thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Sturgeon faces probe as Scottish Labour leader calls for investigation into care homes

Mr Leonard got in contact with the Scottish Human Rights Commission urging it to guarantee human rights are being protected .
He also asked the body to establish whether the Scottish Government had breached any human right in its actions during the crisis .
Mr Leonard said in his letter : `` One of the greatest tragedies of Covid-19 is the impact on older people , particularly in care homes .
`` Over the last 10 weeks , Scotland 's care homes , when compared with the previous five years , have had an 82 % above average rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our most vulnerable citizens should be paramount , particularly at a time of a national crisis and emergency .
`` There should be consideration of whether decisions taken by the Scottish Government during the last three months have recognised and respected the human rights of care home residents . ''
Mr Leonard raised concerns about the Scottish Government ’ s advice to not transfer residents to hospital .
He also asked to look into the move of untested patients into care homes , adding that age is a protected feature legally .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest level of Covid-19 care home deaths in the UK , and perhaps proportionately in the world , it is vital that we ensure that lessons are learnt to stop this ever happening again .
`` Particularly , if there is a second wave of Covid-19 , we must ensure that the rights of older people and adults in care homes are upheld .
`` We can not bring back the victims but we must seek answers to what went wrong and establish whether the rights of older people were compromised .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff working in Scotland 's care homes must be respected . ''
READ MORE : Can you rise to the latest challenge in the Express.co.uk News Quiz ?
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said : `` The loss of life in our care homes because of Covid-19 is a tragedy .
`` Everyone who has died from this virus represents unique loved individuals whose loss is a source of grief to many people .
`` The Scottish Government has always placed the upholding of human rights at the heart of its approach and since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been to save people 's lives , wherever they live .
`` We have taken firm action to protect care home staff and residents as far as is possible .
`` The Scottish Government is not involved in taking decisions about individuals ' care or the settings in which care is provided .
DO N'T MISS : Ivanka Trump hinted at ‘ big disagreement ’ with father Donald Trump [ INSIGHT ] 'Nightmare ' North Korea 's dire assessment after nuclear talks stall [ UPDATES ] Childcare during COVID-19 crisis ‘ damaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A framework of legislation protects the rights of individuals receiving care and throughout this pandemic we have worked closely with our colleagues in the NHS , local government and the voluntary and independent sectors to ensure the needs and rights of residents in care homes are able to be met .
`` Human rights are absolutely core to all our considerations .
`` All our decisions on the Covid-19 response have been guided by the scientific advice available at the time and we continue to tailor that response as more is learned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Labour revealed it will oppose a second independence referendum in its Holyrood election campaign next year .

Nicola Sturgeon addresses ‘missing’ coronavirus tests
Mr Leonard got in contact with the Scottish Human Rights Commission urging it to guarantee human rights are being protected. He also asked the body to establish whether the Scottish Government had breached any human right in its actions during the crisis.
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Mr Leonard said in his letter: "One of the greatest tragedies of Covid-19 is the impact on older people, particularly in care homes. "Over the last 10 weeks, Scotland's care homes, when compared with the previous five years, have had an 82% above average rate of death. "Respecting the rights of our most vulnerable citizens should be paramount, particularly at a time of a national crisis and emergency. "There should be consideration of whether decisions taken by the Scottish Government during the last three months have recognised and respected the human rights of care home residents." Mr Leonard raised concerns about the Scottish Government’s advice to not transfer residents to hospital.
Sturgeon faces probe as Scottish Labour leader calls for investigation into care homes
He also asked to look into the move of untested patients into care homes, adding that age is a protected feature legally. Mr Leonard added: "With Scotland registering the highest level of Covid-19 care home deaths in the UK, and perhaps proportionately in the world, it is vital that we ensure that lessons are learnt to stop this ever happening again. "Particularly, if there is a second wave of Covid-19, we must ensure that the rights of older people and adults in care homes are upheld. "We cannot bring back the victims but we must seek answers to what went wrong and establish whether the rights of older people were compromised. "The human rights of residents and staff working in Scotland's care homes must be respected." READ MORE: Can you rise to the latest challenge in the Express.co.uk News Quiz?
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Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has called for an inquiry
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The loss of life in our care homes because of Covid-19 is a tragedy. "Everyone who has died from this virus represents unique loved individuals whose loss is a source of grief to many people. "The Scottish Government has always placed the upholding of human rights at the heart of its approach and since the start of this pandemic our priority has been to save people's lives, wherever they live. "We have taken firm action to protect care home staff and residents as far as is possible. "The Scottish Government is not involved in taking decisions about individuals' care or the settings in which care is provided.
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Mr Leonard got in contact with the Scottish Human Rights Commission urging it to guarantee human rights are being protected
"A framework of legislation protects the rights of individuals receiving care and throughout this pandemic we have worked closely with our colleagues in the NHS, local government and the voluntary and independent sectors to ensure the needs and rights of residents in care homes are able to be met.
"Human rights are absolutely core to all our considerations.
"All our decisions on the Covid-19 response have been guided by the scientific advice available at the time and we continue to tailor that response as more is learned about the virus." It comes after Scottish Labour revealed it will oppose a second independence referendum in its Holyrood election campaign next year.
Mr Leonard raised concerns about the Scottish Government’s advice to not transfer residents to hospital


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Boris urged to walk away from EU trade talks if Brussels don’t agree to UK terms - poll

Boris Johnson is expected to tell the EU 's top three officials next week that they need to `` swiftly conclude '' a free trade agreement ( FTA ) or the UK will walk away from negotiations - and Express.co.uk readers have backed such a move .
Readers were asked whether they thought the EU would concede to Britain ’ s demands , and the majority said yes .
The poll , carried out from 1.30pm-9pm on Sunday , June 14 , asked : `` As Boris threatens EU , will bloc cave in crunch meeting next week ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 percent ) said `` yes '' , indicating they think the bloc will give concessions in the next round of talks .
While just over a third ( 39 percent , 1,412 people ) said `` no '' .
Readers then took to the comments to justify their selection , with many users urging Boris to walk away from the talks .
One person wrote : “ If the EU do n't agree our terms on Monday Boris must tell them it 's WTO and close the talks .
“ They 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer and if it 's not good enough there is only one possible outcome.
” Another user said : “ Walk away Boris , all patriots are with you.
” JUST IN : Britons FURIOUS at prospect of another EU transition period A third wrote : “ No Deal WTO and then negotiate from a position of strength with no ties , no payments no demands , no bullying !
!
“ That will focus the EU 's minds because they have so much more to lose than us , if we try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to ensnare us and punish us for leaving and the compromises we will have to make to get a good deal will be too severe .
so its No Deal WTO all the way !
!
” Other readers agreed and suggested a WTO exit could be the way forward .
One person said : “ I do n't want them to 'cave in ' !
I would rather leave on WTO terms if they can not give a Canada +++ FTA type deal .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit no-deal boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given rule advantage [ COMMENT ] EU 's plan to 'merge England and France in NEW region ' exposed [ INSIGHT ] Boris SHUNS Remainer plot to extend Brexit transition [ DETAILS ]

Brexit: Getting a deal is 'in EU's interests' says Kawczynski
Boris Johnson is expected to tell the EU's top three officials next week that they need to "swiftly conclude" a free trade agreement (FTA) or the UK will walk away from negotiations - and Express.co.uk readers have backed such a move. Readers were asked whether they thought the EU would concede to Britain’s demands, and the majority said yes.
Trending
The poll, carried out from 1.30pm-9pm on Sunday, June 14, asked: "As Boris threatens EU, will bloc cave in crunch meeting next week?" Over half of the 3,585 respondents (56 percent) said "yes", indicating they think the bloc will give concessions in the next round of talks. While just over a third (39 percent, 1,412 people) said "no". Five percent (169 people) responded "don't know".
Boris Johnson has been urged to walk away from EU trade talks
The poll found over half of readers though the EU would cave in the next round of talks
Readers then took to the comments to justify their selection, with many users urging Boris to walk away from the talks. One person wrote: “If the EU don't agree our terms on Monday Boris must tell them it's WTO and close the talks. “They've had plenty of time to consider our offer and if it's not good enough there is only one possible outcome.” Another user said: “Walk away Boris, all patriots are with you.” JUST IN: Britons FURIOUS at prospect of another EU transition period
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Nigel Farage has revealed he is 'waiting' to relaunch the Brexit Party
A third wrote: “No Deal WTO and then negotiate from a position of strength with no ties, no payments no demands, no bullying!! “That will focus the EU's minds because they have so much more to lose than us, if we try to get a deal now they will try to ensnare us and punish us for leaving and the compromises we will have to make to get a good deal will be too severe. so its No Deal WTO all the way!!” Other readers agreed and suggested a WTO exit could be the way forward. One person said: “I don't want them to 'cave in'! I would rather leave on WTO terms if they cannot give a Canada +++ FTA type deal. DON'T MISS:
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Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--POLL: As Farage plans to relaunch Brexit Party, is he fundamental to EU exit? VOTE HERE

Last night it was revealed Nigel Farage is planning to relaunch the Brexit Party , which shot to victory in last year 's European elections .
But the politician is likely to rename the party as the Reform Party amid growing demands for a centre right alternative to the Tories .
As a result , Express.co.uk is asking if you believe Mr Farage is fundamental to EU exit ?
The party will hope to capitalise on growing concerns that Boris Johnson and the Tories are losing control of the country .
The relaunch of the Brexit Party has been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pouring in for it to relaunch as a political force .
The Prime Minister is feared to be losing his grip on the current post-Brexit trade talks with the EU , as the negotiations appear to have reached a stalement .
This sentiment has been shared by senior Brexit Party politicians .
The figures are understood to have been in talks with senior Tory MPs on the right of the party who are concerned about the loss of direction by Mr Johnson ’ s Government .
There are also concerns the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a quick deal with the EU by the end of the year .
It is feared he will compromise on immigration rules as well as fishing waters and accepting EU rules .
One Tory MP who has spoken to both Mr Farage and Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice , told the Sunday Express : “ It will be a disaster if they relaunch .
`` They will immediately pick up eight to 10 percent of our vote and put us in second place behind Labour .
JUST IN : Nigel Farage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaunch exposed “ A split in the centre right will mean we are always playing catch up.
” The MP added : “ We should have given Nigel a knighthood and thanked him but instead Boris and Downing Street just wanted to humiliate him.
” Another Conservative MP added : “ The problem is that Boris has left an open goal for the Brexit Party by pandering to the left .
“ We have gone over the top with lockdown and we have allowed the streets to be taken over by rioters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadiq Khan as London descends into chaos [ VIDEO ] Nigel Farage drops huge hint on next move after shock LBC split [ INSIGHT ] Brexit U-turn : Michael Gove to backtrack on full EU border controls [ DETAILS ] “ The one thing we are getting right is Brexit but we are in danger of losing public confidence on that too.
” Last night Mr Farage told the Sunday Express : “ [ I am ] watching and waiting .
The lack of leadership from our government has been pitiful .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some moral courage not the current cowardice in the face of anarchic marxism.
” Sources close to leadership added : `` Phones have been buzzing , hundreds emails per day from furious Tory voters , donations pouring in , we are praying for a by-election in Tory seat think would win one and gearing up for it , and currently deciding on who would stand .
”

Brexit: Nigel Farage says UK is being made into a 'laughing stock'
Last night it was revealed Nigel Farage is planning to relaunch the Brexit Party, which shot to victory in last year's European elections. But the politician is likely to rename the party as the Reform Party amid growing demands for a centre right alternative to the Tories. As a result, Express.co.uk is asking if you believe Mr Farage is fundamental to EU exit? This poll has now closed. Click here for the results.
Trending
The party will hope to capitalise on growing concerns that Boris Johnson and the Tories are losing control of the country. The relaunch of the Brexit Party has been in the pipeline for months and donations are pouring in for it to relaunch as a political force. The Prime Minister is feared to be losing his grip on the current post-Brexit trade talks with the EU, as the negotiations appear to have reached a stalement. This sentiment has been shared by senior Brexit Party politicians. The figures are understood to have been in talks with senior Tory MPs on the right of the party who are concerned about the loss of direction by Mr Johnson’s Government.
Nigel Farage is due to relaunch the Brexit Party
Nigel Farage is expected to rename the party the Reform Party
There are also concerns the Prime Minister may go “soft on Brexit” to get a quick deal with the EU by the end of the year. It is feared he will compromise on immigration rules as well as fishing waters and accepting EU rules. One Tory MP who has spoken to both Mr Farage and Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice, told the Sunday Express: “It will be a disaster if they relaunch. "They will immediately pick up eight to 10 percent of our vote and put us in second place behind Labour. JUST IN: Nigel Farage’s hidden objective in Brexit Party relaunch exposed
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“A split in the centre right will mean we are always playing catch up.” The MP added: “We should have given Nigel a knighthood and thanked him but instead Boris and Downing Street just wanted to humiliate him.” Another Conservative MP added: “The problem is that Boris has left an open goal for the Brexit Party by pandering to the left. “We have gone over the top with lockdown and we have allowed the streets to be taken over by rioters. DON'T MISS:
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Nigel Farage said he is 'watching and waiting'
“The one thing we are getting right is Brexit but we are in danger of losing public confidence on that too.” Last night Mr Farage told the Sunday Express: “[I am] watching and waiting. The lack of leadership from our government has been pitiful. "Millions of Conservative voters want to see some moral courage not the current cowardice in the face of anarchic marxism.” Sources close to leadership added: "Phones have been buzzing, hundreds emails per day from furious Tory voters, donations pouring in, we are praying for a by-election in Tory seat think would win one and gearing up for it, and currently deciding on who would stand.”
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Labour exposed: Leaked clip reveals Long-Bailey's plans to 'politically educate' workers

Express.co.uk can reveal this information was obtained in the form of a leaked video by the political website , Wolves of Westminster .
Long-Bailey had previously been endorsed by the left-wing group , Momentum , during the Labour leadership contest .
Although she lost out to Keir Starmer , the new Labour leader decided to appoint her as Shadow Education Secretary .
The conference call , seen by Express.co.uk , was organised by the National Education Union and attended by : Rebecca Long-Bailey ( Shadow Education Secretary ) Kevin Courtney ( NEU Joint General Secretary ) Mick Cash ( RMT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Secretary ) Mark Serwotka ( PCS General Secretary ) John McDonnell ( former Shadow Chancellor ) Lord Hendy QC ( Labour Peer ) Laura Pidcock ( People ’ s Assembly National Secretary and former Labour MP ) Whilst on the call , Long-Bailey spoke about ensuring that Trade Unions came together in order to support each other , no matter what issues lie ahead .
Former Labour MP , Laura Pidcock , was also vocal about taking people and politicising them in a way they never had been before .
Ms Pidcock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employment Rights underneath Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership .
“ We ’ ve also got to make sure that all of those people that Laura ( Pidcock ) mentioned , that has been politicised in a way that they ’ ve never been politicised before , they become members of a trade union and then our trade unions train them up and politically educate them , ” Long-Bailey said .
Labour has spoken before about wanting to create initiatives to politically educate individuals , in the past , they have worked with organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fringe events in order to `` inspire debate '' .
The World Transformed is aimed al helping activists organise political events to discuss “ complex topics ” from Brexit to British colonialism as well as collecting and curating some of the material generated on a revamped website .
This initiative was backed by , former Shadow Chancellor , John Mcdonnel as he argued that if Labour were to get into government they would need the backing of a “ mass political movement.
” “ We can ’ t just be a bunch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beating heart of Labour in power will be a movement of ordinary people who understand our history as the working class and what socialism can achieve , ” McDonnell said .
Rebecca Long-Bailey also noted that : “ I think we saw 10,000 members or thereabouts join the NEU in the last few weeks… that ’ s the scale of the stirring that we ’ re seeing right within our communities , and we ’ ve got to make sure that those people are equipped with the tools to make that change happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the call , Mark Serwotka of the PCS said : “ Let me say clearly if Jeremy Corbyn had won that election in December , thousands of people would be alive today who have died because of the ineptitude of this Government .
That was the scale of what happened in the December election .
“ So whilst I want the Government to go , the most effective thing we can do , I think , is to fight the Government when it is attacking us .
Whether that ’ s for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s over the pay freeze that ’ s coming or the redundancies that are coming , a united trade union and Labour movement can fight this Government and that ’ s the way , ultimately , to get something better.
” DO N'T MISS : Teacher strike threat even sparks outrage from Labour [ INSIGHT ] Anneliese Dodds REFUSES to send son back to school [ EXPLAINED ] How Piers Morgan hit out at Angela Rayner over ‘ baloney ’ Labour policy [ REVEALED ]

Rebecca Long-Bailey: Trade unions must be 'there for each other'
Express.co.uk can reveal this information was obtained in the form of a leaked video by the political website, Wolves of Westminster. Long-Bailey had previously been endorsed by the left-wing group, Momentum, during the Labour leadership contest. Although she lost out to Keir Starmer, the new Labour leader decided to appoint her as Shadow Education Secretary.
Trending
The conference call, seen by Express.co.uk, was organised by the National Education Union and attended by: Rebecca Long-Bailey (Shadow Education Secretary)
Kevin Courtney (NEU Joint General Secretary)
Mick Cash (RMT General Secretary)
Sarah Woolley (BFAWU General Secretary)
Mark Serwotka (PCS General Secretary)
John McDonnell (former Shadow Chancellor)
Lord Hendy QC (Labour Peer)
Laura Pidcock (People’s Assembly National Secretary and former Labour MP) Whilst on the call, Long-Bailey spoke about ensuring that Trade Unions came together in order to support each other, no matter what issues lie ahead.
Labour news: Rebecca Long-Bailey spoke to Trade Union bosses
Former Labour MP, Laura Pidcock, was also vocal about taking people and politicising them in a way they never had been before. Ms Pidcock was previously Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights underneath Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. “We’ve also got to make sure that all of those people that Laura (Pidcock) mentioned, that has been politicised in a way that they’ve never been politicised before, they become members of a trade union and then our trade unions train them up and politically educate them,” Long-Bailey said. Labour has spoken before about wanting to create initiatives to politically educate individuals, in the past, they have worked with organisations such as The World Transformed to create fringe events in order to "inspire debate".
Long Bailey urged Trade Union members to
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The World Transformed is aimed al helping activists organise political events to discuss “complex topics” from Brexit to British colonialism as well as collecting and curating some of the material generated on a revamped website. This initiative was backed by, former Shadow Chancellor, John Mcdonnel as he argued that if Labour were to get into government they would need the backing of a “mass political movement.” “We can’t just be a bunch of politicians who take ministerial positions; the beating heart of Labour in power will be a movement of ordinary people who understand our history as the working class and what socialism can achieve,” McDonnell said. READ MORE: Supporters blast Momentum after leadership election fiasco
Labour news: Rebecca Long Bailey was a contender to replace Corbyn
Rebecca Long-Bailey also noted that: “I think we saw 10,000 members or thereabouts join the NEU in the last few weeks… that’s the scale of the stirring that we’re seeing right within our communities, and we’ve got to make sure that those people are equipped with the tools to make that change happen that they want to see.” Also during the call, Mark Serwotka of the PCS said: “Let me say clearly if Jeremy Corbyn had won that election in December, thousands of people would be alive today who have died because of the ineptitude of this Government. That was the scale of what happened in the December election. “So whilst I want the Government to go, the most effective thing we can do, I think, is to fight the Government when it is attacking us. Whether that’s for our safety, or whether it’s over the pay freeze that’s coming or the redundancies that are coming, a united trade union and Labour movement can fight this Government and that’s the way, ultimately, to get something better.” DON'T MISS:
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Anneliese Dodds REFUSES to send son back to school [EXPLAINED]
How Piers Morgan hit out at Angela Rayner over ‘baloney’ Labour policy [REVEALED]
The Labour Party suffered a huge defeat in the 2019 December election
Coronavirus: Long-Bailey is grilled as she defends Corbyn
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-06-14--LBC host in stitches as Lib Dem leader rules out future Tory coalition - 'We were fools!'

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The Liberal Democrats were `` taken for fools '' during their coalition with the Conservative Party , according to Wera Hobhouse .
The Liberal Democrat MP for Bath is standing for leadership for the party .
She argued to LBC 's Iain Dale that she had more experience than other candidates and could take the dwindling party in a `` new direction '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2015 the Lib Dems were nearly wiped out , and since then we 've left the EU and our welfare state is now nearly destroyed .
`` That is the legacy of the coalition government now .
`` I think we need to take some responsibility for that and look back down our own noses and ask why that happened and why where we ultimately taken for fools . ''
Mr Dale demanded to know if she `` seriously '' thought that Ed Davey , who was a cabinet member in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fool '' .
READ MORE : Luvvie actor MOCKED on Twitter after failing to help Lib Dems win

Lib Dem leadership candidate says Tories ‘took them for fools’
The Liberal Democrats were "taken for fools" during their coalition with the Conservative Party, according to Wera Hobhouse. The Liberal Democrat MP for Bath is standing for leadership for the party. She argued to LBC's Iain Dale that she had more experience than other candidates and could take the dwindling party in a "new direction".
Trending
Ms Hobhouse told LBC: "In 2015 the Lib Dems were nearly wiped out, and since then we've left the EU and our welfare state is now nearly destroyed. "That is the legacy of the coalition government now. "I think we need to take some responsibility for that and look back down our own noses and ask why that happened and why where we ultimately taken for fools." Mr Dale demanded to know if she "seriously" thought that Ed Davey, who was a cabinet member in the coalition, was "taken for a fool". READ MORE: Luvvie actor MOCKED on Twitter after failing to help Lib Dems win
LBC host in stitches as Lib Dem leader rules out future Tory coalition - 'We were fools!'
The Liberal Democrat MP for Bath is standing for leadership for the party.
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Ms Hobhouse replied: "I believe as a party, as a whole. "I was there too, as a councillor in the North West during the coalition years and have fervently defended the coalition, and now I personally think I was taken for a fool. "Since 2015, we have been wiped out nationally and hollowed out. We should have woken up to where this was going earlier. "I include myself to say 'look it didn't work'. Sometimes you just simply have to acknowledge when things didn't work well in hindsight."
'I believe as a party, as a whole.'
Brexit: Nick Ferrari clashes with Lib Dem’s Ed Davey on extension
UK PRIME MINISTERS


thedailyexpress--2020-06-14--Only artificial intelligence can protect Britain, top general warns

Gen Barrons , who served as Joint Forces commander until 2016 , warned that “ the most profound change for 150 years ” was needed to ensure that robotics , autonomous weapons and Artificial Intelligence took centre stage in military policy .
But while the Ministry of Defence knew what had to be done , there was no political will to drive these essential changes through .
Speaking ahead of the delayed integrated review which will determine how the Armed Forces invests its shrinking budgets , he said : “ Dominic Cummings thinks that improving acquisition , our shopping organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t if the model is fixed but continues to buy the wrong kit .
“ This revolution will only succeed if it is led politically in a discussion that includes the armed forces , academia and industry in a way that civil society supports .
“ In 1904 Lord Esher led a review of the British Army after its experiences in the Boer War .
Politics forced a military transformation which set it up for the First World War .
Who is today ’ s Lord Esher ?
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken defence programme .
It ’ s a political failure.
” Significantly , he pointed to expensive platforms such as Britain ’ s aircraft carriers and the F-35 Joint Strike fighter programme , warning they could never defeat China and Russia ’ s advanced missile systems .
“ The current Armed Forces model is just too small to be effective .
It consists of military hardpower which can not deal with emerging Chinese and a Russian capability ” .
Just as air power “ killed the battleship ” , he said long-range missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it impossible to invade their sea and airspace .
“ Our carrier groups were conceived in the 1990s .
When , in 1996 , China threatened Taiwan , President Bill Clinton sent two carrier battle groups .
China could then not cope with two .
But it has learned its lessons well , ” said Gen Barrons , who last week addressed the Cogx conference on the ethics of lethal autonomous weapons .
“ We imagined our carriers and Joint Strike Fighters would allow us to penetrate Chinese or Russian airspace .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia and China have invested in anti-air and anti-ship missiles that keep the West away , and missiles that deliver harm to other homelands.
” These include the DF-21D , a precision carrier-killer with a range of 1,600km .
Its successor wil have a range of 3,000km .
“ The equation is a 100,000-tonne carrier with 6,000 lives on board against missiles , fired from thousands of kilometres away in clips of 20 , ” he said .
Similarly , Russia ’ s development of the S-400 missile defence system means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penetrate Russian airspace ” .
In the meantime , its Iskander- class missiles based in Kaliningrad can strike Berlin with impunity , while its KH-101 cruise missiles can reach London from Russia in 19 minutes , carrying 400kg of high explosive warheads and boasting a two-metre accuracy.
” The Government is still using a late 20th Century mindset when Britain chose to intervene in the Balkans , Afghanistan and Iraq .
“ But in 2010 , the world began to change , ” he said .
“ Russia reappeared as an assertive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hyperspace .
Britain dropped the ball on state competitors , leading to a failure to keep up with Russian and Chinese military technology.
” He pointed to a defence programme which “ isn ’ t enough to allow Britain to make an independent contribution within Nato or any other coalition .
And , with a £13bn black hole over ten years , it ’ s still unaffordable .
“ We can ’ t afford even to pay for the things we ’ ve kept , and we choose not to see that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will need to go to war at a state level .
“ And the threat of state conflict is increasing .
“ We now live in a fundamentally different world , which will be filled with potentially existential peril , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a combination of the rise of China , as the economically dominant and , in due course , political power ; mankind bumping into the limits of the earth ’ s ability to cope with our demands and abuse with population growth and climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial revolution ’ which will affect the way developed societies run their economies and provide work and purpose for citizens , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t know how this will turn out , or even whether the Western concept of the rules based international order will still exist .
“ We are going to be in a place where one nation ’ s economic necessity is another nation ’ s catastrophe.
” He said Artificial Intelligence is the “ core enabler to the modernisation and transformation of our defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen and it has to happen.
” He added : “ The thing that kills most European defence budgets is pay and pensions .
“ Instead of obsessing about a small army of 82,000 , you shift the narrative to decide what a hybrid army looks like .
“ The terrific prospects for Britain is that you could make the Armed Forces effective but also affordable within the terms of the biggest recession in 300 years , influence allies and support our global exports balance sheet.
” The MoD is aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require us to embrace information-centric technologies , recognising that it will be the application of combinations of technology like processing power , connectivity , machine learning and artificial intelligence , automation , autonomy and quantum computing that will achieve the disruptive effect we need , ” said General Sir Nick Carter , head of Britain ’ s Armed Forces , in December .
The Royal Navy ’ s NavyX programme is already using AI and robotics to develop autonomous mine hunters and the “ Manta ” autonomous submarine , capable of surveying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depth of 30 metres , and even autonomous Rigid Inflatable Boats which do the same job on the surface .
The RAF ’ s Rapid Capabilities Office ( RCO ) is leading in on ovations such as Project Lanca ( Light Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft ) will develop so-called “ loyal wingmen ” – autonomous unmanned aircraft which will be able to defend fighter jets within five years .
Project Arma , decoys to defeat radar-guided missiles .
Is already being successfully exported to other countries while project Sirenwill deliver self-protection flares to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the Army ’ s Autonomous Warrior programme last year received a £66m boost to ensure that robotic military projects hit the battle space within a year .
Apart from remote controlled mini- drones and vehicles which can help soldiers to reconnoiter a battlefield safely , they include Project Theseus , autonomous logistics vehicles which will deliver vital supplies to troops in war zones , helping remove soldiers from dangerous resupply tasks so they can focus on combat roles .
However most of these are auxiliary or defensive , because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law in developing first strike autonomous weapons .
While the MOD will next month begin to deliberate these moral boundaries , at present the Army ’ s ” manned unmanned ” British Land Operating Concept , aimed at enhancing troops and armour with AI , still insists that every shot fired must still have a human on the trigger .
This , says Barrons , fails to acknowledge that China and Russia and Iran are unhindered by such rules .
“ I ’ m not advocating autonomous Weapons of Mass Destruction – we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ We ’ re talking about a combination of platforms , some unmanned but controlled remotely by people and others which are autonomous .
“ What the Army would do , if unlocked , is replace a tank platoon four manned Challenger 2 tanks by a single manned Challenger 2 and three autonomous ones .
This isn ’ t possible now .
“ AI and robotics will revolutionaries and reshape military force - though surveillance , logistics , command & control as well as lethality , in what will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we might feel about this , be assured that Russia and China don ’ t have the same qualms .
”

Britain's Armed Forces are still fighting 'yesterday's wars'
Gen Barrons, who served as Joint Forces commander until 2016, warned that “the most profound change for 150 years” was needed to ensure that robotics, autonomous weapons and Artificial Intelligence took centre stage in military policy. But while the Ministry of Defence knew what had to be done, there was no political will to drive these essential changes through.
Speaking ahead of the delayed integrated review which will determine how the Armed Forces invests its shrinking budgets, he said: “Dominic Cummings thinks that improving acquisition, our shopping organisation, will fix defence. But it won’t if the model is fixed but continues to buy the wrong kit. “This revolution will only succeed if it is led politically in a discussion that includes the armed forces, academia and industry in a way that civil society supports. “In 1904 Lord Esher led a review of the British Army after its experiences in the Boer War. Politics forced a military transformation which set it up for the First World War. Who is today’s Lord Esher? “We are fiddling around in the margins of a broken defence programme. It’s a political failure.” Significantly, he pointed to expensive platforms such as Britain’s aircraft carriers and the F-35 Joint Strike fighter programme, warning they could never defeat China and Russia’s advanced missile systems. “The current Armed Forces model is just too small to be effective. It consists of military hardpower which cannot deal with emerging Chinese and a Russian capability”.
Gen Barrons, who served as Joint Forces commander until 2016, warned that 'the most profound change for 150 years' was needed
Just as air power “killed the battleship”, he said long-range missile developments by Russia and China have effectively made it impossible to invade their sea and airspace. “Our carrier groups were conceived in the 1990s. When, in 1996, China threatened Taiwan, President Bill Clinton sent two carrier battle groups. China could then not cope with two. But it has learned its lessons well,” said Gen Barrons, who last week addressed the Cogx conference on the ethics of lethal autonomous weapons. “We imagined our carriers and Joint Strike Fighters would allow us to penetrate Chinese or Russian airspace. This is now never going to happen. Russia and China have invested in anti-air and anti-ship missiles that keep the West away, and missiles that deliver harm to other homelands.” These include the DF-21D , a precision carrier-killer with a range of 1,600km. Its successor wil have a range of 3,000km. “The equation is a 100,000-tonne carrier with 6,000 lives on board against missiles, fired from thousands of kilometres away in clips of 20,” he said. Similarly, Russia’s development of the S-400 missile defence system means that “Nato air forces cannot now penetrate Russian airspace”. In the meantime, its Iskander- class missiles based in Kaliningrad can strike Berlin with impunity, while its KH-101 cruise missiles can reach London from Russia in 19 minutes, carrying 400kg of high explosive warheads and boasting a two-metre accuracy.”
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The Government is still using a late 20th Century mindset when Britain chose to intervene in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. “But in 2010, the world began to change,” he said. “Russia reappeared as an assertive and aggressive opponent in both military space and hyperspace. Britain dropped the ball on state competitors, leading to a failure to keep up with Russian and Chinese military technology.” He pointed to a defence programme which “isn’t enough to allow Britain to make an independent contribution within Nato or any other coalition. And, with a £13bn black hole over ten years, it’s still unaffordable. “We can’t afford even to pay for the things we’ve kept, and we choose not to see that the list ignores things the Armed Forces knows it will need to go to war at a state level. “ And the threat of state conflict is increasing. “We now live in a fundamentally different world, which will be filled with potentially existential peril,” he said. “It’s a combination of the rise of China, as the economically dominant and, in due course, political power; mankind bumping into the limits of the earth’s ability to cope with our demands and abuse with population growth and climate change, and the AI ‘fourth industrial revolution’ which will affect the way developed societies run their economies and provide work and purpose for citizens,” he said.
The Government is still using a late 20th Century mindset when Britain chose to intervene in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq
“We don’t know how this will turn out, or even whether the Western concept of the rules based international order will still exist. “We are going to be in a place where one nation’s economic necessity is another nation’s catastrophe.” He said Artificial Intelligence is the “core enabler to the modernisation and transformation of our defence and security – it’s going to happen and it has to happen.” He added: “The thing that kills most European defence budgets is pay and pensions. “Instead of obsessing about a small army of 82,000, you shift the narrative to decide what a hybrid army looks like. “The terrific prospects for Britain is that you could make the Armed Forces effective but also affordable within the terms of the biggest recession in 300 years, influence allies and support our global exports balance sheet.” The MoD is aware of the need for transformation. “Modernisation will require us to embrace information-centric technologies, recognising that it will be the application of combinations of technology like processing power, connectivity, machine learning and artificial intelligence, automation, autonomy and quantum computing that will achieve the disruptive effect we need,” said General Sir Nick Carter, head of Britain’s Armed Forces, in December. The Royal Navy’s NavyX programme is already using AI and robotics to develop autonomous mine hunters and the “Manta” autonomous submarine, capable of surveying 3,000 nautical miles of sea at a depth of 30 metres, and even autonomous Rigid Inflatable Boats which do the same job on the surface.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-14--Guy Verhofstadt uses coronavirus deaths for pathetic point scoring over Boris and Trump

The MEP retweeted a tweet from Euronews political editor Darren McCaffrey about the countries which had the highest number of coronavirus deaths .
The countries included in the list were the USA , Brazil , Russia , India and the UK .
Mr Verhofstadt said : “ Johnson , Trump , Bolsonaro , Putin - the leaders of the infected world.
” The tweet prompted a backlash from angry online users , with one commenting : “ The total number is not relevant .
Per capita is a more relevant metric in measuring how well states have done .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another wrote : “ Clean up your own doorstep @ guyverhofstadt before you go pointing and criticising others !
“ Always ready to have a snide dig ; I suppose that 's only to be expected from snides !
“ Free up some time for his return to politics most likely lol .
You 'll never get it Guy.
” Another commented : “ The end is coming , my dear .
Enjoy the last days of your power.
” A final said : “ Mocking the dead to score political points.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Parliament in 2009 and served previously as the Prime Minister of Belgium .
The arch European federalist has said that future British governments would have a way back into Europe if they decided to reverse course after Brexit , possibly even on a fast-track .
READ MORE : Brexit POLL : As Boris threatens EU , will bloc cave in crunch meetings ?
In an interview with Al Jazeera English , the European Parliament 's Brexit coordinator , said : `` That is always possible .
“ They can always reintroduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union .
“ Certainly , we have enough experience to make it a little bit a faster process than what is normal . ''
But he also stressed that Brussels was determined that Britain had to be made worse off by its decision to leave .
DO N'T MISS : Boris SHUNS Remainer plot to extend Brexit transition [ REVEAL ] Boris Johnson tells Brussels Brexit will be complete on January 1 [ REVEAL ] Brexit crisis : How the coronavirus pandemic could block no-deal Brexit [ REVEAL ]

Brexit: WTO chief discusses chances of a 'light touch' for the UK
The MEP retweeted a tweet from Euronews political editor Darren McCaffrey about the countries which had the highest number of coronavirus deaths. The countries included in the list were the USA, Brazil, Russia, India and the UK. Mr Verhofstadt said: “Johnson, Trump, Bolsonaro, Putin - the leaders of the infected world.” The tweet prompted a backlash from angry online users, with one commenting: “The total number is not relevant. Per capita is a more relevant metric in measuring how well states have done.
Trending
“Stop trying to look smart Guy.” Another wrote: “Clean up your own doorstep @guyverhofstadt before you go pointing and criticising others! “Always ready to have a snide dig; I suppose that's only to be expected from snides! “Free up some time for his return to politics most likely lol. You'll never get it Guy.”
Guy Verhofstadt sparked fury after his Twitter comments.
The MEP retweeted a post from a Euronews journalist.
Another commented: “The end is coming, my dear. Enjoy the last days of your power.” A final said: “Mocking the dead to score political points.” The Renew Europe MEP was elected to the European Parliament in 2009 and served previously as the Prime Minister of Belgium. The arch European federalist has said that future British governments would have a way back into Europe if they decided to reverse course after Brexit, possibly even on a fast-track. READ MORE: Brexit POLL: As Boris threatens EU, will bloc cave in crunch meetings?
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Mr Verhofstadt previously mocked Nigel Farage.
In an interview with Al Jazeera English, the European Parliament's Brexit coordinator, said: "That is always possible. “They can always reintroduce a request for membership of the European Union. “Certainly, we have enough experience to make it a little bit a faster process than what is normal." But he also stressed that Brussels was determined that Britain had to be made worse off by its decision to leave. DON'T MISS:
Boris SHUNS Remainer plot to extend Brexit transition [REVEAL]
Boris Johnson tells Brussels Brexit will be complete on January 1 [REVEAL]
Brexit crisis: How the coronavirus pandemic could block no-deal Brexit [REVEAL]
The MEP targeted PM Boris Johnson.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Nigel Farage's Brexit Party relaunch backed in poll – 'We need you now more than ever!'

Mr Farage has been planning his party 's comeback for months , according to the Sunday Express , with a vision of rebranding as the Reform Party .
Speculation over his possible comeback to politics heated up last week after his departure from LBC was announced .
Express.co.uk conducted an exclusive poll asking readers if they believe Mr Farage is fundamental to Brexit .
Eighty-six percent ( 5,142 ) of respondents said the former radio host is a central figure in Brexit .
Thirteen percent ( 780 ) said no , indicating that they did not believe his help would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) of those surveyed said they did n't know .
A total of 6,007 readers took part in the poll between midnight and 9am on Monday , June 15 .
One person said if Mr Farage did not charge back onto the political scene soon it would mean a return to the Theresa May era with only one option on the table .
The reader wrote : `` Farage is a fundamental factor in the ability of the British electorate to hold Boris 's feet to the fire and force him to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're back to Mrs May and Hobson 's Choice . ''
Another said they had already put their name down to canvass for the relaunched Brexit Party .
They urged Mr Farage to not buckle under possible pressure from the Tories to stand aside , saying : `` Been on the Brexit Party website and registered an interest in volunteering .
READ MORE : Michel Barnier blocks UK plan for secret 'tunnel ' talks on Brexit '' Nigel , do n't give in this time to the Tories .
Stand your ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` he will get my vote '' if the former Brexit frontman comes back onto the stage .
And yet another praised him for being an ever present voice in the background urging the Tories to deliver Brexit .
The reader said : `` Nigel doing what Nigel said he would .
Applying pressure to ensure the people of the UK get the Brexit we voted for .
DO N'T MISS Nigel Farage ’ s hidden objective in Brexit Party relaunch exposed [ INSIGHT ] Nigel Farage condemns Sadiq Khan as London descends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to RELAUNCH Brexit Party claiming Boris 'losing control ' [ INSIGHT ] '' Out , no deal as they are clearly against giving us back our sovereignty . ''
They said while the Prime Minister `` is doing a good job on Brexit so far '' they wanted to see him take a stronger stance and walk away from the negotiating table without a deal .
One reader went as far as to say Mr Farage was needed now more than ever , four years on from the EU referendum .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need you now ... more than ever . ''
On Saturday night Mr Farage told the Sunday Express : “ [ I am ] watching and waiting .
The lack of leadership from our government has been pitiful .
`` Millions of Conservative voters want to see some moral courage not the current cowardice in the face of anarchic marxism.
” Sources close to the leader said `` furious Tory voters '' have been inundating the office with calls and emails calling for a Brexit Party return .
One Tory MP who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party chairman Richard Tice , warned a return of the party would spell `` disaster '' for the Conservatives .
The lawmaker said : `` They will immediately pick up eight to 10 percent of our vote and put us in second place behind Labour .
“ A split in the centre right will mean we are always playing catch up.
” Senior figures from the Brexit Party have also been in talks with senior Tory MPs on the right of the party who are concerned about the loss of direction by Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also concerns that Mr Johnson may go “ soft on Brexit ” to get a quick deal with the EU and compromise on immigration rules as well as fishing waters and accepting EU rules .
One Tory MP who has spoken to both Mr Farage and Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice , said : “ It will be a disaster if they relaunch .
They will immediately pick up eight to 10 percent of our vote and put us in second place behind Labour .
“ A split in the centre right will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Brexit: Nigel Farage says UK is being made into a 'laughing stock'
Mr Farage has been planning his party's comeback for months, according to the Sunday Express, with a vision of rebranding as the Reform Party. Speculation over his possible comeback to politics heated up last week after his departure from LBC was announced. Express.co.uk conducted an exclusive poll asking readers if they believe Mr Farage is fundamental to Brexit.
Trending
Eighty-six percent (5,142) of respondents said the former radio host is a central figure in Brexit. Thirteen percent (780) said no, indicating that they did not believe his help would be needed. One percent (85) of those surveyed said they didn't know. A total of 6,007 readers took part in the poll between midnight and 9am on Monday, June 15.
Nigel Farage has hinted at a comeback for the Brexit Party
Mr Farage has been critical of Mr Johnson's handling of Brexit
One person said if Mr Farage did not charge back onto the political scene soon it would mean a return to the Theresa May era with only one option on the table. The reader wrote: "Farage is a fundamental factor in the ability of the British electorate to hold Boris's feet to the fire and force him to keep ALL his promises - without him, we're back to Mrs May and Hobson's Choice." Another said they had already put their name down to canvass for the relaunched Brexit Party. They urged Mr Farage to not buckle under possible pressure from the Tories to stand aside, saying: "Been on the Brexit Party website and registered an interest in volunteering. READ MORE: Michel Barnier blocks UK plan for secret 'tunnel' talks on Brexit
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A relaunch of the Brexit Party will be a 'disaster' for the PM, a Tory MP said
"Nigel, don't give in this time to the Tories. Stand your ground." And a third person promised "he will get my vote" if the former Brexit frontman comes back onto the stage. And yet another praised him for being an ever present voice in the background urging the Tories to deliver Brexit. The reader said: "Nigel doing what Nigel said he would. Applying pressure to ensure the people of the UK get the Brexit we voted for. DON'T MISS
Nigel Farage’s hidden objective in Brexit Party relaunch exposed [INSIGHT]
Nigel Farage condemns Sadiq Khan as London descends into chaos [ANALYSIS]
Nigel Farage to RELAUNCH Brexit Party claiming Boris 'losing control' [INSIGHT]
Nigel Farage is plotting a return to politics
"Out, no deal as they are clearly against giving us back our sovereignty." They said while the Prime Minister "is doing a good job on Brexit so far" they wanted to see him take a stronger stance and walk away from the negotiating table without a deal. One reader went as far as to say Mr Farage was needed now more than ever, four years on from the EU referendum. They said: "Nigel old son, we need you now... more than ever." On Saturday night Mr Farage told the Sunday Express: “[I am] watching and waiting. The lack of leadership from our government has been pitiful.
Brexit timeline
"Millions of Conservative voters want to see some moral courage not the current cowardice in the face of anarchic marxism.” Sources close to the leader said "furious Tory voters" have been inundating the office with calls and emails calling for a Brexit Party return. One Tory MP who has spoken to both Mr Farage and Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice, warned a return of the party would spell "disaster" for the Conservatives. The lawmaker said: "They will immediately pick up eight to 10 percent of our vote and put us in second place behind Labour. “A split in the centre right will mean we are always playing catch up.”
Boris Johnson has ruled out a Brexit transition extension
It will be fashioned as a centre right alternative to the Conservative Party. Social media users have been sharing possible theories about what Mr Farage's next venture would be following his leaving LBC. Plans to relaunch the party have been in the pipeline for months The party has already opened talks with a public relations firm and is preparing to stand a candidate in the next available by-election.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Tories vote to allow British Hong Kong citizens to come to the United Kingdom

However , the Prime Minister has also indicated that this could be extended to a large proportion of the 7½million Hong Kong citizens who want to flee the tyranny of the Communist regime with one of the worst human rights records of any government in the world .
Tory MPs , who are normally anti-immigration , have already got behind the proposals .
North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen described it “ as a moral duty ” and said that Hong Kong citizens will bring hard work and valuable skills to the UK .
The survey of 1,331 Tory members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back resettlement plans with 56.6 percent backing giving them full citizenship .
With anger growing over the Chinese government allegedly covering up the coronavirus outbreak 68.7 percent want manufacturing capabilities brought back from China to the UK while 88.7 percent back the creation of the so-called D10 group of G7 economies plus India , Australia and South Korea to form an economic bloc to combat China .
Last week Mr Johnson made it clear he would open the doors to 3 million Hong Kong citizens in response to Chinese oppression .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory ’ s people hold British National ( Overseas ) passports and another 2½million would be eligible to apply for them .
`` At present , these passports allow visa-free access to the United Kingdom for up to six months .
`` If China imposes its national security law , the British government will change our immigration rules and allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights , including the right to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route to citizenship . ''

Dominic Raab issues warning to China over Hong Kong treatment
However, the Prime Minister has also indicated that this could be extended to a large proportion of the 7½million Hong Kong citizens who want to flee the tyranny of the Communist regime with one of the worst human rights records of any government in the world.
Tory MPs, who are normally anti-immigration, have already got behind the proposals. North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen described it “as a moral duty” and said that Hong Kong citizens will bring hard work and valuable skills to the UK. The survey of 1,331 Tory members by Conservative Progress showed that 62.6 percent back resettlement plans with 56.6 percent backing giving them full citizenship.
Pro-UK Hong Kongers protest about China
With anger growing over the Chinese government allegedly covering up the coronavirus outbreak 68.7 percent want manufacturing capabilities brought back from China to the UK while 88.7 percent back the creation of the so-called D10 group of G7 economies plus India, Australia and South Korea to form an economic bloc to combat China. Last week Mr Johnson made it clear he would open the doors to 3 million Hong Kong citizens in response to Chinese oppression. He said: "Today, about 350,000 of the territory’s people hold British National (Overseas) passports and another 2½million would be eligible to apply for them. "At present, these passports allow visa-free access to the United Kingdom for up to six months.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Boris Johnson will warn Brussels he is ready to walk away from Brexit talks today

The high-level meeting will take place by video conference call after the two sides agreed to an `` intensified '' negotiating timetable as the clock counts down to the end of the current Brexit transition period at the end of the year .
This is the first time the Prime Minister has spoken with Brussels chiefs about Brexit since the UK left the EU in January .
It comes after the EU formally accepted on Friday that the UK would not seek an extension to the transition which would allow Britain continued access to the EU single market while talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that the talks need to be `` swiftly concluded , '' providing the public and business with certainty on the way forward by the autumn at the latest .
While he will insist the UK still wants to strike an `` ambitious '' free trade agreement , he is expected to make clear that he is ready for a no deal Brexit and ready to start trading on World Trade Organisation rules from January 1 if an agreement can not be reached .
A UK government official told the Financial Times : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a moment to push the negotiations forward .
“ We now need to get this resolved and deliver certainty for businesses at home and in the EU as soon as possible.
” But Brussels bosses are expected to warn Mr Johnson a deal will not sacrifice the protection of Europe 's companies from unfair competition and the UK will not be allowed to `` cherry-pick '' benefits from the single market .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson to give EU warning at ‘ high-level talks ’ with EU leaders Mrs von der @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call by European Council president Charles Michel and the president of the European Parliament David Sassoli .
The Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and the UK 's chief negotiator David Frost will be with Mr Johnson .
It will be followed by a series of weekly talks at an official level for five weeks commencing June 29 looking at detailed technical issues .
DO N'T MISS Macron warns France will seek economic independence after pandemic [ WARNING ] BBC Brexit row erupts over why EU is desperate to stop no deal [ INSIGHT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU talks if Brussels fail to compromise [ REVEALED ] It is hoped that they will for the first time in these negotiations include face-to-face meetings , with both sides acknowledging that the remote discussions , due to the coronavirus epidemic , have gone as far as they can .
Four rounds of video conferencing discussions made only limited progress with a series of major obstacles still to be overcome .
The two sides remain far apart on the issues of future access to UK fisheries and the so-called `` level playing field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required to follow EU rules and standards in return for access to the single market .
But the prospect of a no deal Brexit has alarmed business groups who warn that firms reeling from the impact of the coronavirus lockdown are ill-prepared to with a major upheaval in trading arrangements with the UK 's biggest trading partner .
Mr Gove held the second joint committee agreed under the Withdrawal Agreement with European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic on Friday .
Despite calls from Scotland and Wales for an extension to the transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic shock , Mr Gove `` formally confirmed '' that the UK will not be asking for a delay , saying the `` moment for extension has now passed '' .
Mr Sefcovic told a briefing in Brussels that the EU `` remains open to such an extension '' , but said Mr Gove had been `` very clear , unequivocal '' that the UK will not seek one `` so we take this decision as a definitive one '' .

Brexit: Getting a deal is 'in EU's interests' says Kawczynski
The high-level meeting will take place by video conference call after the two sides agreed to an "intensified" negotiating timetable as the clock counts down to the end of the current Brexit transition period at the end of the year. This is the first time the Prime Minister has spoken with Brussels chiefs about Brexit since the UK left the EU in January.
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It comes after the EU formally accepted on Friday that the UK would not seek an extension to the transition which would allow Britain continued access to the EU single market while talks continue. Mr Johnson is expected to say that the talks need to be "swiftly concluded," providing the public and business with certainty on the way forward by the autumn at the latest. While he will insist the UK still wants to strike an "ambitious" free trade agreement, he is expected to make clear that he is ready for a no deal Brexit and ready to start trading on World Trade Organisation rules from January 1 if an agreement cannot be reached.
Brexit news: Boris Johnson will warn Ursula von der Leyen he is ready to walk away
Boris Johnson will warn he is ready to trade on WTO terms
A UK government official told the Financial Times: “The high-level meeting was always envisaged as a moment to push the negotiations forward. “We now need to get this resolved and deliver certainty for businesses at home and in the EU as soon as possible.” But Brussels bosses are expected to warn Mr Johnson a deal will not sacrifice the protection of Europe's companies from unfair competition and the UK will not be allowed to "cherry-pick" benefits from the single market. READ MORE: Boris Johnson to give EU warning at ‘high-level talks’ with EU leaders
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It is the first time the PM has met with EU leaders since the UK left the bloc
Mrs von der Leyen will be joined on the conference call by European Council president Charles Michel and the president of the European Parliament David Sassoli. The Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and the UK's chief negotiator David Frost will be with Mr Johnson. It will be followed by a series of weekly talks at an official level for five weeks commencing June 29 looking at detailed technical issues. DON'T MISS
Macron warns France will seek economic independence after pandemic [WARNING]
BBC Brexit row erupts over why EU is desperate to stop no deal [INSIGHT]
Boris urged to walk away from EU talks if Brussels fail to compromise [REVEALED]
Michel Barnier has warned the UK cannot 'cherry-pick'
Boris Johnson will meet with Ursula von der Leyen by video call
It is hoped that they will for the first time in these negotiations include face-to-face meetings, with both sides acknowledging that the remote discussions, due to the coronavirus epidemic, have gone as far as they can. Four rounds of video conferencing discussions made only limited progress with a series of major obstacles still to be overcome. The two sides remain far apart on the issues of future access to UK fisheries and the so-called "level playing field", the extent to which Britain is required to follow EU rules and standards in return for access to the single market. But the prospect of a no deal Brexit has alarmed business groups who warn that firms reeling from the impact of the coronavirus lockdown are ill-prepared to with a major upheaval in trading arrangements with the UK's biggest trading partner.
Brexit timeline revealed
Mr Gove held the second joint committee agreed under the Withdrawal Agreement with European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic on Friday. Despite calls from Scotland and Wales for an extension to the transition period to avert an "avoidable" economic shock, Mr Gove "formally confirmed" that the UK will not be asking for a delay, saying the "moment for extension has now passed". Mr Sefcovic told a briefing in Brussels that the EU "remains open to such an extension", but said Mr Gove had been "very clear, unequivocal" that the UK will not seek one "so we take this decision as a definitive one".


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Boris Johnson prepares to give savage warning at ‘high-level talks’ with EU leaders today

The Prime Minister , his chief Brexit negotiator David Frost , and the Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove are set to engage in `` high-level talks '' with Charles Michel , the President of the European Council , Ursula von der Leyen , the President of the European Commission , and David Sassoli , the President of the European Parliament .
UK and EU ’ s Political Declaration from last autumn outlined that the high-level summit must `` take stock of progress with the aim of agreeing actions to move forward in negotiations on the future relationship ” .
Discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 and July 27 to try to reach a deal .
Number 10 sources said on Sunday that Mr Johnson `` will make it clear that the negotiation now needs to be swiftly concluded , with certainty provided to the public and businesses by the autumn at the latest '' .
That is later than a due date by `` the end of summer '' that was being advised by Number 10 late last week .
Mr Johnson will take the opportunity at the virtual encounter to demand a `` high-quality Free Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` consistent with others the EU have agreed , as part of a balanced overall outcome '' .
He will also reiterate that the UK will be set to exit the EU “ whatever happened ” at the end of the 11-month implementation period on December 31 , following the UK leaving the EU last January 31 .
Last week the UK reassured the EU that it would not request an extension to the Brexit transition period at the end of this year .
A UK Government spokesman added : `` The high-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push the negotiations forward .
“ We now need to get this resolved and deliver certainty for businesses at home and in the EU as soon as possible .
READ MORE : Can you rise to the latest challenge in the Express.co.uk News Quiz ?
‘ There ’ s a high-quality FTA to be done , based on the agreements the EU has already reached with other countries .
“ But , whatever happens , we will be ready for January 1 , when we will be back in control of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The EU will answer that Michel Barnier , its chief negotiator , has repeatedly said that Brussels needs to strike a deal by October to have enough time to get it approved by the European Parliament .
The UK and the EU have conveyed hope that the encounter will bring new political incentive and an advance on fishing rights as well as a fair game when it comes to regulations .
DO N'T MISS Ivanka Trump hinted at ‘ big disagreement ’ with father Donald Trump [ INSIGHT ] 'Nightmare ' North Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ UPDATES ] Childcare during COVID-19 crisis ‘ damaged career prospects ’ [ REVEALED ] But sources in Brussels are not expecting that to take place as EU leaders are bust with a week of discussions later this week about the EU bloc 's response to the pandemic crisis .
Raoul Ruperel , a former special adviser to the PM on Europe , told The Telegraph that without any changes on fishing , a level playing field and state aid regulation `` there is real risk the negotiations , even with an increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Which would increase the risk of there being no agreement at the end of the year ” .
Shanker Singham , a former Brexit adviser to Liam Fox when he was trade secretary , said that the EU had to understand `` that the UK is prepared to trade some economic loss in exchange for independence , and it simply will not be an associated state , like Turkey or the Mediterranean countries '' .
`` Once the EU understands this , then landing zones become possible for state aids , fisheries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , three of the most intractable areas at present , '' he said .
It comes as Nigel Farage , the Brexit Party leader who last week resigned from his position on LBC radio show .

Brexit: Getting a deal is 'in EU's interests' says Kawczynski
The Prime Minister, his chief Brexit negotiator David Frost, and the Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove are set to engage in "high-level talks" with Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament. UK and EU’s Political Declaration from last autumn outlined that the high-level summit must "take stock of progress with the aim of agreeing actions to move forward in negotiations on the future relationship”.
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Discussions will be held each week between June 29 and July 27 to try to reach a deal. Number 10 sources said on Sunday that Mr Johnson "will make it clear that the negotiation now needs to be swiftly concluded, with certainty provided to the public and businesses by the autumn at the latest". That is later than a due date by "the end of summer" that was being advised by Number 10 late last week. Mr Johnson will take the opportunity at the virtual encounter to demand a "high-quality Free Trade Agreement" (FTA) that is "consistent with others the EU have agreed, as part of a balanced overall outcome".
Boris Johnson prepares save warning at ‘high-level talks’ with EU leaders today
He will also reiterate that the UK will be set to exit the EU “whatever happened” at the end of the 11-month implementation period on December 31, following the UK leaving the EU last January 31. Last week the UK reassured the EU that it would not request an extension to the Brexit transition period at the end of this year. A UK Government spokesman added: "The high-level meeting was always envisaged as a moment to push the negotiations forward. “We now need to get this resolved and deliver certainty for businesses at home and in the EU as soon as possible. READ MORE: Can you rise to the latest challenge in the Express.co.uk News Quiz?
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‘There’s a high-quality FTA to be done, based on the agreements the EU has already reached with other countries. “But, whatever happens, we will be ready for January 1, when we will be back in control of our laws, borders and money.’" The EU will answer that Michel Barnier, its chief negotiator, has repeatedly said that Brussels needs to strike a deal by October to have enough time to get it approved by the European Parliament. The UK and the EU have conveyed hope that the encounter will bring new political incentive and an advance on fishing rights as well as a fair game when it comes to regulations. DON'T MISS
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'Nightmare' North Korea's dire assessment after nuclear talks stall [UPDATES]
Childcare during COVID-19 crisis ‘damaged career prospects’ [REVEALED]
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, will take part in the talks
But sources in Brussels are not expecting that to take place as EU leaders are bust with a week of discussions later this week about the EU bloc's response to the pandemic crisis. Raoul Ruperel, a former special adviser to the PM on Europe, told The Telegraph that without any changes on fishing, a level playing field and state aid regulation "there is real risk the negotiations, even with an increased pace, struggle to make any breakthroughs. Which would increase the risk of there being no agreement at the end of the year”. Shanker Singham, a former Brexit adviser to Liam Fox when he was trade secretary, said that the EU had to understand "that the UK is prepared to trade some economic loss in exchange for independence, and it simply will not be an associated state, like Turkey or the Mediterranean countries". "Once the EU understands this, then landing zones become possible for state aids, fisheries and even for the Northern Ireland Protocol, three of the most intractable areas at present," he said.
It comes as Nigel Farage, the Brexit Party leader who last week resigned from his position on LBC radio show.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit Party leader, last week resigned from his position on LBC radio show


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Ireland election breakthrough: Irish parties prepare to sign coalition deal today

This is according to Michael Martin , leader of Fianna Fail , who is looking to end four months of political deadlock .
The talks will resume on Monday morning to resolve the final issues , negotiators for the three parties told reporters .
Eamon Ryan , leader of the Green Party said it was just dotting the i ’ s and crossing the t ’ s in the proposed policy programme .
“ We ’ ve had good progress made , so we ’ re going to sign off tomorrow on it , ” Martin said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been widely perceived that Martin , whose party won 37 seats in the 160-seat parliament , is likely to take over from Leo Varadkar as Prime Minister .
Mr Varadakar ’ s party , Fine Gael , managed to win 35 seats which despite only being two seats off Martin ’ s party , wasn ’ t enough to secure power .
However , Mr Martin will only take over as Prime Minister if the deal is ratified by grassroots members of each party .
Martin and Varadkar are then expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s five-year term .
In terms of the contents of the policy programme being discussed , it includes plans for a July stimulus package for sectors most impacted by the coronavirus .
According to Reuters , this package will look at benefiting the hospitality and the arts , and later in October , it ’ s believed A more comprehensive national recovery plan will follow .
READ MORE : Varadkar on brink : Lame-duck PM in last-ditch bid to avoid humiliation When it comes to the case of an Irish Unity Referendum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted .
This would come as parties will also set up a unit in the prime minister ’ s office to oversee all-island co-operation with British-run Northern Ireland .
According to the source , it would stop Fianna Fail ’ s election plan on how to approach the idea of a referendum .
Historic rivals Fianna Fail and Fine Gael need the Greens ’ 12 seats to command a majority in the fractured parliament .
DO N'T MISS : Varadkar 's last chance : Lame-duck Irish PM plans huge gamble [ REVEALED ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM in power condemned [ INSIGHT ] Leo on the brink : Rivals circle as Varadkar begs Labour for deal [ EXPLAINED ] It is fractured in the sense that they can not pass any new laws , including those needed to uphold a 6.5 billion euro ( $ 7.3 billion ) package of support measures .
Any agreement would have to be ratified by rank and file members from each party , with the smaller Greens requiring two-thirds support .
This is a higher bar than the larger parties and which could @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Ireland facing ‘huge problems’ in UK trade talks
This is according to Michael Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, who is looking to end four months of political deadlock. The talks will resume on Monday morning to resolve the final issues, negotiators for the three parties told reporters. Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party said it was just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s in the proposed policy programme.
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“We’ve had good progress made, so we’re going to sign off tomorrow on it,” Martin said. “We’re nearly there.” It’s been widely perceived that Martin, whose party won 37 seats in the 160-seat parliament, is likely to take over from Leo Varadkar as Prime Minister. Mr Varadakar’s party, Fine Gael, managed to win 35 seats which despite only being two seats off Martin’s party, wasn’t enough to secure power. However, Mr Martin will only take over as Prime Minister if the deal is ratified by grassroots members of each party.
Leo Varadkar is helping prepare a coalition
Martin and Varadkar are then expected to rotate the role during the government’s five-year term. In terms of the contents of the policy programme being discussed, it includes plans for a July stimulus package for sectors most impacted by the coronavirus. According to Reuters, this package will look at benefiting the hospitality and the arts, and later in October, it’s believed A more comprehensive national recovery plan will follow. READ MORE:Varadkar on brink: Lame-duck PM in last-ditch bid to avoid humiliation
Irish politicans meeting US politicians
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When it comes to the case of an Irish Unity Referendum, plans for any such vote would be halted. This would come as parties will also set up a unit in the prime minister’s office to oversee all-island co-operation with British-run Northern Ireland. According to the source, it would stop Fianna Fail’s election plan on how to approach the idea of a referendum. Historic rivals Fianna Fail and Fine Gael need the Greens’ 12 seats to command a majority in the fractured parliament. DON'T MISS:
Varadkar's last chance: Lame-duck Irish PM plans huge gamble [REVEALED]
Varadkar shamed: Plot to keep lame-duck PM in power condemned [INSIGHT]
Leo on the brink: Rivals circle as Varadkar begs Labour for deal [EXPLAINED]
Irish beach closed becuase of COVID-19.
It is fractured in the sense that they cannot pass any new laws, including those needed to uphold a 6.5 billion euro ($7.3 billion) package of support measures. Any agreement would have to be ratified by rank and file members from each party, with the smaller Greens requiring two-thirds support. This is a higher bar than the larger parties and which could yet scupper the deal.
Irish deal draft back in January.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Brexit transition period: What is the transition period? When is deadline?

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The UK officially @ @ @ @ @ 31 this year .
However , this is still not the end of the line @ @ @ @ @ remaining EU member states .
The UK has now formally confirmed it will not extend @ @ @ @ @ a deal must be agreed to stop the UK exiting without a deal .
`` @ @ @ @ @ has now passed , '' Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said .
The Government has @ @ @ @ @ scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year @ @ @ @ @ would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the @ @ @ @ @ .
The EU has said it is open to any extension of the transition period @ @ @ @ @ possible for both sides .

The UK officially left the bloc on January 31 this year. However, this is still not the end of the line for the UK and the remaining EU member states. The UK has now formally confirmed it will not extend the transition period, meaning a deal must be agreed to stop the UK exiting without a deal.
"The moment for an extension has now passed," Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said.
The Government has also confirmed that it has scrapped plans to immediately introduce full import controls on EU goods in the new year.
Mr Gove said Britain would now phase in changes so businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic can have the "time to adjust".
The EU has said it is open to any extension of the transition period to ensure the best deal possible for both sides.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--BRUSSELS CAVES: EU finally accepts UK will leave in 2020 - now just SIX weeks to save deal

The Prime Minister met European Council President Charles Michel , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President David Sassoli by video conference to assess the progress made on a post-Brexit trade agreement .
A statement from the European Commission confirmed both sides had noted the UK 's decision not to request an extension to the transition period beyond the end of this year , with Britain leaving on December 31 .
The statement said : `` Prime Minister Boris Johnson met the President of the European Council Charles Michel , the President of the European Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President of the European Parliament , David Sassoli , on 15 June by videoconference to take stock of progress with the aim of agreeing actions to move forward in negotiations on the future relationship .
`` The Parties noted the UK 's decision not to request an extension to the transition period .
`` The transition period will therefore end on 31 December 2020 , in line with the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement .
`` The Parties welcomed the constructive discussions on the future relationship that had taken place under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michel Barnier , allowing both sides to clarify and further understand positions .
`` They noted that four rounds had been completed and texts exchanged despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
But the European Commission admitted `` new momentum was required '' as time runs out to agree the post-Brexit trade agreement .
The statement added : `` The Parties agreed nevertheless that new momentum was required .
They supported the plans agreed by Chief Negotiators to intensify the talks in July and to create the most conducive conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of 2020 .
`` This should include , if possible , finding an early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement .
`` The Parties underlined their intention to work hard to deliver a relationship , which would work in the interests of the citizens of the Union and of the United Kingdom .
JUST IN : Coronavirus LIVE : Huge insight given into impact of protests '' They also confirmed their commitment to the full and timely implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement . ''
Following the meeting , European Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting with Ms von der Leyen , the Parliament President and Mr Johnson .
`` A broad & ambitious agreement , in line with # EUCO guidelines , is in our mutual interest .
`` Ready to put a tiger in the tank but not to buy a pig in a poke .
Level playing field is essential . ''
DO N'T MISS EU sidelines Barnier with vow to inject momentum into Brexit talks [ Latest ] Nigel Farage 's stark 'Michel Barnier has won ' warning exposed [ Update ] Brexit used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over EU long-term budget [ Insight ] The issue of fair competition and a level-playing field has been one of the biggest areas of divergence between the two sides .
A level playing field is a trade policy which stops businesses in one country from undercutting their rivals .
However , UK officials have constantly stated Britain can not sign up to any regulations which tie into the EU .
As chief negotiator David Frost stated , the main premise of Brexit was to reinstate the UK 's sovereignty .
Therefore , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations .
Following the talks today , Mr Johnson declared there was a `` very good chance of securing a trade deal '' by the end of the year .
He did add , however , that both must `` focus now and get on and do it '' .
Mr Johnson added : `` It 's very clear what the UK needs .

Brexit: UK and EU agree to confirm a deal by December 31st
The Prime Minister met European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President David Sassoli by video conference to assess the progress made on a post-Brexit trade agreement. A statement from the European Commission confirmed both sides had noted the UK's decision not to request an extension to the transition period beyond the end of this year, with Britain leaving on December 31. The statement said: "Prime Minister Boris Johnson met the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, on 15 June by videoconference to take stock of progress with the aim of agreeing actions to move forward in negotiations on the future relationship.
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"The Parties noted the UK's decision not to request an extension to the transition period. "The transition period will therefore end on 31 December 2020, in line with the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement. "The Parties welcomed the constructive discussions on the future relationship that had taken place under the leadership of Chief Negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier, allowing both sides to clarify and further understand positions. "They noted that four rounds had been completed and texts exchanged despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic."
The EU has accepted that the UK will leave the bloc on December 31, 2020
Brexit news: Both sides agreed a new pace to negotiations was required
But the European Commission admitted "new momentum was required" as time runs out to agree the post-Brexit trade agreement. The statement added: "The Parties agreed nevertheless that new momentum was required. They supported the plans agreed by Chief Negotiators to intensify the talks in July and to create the most conducive conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal before the end of 2020. "This should include, if possible, finding an early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement. "The Parties underlined their intention to work hard to deliver a relationship, which would work in the interests of the citizens of the Union and of the United Kingdom. JUST IN: Coronavirus LIVE: Huge insight given into impact of protests
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Brexit news: The two sides met via a videoconference
Brexit news: Mr Johnson met with the EU leaders today
Brexit news: The transition period ends on December 31, 2020
The issue of fair competition and a level-playing field has been one of the biggest areas of divergence between the two sides. A level playing field is a trade policy which stops businesses in one country from undercutting their rivals. However, UK officials have constantly stated Britain cannot sign up to any regulations which tie into the EU. As chief negotiator David Frost stated, the main premise of Brexit was to reinstate the UK's sovereignty.
Brexit timeline
Therefore, the UK cannot abide by any EU regulations. Following the talks today, Mr Johnson declared there was a "very good chance of securing a trade deal" by the end of the year. He did add, however, that both must "focus now and get on and do it". Mr Johnson added: "It's very clear what the UK needs.
Brexit news: Mr Johnson declared a deal could be done in July


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Ireland deal: Who is Michael Martin? The man who will replace Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach

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A deal has been struck to form Ireland 's new Government after the February general election resulted in a hung parliament .
Fianna Fáil 's Micheál Martin will serve as Taoiseach until December 2022 , when another leader of the three parties will take over .
Talks have been held up due to coronavirus , and Leo Varadkar has been Interim Taoiseach since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most seats in the election with 38 , to Sinn Fein ’ s 37 and Fine Gael ’ s 35 .
The Green Party won 12 .
In the new agreement , Micheál Martin ( Fianna Fail ) , Eamon Ryan ( Green Party ) , and Leo Varadkar ( Fine Gael ) will take turns as Ireland 's premier .
The agreement is truly historic .
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been political foes since their formation from opposing sides of Ireland ’ s Civil War of the 1920s , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time .
The draft deal , known as the Programme for Government , which comes after two months of negotiations between the parties , will now have to be endorsed by their parliamentary teams , before being put to their respective memberships for approval .

A deal has been struck to form Ireland's new Government after the February general election resulted in a hung parliament. Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin will serve as Taoiseach until December 2022, when another leader of the three parties will take over. Talks have been held up due to coronavirus, and Leo Varadkar has been Interim Taoiseach since the election.
Fianna Fail won the most seats in the election with 38, to Sinn Fein’s 37 and Fine Gael’s 35. The Green Party won 12.
In the new agreement, Micheál Martin (Fianna Fail), Eamon Ryan (Green Party), and Leo Varadkar (Fine Gael) will take turns as Ireland's premier.
The agreement is truly historic. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been political foes since their formation from opposing sides of Ireland’s Civil War of the 1920s, but will now enter Government together for the first time.
The draft deal, known as the Programme for Government, which comes after two months of negotiations between the parties, will now have to be endorsed by their parliamentary teams, before being put to their respective memberships for approval.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-15--Brexit statement in FULL: Boris Johnson calls for 'new momentum' to save Brexit talks

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Boris Johnson held talks with Brussels chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michael today as the European Union finally acknowledge the Uk 's rejection of an extension to the transition period .
Brexit talks have entered the fourth rounds of negotiations but have so far made little progress .
However , the UK and European Union have now agreed `` new momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the current transition period continues .
Speaking today , the Prime Minister and Brussels chiefs agreed on work aimed at `` swiftly '' concluding a deal by the end of the year , including the possibility of `` finding an early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement '' .
The negations came after the EU formally accepted on Friday that the UK would not seek any extension to the transition which allows Britain continued access to the EU single market while talks continue .
However , there are still sticking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be under intense scrutiny .
The UK still wants to strike an `` ambitious '' free trade agreement ( FTA ) , and Boris Johnson is expected to make it clear to Brussels bosses that Britain is ready to start trading on World Trade Organisation rules from January 1 if a deal can not be reached .
READ MORE : EU accept UK will LEAVE on 31 December 2020 after crunch talks

Boris Johnson held talks with Brussels chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michael today as the European Union finally acknowledge the Uk's rejection of an extension to the transition period. Brexit talks have entered the fourth rounds of negotiations but have so far made little progress. However, the UK and European Union have now agreed "new momentum" is required is the countdown to end of the current transition period continues.
Speaking today, the Prime Minister and Brussels chiefs agreed on work aimed at "swiftly" concluding a deal by the end of the year, including the possibility of "finding an early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement".
The negations came after the EU formally accepted on Friday that the UK would not seek any extension to the transition which allows Britain continued access to the EU single market while talks continue.
However, there are still sticking points between both sides and talks are expected to be under intense scrutiny.
The UK still wants to strike an "ambitious" free trade agreement (FTA), and Boris Johnson is expected to make it clear to Brussels bosses that Britain is ready to start trading on World Trade Organisation rules from January 1 if a deal cannot be reached.
READ MORE: EU accept UK will LEAVE on 31 December 2020 after crunch talks