thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson assembles DREAM TEAM with historic first - Brexiteers delighted

Mr Javid was ordered to fire his closest aides and replace them with advisers chosen by Number 10 .
But the former chancellor chose to quit instead .
Mr Javid accused the Prime Minister of setting conditions “ any self-respecting minister ” would reject .
This was seen as a thinly veiled swipe at his successor .
And he told Mr Johnson in his resignation letter that he believed it was “ important as leaders to have trusted teams that reflect the character and integrity that you would wish to be associated with ” .
Elsewhere , Andrea Leadsom was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost her job as environment secretary .
Geoffrey Cox was removed from his post as attorney general and Esther McVey lost her role as housing minister .
The total number of women attending Cabinet fell from eight to seven .
And the total number of ministers attending shrank from 32 to 26 .
12.22am update : 'We fell into the trap ! '
Real reason Boris Johnson pushed Sajid Javid out REVEALED According to Salma Shah , former aide to Sajid Javid , the Prime Minister set out a `` trap '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to have a more Brexit-supporting team by his side going forward .
Speaking to the BBC 's Newscast , Ms Shah said : “ I fell into this trap of thinking well the withdrawal agreement is done , maybe we don ’ t need to have that Brexit-Remain balance .
“ But actually , I was talking to somebody earlier today and I said have we all miss the trick here looking forward to what ’ s going to happen ?
“ Has there been a clear-out because we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to extend the transition period and things like that ?
“ It could be that we get to October and we are right back where we were last year.
” Jackson Carlaw has been elected as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives , succeeding Ruth Davidson .
Mr Carlaw , who served as interim leader during the recent general election campaign , defeated Scottish Tory social security spokeswoman Michelle Ballantyne by 4,917 votes to 1,581 .
His success in the leadership contest comes despite the Scottish Conservatives losing more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December 's election .
Ms Davidson quit as party leader last August - citing her conflict over Brexit and changes to her personal life after becoming a mother - but the contest to find her successor was delayed because of the election .
10.02am update : ‘ Europe is WEAK !
’ Brussels heavyweight opens up about major fears for EU Manfred Weber , who has served as leader of the European People ’ s Party - the centre-right group - in the European Parliament since 2014 , highlighted several of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking on the eve of the Munich Security Conference , the German politician attended a panel of diplomats , including Richard Grenell , US President Donald Trump ’ s ambassador to Germany and Margaritas Schinas , the European Commission vice president .
In his opening remarks , Mr Weber commented that “ Europe is quite weak ” in many areas , and proceeded to list off a series of the bloc ’ s shortcomings .
The MEP said the EU is not coordinated enough to properly fight terrorism or strong enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also hit out at the bloc ’ s lack of unity and said because of this the EU struggled to carry out an effective foreign policy .
Mr Weber said : “ What I want to have is a Europe that is capable of defending itself.
” 9.13am update : Bank of England boss sees silver lining after Brexit hit to UK economy For years , Bank of England boss Mark Carney warned of the economic risks of Britain leaving the European Union .
Now that it has happened , he says there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson 's plans to boost growth .
Speaking to Reuters a month before he ends his nearly seven-year term as BoE governor , Mr Carney said Britain was moving to address its main economic problem - weak productivity .
After a thumping election win in December that paved the way for Brexit on January 31 , Mr Johnson gave the green light this week to a new high-speed railway line that , according to one estimate , is likely to cost more than 100 billion pounds ( $ 130 billion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help for regions where growth has fallen far behind London and other big cities .
Mr Carney said : `` In an environment where everything is getting a fresh look , it 's fertile ground for taking a step back and making bigger changes than otherwise might have been made . ''
8.37am update : Thank God they ’ re gone !
Bitter Brussels makes sly Brexit dig at UK over EU Army The European Union has taken yet another bitter post-Brexit shot at the UK , boasting the bloc ’ s security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain “ wanted Europe to do nothing at all ” .
European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas wasted no time in launching a scathing attack on Britain , as relations between Brussels and London threaten to descend into chaos ahead of the start of crunch trade talks next month .
But Mr Schinas , whose portfolio is “ promoting our European way of life ” , claimed the EU ’ s defence and security cooperation would accelerate thanks to Brexit .
He accused Britain of not wanting Europe to “ spend on defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the European Union to do something meaningful ” .
Mr Schinas said : “ There were always those who wanted Europe to do a lot , and those who wanted Europe to do nothing at all or less .
“ Those who wanted Europe to do nothing at all , or less , in defence are no longer with us .
They left us at the end of January .
“ Because these are the ones who didn ’ t want Europe to spend on defence .
“ These were the ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union to do something meaningful.
” Political expert Tom Gallagher said Leo Varadkar had paid the ultimate price at the polls for making Brexit his main focus during his electoral campaign .
During its campaign , Mr Varadkar ’ s party Fine Gael highlighted their leader ’ s success in preventing a hard border on the island and keeping Northern Ireland free of checks after Brexit .
But the strategy fell flat amid voter dissatisfaction over an ongoing homeless crisis , a creaking health service and a huge tranche of voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing market .
Mr Gallagher wrote : “ Leo Varadkar thought that bashing Britain over Brexit would be the campaign theme that would enable his Fine Gael Party to achieve second decade in power .
“ But instead , at 41 , he looks washed-up politically and is unlikely to be in charge if the deadlocked result on means another general election has to be held before the year is out .
“ An exit found that only 1 per cent of voters identified Brexit as the most important issue for them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 per cent , closely followed by housing and homelessness .
“ The terrible twins of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have no answers for these grave problems .
“ Power to them was not about problem-solving but using control of the state to reward themselves and their backers in different ways.
” Mr Johnson has delayed a trip to the US to meet the US President .
so he can stay at home to focus on delivering his domestic agenda , the Sun newspaper reported late on Thursday .
The decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow to relations between the close allies who are set to begin discussing a trade deal , now that the UK has left the European Union .
The countries are divided on several issues , including Britain ’ s decision to allow the Chinese telecoms company Huawei a limited role in its mobile network , a proposed digital services tax , and the Iran nuclear deal .
Mr Johnson was expected to visit Washington early this year .
This has now been postponed until June when a summit of G7 leaders is due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street has not yet provided a comment .

Boris Johnson addresses his new cabinet after reshuffle
Mrs May consistency fled the UK to knock on the EU’s door constantly in the past three years, with the colossal bill having just emerged, costing taxpayers £500,000. A freedom of information request sent to the recently disbanded Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) revealed the exact figure to be £464,343 paid in fees from the date of the EU referendum result up until December 31 last year. Sam Packer, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers’Alliance, told The Guradian: “Taxpayers don’t expect their hard-earned cash to be frittered on officials cantering back and forth across the channel.
“Of course occasional travel is necessary,” he said. “But the scale of cost is ridiculous given the number of British officials permanently based in Brussels.” David Cameron’s Government spent £20,000 in 2016 during the period he was attempting to gain reforms from the EU. Boris Johnson demanded the EU come to London in one of the first acts as Prime Minister. Mrs May stood down in May, with Mr Johnson taking up her role in July. SEE BELOW FOR UPDATES:
Brussels demanded the UK travel to Belgium for Brexit talks
7.53pm update: Bitter Brussels makes sly Brexit dig at UK over EU Army The EU have taken yet another bitter post-Brexit shot at the UK, boasting the bloc's security will now be more efficient and claiming Britain "wanted Europe to do nothing at all". European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas wasted no time in launching a scathing attack on Britain, as relations between the European Union and UK threaten to descend into chaos ahead of the start of crunch post-Brexit trade talks next month. Mr Schinas said: “There were always those who wanted Europe to do a lot, and those who wanted Europe to do nothing at all or less. “Those who wanted Europe to do nothing at all, or less, in defence are no longer with us. They left us end of January. “Because these are the ones who didn’t want Europe to spend on defence. “These were the ones who were blocking systematically every effort of the European Union to do something meaningful.” 6.50pm update: Galloway explains why France will be next to quit EU as 'demand for Frexit surges' George Galloway has revealed why a French exit from the European Union is a "rising demand" among millions of French people, as Emmanuel Macron faces the "biggest crisis" of his presidency to date. France could be the next country to quit the European Union, according to outspoken former MP George Galloway. Mr Galloway's bold prediction comes as French President Emmanuel Macron’s favourability rating hit a new low ahead of next month’s crucial local elections. The new poll revealed that less than a third of French people - approximately 31 percent - view him favourably. Mr Galloway said that the elections in March will “show a new low for Macron”. He told RT: “Rats always jump from sinking ships and Macron’s ship is sinking. “The pensions reforms - the savage reductions to their entitlements - was only the proximate cause of the unrest in France. It was the lightning rod for hostility among millions of French people." 5.56pm update: EU to FORCE Britain to play by rules - shock document reveals plans Brussels will deploy a special task force to ensure Boris Johnson implements checks in the Irish Sea before the end of the year, it has emerged. Eurocrats are preparing a hi-tech “monitoring” system to police the Prime Minister’s handling of the Northern Ireland border solution. Internal EU documents reveal European capitals are worried that Mr Johnson will attempt to ignore the terms of his Withdrawal Agreement with the bloc. Under the terms of his deal, Northern Ireland will have to follow the EU’s customs rules and many of its single market regulations.
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Margaritis Schinas wasted no time in launching a scathing attack on Britain
4.40pm update: UK on brink of explosion in trade with key international partner after Brexit transition Britain is set for significant trade with Israel following the end of the Brexit transition period as a trade deal has been signed between the two sovereign states. Israel's Ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, outlined the importance for both countries in continuing the £9billion bilateral trade relationship. Mr Regev stated Britain is Israel's "third-largest export market on the planet" following the United States and China. 3.45pm update: Boris Johnson’s new Cabinet agrees post-Brexit points-based immigration system Boris Johnson's new Cabinet has agreed to implement measures designed to reduce the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain from the beginning of next year. The Prime Minister discussed the points-based immigration system at the first meeting of his new ministerial team on Friday morning after a dramatic reshuffle which saw Sajid Javid quit as chancellor. He was ordered to fire his closest aides and replace them with advisers chosen by Number 10, but instead resigned and was replaced by his former deputy at the Treasury, Rishi Sunak. Hours after the reshuffle, Mr Johnson told Cabinet that the Government had a responsibility to "unite" the country as he discussed the decisions that would be needed to deliver "real and positive change for the people across the UK". 2.55pm update: ’Complete write-off!’ Germany drags Eurozone into weakest growth since European debt crisis THE Eurozone has recorded its weakest growth in seven years as the crumbling German economy continues to stagnate amid Brexit and the US-China trade row. German output continued to disappoint in the fourth and final quarter of the financial year, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) slowing to 0.1 percent compared to the previous three months. This means overall Berlin’s output has plummeted from 0.3 percent, the Daily Telegraph reports. The poor results mean the eurozone was expanding at its slowest pace since early 2013 - a devastating period when the EU was gripped by the European debt crisis. Last year’s growth plunged to 1.2 percent from 1.9 percent. Pantheon Macro economist Claus Vistesen said the fall of the Eurozone may be down to the coronavirus spreading. He added that “now means that the first quarter could well be a write-off”.
1.30pm update: Boris Johnson holds call-and-response exercise with new-look Brexit Cabinet Following yesterday’s shock cabinet reshuffle, which saw Sajid Javid resign as Chancellor, the Prime Minister held his first meeting with his newly appointed colleagues. Rather bizarrely, Boris Johnson instigated a call and response exercise where the 22 ministers responded to prompts about his campaign promises. These included his pledge to recruit 20,000 more police officers, 50,000 more nurses and build 40 new hospitals. Hailing his “people’s Government”, Mr Johnson asked them: "How many hospitals are we going to build?". They replied: "Forty!" He asked: "How many more police officers are we recruiting?" They replied: "20,000!" He added: "How many more nurses will we recruit?" They replied: "50,000!" "Exactly", the PM concluded.
Cabinet reshuffle: Javid's ex-aide suggests 'reason for clear out'
12.22am update: 'We fell into the trap!' Real reason Boris Johnson pushed Sajid Javid out REVEALED According to Salma Shah, former aide to Sajid Javid, the Prime Minister set out a "trap" for the former Chancellor and his team in order to have a more Brexit-supporting team by his side going forward. Speaking to the BBC's Newscast, Ms Shah said: “I fell into this trap of thinking well the withdrawal agreement is done, maybe we don’t need to have that Brexit-Remain balance. “But actually, I was talking to somebody earlier today and I said have we all miss the trick here looking forward to what’s going to happen? “Has there been a clear-out because we don’t want any more ructions around whether we are going to extend the transition period and things like that? “It could be that we get to October and we are right back where we were last year.” 10.50am update: Jackson Carlaw elected new leader of Scottish Conservatives Jackson Carlaw has been elected as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives, succeeding Ruth Davidson. Mr Carlaw, who served as interim leader during the recent general election campaign, defeated Scottish Tory social security spokeswoman Michelle Ballantyne by 4,917 votes to 1,581. His success in the leadership contest comes despite the Scottish Conservatives losing more than half their MPs north of the border in December's election. Ms Davidson quit as party leader last August - citing her conflict over Brexit and changes to her personal life after becoming a mother - but the contest to find her successor was delayed because of the election.
The UK has a busy year of negotiating a deal with the EU
10.02am update: ‘Europe is WEAK!’ Brussels heavyweight opens up about major fears for EU Manfred Weber, who has served as leader of the European People’s Party - the centre-right group - in the European Parliament since 2014, highlighted several of the EU’s flaws on Thursday night. Speaking on the eve of the Munich Security Conference, the German politician attended a panel of diplomats, including Richard Grenell, US President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Germany and Margaritas Schinas, the European Commission vice president. In his opening remarks, Mr Weber commented that “Europe is quite weak” in many areas, and proceeded to list off a series of the bloc’s shortcomings. The MEP said the EU is not coordinated enough to properly fight terrorism or strong enough to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia. He also hit out at the bloc’s lack of unity and said because of this the EU struggled to carry out an effective foreign policy. Mr Weber said: “What I want to have is a Europe that is capable of defending itself.” 9.13am update: Bank of England boss sees silver lining after Brexit hit to UK economy For years, Bank of England boss Mark Carney warned of the economic risks of Britain leaving the European Union. Now that it has happened, he says there could be a silver lining in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to boost growth. Speaking to Reuters a month before he ends his nearly seven-year term as BoE governor, Mr Carney said Britain was moving to address its main economic problem - weak productivity. After a thumping election win in December that paved the way for Brexit on January 31, Mr Johnson gave the green light this week to a new high-speed railway line that, according to one estimate, is likely to cost more than 100 billion pounds ($130 billion). The prime minister has promised further help for regions where growth has fallen far behind London and other big cities. Mr Carney said: "In an environment where everything is getting a fresh look, it's fertile ground for taking a step back and making bigger changes than otherwise might have been made."
Sajid Javid quit Mr Johnson's Cabinet as the reshuffle was getting underway
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--SNP FARCE: Sturgeon won't end poverty for 1000s of Scots for fear of 'raids' by English

Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP are opposing the Labour ’ s Party ’ s policy to help those on the poorest incomes with free sanitary products , and it 's claimed the SNP fears England would raid the provisions in Scotland .
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack MP blasted Ms Sturgeon as he insisted he “ doesn ’ t understand what they ’ re thinking ” .
Speaking in the House of Commons , Mr Murrary said : “ Labour MSP has introduced a period products bill to the Parliament to give free provision to women in Scotland .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government because of tampon raids from the English into Scotland to steal the products .
“ If that is the case , what kind of border is required in the event of an independent Scotland , a separate currency , a different regulatory environment and different provisions on trade.
” READ MORE : Sturgeon ’ s dream to rejoin EU destroyed as MP exposes trade deficit “ That is a border we need to avoid .
“ It makes no sense to have any sort of border between countries and as to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce VAT rates and other things would help people , I simply don ’ t understand what they ’ re thinking . ''
SNP have also suggested the scheme could lead to sanitary items being snatched and flogged at a “ discount ” rate outside Scotland .
Monica Lennon , the MSP behind the Bill , said : “ There ’ s no evidence of free products being abused and people only take what they need .
“ If we can provide free access to period products in the Scottish Parliament and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that safety net in our communities ?
” Under the Bill , a legal duty would be placed on the Scottish Government to develop a universal scheme for free period products .
Schools , colleges and universities would also have to provide access in school and campus toilets .
A Scottish Government spokesperson said : “ In trying to determine the potential outcomes of the Bill if it becomes law , the Scottish Government must give due consideration to all the clauses it contains .
Nicola Sturgeon warned DON ’ T hold illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new drugs summit just ONE DAY before Boris [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon ’ s separatist obsession a ‘ direct threat ’ to Scottish jobs [ INSIGHT ]

Labour MP Ian Murray slams SNP over fear of English 'raids'
Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP are opposing the Labour’s Party’s policy to help those on the poorest incomes with free sanitary products, and it's claimed the SNP fears England would raid the provisions in Scotland. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack MP blasted Ms Sturgeon as he insisted he “doesn’t understand what they’re thinking”.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Murrary said: “Labour MSP has introduced a period products bill to the Parliament to give free provision to women in Scotland. “It’s being opposed by the SNP Government because of tampon raids from the English into Scotland to steal the products. “If that is the case, what kind of border is required in the event of an independent Scotland, a separate currency, a different regulatory environment and different provisions on trade.” Rt Hon Alister Jack MP said: “He makes an honourable point. READ MORE: Sturgeon’s dream to rejoin EU destroyed as MP exposes trade deficit
Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of not ‘ending poverty’ for thousands of Scots
Ian Murray Labour MP said SNP are opposing a policy which helps those on low incomes
“That is a border we need to avoid. “It makes no sense to have any sort of border between countries and as to the SNP opposing that, the opportunity to reduce VAT rates and other things would help people, I simply don’t understand what they’re thinking." SNP have also suggested the scheme could lead to sanitary items being snatched and flogged at a “discount” rate outside Scotland. Monica Lennon, the MSP behind the Bill, said: “There’s no evidence of free products being abused and people only take what they need.
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Nicola Sturgeon's party believe the policy would lead to raids
SNP have broken 'another promise' with taxes says Jayawardena
“If we can provide free access to period products in the Scottish Parliament and in Scottish Government buildings, why not provide that safety net in our communities?” Under the Bill, a legal duty would be placed on the Scottish Government to develop a universal scheme for free period products. Schools, colleges and universities would also have to provide access in school and campus toilets. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “In trying to determine the potential outcomes of the Bill if it becomes law, the Scottish Government must give due consideration to all the clauses it contains. DON'T MISS Nicola Sturgeon warned DON’T hold illegal Scotland IndyRef2 [POLL]
Sturgeon announces new drugs summit just ONE DAY before Boris [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon’s separatist obsession a ‘direct threat’ to Scottish jobs [INSIGHT]
Brexit timeline
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Len McCluskey destroys Labour leadership candidate's campaign with ONE single word

Unite the Union leader Len McCluskey pointed out one single label connected to Labour Party deputy-leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan will ensure party supporters do not back her bid .
Mr McCluskey suggested the Labour MP 's stance on Brexit will play a key role in whether she succeeds Tom Watson in the top position within the Labour Party .
Speaking to Peston , the union leader said : `` Rosena is a Remainer .
`` She was one of the individuals desperately trying to make Labour a Remain party .
`` The fact is , those of us who speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our heartlands in the north and the Midlands have known for a long long time that we would suffer the consequence . ''
Mr McCluskey added : `` The Labour leader has to listen and learn . ''
Ms Allin-Khan has been a vocal opponent of Brexit , repeatedly voting in support for further British integration within the European Union as well as to have the UK remain in the bloc .
JUST IN : Rebecca Long-Bailey ally sparks furious transphobia row with professor She received the support of several Constituency Labour Parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tooting , who also backed Wigan MP Lisa Nandy as Labour leader .
Mr McCluskey 's union however backed the bid of shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon as her deputy-leader .
The leadership candidates have until February 14 to get the nominations from Constituency Labour Parties and affiliates ( including trade unions ) to secure a spot on the final ballot box that will decide the successor of Jeremy Corbyn .
They must get the backing of five percent of constituency parties or three affiliated bodies , two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand in the leadership election .
READ MORE : Rebecca Long-Bailey ‘ behaving like Stalinist with dirty tricks ’ in Labour leadership race Three of the candidates – Sir Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy – are believed to have received the necessary support to feature on the ballot box but shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry looks set to crash out of the contest on Friday .
After the deadline , members of the party , affiliated unions and socialist societies like the Fabians will be able to cast their votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will pick their candidate in a one-member , one-vote system and the winner will be announced at a special conference on April 4 .
Current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was forced to announce his resignation after the Labour Party took a drubbing at the last election .
Emily Thornberry forced to admit Corbyn was ‘ part of problem ’ for loss [ UPDATE ] Labour 's furious Thornberry and de Piero in shocking clash [ INSIGHT ] Emily Thornberry criticised for praising Corbyn ’ s record on racism [ ANALYSIS ]

Labour leadership: Len McCluskey calls Allin-Khan a 'Remainer'
Unite the Union leader Len McCluskey pointed out one single label connected to Labour Party deputy-leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan will ensure party supporters do not back her bid. Mr McCluskey suggested the Labour MP's stance on Brexit will play a key role in whether she succeeds Tom Watson in the top position within the Labour Party. Speaking to Peston, the union leader said: "Rosena is a Remainer.
"She was one of the individuals desperately trying to make Labour a Remain party. "The fact is, those of us who speak and have members that are rooted in our heartlands in the north and the Midlands have known for a long long time that we would suffer the consequence." Mr McCluskey added: "The Labour leader has to listen and learn." Ms Allin-Khan has been a vocal opponent of Brexit, repeatedly voting in support for further British integration within the European Union as well as to have the UK remain in the bloc. JUST IN: Rebecca Long-Bailey ally sparks furious transphobia row with professor
McCluskey said Allin-Khan will not secure the backing of Labour voters because of her Brexit stance
McCluskey's Unite the Union backed Rebecca Long-Bailey's bid to succeed Corbyn
She received the support of several Constituency Labour Parties including the CLP in her own constituency of Tooting, who also backed Wigan MP Lisa Nandy as Labour leader. Mr McCluskey's union however backed the bid of shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon as her deputy-leader. The leadership candidates have until February 14 to get the nominations from Constituency Labour Parties and affiliates (including trade unions) to secure a spot on the final ballot box that will decide the successor of Jeremy Corbyn. They must get the backing of five percent of constituency parties or three affiliated bodies, two of which must be trade unions, to stand in the leadership election. READ MORE: Rebecca Long-Bailey ‘behaving like Stalinist with dirty tricks’ in Labour leadership race
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Brexit: Keir Starmer says ‘there’s no question of rejoining the EU’
Allin-Khan consistently opposed Brexit in Parliament and backed votes for more integration
Three of the candidates – Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy – are believed to have received the necessary support to feature on the ballot box but shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry looks set to crash out of the contest on Friday. After the deadline, members of the party, affiliated unions and socialist societies like the Fabians will be able to cast their votes until April 2. Labour Party members will pick their candidate in a one-member, one-vote system and the winner will be announced at a special conference on April 4. Current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was forced to announce his resignation after the Labour Party took a drubbing at the last election. DON'T MISS Emily Thornberry forced to admit Corbyn was ‘part of problem’ for loss [UPDATE]
Labour's furious Thornberry and de Piero in shocking clash [INSIGHT]
Emily Thornberry criticised for praising Corbyn’s record on racism [ANALYSIS]
Four candidates remain in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn at the helm of the Labour Party
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-15--EU fury: Propaganda row as bloc accused of splurging taxpayer cash

He used the air time on Betrouwbare Bronnen to promote his plans for the EU ’ s next seven-year budget .
The show received a taxpayer-funded grant from the Commission ahead of the podcast ’ s broadcast on February 13 – part of which comes from UK citizens .
Its host , Japp Jansen , confirmed the EU ’ s support package .
Writing on Twitter , he said : “ BB has applied for and received a grant from the European Commission.
” But questions were raised over a conflict of interest after the podcast ’ s description revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made possible in part by the European Commission ” .
Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte ’ s European spokesman accused the Brussels chief of spending cash to “ influence messages ” .
Anne Mulder , an MP for his VVD party , told Express.co.uk : “ If the EU has money to spend on podcasts , its budget is certainly too high .
“ Spending money on podcasts fits in a pattern where the European Commission creates at least an appearance of trying to influence messages.
” He added : “ The same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universities .
The Commission pays the chair – will that professor have a neutral stance towards the EU ?
” The Commission ’ s budget proposal of 1.11 percent of EU member states ’ gross national income has caused rifts across the bloc .
Mr Koopman used his appearance on Betrouwbare Bronnen to encourage member states to cough up the cash and support his spending plans .
The Netherlands is just one of the countries opposed to increasing the spending cap beyond the current level of one percent .
Former Brexit Party MEP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using taxpayer-funded media outlets to preach their Euro-federalism have to be either incredibly arrogant or plain stupid .
My guess is both .
“ After requesting an eye-watering sum of over one trillion euros the Brussels bureaucrats should be ashamed to show their faces in public .
With the United Kingdom leaving European taxpayers simply won ’ t tolerate this outrageous greed .
“ Cuts have to be made .
A good start would be the 10,000 plus EU civil servants who earn more than the Prime Minister.
” A European Commission spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media projects in all countries , including the Netherlands .
“ Those receiving grant funding – for whatever purpose – always retain full editorial independence .
”

European Union facing ‘big division’ over budget says expert
He used the air time on Betrouwbare Bronnen to promote his plans for the EU’s next seven-year budget. The show received a taxpayer-funded grant from the Commission ahead of the podcast’s broadcast on February 13 – part of which comes from UK citizens. Its host, Japp Jansen, confirmed the EU’s support package.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “BB has applied for and received a grant from the European Commission.” But questions were raised over a conflict of interest after the podcast’s description revealed Mr Koopman’s interview was “made possible in part by the European Commission”. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte’s European spokesman accused the Brussels chief of spending cash to “influence messages”. Anne Mulder, an MP for his VVD party, told Express.co.uk: “If the EU has money to spend on podcasts, its budget is certainly too high.
A top Euro boss was accused of splurging taxpayers money
Anne Mulder, an MP for the VVD party
“Spending money on podcasts fits in a pattern where the European Commission creates at least an appearance of trying to influence messages.” He added: “The same happens with the Jean Monnet chairs at universities. The Commission pays the chair – will that professor have a neutral stance towards the EU?” The Commission’s budget proposal of 1.11 percent of EU member states’ gross national income has caused rifts across the bloc. Mr Koopman used his appearance on Betrouwbare Bronnen to encourage member states to cough up the cash and support his spending plans. The Netherlands is just one of the countries opposed to increasing the spending cap beyond the current level of one percent.
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-15--Emily Thornberry REJECTED: Labour leadership candidate booted out of contest

Despite a desperate last minute scramble ahead of the midnight deadline , Ms Thornberry was unable to convince enough people @ @ @ @ @ .
The shadow foreign secretary failed to win support from any trade unions or groups @ @ @ @ @ endorsements from constituency parties to make it through to the final ballot .
The MP @ @ @ @ @ support just hours before the deadline .
Pitching to be given her chance to put @ @ @ @ @ ’ s members , she said : “ Nominate me to get the widest range @ @ @ @ @ experience on the ballot , ” she said .
“ Labour members deserve to have @ @ @ @ @ choice when deciding our next leader.
” Frontbenchers Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey , @ @ @ @ @ Nandy , had already made it to the next round .
Jewish Labour members overwhelmingly @ @ @ @ @ in a vote on who to endorse .

Emily Thornberry on dispatch box clash with Boris Johnson
Despite a desperate last minute scramble ahead of the midnight deadline, Ms Thornberry was unable to convince enough people to stay in the race. The shadow foreign secretary failed to win support from any trade unions or groups linked to party so needed endorsements from constituency parties to make it through to the final ballot.
The MP made a public plea for support just hours before the deadline. Pitching to be given her chance to put her message to the party’s members, she said: “Nominate me to get the widest range of voices, skills and experience on the ballot,” she said. “Labour members deserve to have the widest and best possible choice when deciding our next leader.” Frontbenchers Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey, along with backbench MP Lisa Nandy, had already made it to the next round. Jewish Labour members overwhelmingly rejected Ms Long-Bailey on Friday in a vote on who to endorse.
Emily Thornberry has failed to remain in the party’s leadership race
Emily Thornberry is currently shadow foreign secretary
The Corbynista candidate has faced criticism for failing to do enough to challenge the leadership over the anti-Semitism crisis in the party and she was backed by just 1.4 percent of the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM). Ms Nandy secured half the vote, with Sir Keir on 45.3 percent and Ms Thornberry on 1.9 percent. National JLM chair Mike Katz said: "Lisa Nandy understands that without a change in the culture of our party, our party might have no future." READ NOW: Kate Garraway skewers Labour MP as he snubs leadership probe on GMB
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Emily Thornberry failed to get the required number of nominations to proceed
Labour leadership contenders (with a stand in for Keir Starmer) taking part in a debate
Ms Long-Bailey used a speech in Salford to rail against the media and she had a plan to bypass press and broadcasters to pump out Labour’s messages. Journalists were not permitted on board Labour's campaign bus at the general election and Mr Corbyn has been accused of dodging questions from right-wing newspapers at press conferences. Ms Long-Bailey said that while journalists had a "vital role" to play in society, she argued that "large sections of the media represent vested interests". DON'T MISS:
Labour plunge to horror new low as Thornberry makes awkward gaffe [NEWS]
Long Bailey FINALLY admits the one thing that wobbling Labour need [VIDEO]
RED ROW: Labour admits party ‘hasn’t learned its lesson’ [INSIGHT]
Labour leadership: Thornberry explains why she's 'behind'
Sir Keir Starmer is frontrunner for the Labour leadership
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Boris Johnson calls Trump's bluff as enraged President caves in after Huawei decision

Mr Johnson went ahead with the controversial decision - risking the special relationship the UK had with the US - to proceed with Huawei triggering a warning from an enraged President Trump he would cut off communication with the Prime Minister as a result .
But now it has emerged the Republican has U-turned on punishing Britain for Mr Johnson ’ s decision over the 5G network , CNN reports .
Robert Blair , President Trump ’ s advisor , said the UK would have to take a “ hard look ” at its decision to use the Chinese superpower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be no erosion in our overall intelligence sharing ” .
The Trump administration had been pressing for a total ban on Huawei products in a bid to cripple China financially and make for a more level playing field regarding global trade .
The Prime Minister gave the green light to Chinese technology firm Huawei into non-central elements of Britain ’ s 5G network in January .
President Trump is thought to have been “ apoplectic ” with fury at him during a phone conversation , a Westminster source has revealed .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US over a future trading relationship start later this month .
READ NOW : Farage fears UK has ‘ shot itself in the foot ’ with warning to Boris [ NEWS ] Mr Johnson said it was “ epically likely ” the UK would be able to strike a comprehensive trade deal with the EU by the end of the transition period , at the end of the year .
However , Mr Johnson also warned , “ you always have to budget for a complete failure of common sense ” .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to secure a trade deal very quickly with America after Brexit was completed .
DO N'T MISS : Trump 's furious phone call with Boris revealed : Trump was ‘ apoplectic ’ [ NEWS ] Huawei P40 Pro : First real life image emerges ahead of March release [ INSIGHT ] Boris delays crucial US trade talk trip after Trump made furious call [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Expert ‘skeptical’ on speed of Johnson and Trump deal
Mr Johnson went ahead with the controversial decision - risking the special relationship the UK had with the US - to proceed with Huawei triggering a warning from an enraged President Trump he would cut off communication with the Prime Minister as a result. But now it has emerged the Republican has U-turned on punishing Britain for Mr Johnson’s decision over the 5G network, CNN reports.
Robert Blair, President Trump’s advisor, said the UK would have to take a “hard look” at its decision to use the Chinese superpower. He added that "there will be no erosion in our overall intelligence sharing”. The Trump administration had been pressing for a total ban on Huawei products in a bid to cripple China financially and make for a more level playing field regarding global trade.
Mr Johnson went ahead with the controversial decision
President Trump said he would cut off communication with the Prime Minister as a result
The Prime Minister gave the green light to Chinese technology firm Huawei into non-central elements of Britain’s 5G network in January. President Trump is thought to have been “apoplectic” with fury at him during a phone conversation, a Westminster source has revealed. The UK is thought to see discussions with the US over a future trading relationship start later this month. READ NOW: Farage fears UK has ‘shot itself in the foot’ with warning to Boris [NEWS]
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The Prime Minister gave the green light to Chinese technology firm Huawei
But this month, US Vice President Mike Pence was asked about the Huawei issue. He told CNBC: "I think the President's been very clear. "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated it this week.
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Long-Bailey humiliated: Labour leadership candidate suffers major blow in campaign

This afternoon the JLM declared its support for Lisa Nandy in the race to succeed outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn .
The Wigan MP received 50.9 percent of the vote for the top job in a major boost for her campaign .
Sir Keir Starmer , the Shadow Brexit Secretary , came second with 45.3 percent , with Emily Thornberry , the Shadow Foreign Secretary , a distant third with 1.7 percent .
Ms Long-Bailey , the Shadow Business Secretary , trailed in last place with just 1.4 percent of the vote .
National JLM chairman Mike Katz said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the culture of our party , our party might have no future.
” Labour ’ s handling of allegations of anti-Semitism has dominated the tenure of Mr Corbyn ’ s five year reign as leader .
The Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) is currently investigating complaints of anti-Semitism within the party .
The four Labour leadership candidates went head-to-head on BBC ’ s Newsnight on Thursday evening and the anti-Semitism crisis dominated the debate .
Ms Nandy took aim at her three rivals who served in the shadow cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on the issue .
The Wigan MP said : “ We are not having an honest reckoning with how badly we have got this wrong and the collective role we have played in this .
“ Leadership is about taking on issues when they are hard .
Sitting in the shadow cabinet asking for reports , not seeing them , challenging and then remaining silent is not good enough .
“ We have to be honest that far too many people in this party did not stand up and speak out when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said the shadow cabinet did not have any control over the issue and said people should have been removed from the party more than two years ago .
She said : “ We may be throwing people out of the party now for being anti-Semitic - and we are - but why didn ’ t we do it two and a half years ago ?
Why wasn ’ t the party dealing with it then ?
That ’ s the issue .
“ And the shadow cabinet didn ’ t have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Executive Committee and the party .
READ MORE : Keir Starmer finally admits there 's 'no chance ' Britain will rejoin EU “ That ’ s why we were calling in the shadow cabinet , ‘ Please come and report to us because you don ’ t seem to be able to deal with it ’ .
” Ms Long-Bailey , admitted the party did not “ deal with the problem swiftly enough or robustly enough ” .
She said : “ What we have to do now is move on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish members and our Jewish community .
“ We have to have a system that adopts any recommendations that are made by the EHRC , we have to have an independent legal process free from any perceived political bias.
” Strikes and frivolous nationalisation pledged by Starmer - COMMENT [ COMMENT ] Len McCluskey destroys Labour leadership candidate 's bid with one word [ VIDEO ] EU to FORCE Britain to play by rules - shock document reveals plans [ ANALYSIS ]

Labour leadership: Long-Bailey vows to ‘ridicule’ any lies
This afternoon the JLM declared its support for Lisa Nandy in the race to succeed outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn. The Wigan MP received 50.9 percent of the vote for the top job in a major boost for her campaign. Sir Keir Starmer, the Shadow Brexit Secretary, came second with 45.3 percent, with Emily Thornberry, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, a distant third with 1.7 percent.
Ms Long-Bailey, the Shadow Business Secretary, trailed in last place with just 1.4 percent of the vote. National JLM chairman Mike Katz said: “Lisa Nandy understands that without a change in the culture of our party, our party might have no future.” Labour’s handling of allegations of anti-Semitism has dominated the tenure of Mr Corbyn’s five year reign as leader. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is currently investigating complaints of anti-Semitism within the party.
Rebecca Long-Bailey has been rejected by the Jewish Labour Movement
Lisa Nandy won the support of the Jewish Labour movement
The four Labour leadership candidates went head-to-head on BBC’s Newsnight on Thursday evening and the anti-Semitism crisis dominated the debate. Ms Nandy took aim at her three rivals who served in the shadow cabinet and accused them of “remaining silent” on the issue. The Wigan MP said: “We are not having an honest reckoning with how badly we have got this wrong and the collective role we have played in this. “Leadership is about taking on issues when they are hard. Sitting in the shadow cabinet asking for reports, not seeing them, challenging and then remaining silent is not good enough.
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Sir Keir Starmer has guaranteed his place in the final ballot
“We have to be honest that far too many people in this party did not stand up and speak out when it counted.” Ms Thornberry fired back and said the shadow cabinet did not have any control over the issue and said people should have been removed from the party more than two years ago. She said: “We may be throwing people out of the party now for being anti-Semitic - and we are - but why didn’t we do it two and a half years ago? Why wasn’t the party dealing with it then? That’s the issue. “And the shadow cabinet didn’t have any control over that, it was the National Executive Committee and the party. READ MORE: Keir Starmer finally admits there's 'no chance' Britain will rejoin EU
Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry
“That’s why we were calling in the shadow cabinet, ‘Please come and report to us because you don’t seem to be able to deal with it’.” Ms Long-Bailey, admitted the party did not “deal with the problem swiftly enough or robustly enough”. She said: “What we have to do now is move on. We have to rebuild trust with our Jewish members and our Jewish community. “We have to have a system that adopts any recommendations that are made by the EHRC, we have to have an independent legal process free from any perceived political bias.” DON'T MISS Strikes and frivolous nationalisation pledged by Starmer - COMMENT [COMMENT]
Len McCluskey destroys Labour leadership candidate's bid with one word [VIDEO]
EU to FORCE Britain to play by rules - shock document reveals plans [ANALYSIS]
Polices of the Labour leader contenders


thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Labour leadership: What the next Labour leader MUST do to topple Tories in next election

With Jeremy Corbyn announcing he was stepping down in the aftermath of the Conservatives winning an 80-seat majority , the next leader of the Labour Party has a massive task on their hands if it wants to win the next election .
READ MORE : Long-Bailey declares war on media and threatens to 'ridicule ' critics Express.co.uk spoke exclusively with Dr Patrick Diamond , a senior lecturer in British politics from Queen Mary University London ’ s School of Politics and International Relations , about how Labour ’ s new leader might swing the political pendulum back in its favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to the size of the task facing the next leader .
In the running for leadership are Sir Keir Starmer , the current favourite , Rebecca Long-Bailey , a Corbynista , Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry , though she has struggled to secure the required number of nominations to make the final ballot .
The winner will be announced on April 4 at a special conference .
Dr Diamond said : “ I think if we were to imagine that things didn ’ t change from today it looks very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
“ The Conservatives have too much of a majority .
“ Labour would need a swing of around 10 percent and that ’ s not happened since Tony Blair in 1997 .
“ You ’ d have to say it ’ s a tall order for the Labour Party.
” DO N'T MISS : Len McCluskey destroys Labour leadership candidate 's bid with one word Lisa Nandy slammed on Twitter as Labour ’ s false promises are exposed ‘ Don ’ t do a Corbyn !
’ Bernie Sanders issued US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's 'no chance ' Britain will rejoin EU He added : “ But there some things could bring big change .
“ Brexit does introduce some new instability because we don ’ t know the effects yet .
“ There ’ s also the potential of a second Scottish independence referendum .
“ The position of Scotland is interesting because for Labour to win it needs to win seats in Scotland .
“ At the moment it only has one seat there .
I don ’ t see Labour back in power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Labour won the largest share of the vote in Scotland at every UK general election from 1964 until 2015 .
In recent times , Nicola Sturgeon ’ s SNP has dominated north of the border campaigning for Scotland to gain independence .
This has pushed Labour out to the fringes and cost them dearly in the House of Commons as the SNP took away votes from Labour ’ s core support .
Regaining those seats are therefore key to Labour ’ s chances of eating into the Conservatives ’ majority at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topic in Scotland , it ’ s no wonder Mrs Long-Bailey and Ms Nandy have discussed it publicly during the leadership campaign .
Mrs Long-Bailey announced she would not stand in the way of a second Scottish independence referendum if she becomes Labour leader .
She said : “ I want Scotland to remain part of the Union but what I will say is that as a democratic party I could never condone the British government not supporting a call from the Scottish people , if the Scottish Parliament determine that it wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think that it would be democratically right for us to block that.
” Lisa Nandy promised to “ never interfere ” in devolved policy making in Scotland if she wins the Labour leadership and believes the party ’ s stance on independence should be shaped by Scottish Labour .
She told Aberdeen ’ s Evening Express that she was opposed to Scottish independence , but that Labour ’ s decision whether to support another referendum “ should be driven by Scottish Labour ” .
Sir Keir advocates for federalism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Scottish independence referendum of 2014 .
He wants “ large-scale devolution of power and resources ” that would involve ” building a new long-term political and constitutional consensus ” .
Should Labour fail to win over the Scottish electorate , it could face the prospect of being in opposition for almost a decade , something that Dr Diamond believes will the job of the new leader very difficult .
He said : “ If you look at things as of today , they won ’ t win until 2024 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more difficult .
You have to lead a party that ’ s probably going to be in opposition some time .
“ They will need to keep things fresh and keep morale up .
“ If the Brexit situation becomes chaotic it could open up things for Labour so it ’ s wrong to write them off .
”

THE LABOUR PARTY is in the middle of a leadership election as it looks to rebuild after a crushing defeat in last year’s general election.
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With Jeremy Corbyn announcing he was stepping down in the aftermath of the Conservatives winning an 80-seat majority, the next leader of the Labour Party has a massive task on their hands if it wants to win the next election. READ MORE: Long-Bailey declares war on media and threatens to 'ridicule' critics
Labour leadership: Labour were crushed in the last election
Labour leadership: Keir Starmer is the frontrunner in the leadership election
READ MORE Strikes and frivolous nationalisation pledged by Starmer - COMMENT Express.co.uk spoke exclusively with Dr Patrick Diamond, a senior lecturer in British politics from Queen Mary University London’s School of Politics and International Relations, about how Labour’s new leader might swing the political pendulum back in its favour. Dr Diamond is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing the next leader. In the running for leadership are Sir Keir Starmer, the current favourite, Rebecca Long-Bailey, a Corbynista, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry, though she has struggled to secure the required number of nominations to make the final ballot. The winner will be announced on April 4 at a special conference.
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Labour leadership: Rebecca Long-Bailey
READ MORE Keir Starmer finally admits there's 'no chance' Britain will rejoin EU He added: “But there some things could bring big change. “Brexit does introduce some new instability because we don’t know the effects yet. “There’s also the potential of a second Scottish independence referendum. “The position of Scotland is interesting because for Labour to win it needs to win seats in Scotland. “At the moment it only has one seat there. I don’t see Labour back in power until they win more seats up there.”
Labour leadership: Labour lost more seats in Scotland in the last election
Labour leadership: Lisa Nandy promised to “never interfere” in devolved policy making in Scotland if she wins the Labour leadership
Labour won the largest share of the vote in Scotland at every UK general election from 1964 until 2015. In recent times, Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP has dominated north of the border campaigning for Scotland to gain independence. This has pushed Labour out to the fringes and cost them dearly in the House of Commons as the SNP took away votes from Labour’s core support. Regaining those seats are therefore key to Labour’s chances of eating into the Conservatives’ majority at the next election. With independence a key topic in Scotland, it’s no wonder Mrs Long-Bailey and Ms Nandy have discussed it publicly during the leadership campaign. Mrs Long-Bailey announced she would not stand in the way of a second Scottish independence referendum if she becomes Labour leader. She said: “I want Scotland to remain part of the Union but what I will say is that as a democratic party I could never condone the British government not supporting a call from the Scottish people, if the Scottish Parliament determine that it wanted to have another independence referendum, I don’t think that it would be democratically right for us to block that.” Scottish Labour, the UK Labour Party’s devolved Scotland administrative subdivision, is unionist.


thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--‘Complete write-off’ Germany drags Eurozone into weakest growth since European debt crisis

German output continued to disappoint in the fourth and final quarter of the financial year , with Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) slowing to 0.1 percent compared to the previous three months .
This means overall Berlin ’ s output has plummeted from 0.3 percent .
The poor results mean the eurozone was expanding at its slowest pace since early 2013 - a devastating period when the EU was gripped by the European debt crisis .
Last year ’ s growth plunged to 1.2 percent from 1.9 percent .
Pantheon Macro economist Claus Vistesen said the fall of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading .
He warned “ the first quarter could well be a write-off ” .
Germany has been on the brink of recession thoughout the entire 2019-2020 financial year , and only narrowly avoided one in the third quarter .
Paul Sommerville of Sommerville Advisory Markets pointed out that Germany ’ s economy has been “ flat for nine months ” .
He warned “ Germany is on verge of recession again and these numbers are all from before coronavirus ” .
But Berlin is not alone in dragging the Eurozone down into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also ground to a halt , largely due to protests triggered by French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s crippling pension reforms .
Violent protests began in November 2018 over President Macron ’ s crippling austerity reforms , with at least nine people being killed after they were caught up in fires and stampedes from demonstrators .
The young 41-year-old President now remains under increased pressure after violence continues to break out on the streets of Paris over his Government ’ s planned pension reforms , with police forced to fire tear gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
READ NOW : Germany panic as it outlines threat of Britain after Brexit [ NEWS ] There is also fear that tough trade talks with Britain over Brexit could spark a further collapse in European economies .
The EU is already struggling to handle trade tensions with the US and changes in the auto industry .
There had been hope at the beginning of 2020 that the Eurozone had moved past its biggest slump .
A number of economists are worried the sharp drop in industrial output and consumer spending could drag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DO N'T MISS : Germany horror : Two injured in shooting and stabbing [ NEWS ] Coronavirus crisis : Deadly virus could plunge eurozone into recession [ VIDEO ] Angela Merkel crisis : Rivals 'plot stitch up to force Chancellor OUT [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: Eurozone and German recession risk assessed by experts
German output continued to disappoint in the fourth and final quarter of the financial year, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) slowing to 0.1 percent compared to the previous three months. This means overall Berlin’s output has plummeted from 0.3 percent. The poor results mean the eurozone was expanding at its slowest pace since early 2013 - a devastating period when the EU was gripped by the European debt crisis.
Last year’s growth plunged to 1.2 percent from 1.9 percent. Pantheon Macro economist Claus Vistesen said the fall of the Eurozone may get worse due to coronavirus spreading. He warned “the first quarter could well be a write-off”. Germany has been on the brink of recession thoughout the entire 2019-2020 financial year, and only narrowly avoided one in the third quarter. Paul Sommerville of Sommerville Advisory Markets pointed out that Germany’s economy has been “flat for nine months”.
German output continued to disappoint in the fourth and final quarter of the financial year
France is also dragging the Eurozone down with its Yellow Vest movement
He warned “Germany is on verge of recession again and these numbers are all from before coronavirus”. But Berlin is not alone in dragging the Eurozone down into an economic crisis. The French economy has also ground to a halt, largely due to protests triggered by French President Emmanuel Macron’s crippling pension reforms. Violent protests began in November 2018 over President Macron’s crippling austerity reforms, with at least nine people being killed after they were caught up in fires and stampedes from demonstrators. The young 41-year-old President now remains under increased pressure after violence continues to break out on the streets of Paris over his Government’s planned pension reforms, with police forced to fire tear gas at protesters as the clashes turned ugly. READ NOW: Germany panic as it outlines threat of Britain after Brexit [NEWS]
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Brexit is one of three factors contributing to the demise of Germany's economy
There is also fear that tough trade talks with Britain over Brexit could spark a further collapse in European economies. The EU is already struggling to handle trade tensions with the US and changes in the auto industry. There had been hope at the beginning of 2020 that the Eurozone had moved past its biggest slump. However, incredibly weak December industrial production figures published earlier this week signalled today’s reports. A number of economists are worried the sharp drop in industrial output and consumer spending could drag German and eurozone growth below zero. DON'T MISS:
Germany horror: Two injured in shooting and stabbing [NEWS]
Coronavirus crisis: Deadly virus could plunge eurozone into recession [VIDEO]
Angela Merkel crisis: Rivals 'plot stitch up to force Chancellor OUT [INSIGHT]
The Trump-China trade war is another factor
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--'SNP is a cult' Nicola Sturgeon savaged as new Scottish Tory leader lashes out at IndyRef2

Nicola Sturgeon renewed calls for an independent Scotland to be part of the European Union last year , spurred on by Brexit .
The SNP leader has been campaigning for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to transfer powers to the Scottish Parliament to allow this to go ahead .
She has been driven by the fact that Scotland voted to Remain in the EU back in 2016 , but as part of the UK it has left the bloc anyway .
Scottish Tories announce new leader to 'take down Sturgeon ! '
Why Sturgeon is REALLY pushing for Scottish independence Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We had a referendum in 2014 , it had the biggest turnout in the history of any vote in the UK .
“ Two million people voted to remain within the United Kingdom .
“ Even in the general election the shared of the vote that went to parties that support the UK were still about 55 percent , the same share that voted for the UK in 2014 .
“ I understand the SNP , it ’ s not really a political party it ’ s an evangelical faith-based cult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dismantle UK ridiculed by Scots Tory leader

Indyref2: Carlaw labels SNP an 'evangelical faith based cult'
Nicola Sturgeon renewed calls for an independent Scotland to be part of the European Union last year, spurred on by Brexit. The SNP leader has been campaigning for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to transfer powers to the Scottish Parliament to allow this to go ahead. She has been driven by the fact that Scotland voted to Remain in the EU back in 2016, but as part of the UK it has left the bloc anyway.
Speaking to BBC News, Mr Carlaw said: “We had a referendum in 2014, it had the biggest turnout in the history of any vote in the UK. “Two million people voted to remain within the United Kingdom. “Even in the general election the shared of the vote that went to parties that support the UK were still about 55 percent, the same share that voted for the UK in 2014. “I understand the SNP, it’s not really a political party it’s an evangelical faith-based cult. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon plot to dismantle UK ridiculed by Scots Tory leader
Nicola Sturgeon has been blasted by the new Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw
Nicola Sturgeon renewed calls for an independent Scotland to be part of the European Union last year
“It believes entirely on independence and almost nothing else. “That’s why Nicola Sturgeon this week took herself off to Brussels to simply talk about independence again. “Here in Scotland we have failing public services and a failing SNP Government. “It’s out job now to hold them to account and ensure that the agenda we fight that election on is the future of Scotland as a devolved Government.
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The SNP leader has been campaigning for the second vote
Indyref2: SNP are a ‘one trick pony’ says Jackson Carlaw
Scotland
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Watch out, Sturgeon! Scottish Tories announce new leader vowing to ‘take down’ SNP leader

The party will be a clear alternative to Ms Sturgeon and her “ morally politically bankrupt ” Scottish Government when Scots head to the polls in May , Mr Carlaw said .
He had been acting leader of the party since Ruth Davidson stepped down last year and on Friday he was elected to lead the group .
Speaking in January about his vision for the party , Mr Carlaw said : “ I have spent the last 18 months taking on Nicola Sturgeon .
“ I am asking you now to let me spend the next 18 months taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at his “ tough man talk ” , insisting she did not feel intimidated by the prospect of him as leader of her party ’ s main rival .
Speaking after the result of the Scottish Tory leadership contest was announced on Friday , Mr Carlaw insisted the Scottish National Party ( SNP ) are “ failing ” Scottish voters after 13 years in office .
He said the SNP are “ there to be replaced and I am determined Scottish Conservatives will do that ” .
Ms Davidson congratulated her colleague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she will give her “ absolute and unwavering support in the decision he takes in order to get us fighting fit for next May ” .
Mr Carlow won the backing of 4,917 Tory party members in Scotland in the leadership contest .
Almost 60 percent of the party ’ s 10,911 “ eligible electors ” cast their vote in the contest .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon in row after Scottish Tory vows to 'take her down' Mr Carlaw - who served as deputy leader to Ms Davidson - insisted he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ make the changes required to lead us into the election next year ” .
He added : “ This is not about asking the people of Scotland to re-elect us as a strong opposition , this is about offering the people of Scotland a clear alternative to the SNP and then fighting all the way to polling day next year to provide them with an alternative government.
” Mr Carlaw will start making appointments to his top team immediately - and is also scheduled to speak to Boris Johnson on Friday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in FMQs over SNP 's 'diabolical ' record [ INSIGHT ] Nicola Sturgeon confronted by SNP 's record of failure during FMQs [ VIDEO ] Ten days to save the Union : Jackson Carlaw ’ s warning [ INSIGHT ] He made clear the Scottish Tories will “ change further and for the better ” , with new faces and new thinking .
As part of that , he pledged to push ahead with a review of party policies - which could see the Tories U-turn on their opposition to free higher education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party considering their position on the two-child cap brought in by the Conservatives at Westminster on some welfare payments .
After the policy review , Mr Carlaw said he will then ask “ the people of Scotland to elect a Scottish Conservative government as the largest party at Holyrood in 2021 ” .
He added : “ In those circumstances I would hope to be the first minister delivering on that alternative programme .
“ The result today demonstrates I have the clear confidence of the party .
“ I have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson achieved in his leadership election , I have a bigger share of the vote than Ruth Davidson achieved , a bigger share of the vote than David Cameron achieved in any of the previous Conservative Party leadership elections .

The party will be a clear alternative to Ms Sturgeon and her “morally politically bankrupt” Scottish Government when Scots head to the polls in May, Mr Carlaw said. He had been acting leader of the party since Ruth Davidson stepped down last year and on Friday he was elected to lead the group. Speaking in January about his vision for the party, Mr Carlaw said: “I have spent the last 18 months taking on Nicola Sturgeon.
“I am asking you now to let me spend the next 18 months taking her down.” Nationalist Ms Sturgeon hit back at his “tough man talk”, insisting she did not feel intimidated by the prospect of him as leader of her party’s main rival. Speaking after the result of the Scottish Tory leadership contest was announced on Friday, Mr Carlaw insisted the Scottish National Party (SNP) are “failing” Scottish voters after 13 years in office. He said the SNP are “there to be replaced and I am determined Scottish Conservatives will do that”.
Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw has pledge to 'take down' Nicola Sturgeon
Scottish Tory members elected Jackson Carlaw to replace Ruth Davidson as leader
Ms Davidson congratulated her colleague on landing the top job, promising she will give her “absolute and unwavering support in the decision he takes in order to get us fighting fit for next May”. Mr Carlow won the backing of 4,917 Tory party members in Scotland in the leadership contest. He finished comfortably ahead of social security spokeswoman Michelle Ballantyne’s 1,581 votes. Almost 60 percent of the party’s 10,911 “eligible electors” cast their vote in the contest. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon in row after Scottish Tory vows to 'take her down'
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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to reporters in Scotland
Mr Carlaw - who served as deputy leader to Ms Davidson - insisted he had a clear mandate from the party to “make the changes required to lead us into the election next year”. He added: “This is not about asking the people of Scotland to re-elect us as a strong opposition, this is about offering the people of Scotland a clear alternative to the SNP and then fighting all the way to polling day next year to provide them with an alternative government.” Mr Carlaw will start making appointments to his top team immediately - and is also scheduled to speak to Boris Johnson on Friday afternoon. DON'T MISS
Nicola Sturgeon shutdown in FMQs over SNP's 'diabolical' record [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon confronted by SNP's record of failure during FMQs [VIDEO]
Ten days to save the Union: Jackson Carlaw’s warning [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon blasted Jackson Carlaw for his 'tough man talk'
Jackson Carlaw pictured with former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson
He made clear the Scottish Tories will “change further and for the better”, with new faces and new thinking. As part of that, he pledged to push ahead with a review of party policies - which could see the Tories U-turn on their opposition to free higher education in Scotland. Another possibility would be the party considering their position on the two-child cap brought in by the Conservatives at Westminster on some welfare payments. After the policy review, Mr Carlaw said he will then ask “the people of Scotland to elect a Scottish Conservative government as the largest party at Holyrood in 2021”.
Boris Johnson wants to connect Scotland to Northern Ireland via a bridge
He added: “In those circumstances I would hope to be the first minister delivering on that alternative programme. “The result today demonstrates I have the clear confidence of the party. “ I have a bigger share of the vote than Boris Johnson achieved in his leadership election, I have a bigger share of the vote than Ruth Davidson achieved, a bigger share of the vote than David Cameron achieved in any of the previous Conservative Party leadership elections.
Jackson Carlaw has said he will oust Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-14--Boris Johnson holds call-and-response exercise with new-look Brexit Cabinet

Following yesterday ’ s shock cabinet reshuffle , which saw Sajid Javid resign as Chancellor , the Prime Minister held his first meeting with his newly appointed colleagues .
Rather bizarrely , Boris Johnson instigated a call and response exercise where the 22 ministers responded to prompts about his campaign promises .
These included his pledge to recruit 20,000 more police officers , 50,000 more nurses and build 40 new hospitals .
Hailing his “ people ’ s Government ” , Mr Johnson asked them : `` How many hospitals are we going to build ? ''
.
He asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are we recruiting ? ''
He added : `` How many more nurses will we recruit ? ''
Greeting his new cabinet of senior ministers , Mr Johnson vowed to repay the trust of voters by improving infrastructure , cutting crime and building more hospitals .
He said : `` It 's great to see you all here and congratulations to you all on achieving , or indeed retaining , the great offices of state that you hold .
`` We have to repay the trust of people who voted for us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from yesterday 's cabinet reshuffle was Mr Javid 's resignation as Chancellor .
JUST IN : EU civil war : MEPs spark fury with plot to veto bloc 's next budget He chose to walk away from the Government after the Prime Minister insisted he had to sack all of his aides and replace them with advisers chosen by No10 .
Mr Javid accused Mr Johnson of setting conditions 'any self-respecting minister ' would reject - a thinly veiled swipe at his successor .
Rishi Sunak , 39 , was then promoted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Chief Secretary to the Treasury .
His elevation to the top job has raised doubts on whether the budget , due to be announced on March 11 , will be able to go ahead as planned .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson ’ s power grab : PM tightens grip as Javid forced out [ INSIGHT ] Javid ’ s departure divides opinion - Huge numbers critical of Boris [ ANALYSIS ] Sajid Javid to spark Tory REVOLT as 'voice of opposition ' - expert [ VIDEO ]

Boris Johnson addresses his new cabinet after reshuffle
Following yesterday’s shock cabinet reshuffle, which saw Sajid Javid resign as Chancellor, the Prime Minister held his first meeting with his newly appointed colleagues. Rather bizarrely, Boris Johnson instigated a call and response exercise where the 22 ministers responded to prompts about his campaign promises. These included his pledge to recruit 20,000 more police officers, 50,000 more nurses and build 40 new hospitals.
Hailing his “people’s Government”, Mr Johnson asked them: "How many hospitals are we going to build?". They replied: "Forty!" He asked: "How many more police officers are we recruiting?" They replied: "20,000!" He added: "How many more nurses will we recruit?" They replied: "50,000!" "Exactly", the PM concluded.
Boris Johnson met with his newly-appointed cabinet today
Boris Johnson engaged his cabinet in a call and response exercise
Greeting his new cabinet of senior ministers, Mr Johnson vowed to repay the trust of voters by improving infrastructure, cutting crime and building more hospitals. He said: "It's great to see you all here and congratulations to you all on achieving, or indeed retaining, the great offices of state that you hold. "We have to repay the trust of people who voted for us in huge numbers." The biggest shock from yesterday's cabinet reshuffle was Mr Javid's resignation as Chancellor. JUST IN: EU civil war: MEPs spark fury with plot to veto bloc's next budget
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Rishi Sunak was promoted to Chancellor yesterday
He chose to walk away from the Government after the Prime Minister insisted he had to sack all of his aides and replace them with advisers chosen by No10. Mr Javid accused Mr Johnson of setting conditions 'any self-respecting minister' would reject - a thinly veiled swipe at his successor. Rishi Sunak, 39, was then promoted to the top job, who formally worked as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. His elevation to the top job has raised doubts on whether the budget, due to be announced on March 11, will be able to go ahead as planned. DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson’s power grab: PM tightens grip as Javid forced out [INSIGHT]
Javid’s departure divides opinion - Huge numbers critical of Boris [ANALYSIS]
Sajid Javid to spark Tory REVOLT as 'voice of opposition' - expert [VIDEO]
Cabinet reshuffle: Who left the cabinet
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-17--BBC on the brink: Boris declares war on Beeb… but shock Tory rebels fight back

But Tory backbenchers Damian Green and Huw Merriman implored the Prime Minister not to launch an offensive against the corporation .
Mr Green , a former Cabinet minister who was effectively Theresa May ’ s deputy in the last parliament , claimed the proposals threatened “ cultural vandalism.
” The MP for Ashford hoped that reports of the blueprint were “ kite-flying ” , a Westminster term for floating a radical idea to gauge reaction rather than a serious policy commitment .
“ Destroying the BBC wasn ’ t in our manifesto and would be cultural vandalism , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea would be popular , he added : “ Vote Tory and close Radio 2 .
Really ?
” Huw Merriman , Tory MP for Bexhill and Battle , accused some figures in the Government of having a “ vendetta ” against the corporation .
“ I ’ m not sure this vendetta against the BBC is going to end well , ” he said .
Referring to the proposed shake up , he added : “ No mention of it in our manifesto , where we actually promised to work with BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I won ’ t be supporting it.
” The MPs hit out after a Sunday newspaper quoted a senior Government source as threatening a “ massive pruning back ” of the BBC .
“ We are not bluffing on the licence fee .
We are having a consultation and we will whack it .
It has to be a subscription model , ” the newspaper quoted the source as saying .
“ They ’ ve got hundreds of radio stations , they ’ ve got all these TV stations and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive pruning back .
“ They should have a few TV stations , a couple of radio stations and a massively curtailed online presence and put more money and effort into the World Service , which is part of its core job.
” A Number 10 source was quoted as saying : `` The PM is firmly of the view that there needs to be serious reform .
He is really strident on this . ''
Other proposals in the plan included scaling back the BBC ’ s website and banning the corporation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The blueprint was said to recommend ditching the “ vast majority ” of BBC radio stations while safeguarding Radio 3 and Radio 4 .
A Cabinet minister sought to play down reports of the plan yesterday .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday show : `` I would be pretty cautious of some unattributed comments .
`` There is a consultation out there .
It is just a consultation at this stage .
There are no further decisions made at all .
`` The BBC is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all want it to be a huge success .
But everybody , including the BBC themselves , recognises that in a changing world the BBC itself will have to change .
`` But it is simply not the case that there is some preordained decision about the future funding of the BBC out there .
The charter runs to 2027 so there is long way to go on all these decisions . ''
A Downing Street spokeswoman yesterday claimed the reports were “ over the top ” while pointing out that the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC since the general election was to hold a public consultation on a proposal to end criminal prosecutions for non-payment of the licence fee .
The spokeswoman said : “ This is not formal policy .
The Government ’ s only commitment at the moment is to hold a consultation on decriminalising the licence fee.
” Former culture secretary John Whittingdale was appointed Minister of State at his old department in last week ’ s reshuffle to oversee Government policy towards the broadcaster .
The BBC ’ s current Royal Charter , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national broadcaster , is due for renewal at the end of 2027 .
Ministers are due to carry out a mid-term review of the governance and regulation of the BBC under the charter during the current parliamentary term .
In response to yesterday ’ s reports , a BBC spokesman said : `` The BBC plays an important role for the country at home and abroad , it is the bedrock of our world-beating creative industries , and reaches millions of people every day .
`` The public back it and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future . ''
Last week , BBC chairman Sir David Clementi last week used a speech to defend the licence fee system .
He warned that putting the broadcaster behind a paywall would undermine its ability to `` bring the country together '' .
Meanwhile , Mr Johnson 's aides also turned their fire on highly-paid BBC stars who made huge sums from outside work , suggesting they should be forced to donate the money to charity .
`` It 's an outrage that people who make their profile at public expense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rewards and personal gain , '' one source was quoted as saying in the Sunday newspaper report .
`` They 're basically making their names on the taxpayer and cashing in .
The BBC should immediately halt this practice and give the money to good causes . ''
Some Tory MPs are understood to want the BBC drastically cut back in revenge for alleged bias against Brexit and against their party during the general election .
Fran Unsworth , the BBC ’ s head of news and current affairs , yesterday insisted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by critics on the Right or the Left of politics .
She told the Observer newspaper : “ We have just got to keep restating our case that we will listen to everybody , serve everybody and host everybody but not be bullied by either side .
“ We don ’ t get it right all the time , obviously , and people can be unhappy with what we do , and that is fine .
”

Licence fee: Funding model needs looking at says Nicky Morgan
A plan floated by Government insiders yesterday proposed replacing the annual TV licence fee which funds the national broadcaster with a Netflix-style subscription service. The blueprint also suggested the BBC should be forced to sell of the overwhelming majority of its 61 radio stations and scrap some of its 10 TV channels.
But Tory backbenchers Damian Green and Huw Merriman implored the Prime Minister not to launch an offensive against the corporation. Mr Green, a former Cabinet minister who was effectively Theresa May’s deputy in the last parliament, claimed the proposals threatened “cultural vandalism.” The MP for Ashford hoped that reports of the blueprint were “kite-flying”, a Westminster term for floating a radical idea to gauge reaction rather than a serious policy commitment. “Destroying the BBC wasn’t in our manifesto and would be cultural vandalism,” he said on Twitter. Questioning whether the idea would be popular, he added: “Vote Tory and close Radio 2. Really?” Huw Merriman, Tory MP for Bexhill and Battle, accused some figures in the Government of having a “vendetta” against the corporation. “I’m not sure this vendetta against the BBC is going to end well,” he said.
Boris Johnson declares war on Beeb
Tory backbenchers implored the Prime Minister not to launch an offensive against the corporation
Referring to the proposed shake up, he added: “No mention of it in our manifesto, where we actually promised to work with BBC to build new partnerships across the globe, so I won’t be supporting it.” The MPs hit out after a Sunday newspaper quoted a senior Government source as threatening a “massive pruning back” of the BBC. “We are not bluffing on the licence fee. We are having a consultation and we will whack it. It has to be a subscription model,” the newspaper quoted the source as saying. “They’ve got hundreds of radio stations, they’ve got all these TV stations and a massive website. The whole things needs massive pruning back. “They should have a few TV stations, a couple of radio stations and a massively curtailed online presence and put more money and effort into the World Service, which is part of its core job.” A Number 10 source was quoted as saying: "The PM is firmly of the view that there needs to be serious reform. He is really strident on this." Other proposals in the plan included scaling back the BBC’s website and banning the corporation’s stars from lucrative second jobs. The blueprint was said to recommend ditching the “vast majority” of BBC radio stations while safeguarding Radio 3 and Radio 4.
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
A Cabinet minister sought to play down reports of the plan yesterday. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News's Sophy Ridge On Sunday show: "I would be pretty cautious of some unattributed comments. "There is a consultation out there. It is just a consultation at this stage. There are no further decisions made at all. "The BBC is a much loved national treasure. We all want it to be a huge success. But everybody, including the BBC themselves, recognises that in a changing world the BBC itself will have to change. "But it is simply not the case that there is some preordained decision about the future funding of the BBC out there. The charter runs to 2027 so there is long way to go on all these decisions." A Downing Street spokeswoman yesterday claimed the reports were “over the top” while pointing out that the Government’s only policy decision about the BBC since the general election was to hold a public consultation on a proposal to end criminal prosecutions for non-payment of the licence fee.
The spokeswoman said: “This is not formal policy. The Government’s only commitment at the moment is to hold a consultation on decriminalising the licence fee.” Former culture secretary John Whittingdale was appointed Minister of State at his old department in last week’s reshuffle to oversee Government policy towards the broadcaster. The BBC’s current Royal Charter, which sets out the aims and purpose of the national broadcaster, is due for renewal at the end of 2027. Ministers are due to carry out a mid-term review of the governance and regulation of the BBC under the charter during the current parliamentary term. In response to yesterday’s reports, a BBC spokesman said: "The BBC plays an important role for the country at home and abroad, it is the bedrock of our world-beating creative industries, and reaches millions of people every day. "The public back it and they will undoubtedly have their own views about the future." Last week, BBC chairman Sir David Clementi last week used a speech to defend the licence fee system. He warned that putting the broadcaster behind a paywall would undermine its ability to "bring the country together".
Fran Unsworth, the BBC’s head of news and current affairs
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-17--Why Boris could secretly support united Ireland - 'Lose Northern Ireland with pleasure!'

Boris Johnson ’ s Cabinet reshuffle last week was dominated by former Chancellor Sajid Javid dramatically resigning .
But the sacking of the Northern Ireland secretary , Julian Smith , received little attention .
Stephen Farry , the Alliance MP for North Down , suggested to the BBC that Mr Smith may have clashed with the Prime Minister on subjects including Brexit , especially after the region had power sharing restored .
One senior official in Northern Ireland said Mr Smith ’ s sacking was more about “ Tory party internal politics than the interests of Northern Ireland ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this illustrated the government is drifting away from Northern Ireland in the new post-Brexit era , particularly after Sinn Fein ’ s success in the Irish election showed there is growing support for a party that backs cross-border plebiscites for a united Ireland .
He added this could be beneficial for the Conservative government as the party has ben vocal about how much the region costs Westminster .
Mr Lawson wrote in the Sunday Times : “ The resignation of the chancellor of the exchequer has had a purely coincidental benefit for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Northern Ireland secretary , Julian Smith , has evaded almost all attention .
“ But not in the province itself .
The Democratic Unionist Party declared itself furious : “ If effectiveness was the measurement then he would still be in place .
He had the measure of Dublin and all the Northern Irish parties.
” “ It hardly helped the ( never exactly sunny ) mood of the dominant unionist party of the north that a few days earlier Sinn Fein , the former political arm of the terrorist IRA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Irish elections .
“ Its candidates even outpolled the leaders of the two traditional parties , Fine Gael and Fianna Fail , Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin , in their own constituencies .
“ This was an astounding result , and since ( unlike the two parties that had ruled Ireland since independence ) Sinn Fein actively campaigns for cross-border plebiscites for a united Ireland , it is unsurprising the unionists are even more than usually spooked.
” READ MORE : How Tony Blair ‘ lied to hold Northern Ireland peace talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory government has been hinting at its approval of a united Ireland for many years .
He said : “ On one occasion , a Tory secretary of state for the province blurted out the truth to a newspaper — though not in this country .
“ In April 1993 Sir Patrick Mayhew gave a remarkable interview to Die Zeit , in which he told the German paper : “ The province costs £3bn a year .
£3bn for a million and a half people !
For us there is no strategic or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a united Ireland is perfectly legitimate — but without the use of violence .
“ People think we don ’ t want to let Northern Ireland [ leave ] the United Kingdom .
If I ’ m completely honest [ we ’ d do it ] with pleasure.
” ( In the original German publication , this appears , memorably , as “ Mit Handkuss ” — literally , with a kiss of the hand . )
DO N'T MISS How Brussels could take UK to European courts over Brexit rules [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Brexit says Sinn Fein leader [ REVEALED ] EU to FORCE Britain to play by rules - shock document reveals plans [ EXPLAINED ] “ Mayhew ’ s complaint about the cost of the province — its block grant from Westminster now runs to £11bn a year , which would be equivalent to about an extra €2,000 ( £1,660 ) on the average southerner ’ s annual tax bill — is one reason the Republic itself is far from united in welcoming unification .
It ’ s not just the money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to me : “ Do you imagine we really want to govern the unruly Protestants of the north ?
” Mr Lawson added that Mr Johnson ’ s treatment of Northern Ireland during Brexit negotiations may have revealed the government ’ s real feelings towards the region too .
He said : “ The general theme of commentary on this side of the Irish Sea is that Boris Johnson has also blundered into “ risking the loss of Northern Ireland ” — since the nationalist community was overwhelmingly opposed to Brexit .

Cabinet reshuffle: Julian Smith sacked as NI secretary
Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle last week was dominated by former Chancellor Sajid Javid dramatically resigning. But the sacking of the Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, received little attention. Stephen Farry, the Alliance MP for North Down, suggested to the BBC that Mr Smith may have clashed with the Prime Minister on subjects including Brexit, especially after the region had power sharing restored.
One senior official in Northern Ireland said Mr Smith’s sacking was more about “Tory party internal politics than the interests of Northern Ireland”. Dominic Lawson at the Sunday Times claimed this illustrated the government is drifting away from Northern Ireland in the new post-Brexit era, particularly after Sinn Fein’s success in the Irish election showed there is growing support for a party that backs cross-border plebiscites for a united Ireland. He added this could be beneficial for the Conservative government as the party has ben vocal about how much the region costs Westminster. Mr Lawson wrote in the Sunday Times: “The resignation of the chancellor of the exchequer has had a purely coincidental benefit for the prime minister: his simultaneous sacking of the Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, has evaded almost all attention.
Boris Johnson could be secretly hoping for a united Ireland
“But not in the province itself. The Democratic Unionist Party declared itself furious: “If effectiveness was the measurement then he would still be in place. He had the measure of Dublin and all the Northern Irish parties.” “It hardly helped the (never exactly sunny) mood of the dominant unionist party of the north that a few days earlier Sinn Fein, the former political arm of the terrorist IRA, had taken the most first-choice votes in the Irish elections. “Its candidates even outpolled the leaders of the two traditional parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin, in their own constituencies. “This was an astounding result, and since (unlike the two parties that had ruled Ireland since independence) Sinn Fein actively campaigns for cross-border plebiscites for a united Ireland, it is unsurprising the unionists are even more than usually spooked.” READ MORE: How Tony Blair ‘lied to hold Northern Ireland peace talks together’
Julian Smith was sacked as Northern Ireland Secretary
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Mr Lawson added that the Tory government has been hinting at its approval of a united Ireland for many years. He said: “On one occasion, a Tory secretary of state for the province blurted out the truth to a newspaper — though not in this country. “In April 1993 Sir Patrick Mayhew gave a remarkable interview to Die Zeit, in which he told the German paper: “The province costs £3bn a year. £3bn for a million and a half people! For us there is no strategic or economic interest at stake ... The quest for a united Ireland is perfectly legitimate — but without the use of violence. “People think we don’t want to let Northern Ireland [leave] the United Kingdom. If I’m completely honest [we’d do it] with pleasure.” (In the original German publication, this appears, memorably, as “Mit Handkuss” — literally, with a kiss of the hand.) DON'T MISS
How Brussels could take UK to European courts over Brexit rules [INSIGHT]
Northern Ireland will quit UK over Brexit says Sinn Fein leader [REVEALED]
EU to FORCE Britain to play by rules - shock document reveals plans [EXPLAINED]
Mr Smith may have clashed with the Prime Minister on Brexit
Boris Johnson was blasted for his treatment of Northern Ireland during Brexit
“Mayhew’s complaint about the cost of the province — its block grant from Westminster now runs to £11bn a year, which would be equivalent to about an extra €2,000 (£1,660) on the average southerner’s annual tax bill — is one reason the Republic itself is far from united in welcoming unification. It’s not just the money. “As a Dublin politician once put it to me: “Do you imagine we really want to govern the unruly Protestants of the north?” Mr Lawson added that Mr Johnson’s treatment of Northern Ireland during Brexit negotiations may have revealed the government’s real feelings towards the region too. He said: “The general theme of commentary on this side of the Irish Sea is that Boris Johnson has also blundered into “risking the loss of Northern Ireland” — since the nationalist community was overwhelmingly opposed to Brexit.
The Prime Minister's new Cabinet did not include Mr Smith
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