trade deal
“Very little has happened in the last few months and there’s a frustration on the EU side about the fact that the good faith in terms of the negotiations that’s required on both sides is not happening to the extent that it should. “Not any old deal will do." Mr Hogan said huge divisions still remain between the two sides on issues ranging from fisheries and the role of the European Court of Justice in dispute resolution. He insisted the EU is willing to compromise and Brussels wants to agree a deal that could be approved by both the House of Commons and the European Parliament. READ MORE: FTSE 100 LIVE: Banks urge Britain and EU to settle financial markets
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Brexity news: Boris Johnson has been warned time is running out over a trade agreement with the EU
But the trade chief warned if these issues aren't quickly resolved, a no deal scenario will be the outcome by the time the transition period ends on December 31, 2020. Mr Hogan added: “Boris Johnson has explicitly stated that he wants a deal, so we need to see movement on the UK side soon or else it’s going to be too late.” The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier will arrive in London this week for the latest round of post-Brexit trade talks with the UK, led by British counterpart David Frost. Last week's talks in Brussels collapsed and ended a day early due to major differences around several issues in the potential trade deal, with a one-on-one meeting between the two head negotiators cancelled as a result. DON'T MISS
Brexiteer Richard Tice demands EU back down NOW in fishing deal talks [INTERVIEW]
UK SHOULD buy British to show EU we won't be pushed around [POLL]
Brexit bombshell: How the UK is planning to gain global trade deal [ANALYSIS]
Brexit news: Michel Barnier will arrive in London this week for the latest round of trade talks
Brexit news: David Frost said the trade talks have 'underlined the significant differences' remaining between the two sides
They had intended to meet alone on Friday, but officials said 24 hours earlier that plan had been ditched. Following the early end to trade talks, Mr Frost said in a statement: "The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful. "But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues." Mr Barnier insisted the EU had engaged "constructively" during post-Brexit trade talks in Brussels, and warned officials need to see an "equivalent engagement from the UK side". He said in a statement: "After four days of discussions, serious divergences remain.
Brexit news: The transition period ends on December 31, 2020


thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--Micheal Martin crisis: Irish leader faces chaos DAYS after replacing Varadkar

Mr Martin 's appointment as Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) sees centrists Fianna Fáil take power for the first time in a decade - but already cracks in the regime are starting to appear .
In order to celebrate Mr Martin 's appointment , Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher flew to Dublin from Brussels last Friday .
In doing so he disregarded public health advice for people arriving into Ireland from overseas , ignoring the order to self-isolate for 14 days .
Instead , he chose to attend the inauguration of Mr Martin in Dublin city centre .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blatantly flouting the rules set by his own government .
He said : “ As I previously stated , I availed of Covid-19 testing services in advance of departing Brussels in order to reduce any potential public health risk .
“ However , despite this , I accept that the risk could not have been eliminated fully and I should have followed HSE advice and remained at home .
`` This was an error of judgment on my part and I apologise unreservedly.
” Mr Kelleher is not the only member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy .
Mr Martin 's new Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen has spoken of his regret after being caught drink-driving .
The Offaly TD told the Irish Indpenedent newspaper he felt `` humiliated '' after being caught .
READ MORE : Bye bye Leo !
Varadkar replaced by Micheal Martin as Irish PM The minister added that he showed `` no example '' to his own children .
He said : `` It was a serious lapse of judgment and I was n't raised that way .
“ I was fortunate in that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or killed , thankfully , but that ’ s not to say that will be the case in any other instance of a similar nature . ''
Mr Cowan was also quizzed by gardaí as to how he reached the age of 49 without having a full driving licence .
DO N'T MISS Ireland deal : Who is Michael Martin ?
The man to replace Leo Varadkar [ SPOTLIGHT ] End of Varadkar !
Meddling Irish PM to be removed under new coalition [ FOCUS ] Ireland faces worst-ever recession as Varadkar forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on RTÉ ’ s The Week in Politics ’ , Mr Cowen admitted to driving his car whilst still on a learner permit .
He now claims to have acquired a full licence .
There are now predictions of more chaos to come , with Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar , now relegated to Tanaiste ( deputy prime minister ) facing huge challenges .
There will be complex political wrangling over when to halt the government 's wage subsidy scheme , which is supporting more than 400,000 workers .

Mr Martin's appointment as Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) sees centrists Fianna Fáil take power for the first time in a decade - but already cracks in the regime are starting to appear. In order to celebrate Mr Martin's appointment, Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher flew to Dublin from Brussels last Friday. In doing so he disregarded public health advice for people arriving into Ireland from overseas, ignoring the order to self-isolate for 14 days.
Instead, he chose to attend the inauguration of Mr Martin in Dublin city centre. Mr Kelleher apologised after he was accused of blatantly flouting the rules set by his own government. He said: “As I previously stated, I availed of Covid-19 testing services in advance of departing Brussels in order to reduce any potential public health risk. “However, despite this, I accept that the risk could not have been eliminated fully and I should have followed HSE advice and remained at home.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin
"This was an error of judgment on my part and I apologise unreservedly.” Mr Kelleher is not the only member of the leading party of the new coalition create controversy. Mr Martin's new Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen has spoken of his regret after being caught drink-driving. The Offaly TD told the Irish Indpenedent newspaper he felt "humiliated" after being caught. READ MORE: Bye bye Leo! Varadkar replaced by Micheal Martin as Irish PM
Leo Varadkar is still in the Irish cabinet
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The minister added that he showed "no example" to his own children. He said: "It was a serious lapse of judgment and I wasn't raised that way. “I was fortunate in that there was nobody hurt, injured or maimed or killed, thankfully, but that’s not to say that will be the case in any other instance of a similar nature." Mr Cowan was also quizzed by gardaí as to how he reached the age of 49 without having a full driving licence. DON'T MISS
Ireland deal: Who is Michael Martin? The man to replace Leo Varadkar[SPOTLIGHT]
End of Varadkar! Meddling Irish PM to be removed under new coalition[FOCUS]
Ireland faces worst-ever recession as Varadkar forced to shelve plans[ANALYSIS]
Leo Varadkar is still in the Irish cabinet
Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics’, Mr Cowen admitted to driving his car whilst still on a learner permit. He now claims to have acquired a full licence. There are now predictions of more chaos to come, with Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar, now relegated to Tanaiste (deputy prime minister) facing huge challenges. There will be complex political wrangling over when to halt the government's wage subsidy scheme, which is supporting more than 400,000 workers.
Leo Varadkar is still in the Irish cabinet
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--Andrew Neil dismantles Labour's Anneliese Dodds after bizarre economic claim

The shadow chancellor insisted Britain was behind lots of other countries on support for hard-hit sectors in an appearance on Sky ’ s Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
But BBC presenter Andrew Neil said for the claim to be “ verified ” she should have been pressed on the point .
He tweeted : “ For this to be verified she should have been asked : what other countries and in what way ?
” Speaking on Sophy Ridge on Sunday , Ms Dodds said : “ Quite frankly this is not the time to be looking at different forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their employment .
“ For a very very long time we ’ ve been saying to the Government that if they adopt that one size fits all approach to removing support , which it doesn ’ t sound like the Chancellor is looking like he ’ s moving away from , if they adopt that approach then we will see higher levels of unemployment .
“ And the redundancies we ’ ve seen over the last few days do seem to be linked to that timetable of the removal of support .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be looking into different measures , it ’ s the time to be putting them into place , and quite frankly our country is behind lots of others on this .
“ We will support the Government in putting the right measures into place but they really need to be far speedier at doing that.
” Ms Dodds ’ comments come after the biggest easing of lockdown restrictions to date on so-called Super Saturday .
Pubs , bars , restaurants and hairdressers were among businesses allowed to open their doors to customers again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shadow chancellor backed the move to boost the economy .
But she called on the Government to adopt a `` targeted strategy '' in extending the furlough scheme , which Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said will finish at the end of October , to avoid a `` flood of redundancy notices '' .
DO N'T MISS Susanna Reid skewers Labour 's Anneliese Dodds over COVID criticism [ VIDEO ] Rishi Sunak could gift Britons £500 each in move to boost the economy [ INSIGHT ] Rishi Sunak handed huge boost ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if she would be going to the pub for a drink , Ms Dodds said : `` I have two small children , I have to say maintaining social-distancing at the best of times is a bit of a challenge .
`` I hope , however , people will be going out to make use of those new opportunities to support local businesses but of course we all need to make sure and I very much include myself in that , that we are following those guidelines at all times . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted responsibly following the latest relaxation of the lockdown .
He told Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` Well I think that from what I 've seen , although there 's some pictures to the contrary , very , very largely people have acted responsibly .

Anneliese Dodds call for government support on unemployment
The shadow chancellor insisted Britain was behind lots of other countries on support for hard-hit sectors in an appearance on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday. But BBC presenter Andrew Neil said for the claim to be “verified” she should have been pressed on the point.
He tweeted: “For this to be verified she should have been asked: what other countries and in what way?” Speaking on Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Ms Dodds said: “Quite frankly this is not the time to be looking at different forms of support while people are already losing their employment. “For a very very long time we’ve been saying to the Government that if they adopt that one size fits all approach to removing support, which it doesn’t sound like the Chancellor is looking like he’s moving away from, if they adopt that approach then we will see higher levels of unemployment. “And the redundancies we’ve seen over the last few days do seem to be linked to that timetable of the removal of support.
Andrew Neil hit out at the claim the UK is behind other countries on support for hard-hit sectors
The shadow chancellor insisted Britain was behind lots of other countries on support for hard-hit sectors in an appearance on Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday
“So now is not the time to be looking into different measures, it’s the time to be putting them into place, and quite frankly our country is behind lots of others on this. “We will support the Government in putting the right measures into place but they really need to be far speedier at doing that.” Ms Dodds’ comments come after the biggest easing of lockdown restrictions to date on so-called Super Saturday. READ MORE: Rishi's coronavirus action plan: Ministers terrified of double hit
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Ms Dodds called on the Government to adopt a "targeted strategy" in extending the furlough scheme, which Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said will finish at the end of October, to avoid a "flood of redundancy notices"
For this to be verified she should have been asked: what other countries and in what way? https://t.co/9k1LqJlWI4 — Andrew Neil (@afneil) July 5, 2020
When asked if she would be going to the pub for a drink, Ms Dodds said: "I have two small children, I have to say maintaining social-distancing at the best of times is a bit of a challenge. "I hope, however, people will be going out to make use of those new opportunities to support local businesses but of course we all need to make sure and I very much include myself in that, that we are following those guidelines at all times." Health Secretary Matt Hancock said most people acted responsibly following the latest relaxation of the lockdown. He told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "Well I think that from what I've seen, although there's some pictures to the contrary, very, very largely people have acted responsibly.
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Brexit LIVE: British fisheries group outlines FIVE KEY POINTS Boris must make in EU talks

The group said : `` UK negotiators must protect our distant-waters fishing fleet by guaranteeing our ability to continue operating in our traditional fishing grounds in the northern North Atlantic .
`` Most of the fish we eat in the U.K. comes from the North Atlantic – not from UK waters .
`` The UK ’ s distant waters fleet , led by UK Fisheries ’ ice-class trawler Kirkella , supplies one in 12 portions of the fish and chips sold in our chippies , caught in the North Atlantic and landed in Hull .
`` The UK runs a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Faroes and Greenland .
`` As a newly-independent coastal state , the UK has the ability and the duty to leverage access to its market with these nations for maintained or improved access to their waters . ''
Following the latest breakdown of talks in Brussels last week , fishing expert and CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen 's Organisation Barrie Deas warned French fisherman could block UK ports if its fisherman have reduced access to UK waters .
He told Express.co.uk : “ French fishermen have a long track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're upset about something .
`` They 've done it for much lesser reasons than the UK becoming an independent coastal state , renegotiation of quotas , even if there is access for French fishermen .
`` I think it would be naive to expect they will be happy about this or do nothing about it .
There 's a long history of those kinds of blockades . ''
1.05am update : SNP may gain the support of Unionists after pandemic Many unionists may hand the SNP its biggest mandate for independence after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Sir John Curtice , professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde , said that the Covid-19 pandemic had demonstrated the power the Scottish government has to chart a different course from Westminster .
Professor Curtice said this could hand the SNP a bigger share of the vote , The Times reports .
12.15am update : Michel Barnier has said the negotiations in coming weeks will be “ decisive ” This comes as the EU and UK look to secure a free-trade deal .
He urged Boris Johnson to drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks when they meet to discuss the negotiations .
In evidence published by the House of Lords yesterday , Mr Barnier said : “ If there is to be further progress on the substance it has to come from the UK .
“ The coming weeks will be decisive in setting the direction of this agreement .
11.45pm Finnish MEP claims Brexit could be the “ beginning of the end ” for the European Union A Finnish MEP has claimed Brexit could be the “ beginning of the end ” for the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware the EU27 would be more prosperous outside of the union .
She also suggested the EU is trying to make it “ more difficult ” to leave like the UK .
The politician told the Express : “ Weber , who leads the European People ’ s Party , said that if the UK ’ s exit was to be successful and you would prosper and triumph…the EU is afraid of competition .
10.00pm update : EU is willing to accept UK requests for fishing opportunities to be divided The EU is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities be divided using a scientific method after Brexit , The Telegraph reports .
The method will reflect the number of fish in UK waters rather than use the EU 's Common Fisheries Policy .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has hinted that Brussels could agree to the use of zonal attachment , an important British request in ongoing trade negotiations .
He said : “ There will be no trade agreement with the UK if there is no balanced agreement on fisheries.
” The EU is willing to accept UK requests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ method post-Brexit , The Telegraph reports .
The scientific method will reflect the number of fish in UK waters rather than use the EU 's Common Fisheries Policy .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has hinted that Brussels could agree to the use of zonal attachment , an important British request in ongoing trade negotiations .
EU Fishermen have demanded access to British fishing waters despite the UK saying they are off-limits in current trade talks .
Emiel Brouckaert , head of the Belgian fisheries association , said that they have `` always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed catches from British waters “ brings 50 percent of our income ” .
Currently , British catches are worth £36million a year for Belgian fisheries whilst French boats fetch £164 million a year from British areas , according to the Fishermen .
Mr Brouckaert added : “ At the beginning of the century we still had 150 ships , now it 's 65 .
“ We hope that the European Parliament will remember us during the negotiations .
“ In a 'no deal ' we will also need financial support from Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.15pm update : Changes to UK courts after Brexit The Government have launched a consultation on plans for UK courts to have the final say on legal disputes after Brexit .
Officials are asking the judiciary , lawyers and business to comment on the reforms which will decide which British courts have the power to depart from EU case law .
At present , only the UK Supreme Court and the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland will have this power from December 31 .
But under proposals set out by the Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges in the country would be able to reconsider cases on matters like borders , taxes and fisheries and make the final decision .
The Government hopes this will allow cases to progress quicker .
6.15pm update : Angela Merkel will not help Britain secure a deal with Brussels BRITAIN has been warned Angela Merkel may not be the missing piece in the Brexit puzzle , as many have hoped the German Chancellor would ensure a favourable deal is struck in the coming months .
The UK is currently embroiled in protracted talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thrash out a favourable post-Brexit trade deal .
As the two negotiating teams dispute what concessions should be made , many Brexiteers and MPs are hopeful Germany ’ s Angela Merkel would ensure the UK will receive a favourable deal - but this may no longer be the case .
A comment piece in regional German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine claims such a view is a “ misconception ” and warns the country will not be the EU ’ s weak point .
Author Katrin Pribyl , the paper ’ s London correspondent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high expectations of Germany of all countries… “ The Germans , so the myth that has persisted on the island for years , would end up making concessions to Great Britain out of self-interest and thus paving the way for a deal.
” But the journalist completely dismisses the idea and said : “ Berlin as the EU 's Achilles heel ?
The comment piece also warned that even though Germany has just taken on the rotating EU Council Presidency , Ms Merkel is unlikely to sway the talks in Britain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asset freezes and visa bans for the first time using post-Brexit powers The government have imposed sanctions on 25 Russians , including its top investigator , and 20 Saudis today as part of post-Brexit measures foreign secretary Dominic Raab said were aimed at stopping the laundering of `` blood money in this country '' .
After leaving the European Union in January , Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to forge a new independent role for Britain in foreign and trade affairs , and this was the first time the government could impose asset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has pressed for a tough sanctions regime and set out the first names in parliament , including Russian nationals the government says were involved in the mistreatment and death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and Saudis held to be involved in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi .
Speaking in the House of Commons , the foreign secretary , said : `` If you 're a kleptocrat or an organised criminal , you will not be able to launder your blood money in this country .
`` Today this government ... sends a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that those with blood on their hands , the thugs and despots , the henchmen and dictators , will not be free to waltz into this country to buy up property on the King 's Road , to do their Christmas shopping in Knightsbridge , or frankly to siphon dirty money through British banks or other financial institutions . ''
4.15pm update : UK attempts to rejoin space race after losing access to EU Galileo programme because of Brexit The Government has taken a major stake in the failed satellite company OneWeb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereign UK space capability .
Ministers hope it will compensate for the loss of access to the EU 's Galileo satellite navigation programme in the wake of Brexit .
The Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy said the UK and mobile operator Bharti are each investing £400 million , with Britain acquiring a `` significant equity stake '' in the company .
Officials said the deal would put the UK at the `` cutting-edge of the latest advances in space technology '' .
It will enable OneWeb - which has its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction of a constellation of Low Earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world .
The UK is part of a consortium with India 's Bharti Global which won a bidding war for the company , which went bankrupt earlier this year while trying to develop a space network to deliver broadband .
3.15pm update : Pro-Brexit group sparks fury after blaming `` remainers '' for the current state of Brexit negotiations A Pro-Brexit group sparked a furious backlash on Twitter after blaming Remainers for issues concerning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU .
The Leave Alliance ( TLA ) said “ Remainers ” were to blame for the deadlock in Brexit negotiations which could end with no deal in December .
The group argues that Britain made a “ fundamental mistake ” joining the EU in the 1970s .
On Twitter , the TLA said : “ These days I ’ m heavily sceptical of # Brexit and the mess it will surely be , but we are where we are primarily because we had to fight for it three times .
“ Voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t enough .
Remainers own this mess as much as the Tories.
” One person said in response : “ How dare you , we said it was a mistake from day one , we said any Brexit is Remain minus , this is ALL on the promoters of Brexit whoever they are .
# BrexitShambles.
” Another added : “ Utter nonsense .
Remainers fought against it because it was obviously going to be a disaster.
” But the group said in response : “ Remainers had at least three windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise or respect the vote .
Now suck up the consequences.
” 2.14pm update : Brexit ‘ beginning of the end ’ for Brussels bloc warns eurosceptic Finnish MEP EU officials could see the `` beginning of the end '' of the bloc should the British Government succeed in making a success of Brexit , Finnish MEP Laura Huhtasaari warned .
The EU has been warned member states could seek their independence should they see Britain `` triumph '' as an independent state after Brexit .
Finnish MEP Laura Huhtasaari claimed Brussels is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of the union as she suggested the bloc is rushing to make it `` more difficult '' to leave like the UK .
Speaking to Express.co.uk , Ms Huhtasaari said : `` Weber , who leads the European People ’ s Party , said that if the UK ’ s exit was to be successful and you would prosper and triumph…the EU is afraid of competition .
`` It knows that the member states would do better without the federal state , they would do better as independent states in a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a success , it will be the beginning of the end of the EU .
`` That ’ s why they are in a hurry , they really want to make it harder and harder to leave the EU , that ’ s why the corona package is being pushed very , very hard . ''
1.25pm update : UK wants to use this week 's talks with EU to access progress Britain would like to see if there is a chance for progress in trade talks with the EU after last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early with significant differences between the two sides .
Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said : `` UK chief negotiator David Frost has set out that while the talks continue to be constructive there are still significant differences between us .
`` It is a chance to have some further discussions to see what progress might be made . ''
12.38pm update : City gripped by no deal Brexit fears and bracing for financial 'regulatory warfare ' The City has been gripped by fears of a no deal Brexit and the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest collapse of talks with the UK on a trade deal .
Last week , the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier accused the UK of trying “ to keep as many single market benefits as it can ” following Brexit .
He warned there is `` no way member states or the European Parliament would accept ” the UK ’ s bid for smooth access to European markets for London ’ s financial district .
Finance bosses are now bracing for `` regulatory warfare '' with Brussels as the clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period in just under six-months ' time .
A failure to reach an agreement could see firms in the City lose access of European markets overnight and find themselves unable to serve their clients throughout the continent from London .
The first technical-level meetings get underway tomorrow , Express.co.uk Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes has tweeted , as post-Brexit trade negotiations move to London .
An EU Commission spokesman said : `` This is not a round of negotiations , per se , the next round is the week of July 20 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned of the `` damaging '' consequences for the UK and Ireland if Britain is unable to agree to terms on a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU .
Mr Coveney told Sky News ' Adam Boulton that tariffs and quotas will have to be imposed as a result of a no trade deal Brexit .
He added that trade between the UK and the European Union will occur on World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms if a deal is not agreed upon by the end of 2020 .
10.42am update : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish EU trade chief savages UK over Brexit talks The EU 's trade commissioner Phil Hogan has lashed out at the UK 's lack of `` ambition '' during post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union , warning that needs to quickly change if an agreement is going to be signed before the end of the transition period .
Speaking on RTÉ 's Brendan O'Connor programme with Damien O'Reilly , Ireland 's Mr Hogan claimed for the last few months , the EU has been trying to make progress with the UK on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He still believes the two sides will strike a post-Brexit trade deal , but only if the UK really wants one and shows ambition to do so .
But the EU trade commissioner warned there is still frustration from Brussels the good faith being shown is not being replicated by British negotiators .
Sterling has slumped against the euro as traders keep a close eye on this month 's Brexit negotiations on a future trade deal between the UK and EU .
The pound was down by 0.4 percent this morning against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat against the US dollar at $ 1.2485 .
Sterling remains six percent weaker so far this year , but has recovered from lows in March , when it sank to $ 1.14 - its lowest since 1985 .
Traders are expecting more clarity by the end of this month on whether Britain will agree a trade deal with the bloc , which it left on January 31 .
9.54am update : Banks warn Britain and EU over financial chaos The UK and EU have been warned to make progress on EU financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic will create , according to a bank lobby group .
The Association for Financial Markets in Europe ( AFME ) said that the Covid-19 pandemic will make it harder to cope with any potential disruption in the case that there is no agreement made between the EU and UK .
Britain is still in the transition period until the end of the year which means the country has full access to the trade bloc .
Any future direct EU access after the transition period is over will be decided by whether Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to the standards set in the trade bloc .
The EU will not be able to use financial services in London without some agreed access .
In a statement , AFME said : “ Covid-19 has the potential to disrupt Brexit planning including impacting client readiness , as well as potentially affecting the ability of firms to relocate staff to other jurisdictions.
” The group said that the negotiations need to ensure that EU investors can continue using clearing houses in London .
9.20am update : Britain to introduce new powers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce the first foreign nationals to face asset freezes and visa bans for alleged human rights abuses under a new post-Brexit sanctions scheme that follows the 2012 US Magnitsky Act .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has continued to press for a tough sanctions regime , and the first names will today be set out in parliament .
This will be followed by further sanctions over the coming months under a `` UK-only regime '' after Britain left the EU in January .
Mr Raab said in a statement : `` From today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop those involved in serious human rights abuses and violations from entering the UK , channelling money through our banks and profiting from our economy .
`` This is a clear example of how the UK will help to lead the world in standing up for human rights .
We will not let those who seek to inflict pain and destroy the lives of innocent victims benefit from what the UK has to offer . ''
The country 's EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan has said there is real `` ambition '' from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the UK , but does not see that same ambition from the British side .
Speaking on RTÉ 's Brendan O'Connor programme with Damien O'Reilly , he reiterated his belief that a deal between the two sides can be agreed if the UK wants one .
But he warned there is frustration on the EU side that the good faith on both sides is not happening .
Mr Hogan said : `` I still believe there will be a deal .
The ambition of that deal on the European Union side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the same ambition at the moment on the UK 's side so , the ball is in the UK 's court , if they want a deal , there is a deal to be done . ''
8.15am update : 'They 're OUR waters ' Brexiteer Richard Tice demands EU back down on fishing in trade talks Brexit Party Chairman Richard Tice has demanded the UK gets its way in the new post-Brexit fishing deal due to one key point .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , Mr Tice claimed the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters mean the EU can not expect to get the same treatment as when Britain was a member of the European Union .
The Brexit Party chairman reflected on the importance of the fishing industry to those who live and work on the coasts in addition to Brexiteers across the country .
He said : `` To put in context , for every one job at sea there are seven of eight jobs onshore .
`` These jobs happen and would be created in some of the most deprived areas and who need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is a huge opportunity and we must not be tempted to give it away to secure a trade deal .
`` These are separate issues , these are our waters and we must take back full control and maximise this Brexit opportunity . ''
The UK and EU will begin the latest round of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal in London this week after last week 's negotiations in Brussels were cut short by a deal , triggering fears of a no deal scenario .
The UK 's chief Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have continued to highlight `` significant differences '' that remain on several elements of any future agreement .
Brussels counterpart Michel Barnier insisted the EU had engaged `` constructively '' during post-Brexit trade talks in Brussels , and warned officials need to see an `` equivalent engagement from the UK side '' .
Angela Merkel , who 's country Germany took over the rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1 , also warned EU member states to `` prepare for the case that an agreement is not reached '' .

Brexit: EU told Barnier not to 'compromise' on fishing says expert
Britain is on course to leave the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) next year and become an independent coastal state – free to set its own tariffs and quotas on stocks. But the issue of access to each other's waters after Brexit has proven to be a major hurdle in the current trade deal talks - with both sides refusing to move from their positions. Now UK Fisheries has outlined five key points UK negotiators must follow in order to protect the country's fishing industry. THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Click HERE for your latest Brexit updates
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The group said: "UK negotiators must protect our distant-waters fishing fleet by guaranteeing our ability to continue operating in our traditional fishing grounds in the northern North Atlantic. "Most of the fish we eat in the U.K. comes from the North Atlantic – not from UK waters. "The UK’s distant waters fleet, led by UK Fisheries’ ice-class trawler Kirkella, supplies one in 12 portions of the fish and chips sold in our chippies, caught in the North Atlantic and landed in Hull. "The UK runs a huge trade deficit with Iceland, Norway, the Faroes and Greenland. "As a newly-independent coastal state, the UK has the ability and the duty to leverage access to its market with these nations for maintained or improved access to their waters."
Brexit latest: Boris Johnson is under pressure from fishing groups not to compromise on its rights
Following the latest breakdown of talks in Brussels last week, fishing expert and CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisation Barrie Deas warned French fisherman could block UK ports if its fisherman have reduced access to UK waters. He told Express.co.uk: “French fishermen have a long track record of blockading Channel ports when they're upset about something. "They've done it for much lesser reasons than the UK becoming an independent coastal state, renegotiation of quotas, even if there is access for French fishermen. "I think it would be naive to expect they will be happy about this or do nothing about it. There's a long history of those kinds of blockades." FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit latest: David Frost warned the trade talks have continued to highlight 'significant differences' between the two sides
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7.40am update: THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Click HERE for your latest Brexit updates 1.05am update: SNP may gain the support of Unionists after pandemic Many unionists may hand the SNP its biggest mandate for independence after seeing the benefits of the devolution during the pandemic. Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, said that the Covid-19 pandemic had demonstrated the power the Scottish government has to chart a different course from Westminster. Professor Curtice said this could hand the SNP a bigger share of the vote, The Times reports. 12.15am update: Michel Barnier has said the negotiations in coming weeks will be “decisive” This comes as the EU and UK look to secure a free-trade deal. He urged Boris Johnson to drop his “unacceptable approach” to the talks when they meet to discuss the negotiations. In evidence published by the House of Lords yesterday, Mr Barnier said: “If there is to be further progress on the substance it has to come from the UK. “The coming weeks will be decisive in setting the direction of this agreement.
11.45pm Finnish MEP claims Brexit could be the “beginning of the end” for the European Union A Finnish MEP has claimed Brexit could be the “beginning of the end” for the European Union. Laura Huhtasaari claimed Brussels is aware the EU27 would be more prosperous outside of the union. She also suggested the EU is trying to make it “more difficult” to leave like the UK. The politician told the Express: “Weber, who leads the European People’s Party, said that if the UK’s exit was to be successful and you would prosper and triumph…the EU is afraid of competition. 10.00pm update: EU is willing to accept UK requests for fishing opportunities to be divided
The EU is willing to accept UK requests that fishing opportunities be divided using a scientific method after Brexit, The Telegraph reports. The method will reflect the number of fish in UK waters rather than use the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has hinted that Brussels could agree to the use of zonal attachment, an important British request in ongoing trade negotiations. He said: “There will be no trade agreement with the UK if there is no balanced agreement on fisheries.” 9.45pm Resolution on UK fisheries reached? The EU is willing to accept UK requests that fishing opportunities be divided using a scientific method post-Brexit, The Telegraph reports. The scientific method will reflect the number of fish in UK waters rather than use the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has hinted that Brussels could agree to the use of zonal attachment, an important British request in ongoing trade negotiations. 8.15pm update: EU fishermen demand access to British fishing waters as talks loom EU Fishermen have demanded access to British fishing waters despite the UK saying they are off-limits in current trade talks. Emiel Brouckaert, head of the Belgian fisheries association, said that they have "always been in British waters." He stressed catches from British waters “brings 50 percent of our income”. Currently, British catches are worth £36million a year for Belgian fisheries whilst French boats fetch £164 million a year from British areas, according to the Fishermen. Mr Brouckaert added: “At the beginning of the century we still had 150 ships, now it's 65. “We hope that the European Parliament will remember us during the negotiations. “In a 'no deal' we will also need financial support from Europe to find alternatives for our fishermen.”
Belgian fishermen are concerned about Brexit.
7.15pm update: Changes to UK courts after Brexit The Government have launched a consultation on plans for UK courts to have the final say on legal disputes after Brexit. Officials are asking the judiciary, lawyers and business to comment on the reforms which will decide which British courts have the power to depart from EU case law. At present, only the UK Supreme Court and the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland will have this power from December 31. But under proposals set out by the Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, more courts and judges in the country would be able to reconsider cases on matters like borders, taxes and fisheries and make the final decision. The Government hopes this will allow cases to progress quicker. 6.15pm update: Angela Merkel will not help Britain secure a deal with Brussels BRITAIN has been warned Angela Merkel may not be the missing piece in the Brexit puzzle, as many have hoped the German Chancellor would ensure a favourable deal is struck in the coming months. The UK is currently embroiled in protracted talks with the EU as both sides attempt to thrash out a favourable post-Brexit trade deal. As the two negotiating teams dispute what concessions should be made, many Brexiteers and MPs are hopeful Germany’s Angela Merkel would ensure the UK will receive a favourable deal - but this may no longer be the case. A comment piece in regional German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine claims such a view is a “misconception” and warns the country will not be the EU’s weak point. Author Katrin Pribyl, the paper’s London correspondent, writes: “British Eurosceptics have high expectations of Germany of all countries… “The Germans, so the myth that has persisted on the island for years, would end up making concessions to Great Britain out of self-interest and thus paving the way for a deal.” But the journalist completely dismisses the idea and said: “Berlin as the EU's Achilles heel? The comment piece also warned that even though Germany has just taken on the rotating EU Council Presidency, Ms Merkel is unlikely to sway the talks in Britain’s favour.
Angela has said she will not help the UK secure a deal for Brussels.
5.15pm update: UK impose asset freezes and visa bans for the first time using post-Brexit powers The government have imposed sanctions on 25 Russians, including its top investigator, and 20 Saudis today as part of post-Brexit measures foreign secretary Dominic Raab said were aimed at stopping the laundering of "blood money in this country". After leaving the European Union in January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to forge a new independent role for Britain in foreign and trade affairs, and this was the first time the government could impose asset freezes and visa bans independently. Raab has pressed for a tough sanctions regime and set out the first names in parliament, including Russian nationals the government says were involved in the mistreatment and death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and Saudis held to be involved in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Speaking in the House of Commons, the foreign secretary, said: "If you're a kleptocrat or an organised criminal, you will not be able to launder your blood money in this country. "Today this government ... sends a very clear message on behalf of the British people that those with blood on their hands, the thugs and despots, the henchmen and dictators, will not be free to waltz into this country to buy up property on the King's Road, to do their Christmas shopping in Knightsbridge, or frankly to siphon dirty money through British banks or other financial institutions." 4.15pm update: UK attempts to rejoin space race after losing access to EU Galileo programme because of Brexit The Government has taken a major stake in the failed satellite company OneWeb, in a drive to develop a sovereign UK space capability. Ministers hope it will compensate for the loss of access to the EU's Galileo satellite navigation programme in the wake of Brexit. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the UK and mobile operator Bharti are each investing £400 million, with Britain acquiring a "significant equity stake" in the company. Officials said the deal would put the UK at the "cutting-edge of the latest advances in space technology". It will enable OneWeb - which has its headquarters in London - to complete the construction of a constellation of Low Earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world. The UK is part of a consortium with India's Bharti Global which won a bidding war for the company, which went bankrupt earlier this year while trying to develop a space network to deliver broadband.
David Frost arriving at EU talks last week.
3.15pm update: Pro-Brexit group sparks fury after blaming "remainers" for the current state of Brexit negotiations A Pro-Brexit group sparked a furious backlash on Twitter after blaming Remainers for issues concerning the UK’s exit from the EU. The Leave Alliance (TLA) said “Remainers” were to blame for the deadlock in Brexit negotiations which could end with no deal in December. The group argues that Britain made a “fundamental mistake” joining the EU in the 1970s. On Twitter, the TLA said: “These days I’m heavily sceptical of #Brexit and the mess it will surely be, but we are where we are primarily because we had to fight for it three times. “Voting in good faith in a referendum wasn’t enough. Remainers own this mess as much as the Tories.” One person said in response: “How dare you, we said it was a mistake from day one, we said any Brexit is Remain minus, this is ALL on the promoters of Brexit whoever they are. #BrexitShambles.” Another added: “Utter nonsense. Remainers fought against it because it was obviously going to be a disaster.” But the group said in response: “Remainers had at least three windows of opportunity. “They refused to compromise or respect the vote. Now suck up the consequences.” 2.14pm update: Brexit ‘beginning of the end’ for Brussels bloc warns eurosceptic Finnish MEP EU officials could see the "beginning of the end" of the bloc should the British Government succeed in making a success of Brexit, Finnish MEP Laura Huhtasaari warned. The EU has been warned member states could seek their independence should they see Britain "triumph" as an independent state after Brexit. Finnish MEP Laura Huhtasaari claimed Brussels is aware the EU27 would be more prosperous outside of the union as she suggested the bloc is rushing to make it "more difficult" to leave like the UK. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ms Huhtasaari said: "Weber, who leads the European People’s Party, said that if the UK’s exit was to be successful and you would prosper and triumph…the EU is afraid of competition. "It knows that the member states would do better without the federal state, they would do better as independent states in a free trade area. "If Brexit is a success, it will be the beginning of the end of the EU. "That’s why they are in a hurry, they really want to make it harder and harder to leave the EU, that’s why the corona package is being pushed very, very hard."
Brexit latest: The EU has been warned 'if Brexit is a success, it would be the beginning of the end'
1.25pm update: UK wants to use this week's talks with EU to access progress Britain would like to see if there is a chance for progress in trade talks with the EU after last week's round of negotiations ended a day early with significant differences between the two sides. Boris Johnson's official spokesman said: "UK chief negotiator David Frost has set out that while the talks continue to be constructive there are still significant differences between us. "It is a chance to have some further discussions to see what progress might be made." 12.38pm update: City gripped by no deal Brexit fears and bracing for financial 'regulatory warfare' The City has been gripped by fears of a no deal Brexit and the possibility of chaos with access to EU markets after the latest collapse of talks with the UK on a trade deal. Last week, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier accused the UK of trying “to keep as many single market benefits as it can” following Brexit. He warned there is "no way member states or the European Parliament would accept” the UK’s bid for smooth access to European markets for London’s financial district. Finance bosses are now bracing for "regulatory warfare" with Brussels as the clock ticks down to the end of the transition period in just under six-months' time. A failure to reach an agreement could see firms in the City lose access of European markets overnight and find themselves unable to serve their clients throughout the continent from London.
Brexit latest: The City's fears over a no deal outcome are increasing
12.04pm update: Brexit talks NOT resuming in London today The first technical-level meetings get underway tomorrow, Express.co.uk Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes has tweeted, as post-Brexit trade negotiations move to London. An EU Commission spokesman said: "This is not a round of negotiations, per se, the next round is the week of July 20." 11.20am update: Ireland's Simon Coveney issues threat as EU talks break down The country's Foreign Minister has warned of the "damaging" consequences for the UK and Ireland if Britain is unable to agree to terms on a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU. Mr Coveney told Sky News' Adam Boulton that tariffs and quotas will have to be imposed as a result of a no trade deal Brexit. He added that trade between the UK and the European Union will occur on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms if a deal is not agreed upon by the end of 2020. 10.42am update: Do you even WANT a deal? Irish EU trade chief savages UK over Brexit talks The EU's trade commissioner Phil Hogan has lashed out at the UK's lack of "ambition" during post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union, warning that needs to quickly change if an agreement is going to be signed before the end of the transition period. Speaking on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor programme with Damien O'Reilly, Ireland's Mr Hogan claimed for the last few months, the EU has been trying to make progress with the UK on several issues, but without much success. He still believes the two sides will strike a post-Brexit trade deal, but only if the UK really wants one and shows ambition to do so. But the EU trade commissioner warned there is still frustration from Brussels the good faith being shown is not being replicated by British negotiators.
Brexit news: Phil Hogan lashed out at the UK's lack of 'ambition' in trade talks with the EU
10.15am update: Pound plummets against euro as traders await trade deal progress Sterling has slumped against the euro as traders keep a close eye on this month's Brexit negotiations on a future trade deal between the UK and EU. The pound was down by 0.4 percent this morning against the single currency at 90.43 pence and flat against the US dollar at $1.2485. Sterling remains six percent weaker so far this year, but has recovered from lows in March, when it sank to $1.14 - its lowest since 1985. Traders are expecting more clarity by the end of this month on whether Britain will agree a trade deal with the bloc, which it left on January 31. 9.54am update: Banks warn Britain and EU over financial chaos The UK and EU have been warned to make progress on EU financial market access due the impacts the coronavirus pandemic will create, according to a bank lobby group. The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) said that the Covid-19 pandemic will make it harder to cope with any potential disruption in the case that there is no agreement made between the EU and UK. Britain is still in the transition period until the end of the year which means the country has full access to the trade bloc. Any future direct EU access after the transition period is over will be decided by whether Brussels feels the UK regulation is “equivalent” to the standards set in the trade bloc. The EU will not be able to use financial services in London without some agreed access. In a statement, AFME said: “Covid-19 has the potential to disrupt Brexit planning including impacting client readiness, as well as potentially affecting the ability of firms to relocate staff to other jurisdictions.” The group said that the negotiations need to ensure that EU investors can continue using clearing houses in London.
Brexit latest: Michel Barnier warned EU officials need to see an 'equivalent engagement from the UK side'
9.20am update: Britain to introduce new powers to impose sanctions over rights The UK will announce the first foreign nationals to face asset freezes and visa bans for alleged human rights abuses under a new post-Brexit sanctions scheme that follows the 2012 US Magnitsky Act. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has continued to press for a tough sanctions regime, and the first names will today be set out in parliament. This will be followed by further sanctions over the coming months under a "UK-only regime" after Britain left the EU in January. Mr Raab said in a statement: "From today, the UK will have new powers to stop those involved in serious human rights abuses and violations from entering the UK, channelling money through our banks and profiting from our economy. "This is a clear example of how the UK will help to lead the world in standing up for human rights. We will not let those who seek to inflict pain and destroy the lives of innocent victims benefit from what the UK has to offer." 8.35am update: Ireland Brexit trade chief lashes out at UK The country's EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan has said there is real "ambition" from the EU to reach a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK, but does not see that same ambition from the British side. Speaking on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor programme with Damien O'Reilly, he reiterated his belief that a deal between the two sides can be agreed if the UK wants one. But he warned there is frustration on the EU side that the good faith on both sides is not happening. Mr Hogan said: "I still believe there will be a deal. The ambition of that deal on the European Union side is real. "I don't see the same ambition at the moment on the UK's side so, the ball is in the UK's court, if they want a deal, there is a deal to be done."
Brexit: ’There will be a deal’ says EU trade commissioner
Brexit latest: The transition period ends on December 31, 2020


thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--‘SNP incompetence’: Millions spent on disposing of medical waste including body parts

Nicola Sturgeon ’ s administration has thought to have spent almost £40million to dispose of medical waste since Healthcare Environmental Services Ltd in Shotts , North Lanarkshire ceased trading .
Healthcare Environmental Services ( HES ) were responsible for the disposing of clinical waste in NHS organisations across the UK .
But the company closed down in 2019 following months of controversy over its handling of contracts to dispose of human body parts and infectious waste for NHS trusts and boards around the UK .
Its contracts for 17 English NHS trusts were terminated after huge backlogs of unprocessed waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK whilst the NHS in Scotland also distanced itself from the company .
It was discovered that hundreds of tonnes of materials had not been incinerated .
The government then had to undertake an expensive contingency solution to ensure clinical waste was collected and treated .
Figures obtained by The Herald show that £9million was required to continue the service after the company collapsed in 2018/19 .
This took the total amount of public money spent in the 2018/19 financial year to £14m whilst in 2019/20 , the total cost for removing clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public health spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives have called for the issues and costs to be `` properly investigated '' .
He added : “ The mismanagement of hospital waste disposal by SNP ministers is another example of their incompetence running NHS Scotland .
READ MORE : Sturgeon red faced as Home Office rebuffs claim it was responsible '' Ministers have been warned about the impact on costs and hospital waste since Healthcare Environmental Services stopped providing services to NHS Scotland .
`` Last year there were repeated problems with the disposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear backlogs at hospitals and issues with clinical waste disposal contracts .
`` The disposal of clinical waste has cost Scottish taxpayers millions in additional costs over the last two years to desperately try to clean up this Government mess .
`` We need to see ministers held to account for why we are in this mess and I believe it is time for the hospital waste scandal in Scotland to be properly investigated . ''
DO N'T MISS : Fife Zoo fire : Emergency services rush after blaze erupts [ REVEAL ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish economy faces crisis [ REVEAL ] Outrage at 'disgraceful ' protest – 'Keep Scotland COVID-Free ' [ REVEAL ] NHS officials have stressed that moving away from a contingency plan has taken longer than expected but the full transition should be finished by the end of the summer .
A spokesman for NHS Scotland said : `` With the previous supplier 's cessation of services in December 2018 , there was significant disruption to the UK clinical waste market .
`` In Scotland , contingency solutions were used to ensure clinical waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all applicable regulations , while having no impact on patient services .
`` In summary , contingency arrangements in Scotland have included new clinical waste collections from hospital and community sites and new treatment facilities to process the waste .

NHS contracts stripped from HES after human waste pile up
Nicola Sturgeon’s administration has thought to have spent almost £40million to dispose of medical waste since Healthcare Environmental Services Ltd in Shotts, North Lanarkshire ceased trading. Healthcare Environmental Services (HES) were responsible for the disposing of clinical waste in NHS organisations across the UK.
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But the company closed down in 2019 following months of controversy over its handling of contracts to dispose of human body parts and infectious waste for NHS trusts and boards around the UK. Its contracts for 17 English NHS trusts were terminated after huge backlogs of unprocessed waste were found at its depots across the UK whilst the NHS in Scotland also distanced itself from the company. It was discovered that hundreds of tonnes of materials had not been incinerated. The government then had to undertake an expensive contingency solution to ensure clinical waste was collected and treated.
The company was based in Shotts.
Healthcare Environmental Services (HES) went into liquidation.
Figures obtained by The Herald show that £9million was required to continue the service after the company collapsed in 2018/19. This took the total amount of public money spent in the 2018/19 financial year to £14m whilst in 2019/20, the total cost for removing clinical waste was £23.5million. Miles Briggs MSP, public health spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives have called for the issues and costs to be "properly investigated". He added: “The mismanagement of hospital waste disposal by SNP ministers is another example of their incompetence running NHS Scotland. READ MORE: Sturgeon red faced as Home Office rebuffs claim it was responsible
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Staff were made redundant in December 2018.
"Ministers have been warned about the impact on costs and hospital waste since Healthcare Environmental Services stopped providing services to NHS Scotland. "Last year there were repeated problems with the disposal of high-risk clinical waste, failure to clear backlogs at hospitals and issues with clinical waste disposal contracts. "The disposal of clinical waste has cost Scottish taxpayers millions in additional costs over the last two years to desperately try to clean up this Government mess. "We need to see ministers held to account for why we are in this mess and I believe it is time for the hospital waste scandal in Scotland to be properly investigated." DON'T MISS:
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Almost £40 million has been spent by the Scottish Government.
NHS officials have stressed that moving away from a contingency plan has taken longer than expected but the full transition should be finished by the end of the summer. A spokesman for NHS Scotland said: "With the previous supplier's cessation of services in December 2018, there was significant disruption to the UK clinical waste market. "In Scotland, contingency solutions were used to ensure clinical waste was collected and treated in line with all applicable regulations, while having no impact on patient services. "In summary, contingency arrangements in Scotland have included new clinical waste collections from hospital and community sites and new treatment facilities to process the waste.
Clinical and medical waste.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--Sturgeon red faced as Home Office rebuffs claim it was responsible for border check delay

Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman admitted no follow-up checks on travellers returning to Scotland from abroad have been carried out due to “ data protection issues ” with the Home Office immigration systems .
Speaking yesterday , she added : “ We had to have our Public Health Scotland officials security cleared in order to access the Home Office systems .
`` That 's the system you need to access to get passenger data - in order to protect people 's data .
`` That has been resolved and those follow-up calls will begin this week . ''
Ms Freeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Home Office system while the equivalent agency in Scotland was not .
But the Home Office says the Scottish government delayed sending information to allow a memorandum of understanding to be completed allowing Scottish officials to access the Home Office immigration system .
People arriving in Scotland from abroad have to quarantine for 14 days .
The measures , introduced on June 8 , mean all people arriving in Scotland will have to supply contact details , travel details and the address of where they will self-isolate .
Follow up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started on June 8 , would then be carried out by Scottish health officials and those who breach self-isolation could be fined £480 .
But people believed to be repeatedly breaching quarantine can be reported to the procurator fiscal for potential prosecution and could face a fine of up to £5,000 .
READ MORE : 'About our future ' MSP 's demands Sturgeon push Scottish Gaelic A Home Office spokesperson said this afternoon : “ These claims are misleading and inaccurate .
“ Health is a devolved matter and so it is entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wish to carry out track and trace and enforcement activities .
“ The public rightly expects their data to be held securely and since June 8 , the devolved administrations could access it by providing information required through a Memorandum of Understanding .
DO N'T MISS : Nicola Sturgeon BEGS Boris for cash as Scottish economy faces crisis [ REVEAL ] Boris on alert as polling guru Curtice says Scot Indy backed [ REVEAL ] Brexit panic for Sturgeon as SNP terrified of Boris 'plot ' for power [ REVEAL ] Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives blasted the move and said : “ Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly said that she and her SNP government are fully responsible for every element of Scotland ’ s coronavirus response .
“ Yet in the last few weeks , an unknown number of people have arrived in this country and the SNP government has no idea who they are , where they are , or if they ’ ve abided by these vital rules .
“ Ministers should be working to resolve this rather than looking for scapegoats.
” The memorandum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office on Friday , with 2,002 national contact tracers set to start checks from tomorrow .

Nicola Sturgeon shuts down Home Office claim on delayed data
Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman admitted no follow-up checks on travellers returning to Scotland from abroad have been carried out due to “data protection issues” with the Home Office immigration systems. Speaking yesterday, she added: “We had to have our Public Health Scotland officials security cleared in order to access the Home Office systems.
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"That's the system you need to access to get passenger data - in order to protect people's data. "That has been resolved and those follow-up calls will begin this week." Ms Freeman said Public Health England was already a part of the Home Office system while the equivalent agency in Scotland was not. But the Home Office says the Scottish government delayed sending information to allow a memorandum of understanding to be completed allowing Scottish officials to access the Home Office immigration system.
Checks were meant to start last month.
Quarantine measures were introduced in Scotland last month.
People arriving in Scotland from abroad have to quarantine for 14 days. The measures, introduced on June 8, mean all people arriving in Scotland will have to supply contact details, travel details and the address of where they will self-isolate. Follow up checks, which were expected to have started on June 8, would then be carried out by Scottish health officials and those who breach self-isolation could be fined £480. But people believed to be repeatedly breaching quarantine can be reported to the procurator fiscal for potential prosecution and could face a fine of up to £5,000. READ MORE: 'About our future' MSP's demands Sturgeon push Scottish Gaelic
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Passengers at Edinburgh Airport.
A Home Office spokesperson said this afternoon: “These claims are misleading and inaccurate. “Health is a devolved matter and so it is entirely for the Scottish government to decide how they wish to carry out track and trace and enforcement activities. “The public rightly expects their data to be held securely and since June 8, the devolved administrations could access it by providing information required through a Memorandum of Understanding. “However, the Scottish authorities delayed sending the information.” DON'T MISS:
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Brexit panic for Sturgeon as SNP terrified of Boris 'plot' for power [REVEAL]
People can be fined £480 for breaching quarantine measures.
Jackson Carlaw MSP, leader of the Scottish Conservatives blasted the move and said: “Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly said that she and her SNP government are fully responsible for every element of Scotland’s coronavirus response. “Yet in the last few weeks, an unknown number of people have arrived in this country and the SNP government has no idea who they are, where they are, or if they’ve abided by these vital rules. “Ministers should be working to resolve this rather than looking for scapegoats.” The memorandum of agreement was signed off by the Home Office on Friday, with 2,002 national contact tracers set to start checks from tomorrow.
Jeane Freeman.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--Brexit warning: UK told Angela Merkel will NOT help Britain secure a deal with Brussels

The UK is currently embroiled in protracted talks with the EU as both sides attempt to thrash out a favourable post-Brexit trade deal .
As the two negotiating teams dispute what concessions should be made , many Brexiteers and MPs are hopeful Germany ’ s Angela Merkel would ensure the UK will receive a favourable deal - but this may no longer be the case .
A comment piece in regional German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine claims such a view is a “ misconception ” and warns the country will not be the EU ’ s weak point .
Author Katrin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent , writes : “ British Eurosceptics have high expectations of Germany of all countries… “ The Germans , so the myth that has persisted on the island for years , would end up making concessions to Great Britain out of self-interest and thus paving the way for a deal.
” But the journalist completely dismisses the idea and said : “ Berlin as the EU 's Achilles heel ?
“ It is a misperception that carries risks and has so far mostly disappointed Brexit optimists .
“ Neither the often cited German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British , nor did Chancellor Angela Merkel go against the 27 remaining EU countries .
“ In London , hopes are based not only on Merkel 's call to act pragmatically in negotiations , but also on the belief that the German government is determined to prevent an economically disorderly exit due to the export-oriented German economy.
” The comment piece also warned that even though Germany has just taken on the rotating EU Council Presidency , Ms Merkel is unlikely to sway the talks in Britain ’ s favour .
JUST IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wire with deal stuck in October Ms Pribyl writes : “ Merkel has always made it clear that her priority is rightly the integrity of the single market .
“ But they still dream of them on the island today.
” A second German editorial also reached the same conclusion , and warned Ms Merkel was unlikely to prioritise the UK over the bloc - even if it was in Germany ’ s economic interests .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit panic : City gripped by no deal fears and bracing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shell boss hints at switching headquarters to London [ DETAILS ] Brexit trade row explodes : Ireland 's Simon Coveney issues EU threat [ VIDEO ] Alexander Mühlauer writes in The Süddeutsche Zeitung : “ One thing is certain : A deal with London is in Germany 's interest .
“ If it does not succeed , Europe 's largest economy will feel it particularly strongly .
“ But with all the hope that London is now putting into Merkel , one thing should be noted there : The unity of the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal that threatens to tear the community apart.
” Brexiteers have long argued that Germany is likely to intervene in the trade talks and ensure the UK receive a favourable deal .
This view was heightened as Germany took over the six-month rotating president of the Council of the EU at the beginning of July .

Brexit: Expert on 'increased competition' between countries
The UK is currently embroiled in protracted talks with the EU as both sides attempt to thrash out a favourable post-Brexit trade deal. As the two negotiating teams dispute what concessions should be made, many Brexiteers and MPs are hopeful Germany’s Angela Merkel would ensure the UK will receive a favourable deal - but this may no longer be the case.
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A comment piece in regional German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine claims such a view is a “misconception” and warns the country will not be the EU’s weak point. Author Katrin Pribyl, the paper’s London correspondent, writes: “British Eurosceptics have high expectations of Germany of all countries… “The Germans, so the myth that has persisted on the island for years, would end up making concessions to Great Britain out of self-interest and thus paving the way for a deal.” But the journalist completely dismisses the idea and said: “Berlin as the EU's Achilles heel?
Brexit news: The UK has been warned Angela Merkel may not rescue the talks
Virtual Press conference to mark the start of the Germany Presidency of the EU
“It is a misperception that carries risks and has so far mostly disappointed Brexit optimists. “Neither the often cited German automaker jumped to the side of the British, nor did Chancellor Angela Merkel go against the 27 remaining EU countries. “In London, hopes are based not only on Merkel's call to act pragmatically in negotiations, but also on the belief that the German government is determined to prevent an economically disorderly exit due to the export-oriented German economy.” The comment piece also warned that even though Germany has just taken on the rotating EU Council Presidency, Ms Merkel is unlikely to sway the talks in Britain’s favour. JUST IN: Brexit talks will go down to the wire with deal stuck in October
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Brexit news: Talks have currently reached a stalemate
Brexiteers hope Angela Merkel will ensure a trade deal is struck
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Alexander Mühlauer writes in The Süddeutsche Zeitung: “One thing is certain: A deal with London is in Germany's interest. “If it does not succeed, Europe's largest economy will feel it particularly strongly. “But with all the hope that London is now putting into Merkel, one thing should be noted there: The unity of the European Union is more important for Germany than a deal that threatens to tear the community apart.” Brexiteers have long argued that Germany is likely to intervene in the trade talks and ensure the UK receive a favourable deal. This view was heightened as Germany took over the six-month rotating president of the Council of the EU at the beginning of July.
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-07-06--EU exposed: Brussels accused of using COVID-19 as an excuse for border control

The European Union is receiving criticism from NGOs who say it is using the COVID-19 pandemic to stop migrants from coming ashore .
The Ocean Viking which is anchored off the Porto Empedocle town in Sicily have been at sea for more than a week after multiple rescue missions from June 25 to 30 .
Italy has since announced it will transfer migrants to a quarantine ship after doctors reported migrants were suffering from psychological distress onboard the ship .
Speaking on France 24 , International affairs editor Douglas Herbert said : `` Europe , which already had no real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been accused by a lot of the NGOs , these private rescue operations , of using COVID-19 for enforcing what they see as deadly migration policies .
`` That is using COVID-19 as an excuse to keep borders closed and stop migrants from coming ashore .
`` In this case , you had the Ocean Viking , they 've been on limbo on the seas for a week .
`` Why ?
Seven repeated attempts to try and get permission to offload these migrants on to dry land were rebuffed .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finnish MEP warns Brexit ‘ beginning of the end ’ '' What you had was what one doctor called enormous psychological distress building on the stress .
`` Stress that lead to fights , to suicide attempts , two migrants who tried plunging into the seas were rescued by members of the charity organisation . ''
His comments come as a former Border Force chief said the migrant crossings crisis is `` a fire that we have n't been able to put out '' that may only get worse .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous waters of the English Channel have surged during the last 100 days .
Nearly 2,000 migrants are known to have reached UK shores since lockdown was announced on March 23 , according to data gathered by the PA news agency .
The death-defying journey across the world 's busiest shipping lanes has been attempted again and again in all manner of small boats , from inflatable dinghies to kayaks .
This is despite Home Secretary Priti Patel 's vow in October last year that migrant crossings would be virtually eradicated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government has a `` moral duty and a legal obligation '' to protect refugees and people seeking asylum .
UK primary destination for unaccompanied child asylum-seekers [ INSIGHT ] Brexit LIVE : British fishing group states FIVE KEY POINTS for Boris [ LIVE ] EU Panic : EU moments from DISASTER as companies prepare for recession [ VIDEO ]

EU using COVID-19 to stop 'deadly migration' claims expert
The European Union is receiving criticism from NGOs who say it is using the COVID-19 pandemic to stop migrants from coming ashore. The Ocean Viking which is anchored off the Porto Empedocle town in Sicily have been at sea for more than a week after multiple rescue missions from June 25 to 30. Italy has since announced it will transfer migrants to a quarantine ship after doctors reported migrants were suffering from psychological distress onboard the ship.
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Speaking on France 24, International affairs editor Douglas Herbert said: "Europe, which already had no real policies on the solidarity of migrants, have been accused by a lot of the NGOs, these private rescue operations, of using COVID-19 for enforcing what they see as deadly migration policies. "That is using COVID-19 as an excuse to keep borders closed and stop migrants from coming ashore. "In this case, you had the Ocean Viking, they've been on limbo on the seas for a week. "Why? Seven repeated attempts to try and get permission to offload these migrants on to dry land were rebuffed. READ MORE: EU on the brink: Finnish MEP warns Brexit ‘beginning of the end’
The European Union has been accused of using the pandemic to control borders
The Ocean Viking aid ship carrying 180 migrants waited on the seas as permission to dock was refused
"What you had was what one doctor called enormous psychological distress building on the stress. "Stress that lead to fights, to suicide attempts, two migrants who tried plunging into the seas were rescued by members of the charity organisation." His comments come as a former Border Force chief said the migrant crossings crisis is "a fire that we haven't been able to put out" that may only get worse. The number of refugees risking their lives to cross the dangerous waters of the English Channel have surged during the last 100 days.
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Doctors reported migrants suffered psychological distress onboard the ship
Brexit: ’There will be a deal’ says EU trade commissioner
Nearly 2,000 migrants are known to have reached UK shores since lockdown was announced on March 23, according to data gathered by the PA news agency. The death-defying journey across the world's busiest shipping lanes has been attempted again and again in all manner of small boats, from inflatable dinghies to kayaks. This is despite Home Secretary Priti Patel's vow in October last year that migrant crossings would be virtually eradicated by the spring. Meanwhile, charities say the Government has a "moral duty and a legal obligation" to protect refugees and people seeking asylum. DON'T MISS UK primary destination for unaccompanied child asylum-seekers [INSIGHT]
Brexit LIVE: British fishing group states FIVE KEY POINTS for Boris [LIVE]
EU Panic: EU moments from DISASTER as companies prepare for recession [VIDEO]
EU citizens moving to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Matt Hancock slaps down Jonathan Ashworth after Labour chief dubs Boris Johnson 'crass'

Jonathan Ashworth called for Boris Johnson to apologise for the comments he made regarding care homes yesterday .
The Labour MP branded the Prime Minister 's comments as crass remarks .
However , Mr Hancock hit back and fiercely defended the Conservative leader in the House of Commons .
Mr Ashworth said : `` The initial guidance from the Government downplayed the risk to care homes .
`` Care providers were sent conflicting guidance throughout this outbreak .
Staff could not access testing until mid-April and are still not tested routinely .
`` PPE supplies have been inadequate , thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in care homes to this disease , care workers themselves have died on the front line .
`` Can he understand why people are so insulted by the PM 's remarks when he said too many care homes did n't really follow the procedures ?
READ MORE : So just how many of us HAVE had coronavirus ?
Hancock admits test trend '' Can he appreciate the hurt that has led to care home providers today , for example , describing the comments as 'clumsy and cowardly ' , and can he tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow procedures and what these procedures were that apparently were not followed and will he take this opportunity now to apologise for the PM 's crass remarks ? ''
Mr Hancock replied : `` He also asked about care homes and throughout this crisis care homes have done amazing work .
`` The Prime Minister was explaining that because asymptomatic transmission was not known about the procedures were therefore not known .
`` We have constantly been learning about this virus from the start and improving procedures all the way through .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this country that have done so much to care for the most vulnerable through this crisis . ''
The Health Secretary also discussed the local lockdown situation in Leicester .
Mr Hancock said : `` What we said when we took the measures just over a week ago is that we needed to see 14 days of data and so we proposed to make announcements on the next steps on the 18th July .
`` Of course if further measures are needed in the meantime to tighten up then we would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my statement , the good news is that the data are currently moving in the right direction . ''
DO N'T MISS UK population could receive COVID-19 vaccination in time for CHRISTMAS [ INSIGHT ] Coronavirus forecast : Second wave expected to hit in autumn [ INSIGHT ] BBC slammed over 'inaccurate ' coronavirus death figures by Tory MP [ VIDEO ]

Matt Hancock shuts down Jon Ashworth in care homes row
Jonathan Ashworth called for Boris Johnson to apologise for the comments he made regarding care homes yesterday. The Labour MP branded the Prime Minister's comments as crass remarks. However, Mr Hancock hit back and fiercely defended the Conservative leader in the House of Commons.
Trending
Mr Ashworth said: "The initial guidance from the Government downplayed the risk to care homes. "Care providers were sent conflicting guidance throughout this outbreak. Staff could not access testing until mid-April and are still not tested routinely. "PPE supplies have been inadequate, thousands of families have lost their loved ones in care homes to this disease, care workers themselves have died on the front line. "Can he understand why people are so insulted by the PM's remarks when he said too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures? READ MORE: So just how many of us HAVE had coronavirus? Hancock admits test trend
Matt Hancock has been the Health Secretary since 2018
Matt Hancock clashed with Jon Ashworth
"Can he appreciate the hurt that has led to care home providers today, for example, describing the comments as 'clumsy and cowardly', and can he tell us therefore which care homes didn't follow procedures and what these procedures were that apparently were not followed and will he take this opportunity now to apologise for the PM's crass remarks?" Mr Hancock replied: "He also asked about care homes and throughout this crisis care homes have done amazing work. "The Prime Minister was explaining that because asymptomatic transmission was not known about the procedures were therefore not known. "We have constantly been learning about this virus from the start and improving procedures all the way through.
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Matt Hancock says the NHS will get 'whatever it needs'
"I pay tribute to the care homes in this country that have done so much to care for the most vulnerable through this crisis." The Health Secretary also discussed the local lockdown situation in Leicester. Mr Hancock said: "What we said when we took the measures just over a week ago is that we needed to see 14 days of data and so we proposed to make announcements on the next steps on the 18th July. "Of course if further measures are needed in the meantime to tighten up then we would take them immediately, but as I said in my statement, the good news is that the data are currently moving in the right direction." DON'T MISS
UK population could receive COVID-19 vaccination in time for CHRISTMAS [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus forecast: Second wave expected to hit in autumn [INSIGHT]
BBC slammed over 'inaccurate' coronavirus death figures by Tory MP [VIDEO]
Matt Hancock defended Boris Johnson's comments