thedailyexpress--2020-06-06--Boris crisis: Nearly half of Brits disagree with Tory's handling of COVID-19 - shock poll

A survey of 2,000 UK adults between June 4-5 by Opinium Research placed the Conservatives ' vote share at 43 percent - the lowest since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister as the coronavirus crisis continues to grip the UK .
Meanwhile , Labour has edged up to 40 percent - its highest rating since January , according to the poll - since Keir Starmer took to the helm .
Some 47 percent of those surveyed disapproved of the way the Government has handled the COVID-19 crisis , while 44 percent disapproved of how Mr Johnson is handling his job as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a poll conducted by Survation on June 3 , which had support for the Conservatives falling to 41 percent from 45 percent in the previous poll , conducted in the period May 22-26 .
Surveys for Deltapoll and Opinium , both conducted on June 4-5 , showed the Conservative lead narrowing to three percentage points .
Seven in 10 people ( 71 percent ) thought Mr Johnson 's chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , should be sacked following his alleged lockdown breach when he drove to Durham with his wife and young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 66 percent - believe Mr Cummings ' actions make it more likely that the public will break the rules .
However , the figures are unlikely to be an immediate concern for Johnson , who does not need to hold an election until 2024 after winning a comfortable parliamentary majority in December .
Adam Drummond , head of political polling at Opinium , said : `` The public are starting to lose confidence in the Government 's ability to handle the crisis - approval of how they are handling things has dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown to just 34 percent today .
`` Public appetite for lifting the lockdown measures remains minimal , with even Conservative voters more likely to say that things are being released too quickly than too slowly .
`` Meanwhile Keir Starmer 's 'constructive opposition ' positioning is continuing to pay off , with the Labour leader drawing almost level with Boris Johnson on the 'best prime minister ' question as well as overtaking the PM on a series of leadership attributes such as competence and trustworthiness . ''
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line [ WARNING ] Britons ' FURY as EU demands Boris coughs up £270mn of taxpayer cash [ OPINION ] Scots turn on Sturgeon : Critic claims 'FM 's nanny state is mad ' [ COMMENT ] Mr Johnson ’ s government has been heavily criticised for its response to the pandemic , with opposition politicians , unions and scientists accusing it of being too slow to introduce a lockdown , mass testing and protective equipment for medical staff .
Official statistics show the UK 's has been the worst-hit in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being too slow to protect the elderly in nursing homes and too slow to build a test and trace system .
But this week Mr Johnson insisted he was `` very proud '' of the Government 's record despite the grim milestone on COVID-related deaths .
Mr Johnson told Labour leader Keir Starmer : “ I take full responsibility for everything this government has been doing in tackling coronavirus , and I ’ m very proud of our record .
`` If you look at what we have achieved so far , it @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson calls for ‘spirit of collaboration’ against diseases
A survey of 2,000 UK adults between June 4-5 by Opinium Research placed the Conservatives' vote share at 43 percent - the lowest since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister as the coronavirus crisis continues to grip the UK. Meanwhile, Labour has edged up to 40 percent - its highest rating since January, according to the poll - since Keir Starmer took to the helm.
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Some 47 percent of those surveyed disapproved of the way the Government has handled the COVID-19 crisis, while 44 percent disapproved of how Mr Johnson is handling his job as Prime Minister. The sharpest swing came in a poll conducted by Survation on June 3, which had support for the Conservatives falling to 41 percent from 45 percent in the previous poll, conducted in the period May 22-26. Surveys for Deltapoll and Opinium, both conducted on June 4-5, showed the Conservative lead narrowing to three percentage points.
Boris Johhnson's Tory Government have lost support
Boris Johnson has faced criticism over his adviser Dominic Cummings
Seven in 10 people (71 percent) thought Mr Johnson's chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, should be sacked following his alleged lockdown breach when he drove to Durham with his wife and young son. And two thirds of people - 66 percent - believe Mr Cummings' actions make it more likely that the public will break the rules. However, the figures are unlikely to be an immediate concern for Johnson, who does not need to hold an election until 2024 after winning a comfortable parliamentary majority in December. READ MORE: Boris Johnson crisis: Approval ratings plummet 40 points - shock poll
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Boris Johnson refused to sack Dominic Cummings
Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, said: "The public are starting to lose confidence in the Government's ability to handle the crisis - approval of how they are handling things has dropped from 65 percent at the beginning of lockdown to just 34 percent today. "Public appetite for lifting the lockdown measures remains minimal, with even Conservative voters more likely to say that things are being released too quickly than too slowly. "Meanwhile Keir Starmer's 'constructive opposition' positioning is continuing to pay off, with the Labour leader drawing almost level with Boris Johnson on the 'best prime minister' question as well as overtaking the PM on a series of leadership attributes such as competence and trustworthiness." DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson facing crisis: PM warned job on the line [WARNING]
Britons' FURY as EU demands Boris coughs up £270mn of taxpayer cash [OPINION]
Scots turn on Sturgeon: Critic claims 'FM's nanny state is mad' [COMMENT]
Boris Johnson is under pressure over his handling of the coronavirus
The Labour Party has made gains
Mr Johnson’s government has been heavily criticised for its response to the pandemic, with opposition politicians, unions and scientists accusing it of being too slow to introduce a lockdown, mass testing and protective equipment for medical staff. Official statistics show the UK's has been the worst-hit in Europe and the government has faced criticism for being too slow to protect the elderly in nursing homes and too slow to build a test and trace system. But this week Mr Johnson insisted he was "very proud" of the Government's record despite the grim milestone on COVID-related deaths.
Coronavirus is spreading across the globe
Mr Johnson told Labour leader Keir Starmer: “I take full responsibility for everything this government has been doing in tackling coronavirus, and I’m very proud of our record. "If you look at what we have achieved so far, it is very considerable.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-06--British diplomat on India rescue mission had to change tyre in TIGER reserve

Deputy High Commissioner Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford and his team of five drove 12 hours from Bangalore to Cochin to ensure British nationals could board a charter flight .
Those hoping to fly had been stuck for four weeks across southern India after normal flights were axed as the pandemic escalated .
The Foreign Office team journey took them along the rough and twisty Western Ghats mountain roads – and they were hit with a puncture right right in the heart of Bandipur tiger reserve .
Nearly 400 big cats are understood to roam the reserve , which has the second-biggest tiger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Sir David Attenborough-narrated documentary Wild Karnataka .
To make matters even more tense , the road runs through the middle of an elephant migration corridor , and the group encountered a female elephant .
Under the blazing sun and with the humidity of the tropical forest rising , the team stood lookout while Mr Pilmore-Bedford raced to change the tyre under the blazing sun and rising humidity of the tropical forest .
He said : “ The breakdown was definitely a low point in our journey .
But we had so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t end up as a tiger ’ s tiffin .
“ Changing tyres isn ’ t your average diplomatic activity , but there was nothing we weren ’ t prepared to do to get our people home.
” Once the tyre was changed , they drove on to Cochin and arrived just in time to help the 260 people onto an emergency Foreign Office flight .
Meanwhile , a group of 42 students and teachers from an international school made an eight-hour journey to meet “ exhausted ” Foreign Office staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 hours to rendezvous with them and hand-deliver an emergency travel document so they could fly .
Mr Bhaskaran said : “ Though the journey was arduous and riddled with multiple police checkpoints , at the end it was a hugely satisfying experience to help stranded British nationals from remote parts of southern India fly back home safely.
” When the team returned to Bangalore they helped around 400 British travellers get home on a further three charter flights .
One of the passengers , eight-year-old Mayzia Richardson from Derby , did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check-in desk .
She burst into song , singing A Million Dreams from the hit film The Greatest Showman .

British diplomat on India rescue mission had to change tyre in TIGER reserve
Deputy High Commissioner Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford and his team of five drove 12 hours from Bangalore to Cochin to ensure British nationals could board a charter flight.
Those hoping to fly had been stuck for four weeks across southern India after normal flights were axed as the pandemic escalated.
The Foreign Office team journey took them along the rough and twisty Western Ghats mountain roads – and they were hit with a puncture right right in the heart of Bandipur tiger reserve. Nearly 400 big cats are understood to roam the reserve, which has the second-biggest tiger population in India and was recently featured in the Sir David Attenborough-narrated documentary Wild Karnataka. To make matters even more tense, the road runs through the middle of an elephant migration corridor, and the group encountered a female elephant. Under the blazing sun and with the humidity of the tropical forest rising, the team stood lookout while Mr Pilmore-Bedford raced to change the tyre under the blazing sun and rising humidity of the tropical forest. He said: “The breakdown was definitely a low point in our journey. But we had so many people counting on us, we couldn’t end up as a tiger’s tiffin.
Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford and his team of five drove 12 hours from Bangalore to Cochin
“Changing tyres isn’t your average diplomatic activity, but there was nothing we weren’t prepared to do to get our people home.” Once the tyre was changed, they drove on to Cochin and arrived just in time to help the 260 people onto an emergency Foreign Office flight. Meanwhile, a group of 42 students and teachers from an international school made an eight-hour journey to meet “exhausted” Foreign Office staff member Rajesh Bhaskaran, who had driven 36 hours to rendezvous with them and hand-deliver an emergency travel document so they could fly. Mr Bhaskaran said: “Though the journey was arduous and riddled with multiple police checkpoints, at the end it was a hugely satisfying experience to help stranded British nationals from remote parts of southern India fly back home safely.” When the team returned to Bangalore they helped around 400 British travellers get home on a further three charter flights. One of the passengers, eight-year-old Mayzia Richardson from Derby, did not hide her excitement when she reached the check-in desk. She burst into song, singing A Million Dreams from the hit film The Greatest Showman.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-06--Daily briefing: Is there a coronavirus daily briefing today?

Coronavirus press conferences have become part of Britain 's daily routine - with scientists , MPs and the Prime Minister updating the public on the fight against coronavirus .
Figures on cases and deaths , new rules on lockdown and updates on the Government 's track and trace app have dominated the schedule during the lockdown .
The Government has now made a move away from the seven-day schedule to a five-day schedule - stopping conferences at the weekend .
This has begun this weekend , meaning today and tomorrow there are no press conferences from Downing Street .
Announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson ’ s spokesperson said : “ We will carry on doing the press conferences on weekdays and ministers will also continue to provide regular updates to Parliament and conduct a wide range of media interviews .
• End of Sunday trading laws ?
Plan to scrap SIX hour limit post COVID-19 “ The PM will do a press conference every week .
It ’ s possible he could do more .
“ We are absolutely committed to keeping people updated and we will be continuing to do this through regular press conferences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviews and parliamentary updates.
” Asked why the briefings were being cut back from seven to five a week , Mr Johnson ’ s official spokesperson said : “ It is just a fact that numbers viewing at weekends do tend to be significantly lower.
” The next coronavirus press conference from Downing Street will take place on Monday , June 8 at 5pm .
When asked if the change hails a new approach to the crisis as daily numbers of cases decrease , Mr Johnson 's spokesperson said : “ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic response .
`` We ’ ve obviously taken some cautious steps , easing social distancing measures .
`` Schools are now open to more pupils and you are seeing a careful easing in the rules around social contact and also some aspects of non-essential retail have reopened .
“ We are moving into a different phase of the response , but in terms of the pandemic and the government ’ s response , it continues to be the absolute priority for every department across Whitehall.
” DO N'T MISS UK population could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ INSIGHT ] EU puts 13 British airports on coronavirus ‘ high risk ’ list [ ANALYSIS ] Defiance in Britain as police warn against protests in virus crisis [ INSIGHT ] This comes as fears over the coronavirus reproduction rate in parts of England grow , with new data suggesting the R-value is now around one in the North West .
The value used by the Government remained between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK as a whole , though the figure has a two to three-week lag , meaning it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .
But a separate report from Public Health England ( PHE ) and Cambridge University , which estimates what the value is currently , puts the North West on 1.01 and the South West on 1.00 .
Mr Hancock said that new figures on the R-rate confirm `` there is a challenge in the North West of England to address and , to a lesser degree , in the South West of England '' .
He said the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies ( Sage ) believes the R is below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to `` increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up '' .
Labour-led Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in Greater Manchester has advised schools to delay their wider reopening until at least June 22 because of the infection rate .
The council 's director of public health , Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy , wrote to headteachers strongly advising them against admitting more pupils until there is further assurance that the `` rate of infection is reducing and R is firmly below 1 '' .
The R-rate determines the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average number of people an infected person is expected to pass the virus on to .

Michael Gove outlines government help for rough sleepers in May
Coronavirus press conferences have become part of Britain's daily routine - with scientists, MPs and Prime Minister Boris Johnson updating the public on the fight against coronavirus. Figures on cases and deaths, new rules on lockdown and updates on the Government's track and trace app have dominated the schedule during the lockdown. Britons have been tuning in each day for the latest ono the UK's battle against coronavirus.
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Is there a coronavirus daily briefing today? The Government has now scrapped daily coronavirus press conferences, and instead, briefings will take place to "coincide with significant announcements". This follows the decision earlier this month to halt the weekend question and answer sessions due to viewing figures being "significantly lower" on Saturdays and Sundays. Number 10 has been holding the briefings, which were reformatted to incorporate questions from the public, since March 16 as the coronavirus spread across the UK. Read More: Germany: 'Don't travel' alert issued over huge spike in Covid-19 cases
Daily briefing: There is no daily briefing today - with weekend conferences scrapped
READ MORE Martin Lewis: Money Saving Expert's golden rule for pension payments The events looked to be slowing down, as Cabinet ministers had been appearing on their own in recent weeks, no longer accompanied by medical and scientific experts. Boris Johnson, speaking at the final daily press conference on Tuesday, assured the public it would not be the last time they heard from the Government and its advisers. He said: "I want to tell everybody that we are going to be winding down, I'm afraid, the rhythm of these press conferences, although I know they have become a great point of focus. "It is basically because we are continuing to make great progress in controlling the virus and we want to make sure we have something really important to say."
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Daily briefing: Experts like Professor Chris Whitty update the public each day on the UK's battle against COVID-19
Daily briefing: On Friday Matt Hancock announced new rules on face coverings in hospitals
He thanked Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance for their "really heroic" work during the daily briefings. Mr Johnson added: "We will, of course, be keeping your informed. "There will be, as I said, more outbreaks, certainly local outbreaks. "I don't think, therefore, you have seen the last of us by any means." A Government spokesman confirmed it would continue to publish the data which was previously being made available at the press conference, with information to be published on its website "every weekday". DON'T MISS
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COVID-19 to free UK from EU's clutches with 'NI protocol U-turn' [ANALYSIS]
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READ MORE London news: Lockdown by London's St Paul's Cathedral This comes as the UK moves away from strict lockdown measures, with some businesses allowed to reopen from July 4. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced from July 4 leisure and tourist attractions in England could reopen if they can do so safely. Businesses must make sure there are restrictions in place for social distancing measures can be followed for staff and customers. The two-metre social distancing rule has been cut to one, which is seen as a major boost for pubs and restaurants. Hotels, holiday apartments, caravan parks and campsites will be allowed to operate - as long as shared facilities are kept clean - as well as cinemas, arcades and theme parks.
Daily briefing: The R-rate has decreased thanks in part to social distancing measures
This is a huge relief for the UK hospitality industry, and for many campsite and holiday park owners, who feared strict rules surrounding the use of shared facilities such as toilets and shower blocks would force them to remain closed for the foreseeable future. With international travel still restricted to essential journeys, millions of UK residents are expected to book "staycations" in their own country this summer. Ros Pritchard, director-general of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, said the news was the tonic the public and park businesses needed to hear from the Government. She said: "Now it's official, there's no holding back the wave of enthusiasm for the holidays we provide.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-06--Britain must go on holiday as third demand summer breaks this year - poll

Mr Smith , who chairs Parliament ’ s “ future of aviation ” group , said : “ Our aviation @ @ @ @ @ have been amongst the worst affected by the coronavirus and will take far longer to @ @ @ @ @ Aviation is an economic enabler and it will be central to rebuilding our economy .
@ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus job retention scheme beyond October to support the millions of jobs in these @ @ @ @ @ to play their full role in our economic recovery .
The Government deserve huge credit @ @ @ @ @ have taken to protect jobs .
But we can not have a truly global Britain @ @ @ @ @ the aviation , travel and tourism sectors .
“ Cutting off this support before these @ @ @ @ @ recover will have disastrous consequences for everyone in the country .
”

Mr Smith, who chairs Parliament’s “future of aviation” group, said: “Our aviation, travel and tourism industries have been amongst the worst affected by the coronavirus and will take far longer to recover than most sectors. Aviation is an economic enabler and it will be central to rebuilding our economy.
“The Government must extend the coronavirus job retention scheme beyond October to support the millions of jobs in these sectors and to allow them to play their full role in our economic recovery. The Government deserve huge credit for the bold action they have taken to protect jobs. But we cannot have a truly global Britain without helping those working in the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.
“Cutting off this support before these sectors have been able to recover will have disastrous consequences for everyone in the country.”


thedailyexpress--2020-06-06--Newcastle United takeover: Boris told to block Saudi Arabia purchase ‘It's a sports wash!’

The cross party group of 15 Parliamentarians from the Conservatives , Labour , the Lib Dems and SNP have warned that regimes such as Saudi Arabia are using British football clubs to “ sports wash ” their appalling human rights and environmental records .
They want an effective “ fit and proper ” ownership test to be brought in to prevent dubious ownership of major sports teams .
The group has also appealed for measures to ban the practice of “ sports washing ” and the government to ensure major sports events and teams are used to promote human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture secretary Oliver Dowden to intervene over the Newcastle takeover have been met with a response that it “ a private matter ” for the Premier League .
The anger has come over the planned takeover of Newcastle United from the controversial Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley .
The consortium preparing to take ownership of the Magpies is 80 per cent controlled by Saudi Arabia ’ s wealth fund .
It has echoes of the controversial buy up of Manchester City in 2007 by Sheikh Mansour , deputy prime minister of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family of Abu Dhabi .
The row is also linked to the controversial decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup despite ongoing concerns over its human rights record .
But the Saudi bid for Newcastle has an additional controversy in that it is facing legal action over allegations it is illegally broadcasting Premier League games .
The MPs and peers have called on Boris Johnson to intervene in the takeover to stop it .
They said : “ We believe that the prospective purchase of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia raises a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime ’ s poor human rights record .
“ Allegations against the Saudi regime include authorising the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi a Saudi dissident , and journalist for The Washington Post , human rights activists facing being jailed with little or no access to fair trials , or judicial rights and the increasing use of online espionage against its ' opponents.
” They pointed out that there is well documented involvement of the regime in the war Yemen , including allegations of bombing of civilians .
The letter quoted Amnesty International UK ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who warned : “ Saudi Arabia is attempting to use the glamour and prestige of Premier League football as a PR tool to distract from the country 's abysmal human rights record ' “ There 's a name for this - it 's called sports-washing.
” The Parliamentarians pointed out that the “ tactic of sports-washing is by no means limited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , or to the sport of football as a number of regimes with poor human rights records and companies with poor environmental records are engaged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They added : “ Given that the Premier League is watched by an estimated 1.35 billion worldwide , the potential purchase of Newcastle United by a regime with a well-documented history of human rights abuses , we believe sends the wrong message , that the Premier League appears to be more concerned with attracting money into the sport than the spirit and values of football .
“ We believe that the limitation of the current ‘ fit and proper ’ , which prevents scrutiny of such activities that occur outside of the UK @ @ @ @ @

Newcastle United's St James' Park stadium
The cross party group of 15 Parliamentarians from the Conservatives, Labour, the Lib Dems and SNP have warned that regimes such as Saudi Arabia are using British football clubs to “sports wash” their appalling human rights and environmental records. They want an effective “fit and proper” ownership test to be brought in to prevent dubious ownership of major sports teams.
The group has also appealed for measures to ban the practice of “sports washing” and the government to ensure major sports events and teams are used to promote human rights. Previous attempts by campaigners to persuade culture secretary Oliver Dowden to intervene over the Newcastle takeover have been met with a response that it “a private matter” for the Premier League. The anger has come over the planned takeover of Newcastle United from the controversial Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley. The consortium preparing to take ownership of the Magpies is 80 per cent controlled by Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund. It has echoes of the controversial buy up of Manchester City in 2007 by Sheikh Mansour, deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi.
Former Labour Party leader Lord Kinnock
The row is also linked to the controversial decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup despite ongoing concerns over its human rights record. But the Saudi bid for Newcastle has an additional controversy in that it is facing legal action over allegations it is illegally broadcasting Premier League games. The MPs and peers have called on Boris Johnson to intervene in the takeover to stop it. They said: “We believe that the prospective purchase of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia raises a number of ethical issues because of the regime’s poor human rights record. “Allegations against the Saudi regime include authorising the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi a Saudi dissident, and journalist for The Washington Post, human rights activists facing being jailed with little or no access to fair trials, or judicial rights and the increasing use of online espionage against its' opponents.” They pointed out that there is well documented involvement of the regime in the war Yemen, including allegations of bombing of civilians.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-06--NHS hospital car parking charges must end now! Brexiteer leads attack on ‘steep’ tax

Wellingborough MP Peter Bone was one of the Parliament ’ s most ardent campaigners to leave the EU , and now he wants to free people from the burden of paying for hospital parking .
He said : “ We shouldn ’ t be making money out of people who are going to visit people who have got cancer.
” Hospital car parking is free in Wales and at most sites in Scotland but remains in place in England .
The average hourly fee in 2018-19 was £1.35 , rising to £1.74 in London .
Mr Bone argues his plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pounds because his Bill would exempt hospitals from paying business rates .
The Tory MP says it does not make sense for the Government to give taxpayers ’ cash to the NHS and for hospitals to then be charged millions in council tax .
One analysis suggested that hospitals in England and Wales were due to pay more than £400million in business rates in 2019-20 .
Mr Bone said : “ The problem with business rates is every time you improve the hospital , you build a new ward , you pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ludicrous.
” The Government says it is working on plans to “ offer free hospital car parking to disabled people , frequent outpatient attenders , parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts ” .
Mr Bone ’ s Private Member ’ s Bill would create a duty to secure the “ abolition ” of NHS hospital car parking charges .
He hopes his proposals will be adopted by the Government .
He said : “ We really shouldn ’ t be funding the health service through car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
Some of the parking charges are very steep at the moment and it ’ s just not right.
” Saffron Cordery of NHS Providers , the body which represents the interests of NHS hospitals , stressed that the Treasury would need to replace any funds lost through scrapping parking charges .
The latest figures show that in 2018-19 at least £185.6million was raised from parking charges paid by patients and visitors .
She said : “ Whilst increases in the cost of car parking at hospitals over recent years will undoubtedly be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families who work in or visit NHS hospitals , car parks are expensive to run for the trusts that own them .
These parking facilities must be maintained , lit well , and secure .
“ All charges by trusts for parking cover the day-to-day running of car parking at the hospital with any surplus reinvested back into wider services for patients or improving these facilities .
Recent government figures estimated that it would cost NHS hospitals around £200m per year to abolish car parking charges altogether .
We have to be realistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would need to come from elsewhere if parking charges were removed and could have an impact on patient care .
“ As a result , the Treasury should ensure additional funding is available to the Department for Health and Social Care to fund policies relating to hospital car parking charges .
”

NHS hospital car parking charges must end now! Brexiteer leads attack on ‘steep’ tax
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone was one of the Parliament’s most ardent campaigners to leave the EU, and now he wants to free people from the burden of paying for hospital parking. He said: “We shouldn’t be making money out of people who are going to visit people who have got cancer.”
Hospital car parking is free in Wales and at most sites in Scotland but remains in place in England. The average hourly fee in 2018-19 was £1.35, rising to £1.74 in London.
Mr Bone argues his plan would end up saving the NHS millions of pounds because his Bill would exempt hospitals from paying business rates. The Tory MP says it does not make sense for the Government to give taxpayers’ cash to the NHS and for hospitals to then be charged millions in council tax.
One analysis suggested that hospitals in England and Wales were due to pay more than £400million in business rates in 2019-20.
Mr Bone said: “The problem with business rates is every time you improve the hospital, you build a new ward, you pay more council tax. Well, that’s ludicrous.”
Hospital car parking is free in Wales and at most sites in Scotland but remains in place in England
The Government says it is working on plans to “offer free hospital car parking to disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts”. Mr Bone’s Private Member’s Bill would create a duty to secure the “abolition” of NHS hospital car parking charges. He hopes his proposals will be adopted by the Government. He said: “We really shouldn’t be funding the health service through car parking charges for people visiting sick relatives... Some of the parking charges are very steep at the moment and it’s just not right.” Saffron Cordery of NHS Providers, the body which represents the interests of NHS hospitals, stressed that the Treasury would need to replace any funds lost through scrapping parking charges. The latest figures show that in 2018-19 at least £185.6million was raised from parking charges paid by patients and visitors.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Tories at WAR: Boris and Rishi rift erupts over response to China - 'Cracks are growing'

The MP further suggested the highly-regarded Chancellor tipped to replace the Prime Minister in Number 10 sooner than expected .
Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak are increasingly divided on the subject of China , with the former keen to take a tougher stance with Beijing , and the latter wary of putting up an `` economic wall '' , fearing such a move would slow the UK 's coronavirus recovery , the MP claimed .
The Tory MP added : `` The sense among my colleagues is that Rishi is allowing more cracks to grow between him and Boris .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ party remains , and he is consistently one of the favourites to by Britain 's next Prime Minister among bookmakers .
The MP suggested that `` Rishi ’ s time could come sooner than expected . ''
The divisions were laid bare during a meeting of the National Security Council on Tuesday at which Mr Johnson outlined plans for a reset of relations with Beijing which would limit the UK 's economic dependence on the superpower .
However , Mr Sunak is understood to have raised concerns about the approach , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a forthright case '' for Chinese investment in industries such as steel and nuclear power .
On the other side , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , Home Secretary Priti Patel and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace backed the idea of taking a much tougher line on China .
READ MORE : 'Chipping away at the union ' : MP sounds dire devolution warning One source told MailOnline : `` The economic departments were obviously worried about their balance sheets and made that very clear .
`` Rishi was reading from the Treasury ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t do as they say . ''
Another said Mr Sunak had warned the UK could not afford to exclude the world 's second-largest economy .
DO N'T MISS Taiwan set to begin vessel production to enhance defence [ INSIGHT ] South China Sea : US warns of ‘ serious threat ’ as Beijing tracks ship [ REVEAL ] 'China is at war with US ' Urgent warning issued by US [ OPINION ] Millonaire Mr Sunak , 39 , has enjoyed a meteoric rise since he was elected as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 .
A backer of the Leave campaign a year later , he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Local Government by then-Prime Minister Theresa May in January 2018 .
He backed Mr Johnson for the Tory leadership and was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in July 2019 , during which time he served under then-Chancellor Sajid Javid .
However , in February , following Mr Javid 's shock resignation , he replaced him in Number 11 .
His first budget took place on March 11 , and included an announcement of £30billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mitigating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Days later , he announced an extra £330 billion in emergency support for businesses , plus the furlough scheme for employees to prevent massive job losses .
When Mr Johnson contracted COVID-19 in April , a Number 10 spokesman confirmed Mr Sunak would have been next in line had Mr Raab also become incapacitated .
Bookmaker Coral currently rates Mr Sunak at 5/1 to be the next Prime Minister , ahead of Michael Gove ( 10/1 ) , Dominic Raad ( 16/1 ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind Labour leader Keir Starmer ( 7/4 ) .
Mr Sunak is clear favourite to the be next Tory leader , with odds of 3/1 .

Rishi Sunak discusses ‘recovery’ of economy after pandemic
The MP further suggested the highly-regarded Chancellor tipped to replace the Prime Minister in Number 10 sooner than expected. Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak are increasingly divided on the subject of China, with the former keen to take a tougher stance with Beijing, and the latter wary of putting up an "economic wall", fearing such a move would slow the UK's coronavirus recovery, the MP claimed.
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The sense among my colleagues is that Rishi is allowing more cracks to grow between him and Boris Tory MP
The Tory MP added: "The sense among my colleagues is that Rishi is allowing more cracks to grow between him and Boris." Mr Sunak's standing within the party remains, and he is consistently one of the favourites to by Britain's next Prime Minister among bookmakers. The MP suggested that "Rishi’s time could come sooner than expected." Back Express.co.uk's NHS Heroes campaign
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak on the stairs of Number 10
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is thought to back a tougher stance on China
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The divisions were laid bare during a meeting of the National Security Council on Tuesday at which Mr Johnson outlined plans for a reset of relations with Beijing which would limit the UK's economic dependence on the superpower. However, Mr Sunak is understood to have raised concerns about the approach, and he and Business Secretary Alok Sharma made "a forthright case" for Chinese investment in industries such as steel and nuclear power. On the other side, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace backed the idea of taking a much tougher line on China. READ MORE: 'Chipping away at the union': MP sounds dire devolution warning
Chancellor Rishi Sunak
Business Secretery Alok Sharma
Boris Johnson after his discharge from hospital
Millonaire Mr Sunak, 39, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since he was elected as Tory MP for Richmond in Yorkshire in 2015. A backer of the Leave campaign a year later, he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Local Government by then-Prime Minister Theresa May in January 2018. He backed Mr Johnson for the Tory leadership and was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in July 2019, during which time he served under then-Chancellor Sajid Javid. However, in February, following Mr Javid's shock resignation, he replaced him in Number 11. His first budget took place on March 11, and included an announcement of £30billion additional spending, with £12billion specifically allocated to mitigating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rishi Sunak was promoted in February's Cabinet reshuffle
Days later, he announced an extra £330 billion in emergency support for businesses, plus the furlough scheme for employees to prevent massive job losses. When Mr Johnson contracted COVID-19 in April, a Number 10 spokesman confirmed Mr Sunak would have been next in line had Mr Raab also become incapacitated. Bookmaker Coral currently rates Mr Sunak at 5/1 to be the next Prime Minister, ahead of Michael Gove (10/1), Dominic Raad (16/1) and Jeremy Hunt (20/1) - although behind Labour leader Keir Starmer (7/4). Mr Sunak is clear favourite to the be next Tory leader, with odds of 3/1.
Home Secretary Priti Patel


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Brexit fury: Barnier must remember ‘he's PLAYER, not referee’ as UK-EU trade talks crumble

Following four days of discussions by video link , the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said there had been `` no significant areas of progress '' and had accused Britain of `` backtracking '' .
His UK counterpart David Frost said they would have to `` intensify and accelerate '' the process if there was to be any chance of an agreement .
However , senior sources told the Sunday Express that Mr Barnier was just trying to dictate terms in the talks rather than just present his own case on behalf of the other 27 countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfairly characterising the political declaration .
“ Michel Barnier seems to think he is the referee when actually he is a player on the pitch . ''
This week 's talks had been intended to lay the ground for a high-level summit later this month to take stock of progress .
However both sides suggested the unwieldy system of remote meetings because of the coronavirus outbreak had reached its limit .
It meant that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward .
Speaking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier said he hoped arrangements could be in place by the end of the month .
He said : `` I think it will work better , it 'll be more effective and easier.
” Boris Johnson is expected to attend the high-level summit with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen , European Council president Charles Michel and possibly the president of the European Parliament , David-Maria Sassoli later this month .
The high-level meeting is seen as an `` inflection point '' and will to evaluate progress in the free trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the UK to ask for an extension to the transition period .
But a senior member of the British negotiating team acknowledged the coronavirus outbreak meant there would be some delay .
However he insisted the talks could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that a deal was possible .
DO N'T MISS : Frustrated Merkel prepares to sideline Barnier in Brexit talks [ OPINION ] Brexit ultimatum : UK given until October 31 to agree to 'full ' deal [ REVEAL ] Boris Johnson facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line [ REVEAL ] The official added : `` We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen .
“ October is too late for us to conclude this .
`` We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters . ''
As it stands , Britain will leave the EU single market when the current Brexit transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to replace it unless a deal is agreed .

Brexit: Michel Barnier 'losing patience' with UK claims Menon
Following four days of discussions by video link, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said there had been "no significant areas of progress" and had accused Britain of "backtracking". His UK counterpart David Frost said they would have to "intensify and accelerate" the process if there was to be any chance of an agreement.
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However, senior sources told the Sunday Express that Mr Barnier was just trying to dictate terms in the talks rather than just present his own case on behalf of the other 27 countries. The source said: "The EU are unfairly characterising the political declaration. “Michel Barnier seems to think he is the referee when actually he is a player on the pitch." This week's talks had been intended to lay the ground for a high-level summit later this month to take stock of progress.
Michel Barnier has been suggesting his own terms, it is claimed.
Michel Barnier has said that no progress has been made in recent talks.
However both sides suggested the unwieldy system of remote meetings because of the coronavirus outbreak had reached its limit. It meant that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Mr Barnier said he hoped arrangements could be in place by the end of the month. He said: "I think it will work better, it'll be more effective and easier.” READ MORE: Irish Brexit crisis erupts: Panic over UK trade collapse sparks chaos
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The UK economy could suffer greatly in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Boris Johnson is expected to attend the high-level summit with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council president Charles Michel and possibly the president of the European Parliament, David-Maria Sassoli later this month. The high-level meeting is seen as an "inflection point" and will to evaluate progress in the free trade talks and is effectively the last chance for the UK to ask for an extension to the transition period. But a senior member of the British negotiating team acknowledged the coronavirus outbreak meant there would be some delay. However he insisted the talks could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that a deal was possible. DON'T MISS:
Frustrated Merkel prepares to sideline Barnier in Brexit talks [OPINION]
Brexit ultimatum: UK given until October 31 to agree to 'full' deal [REVEAL]
Boris Johnson facing crisis: PM warned job on the line [REVEAL]
Barnier and Frost had heated discussions this week.
The official added: "We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen. “October is too late for us to conclude this. "We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters." As it stands, Britain will leave the EU single market when the current Brexit transition period comes to an end in December with nothing to replace it unless a deal is agreed.
The Brexit transition period ends in December.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Boris Johnson plans new scheme to end Britain’s reliance on China

Boris Johnson unveiled the change in foreign policy at the national security council but it has been reported the Cabinet is split on the issue .
US officials visiting the UK in January suggested a Western-backed conglomerate as an alternative to Britain using Huawei in its 5G network but this was ruled out due to time constraints .
However , a senior Whitehall source told the Mail on Sunday : ‘ We have lost expertise in dozens of major markets like technology and science , hence why we got into the Huawei mess .
“ The Chinese have just hoovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Britain to go it alone and this malaise is not a uniquely British problem – it is felt across the West .
So on this we are going to help our partners plug the gaps that the Chinese are currently exploiting.
’ The other allies in the Five Eyes intelligence network are the US , Canada , Australia and New Zealand .
The coronavirus outbreak and the political situation in Hong Kong have caused Number Ten to want to “ reset and rebalance ” relations .
The Mail on Sunday added there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plans to overhaul the existing relationship .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned against “ putting up an economic wall ” which would potentially hamper Britain ’ s GDP and economic recovery .
Sources claim the two argued for a range of continued investments from China .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson plans lockdown relaxation in desperate bid to save jobs An ally of Mr Johnson simply said : `` The PM is trying to steer a moderate course between the China-bashers on the backbenches and those who worry about retreating into economic isolationism.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We hope the UK will stay committed to free trade and openness and ensure an open , fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.
” Mr Raab discussed in the House of Commons the national security legislation proposed for Hong Kong commenting : “ But I can tell the House , that if legislation in these terms , is imposed by China on Hong Kong , it would violate China ’ s own Basic Law .

Boris Johnson calls for ‘spirit of collaboration’ against diseases
Boris Johnson unveiled the change in foreign policy at the national security council but it has been reported the Cabinet is split on the issue. US officials visiting the UK in January suggested a Western-backed conglomerate as an alternative to Britain using Huawei in its 5G network but this was ruled out due to time constraints. However, a senior Whitehall source told the Mail on Sunday: ‘We have lost expertise in dozens of major markets like technology and science, hence why we got into the Huawei mess.
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“The Chinese have just hoovered up. “It is not realistic for Britain to go it alone and this malaise is not a uniquely British problem – it is felt across the West. So on this we are going to help our partners plug the gaps that the Chinese are currently exploiting.’ The other allies in the Five Eyes intelligence network are the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The coronavirus outbreak and the political situation in Hong Kong have caused Number Ten to want to “reset and rebalance” relations.
Boris Johnson is said to want to end reliance on China
Rishi Sunak and Alok Sharma were sad to have resisted the proposals
The Mail on Sunday added there was a split in the Cabinet over the plans to overhaul the existing relationship. Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned against “putting up an economic wall” which would potentially hamper Britain’s GDP and economic recovery. Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Alok Sharma backed up Mr Sunak. Sources claim the two argued for a range of continued investments from China. READ MORE: Boris Johnson plans lockdown relaxation in desperate bid to save jobs
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Dominic Raab, Priti Patel and Ben Wallace were said to in favour of a tougher line
Sources gave conflicting views on Liz Truss' position
Coronavirus was cited as one of the reasons for change in policy
An ally of Mr Johnson simply said: "The PM is trying to steer a moderate course between the China-bashers on the backbenches and those who worry about retreating into economic isolationism.” The Chinese Embassy in London said: “We hope the UK will stay committed to free trade and openness and ensure an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.” Mr Raab discussed in the House of Commons the national security legislation proposed for Hong Kong commenting: “But I can tell the House, that if legislation in these terms, is imposed by China on Hong Kong, it would violate China’s own Basic Law.
British Prime Ministers
“And it would be a clear violation of China’s international obligations, including those made specifically to the United Kingdom under the Joint Declaration. “Let me also be clear about the approach the United Kingdom intends to take. “We don’t oppose Hong Kong passing its own national security law.
Concerns over the situation in Hong Kong were also said to be a factor


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Sturgeon outrage: Scottish Labour blast IndyRef2 plans accusing FM of 'dividing' Scotland

Richard Leonard said the party will go into next year 's Holyrood election opposed to a second independence referendum .
Following a meeting of the party 's Scottish Executive Committee this week , Mr Leonard said the committee has agreed to campaign for a programme of home rule , devolution and democratic advance within the UK .
The party said it was opposed to independence and is committed to Scotland remaining in the union , with a plan for further devolution for the whole of the UK .
It added that it wanted renewed partnership between all its nations based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leaders said that following Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic , the last thing Scotland needs was `` more constitutional turmoil and economic instability '' .
Mr Leonard said : `` The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the terms of the constitutional debate in Scotland .
`` We believe that the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections must be about electing a Government and a Parliament that will dedicate its entire focus to rebuilding Scotland 's economy , public services and communities after the devastating impact of COVID-19 .
`` That work must be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we will be going into that election in 2021 with a Scottish Labour Party position that is opposed to a second referendum . ''
He added : `` If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that people do not want to be divided .
`` Communities want and need to come together .
The poll also suggested that 18 percent of No voters from 2014 would now vote in favour of independence while just 8 percent of Yes voters said they would now vote No .
But Keith Brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit back at Mr Leonard and said : `` In the same weekend that yet another poll confirms a growing and majority support for independence , the Labour party have decided to alienate themselves even further from the people of Scotland .
`` The party 's top brass are n't just out of touch with the electorate , though , they are blatantly ignoring their own members and politicians who have publicly backed Scotland 's right to choose a better future .
`` No wonder support for the Labour party has totally collapsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust of voters . ''

Nicola Sturgeon on Scotland's 'gradual' economic recovery
Richard Leonard said the party will go into next year's Holyrood election opposed to a second independence referendum. Following a meeting of the party's Scottish Executive Committee this week, Mr Leonard said the committee has agreed to campaign for a programme of home rule, devolution and democratic advance within the UK.
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The party said it was opposed to independence and is committed to Scotland remaining in the union, with a plan for further devolution for the whole of the UK. It added that it wanted renewed partnership between all its nations based on a "progressive federal structure". Leaders said that following Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, the last thing Scotland needs was "more constitutional turmoil and economic instability". Mr Leonard said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the terms of the constitutional debate in Scotland.
IndyRef2 is now opposed by Scottish Labour.
The Scottish government is facing a backlash on IndyRef2.
"We believe that the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections must be about electing a Government and a Parliament that will dedicate its entire focus to rebuilding Scotland's economy, public services and communities after the devastating impact of COVID-19. "That work must be the focus of the next Scottish Government and so we will be going into that election in 2021 with a Scottish Labour Party position that is opposed to a second referendum." He added: "If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that people do not want to be divided. "Communities want and need to come together. READ MORE: NATO chief’s ‘cataclysmic’ Scottish independence vision exposed
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Richard Leonard made the announcement yesterday.
Richard Leonard along with other Scottish party leaders.
The poll also suggested that 18 percent of No voters from 2014 would now vote in favour of independence while just 8 percent of Yes voters said they would now vote No. But Keith Brown, deputy leader of the Scottish National Party hit back at Mr Leonard and said: "In the same weekend that yet another poll confirms a growing and majority support for independence, the Labour party have decided to alienate themselves even further from the people of Scotland. "The party's top brass aren't just out of touch with the electorate, though, they are blatantly ignoring their own members and politicians who have publicly backed Scotland's right to choose a better future. "No wonder support for the Labour party has totally collapsed in Scotland and they have lost the trust of voters."
Nicola Sturgeon is still pressing ahead with IndyRef2.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Daily briefing: Is the coronavirus daily briefing on today?

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters .
Please see our Privacy Notice for details of @ @ @ @ @ Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again .
For more than @ @ @ @ @ been under lockdown to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The UK is now @ @ @ @ @ virus , and lockdown measures implemented in March are slowly beginning to be eased .
@ @ @ @ @ car showrooms and outdoor markets have been allowed to reopen .
For most pupils in @ @ @ @ @ Year 6 , the start of the month also marked a return to school .
@ @ @ @ @ non-essential shops will also be able to open again .

NHS offers advice to pregnant women on COVID-19 measures
For more than two months the UK has been under lockdown to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 . The UK is now past the peak of the virus, and lockdown measures implemented in March are slowly beginning to be eased.
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As of June 1, car showrooms and outdoor markets have been allowed to reopen. For most pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, the start of the month also marked a return to school. As of June 15, non-essential shops will also be able to open again. READ MORE: Shapps demands Britons wear face masks on public transport
Daily briefing: Is the coronavirus daily briefing on today?
Daily briefing: Boris Johnson has addressed the nation from Downing Street since March
READ MORE Caravan & campsites reopen: Grant Shapps reveals future of UK holidays Further measures are expected to be eased in the coming weeks and months. However, a number of new policies have been introduced to reduce the likelihood of a second peak. From June 15 people have been told to wear face coverings on all forms of public transport, including the tube. When visiting hospitals, people have also been advised to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Daily briefing: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has also led a number of daily briefings
Daily briefing: Health Secretary Matt Hancock has provided regular updates on the UK's COVID-19 outlook
According to Sky News, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be making a key speech next week about the Government’s plans to rebuild Britain’s economy. The PM is expected to address the growing concerns of people working in the hospitality and tourism industry, who are currently restricted by the COVID-19 lockdown. Mr Johnson is expected to outline how the Government is planning to fast-track infrastructure projects and increase job availability. However, Mr Johnson is currently facing concern from medical experts, who are concerned that a rapid exit from lockdown could catalyse a second spike in coronavirus cases. DON'T MISS: Grant Shapps warns Britons flocking to beaches putting UK in danger - INSIGHT
Boris Johnson's big hint he could SCRAP two metre distancing guideline - ANALYSIS
Jeremy Hunt lashes out at NHS testing chief in furious clash - INSIGHT
READ MORE Britons' FURY as EU demands Boris coughs up £270mn of taxpayer cash Why is there no coronavirus daily briefing today? Since the middle of March, the Government has held a daily coronavirus briefing to update the nation on the COVID-19 outlook. The Prime Minister has led a number of these briefings himself, but Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Health Secretary Matt Hancock have also been familiar faces on our TV screens during the lockdown. Boris Johnson’s two national addresses have brought in about 25 million viewers each, but the last weekend briefing was only watched by just over two million people.
Daily briefing: The Government announced last week Downing Street will no longer be holding a press briefing over the weekend


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Boris Johnson facing crisis: PM warned job on the line if he bows to EU's Brexit pressure

The Conservative Party leader secured an amended withdrawal agreement with the European Union last year , before being faced with the uphill task of getting it voted through Parliament by MPs still strongly opposed to the UK 's departure from the bloc .
But Boris Johnson was able to successfully achieve this after crushing his rivals in December 's general election , with the Tories securing a huge 80-seat majority in the House of Commons , and was then able to deliver on his manifesto promise to `` get Brexit done '' on January 31 .
The focus then switched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and EU in March , but discussions are edging towards collapse , with both sides exchanging insults over each other 's negotiating strategy and the lack of `` real progress '' during four separate rounds of talks .
Tensions have been magnified with the Prime Minister insisting a trade deal must be signed before the end of the transition period on December 31 , 2020 .
The EU , and in particular chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier , have appealed for the UK to extend this beyond the end of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own chief Brexit negotiator David Frost are refusing to budge .
Speaking in Brussels following the conclusion of the latest round of talks , Mr Barnier said the `` door is still open '' for the UK to seek an extension to the transition period to allow more time for negotiations to continue .
The Prime Minister has been praised for maintaining his hard-line stance in the face of mounting pressure from the EU , but one political expert warned any change in this position would threaten Mr Johnson 's leadership and seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister should extend the transition period beyond December 31 , 2020 , Ben Harris-Quinney , Chairman of the Bow Group think tank , simply said : `` Not if he wants to keep his job and have any positive legacy . ''
Wyn Grant , a Political Scientist and Politics Professor at the University of Warwick , explained there is an element of `` risk '' in extending the transition period .
He told this website : `` The risk attached to extending the transition period is that the gulf between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be bridged however much time is available , even though the EU seems to be shifting a little on fisheries .
`` It may be that all that is possible is bare bones agreement at the last minute that avoids the worst disruption .
`` As far as Boris Johnson is concerned , his key political pledge was to complete Brexit and it is difficult for him to step back from that . ''
But Alistair Jones , Associate Professor in Politics and a University Teacher Fellow at De Montfort University , warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Mr Johnson not to extend the transition period .
He said : `` As things stand , he is not going to extend the transition period .
This is a mistake .
`` The UK economy is going to contract by something in the vicinity of 10 % as a direct result of the pandemic .
Prior to the pandemic , there was an expectation the UK economy would contract by over 3 % through leaving the EU .
This is now going to be far more .
DO N'T MISS ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remainer chips in on Brexit [ COMMENT ] Brexit fury : Michel Barnier losing his cool as UK getting upper hand [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit bust up : David Frost statement in FULL as trade talks on brink [ STATEMENT ] '' Extending the transition period will enable all UK businesses that export to the EU , and those which import from the EU , to continue their current operations .
This will help them to recover , especially in conjunction with the support being detailed by Rishi Sunak .
`` A clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting such an extension , would provide excellent optics for Johnson , especially as it could be shown to be in the national interest for the short term .
`` For the longer term , the UK is still leaving the EU .
Getting that deal in place for a future trade agreement would be beneficial all round . ''
Following the conclusion of the latest round of trade talks on Friday , Mr Barnier again lamented the lack of progress being made in trade negotiations , accusing the UK of continuously looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political declaration .
He told a press conference in Brussels both sides are still `` very far '' from reaching agreement on the level playing field , nuclear safety , anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding , and a `` overarching institutional framework '' for the future relationship .

Brexit: Boris Johnson must not apply for extension says caller
The Conservative Party leader secured an amended withdrawal agreement with the European Union last year, before being faced with the uphill task of getting it voted through Parliament by MPs still strongly opposed to the UK's departure from the bloc. But Boris Johnson was able to successfully achieve this after crushing his rivals in December's general election, with the Tories securing a huge 80-seat majority in the House of Commons, and was then able to deliver on his manifesto promise to "get Brexit done" on January 31. The focus then switched to the beginning of trade talks between the UK and EU in March, but discussions are edging towards collapse, with both sides exchanging insults over each other's negotiating strategy and the lack of "real progress" during four separate rounds of talks.
Trending
Tensions have been magnified with the Prime Minister insisting a trade deal must be signed before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020. The EU, and in particular chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, have appealed for the UK to extend this beyond the end of this year, but Mr Johnson and his own chief Brexit negotiator David Frost are refusing to budge. Speaking in Brussels following the conclusion of the latest round of talks, Mr Barnier said the "door is still open" for the UK to seek an extension to the transition period to allow more time for negotiations to continue. The Prime Minister has been praised for maintaining his hard-line stance in the face of mounting pressure from the EU, but one political expert warned any change in this position would threaten Mr Johnson's leadership and seriously tarnish his reputation.
Boris Johnson has been warned his PM job could be at risk if he bows to the EU's pressure on Brexit
Bowing to EU pressure and extending the transition period could tarnish the PM's legacy, one political expert warned
When asked if the Prime Minister should extend the transition period beyond December 31, 2020, Ben Harris-Quinney, Chairman of the Bow Group think tank, simply said: "Not if he wants to keep his job and have any positive legacy." Wyn Grant, a Political Scientist and Politics Professor at the University of Warwick, explained there is an element of "risk" in extending the transition period. He told this website: "The risk attached to extending the transition period is that the gulf between the two sides is too big to be bridged however much time is available, even though the EU seems to be shifting a little on fisheries. "It may be that all that is possible is bare bones agreement at the last minute that avoids the worst disruption. READ MORE: Nigel Farage delivers 'pleasing' message to Brexiteers
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Michel Barnier has been angered by the UK's negotiating strategy
"As far as Boris Johnson is concerned, his key political pledge was to complete Brexit and it is difficult for him to step back from that." But Alistair Jones, Associate Professor in Politics and a University Teacher Fellow at De Montfort University, warned it would be a "mistake" for Mr Johnson not to extend the transition period. He said: "As things stand, he is not going to extend the transition period. This is a mistake. "The UK economy is going to contract by something in the vicinity of 10% as a direct result of the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, there was an expectation the UK economy would contract by over 3% through leaving the EU. This is now going to be far more. DON'T MISS
‘Childish’ Anna Soubry sparks backlash as Remainer chips in on Brexit [COMMENT]
Brexit fury: Michel Barnier losing his cool as UK getting upper hand [ANALYSIS]
Brexit bust up: David Frost statement in FULL as trade talks on brink [STATEMENT]
Boris Johnson has insisted the transition period will not be extended beyond the end of this year
The post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU have erupted into a war of words
"Extending the transition period will enable all UK businesses that export to the EU, and those which import from the EU, to continue their current operations. This will help them to recover, especially in conjunction with the support being detailed by Rishi Sunak. "A clear narrative, with a Parliament united in supporting such an extension, would provide excellent optics for Johnson, especially as it could be shown to be in the national interest for the short term. "For the longer term, the UK is still leaving the EU. Getting that deal in place for a future trade agreement would be beneficial all round." Following the conclusion of the latest round of trade talks on Friday, Mr Barnier again lamented the lack of progress being made in trade negotiations, accusing the UK of continuously looking "to distance themselves" from the political declaration. He told a press conference in Brussels both sides are still "very far" from reaching agreement on the level playing field, nuclear safety, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding, and a "overarching institutional framework" for the future relationship.
The deadline for an extension to the transition period is June 30


thedailyexpress--2020-06-08--Brexit fishing row intensifies as France warns Britain it will fight for French fishermen

French foreign minister , Jean-Yves Le Drian , said France will do everything it can to ensure Britain gives guarantees to French fishermen in Brexit talks during an interview with a local newspaper , Le Telegramme .
Fishing is particularly politically sensitive for France , who fishing industry relies heavily on British waters .
Mr Le Drian , who is from the coastal region of Brittany , reiterated France 's determination to defend access to British waters for French fisherman during talks over Britain 's future relationship with the EU .
He said : `` There is a major issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British waters in conditions that are as close as possible to the existing ones .
`` And I can assure you that I will be make sure that London guarantees them visibility , continuity in technical standards and the access they need . ''
Britain has repeatedly stated that , following Brexit and as a newly independent coastal state , it wants to be in control of its waters and fish .
There are fears in France of a major surrender from the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier in what would be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks on their new relationship after the UK finally unshackles itself from the bloc .
Brexit talks came to an end on Friday and tense arguments remain over fishing rights .
European fishing vessels fish six times as much in UK waters as British vessels do in EU waters , which means the UK has leverage in the talks .
On Friday , EU and British negotiators admitted they had made very little progress in their latest round of talks about a Brexit free trade agreement , with just weeks left to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both sides laid out plans to intensify negotiations and pleaded for a renewed political push when their leaders assess the situation later in June .
Britain left the EU in January .
Their relationship is now governed by a transition arrangement that keeps previous rules in place while they negotiate new terms .
So far , this has not gone well .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier told a news conference : `` This week , there have been no significant areas of progress .
We can not go on like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Britain remained far apart on the issues of fair competition guarantees and the governance of their new relationship , as well as fishing rights .
But Britain and the EU will continue talks on a post-Brexit trade deal despite the latest round of negotiations failing to break the deadlock .
The UK 's chief negotiator David Frost said they would have to `` intensify and accelerate '' the process if there was to be any chance of an agreement .
The talks had been intended to lay the ground for a high-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of progress .
However both sides suggested the unwieldy system of remote meetings - agreed because of the coronavirus outbreak - had reached its limit and that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward .
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels , Mr Barnier said he hoped arrangements could be in place by the end of the month .
He said : `` I think it will work better , it 'll be more effective and easier . ''
British officials said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go ahead although a date has yet to be agreed .
It is expected the summit - by video call - will involve Boris Johnson , European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen , European Council president Charles Michel and possibly the president of the European Parliament , David-Maria Sassoli .
British officials had previously indicated they regarded June as an `` inflection point '' in the talks , but a senior member of the negotiating team acknowledged the coronavirus outbreak meant there would be some delay .
However he insisted the talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the autumn without clear evidence that a deal was possible .
However the EU negotiator again accused the British side of backtracking on commitments made in the political declaration signed last year by the Prime Minister - including on continued access to UK fisheries .
He said : `` We can not and will not accept this backtracking on the political declaration . ''
British officials acknowledged that they had a `` slightly different interpretation '' of the declaration , which they said was meant to set the `` parameters '' for @ @ @

Brexit: UK won't 'capitulate' to EU fishing demands claims expert
French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said France will do everything it can to ensure Britain gives guarantees to French fishermen in Brexit talks during an interview with a local newspaper, Le Telegramme. Fishing is particularly politically sensitive for France, who fishing industry relies heavily on British waters. Mr Le Drian, who is from the coastal region of Brittany, reiterated France's determination to defend access to British waters for French fisherman during talks over Britain's future relationship with the EU.
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He said: "There is a major issue: the access for our fishermen to British waters in conditions that are as close as possible to the existing ones. "And I can assure you that I will be make sure that London guarantees them visibility, continuity in technical standards and the access they need." Britain has repeatedly stated that, following Brexit and as a newly independent coastal state, it wants to be in control of its waters and fish. There are fears in France of a major surrender from the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier in what would be the first major concession from the bloc in talks on their new relationship after the UK finally unshackles itself from the bloc. Brexit talks came to an end on Friday and tense arguments remain over fishing rights. European fishing vessels fish six times as much in UK waters as British vessels do in EU waters, which means the UK has leverage in the talks.
France has warned it will do everything it can do guarantee rights for French fishermen
Brexit talks have been marred by disagreements over fishing
On Friday, EU and British negotiators admitted they had made very little progress in their latest round of talks about a Brexit free trade agreement, with just weeks left to extend a year-end deadline to reach a deal. Both sides laid out plans to intensify negotiations and pleaded for a renewed political push when their leaders assess the situation later in June. Britain left the EU in January. Their relationship is now governed by a transition arrangement that keeps previous rules in place while they negotiate new terms. So far, this has not gone well. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier told a news conference: "This week, there have been no significant areas of progress. We cannot go on like this forever."
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France wants access to UK waters after Brexit
He said the EU and Britain remained far apart on the issues of fair competition guarantees and the governance of their new relationship, as well as fishing rights. But Britain and the EU will continue talks on a post-Brexit trade deal despite the latest round of negotiations failing to break the deadlock. The UK's chief negotiator David Frost said they would have to "intensify and accelerate" the process if there was to be any chance of an agreement. The talks had been intended to lay the ground for a high-level summit later this month to take stock of progress. However both sides suggested the unwieldy system of remote meetings - agreed because of the coronavirus outbreak - had reached its limit and that officials would need to start meeting again face to face if they were to move forward.
Britain has said it wants control of its waters after Brexit
Fishing is particularly politically sensitive for France, who fishing industry relies heavily on British waters
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Mr Barnier said he hoped arrangements could be in place by the end of the month. He said: "I think it will work better, it'll be more effective and easier." British officials said they remained confident the high-level meeting would still go ahead although a date has yet to be agreed. It is expected the summit - by video call - will involve Boris Johnson, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council president Charles Michel and possibly the president of the European Parliament, David-Maria Sassoli. British officials had previously indicated they regarded June as an "inflection point" in the talks, but a senior member of the negotiating team acknowledged the coronavirus outbreak meant there would be some delay. However he insisted the talks could not be allowed to drag on into the autumn without clear evidence that a deal was possible.
EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters
The official said: "We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen. October is too late for us to conclude this. "We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters." As it stands, Britain will leave the EU single market when the current Brexit transition period comes to an end at the end of the year with nothing to replace it unless a deal is agreed. Mr Barnier said the "door is still open" for the UK to seek an extension to the transition period to allow more time for negotiations to continue - something which Mr Johnson has repeatedly ruled out.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Coronavirus boost: Every care home in England can now test residents and staff

The Health Secretary said the milestone means that around 750,000 people living in more than 9,000 eligible care homes will be able to get access to the vital tests .
More than a third of England 's care homes have had cases of the virus since the pandemic began .
Mr Hancock told BBC One ’ s The Andrew Marr Show : “ We have now managed , successfully , to deliver tests to every care home that is eligible both for staff testing and for residents to be tested.
” The Cabinet Minister was pressed on whether the target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d previously said that “ every resident and every member of staff in care homes ” would be tested by early June .
He added : “ The goal we set was for the tests to be delivered by the 6th of June and that was completed yesterday I ’ m very glad to say , on time .
What that means is that about three-quarters of a million living in just over 9,000 eligible care homes , the tests have been delivered .
“ The care homes themselves asked us to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we were requiring them to send back the tests within a very short space of time.
” But Liz Kendall , Shadow Minister for Social Care , said more needs to be done to improve testing in care homes .
She said : “ Last month the Health Secretary promised that by 6 June , all residents and staff in care homes for the over 65s would be tested .
Today he said that care homes would only have tests ‘ delivered ’ .
“ This isn ’ t good enough and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act .
Care home residents and staff need to be regularly tested if we are are going to get to grips with this virus .
And we swiftly need to move to regularly testing family members too , so they can safely visit their loved ones .
“ Ministers should now implement a comprehensive strategy for regularly testing all care homes - including for the under 65s - and give social care services the priority and resources they deserve.
” The government has already pumped £600 million into an Infection Control Fund to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes .
The Fund , which is ring fenced for social care , was handed to local authorities to ensure care homes can continue to halt the spread of coronavirus by helping them cover the costs of implementing measures to reduce transmission .
They have asked to restrict permanent and agency staff to working in only one care home wherever possible .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock
The Health Secretary said the milestone means that around 750,000 people living in more than 9,000 eligible care homes will be able to get access to the vital tests. More than a third of England's care homes have had cases of the virus since the pandemic began. Mr Hancock told BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show: “We have now managed, successfully, to deliver tests to every care home that is eligible both for staff testing and for residents to be tested.”
The Cabinet Minister was pressed on whether the target had really been met as he’d previously said that “every resident and every member of staff in care homes” would be tested by early June. He added: “The goal we set was for the tests to be delivered by the 6th of June and that was completed yesterday I’m very glad to say, on time. What that means is that about three-quarters of a million living in just over 9,000 eligible care homes, the tests have been delivered. “The care homes themselves asked us to do it this way because, they say, we were requiring them to send back the tests within a very short space of time.” But Liz Kendall, Shadow Minister for Social Care, said more needs to be done to improve testing in care homes.
Liz Kendall, Shadow Minister for Social Care
She said: “Last month the Health Secretary promised that by 6 June, all residents and staff in care homes for the over 65s would be tested. Today he said that care homes would only have tests ‘delivered’. “This isn’t good enough and the Government has been too slow to act. Care home residents and staff need to be regularly tested if we are are going to get to grips with this virus. And we swiftly need to move to regularly testing family members too, so they can safely visit their loved ones. “Ministers should now implement a comprehensive strategy for regularly testing all care homes - including for the under 65s - and give social care services the priority and resources they deserve.” The government has already pumped £600 million into an Infection Control Fund to tackle the spread of Covid-19 in care homes. The Fund, which is ring fenced for social care, was handed to local authorities to ensure care homes can continue to halt the spread of coronavirus by helping them cover the costs of implementing measures to reduce transmission. They have asked to restrict permanent and agency staff to working in only one care home wherever possible.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-07--Daily coronavirus briefing: Why is there no daily briefing on today?


thedailyexpress--2020-06-08--They NEVER wanted a deal! Hannan lets rip at EU over plot for 'subservient' UK

Daniel Hannan said EU negotiators wanted Britain to be subservient rather than reasonable and were only ever in interested in holding on to some sort of power over a breakaway UK .
He said such an attitude had become clearer during the latest round of trade negotiations which appear to be heading for deadlock .
Writing in the Daily Telegraph , he said : `` They don ’ t want Britain to be reasonable ; they want it to be subservient .
`` Throughout the process , their objective has been not to maximise the prosperity of their citizens but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a breakaway province .
`` Given what we now see of their attitude , perhaps a deal was never on the cards. '' The Tory former MEP for the South East made his comments after a senior EU figure told Britain it had to be `` more realistic '' .
France 's former Europe minister MEP Nathalie Loiseau said it was `` possible '' that the UK and EU would reach a deal but that `` much progress has to be made in the negotiation '' .
The latest round of negotiations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break the deadlock but talks are set to continue .
READ MORE : PM warned Brexit talks at risk as EU states block Barnier compromise Chief negotiator Michel Barnier said there had been `` no significant areas of progress '' .
His UK counterpart , David Frost , said they would have to `` intensify and accelerate '' the process if there was to be any chance of an agreement .
Ms Loiseau said : `` For the time being , the UK negotiator is asking , for instance , for freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK - we have never provided it to any of our trade partners .
`` He is asking for reciprocity in terms of professional qualifications .
This is something that we provide only to member states .
So the UK side has to become more realistic . ''
A major sticking point remains the so-called level playing field , which is aimed at preventing the UK from undercutting EU standards on issues including workers ' rights , environmental protection and state subsidies .
Ms Loiseau said : `` We believe on both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so why do n't we keep them ?
`` Why do n't we commit ourselves legally as we have already done politically to keep these standards high , now and in the future ?
`` To have high standards , converging standards , equivalent standards , for the benefit of our peoples . ''
As it stands , Britain will leave the EU single market when the current Brexit transition period comes to an end at the end of the year with nothing to replace it unless a deal is agreed .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments for extending the period of transition beyond December 31 despite the demands of some vocal Brexit critics .
DO N'T MISS Brexit bombshell : Chance of no deal 'higher than ever ' [ ANALYSIS ] Macron 's MEP savaged over claims UK 's Brexit demands are 'unrealistic ' [ SPOTLIGHT ] Brexiteer brilliantly exposes Barnier for exploiting Remainers [ FOCUS ]

Brexit: Risk of no deal 'higher than ever' according to expert
Daniel Hannan said EU negotiators wanted Britain to be subservient rather than reasonable and were only ever in interested in holding on to some sort of power over a breakaway UK. He said such an attitude had become clearer during the latest round of trade negotiations which appear to be heading for deadlock.
They don’t want Britain to be reasonable; they want it to be subservient Daniel Hannan
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said: "They don’t want Britain to be reasonable; they want it to be subservient. "Throughout the process, their objective has been not to maximise the prosperity of their citizens but to retain a measure of suzerainty over a breakaway province. "Given what we now see of their attitude, perhaps a deal was never on the cards."
Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier
The Tory former MEP for the South East made his comments after a senior EU figure told Britain it had to be "more realistic". France's former Europe minister MEP Nathalie Loiseau said it was "possible" that the UK and EU would reach a deal but that "much progress has to be made in the negotiation". The latest round of negotiations, which ended on Friday, failed to break the deadlock but talks are set to continue. READ MORE: PM warned Brexit talks at risk as EU states block Barnier compromise
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UK Brexit negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier
Chief negotiator Michel Barnier said there had been "no significant areas of progress". His UK counterpart, David Frost, said they would have to "intensify and accelerate" the process if there was to be any chance of an agreement. Ms Loiseau said: "For the time being, the UK negotiator is asking, for instance, for freedom of movement for service providers coming from the UK - we have never provided it to any of our trade partners. "He is asking for reciprocity in terms of professional qualifications. This is something that we provide only to member states. So the UK side has to become more realistic." A major sticking point remains the so-called level playing field, which is aimed at preventing the UK from undercutting EU standards on issues including workers' rights, environmental protection and state subsidies.
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Ms Loiseau said: "We believe on both sides of the Channel in high standards - so why don't we keep them? "Why don't we commit ourselves legally as we have already done politically to keep these standards high, now and in the future? "To have high standards, converging standards, equivalent standards, for the benefit of our peoples." As it stands, Britain will leave the EU single market when the current Brexit transition period comes to an end at the end of the year with nothing to replace it unless a deal is agreed. And Mr Hannan said there were no good arguments for extending the period of transition beyond December 31 despite the demands of some vocal Brexit critics. DON'T MISS
Brexit bombshell: Chance of no deal 'higher than ever'[ANALYSIS]
Macron's MEP savaged over claims UK's Brexit demands are 'unrealistic'[SPOTLIGHT]
Brexiteer brilliantly exposes Barnier for exploiting Remainers[FOCUS]
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-06-09--Brexit Britain embarks on landmark Japan trade deal - Will 'go further' than EU-Tokyo pact

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the virtual meetings will focus on areas such as digital trade and services .
She said both sides would work to an `` ambitious timeline '' with the goal of signing a deal by the end of the year .
The UK 's Brexit transition period is due to end on December 31 and so far the Prime Minister has shown no signs of opting for an extension .
The Department for International Trade said on Monday that around 100 negotiators from the UK side will take part in the video talks .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs , Motegi Toshimitsu , will kick-off the meetings on Tuesday .
She said : `` As we kick-start trade talks , we aim to strike a comprehensive free trade agreement that goes further than the deal previously agreed with the EU , setting ambitious standards in areas such as digital trade and services .
`` A trade deal with Japan will also advance the UK 's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership , which will improve market access for UK businesses across the Asia-Pacific region . ''
Takaaki Hanaoka , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commerce and industry in the UK , said the two nations stand to benefit from a post-Brexit deal .
He said : `` The UK and Japan have common ground in that both have mature markets and societies .
`` Both can be partners in further developing economic activities through mutual trade and investment . ''
According to Government data , UK trade with Japan was worth more than £30 billion last year .
READ MORE : EU panic : Brussels farmers issue statement in no deal Brexit fear A total of 9,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian country .
Regions set to do particularly well if a good deal is struck include the East Midlands , London and Scotland , analysis by the Government shows .
The announcement comes as farmers in the UK expressed their concern over the lack of progress between Brussels and the UK in trade talks .
DO N'T MISS David Davis says Rees-Mogg making EU 'look great ' in brutal attack [ INSIGHT ] ‘ Predictable ’ Guy Verhofstadt blasted after European Army remark [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit domino effect : How Leave victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last Friday saw the fourth round of negotiations wrapped up .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator , Michel Barnier , struck a pessimistic tone on the failure of both sides to see eye to eye on key issues .
He said “ there has been no significant progress in the talks '' and added : “ We can not go on like this forever . ''
The Country Land and Business Association ( CLA ) , which represents land , property and business owners in rural England and Wales , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern to farmers ” .
CLA president Mark Bridgeman warned thousands of farmers could go bust if a deal was not agreed in the coming months .
He said : “ The EU sells £33 billion of agricultural products to the UK each year – almost £20 billion more than we sell to them – so the Prime Minister is absolutely right to have confidence in the value of our market .

Matt Hancock says UK ‘accelerating work’ on Brexit talks
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the virtual meetings will focus on areas such as digital trade and services. She said both sides would work to an "ambitious timeline" with the goal of signing a deal by the end of the year. The UK's Brexit transition period is due to end on December 31 and so far the Prime Minister has shown no signs of opting for an extension.
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The Department for International Trade said on Monday that around 100 negotiators from the UK side will take part in the video talks. Ms Truss and the Japanese minister for foreign affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, will kick-off the meetings on Tuesday. She said: "As we kick-start trade talks, we aim to strike a comprehensive free trade agreement that goes further than the deal previously agreed with the EU, setting ambitious standards in areas such as digital trade and services. "A trade deal with Japan will also advance the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will improve market access for UK businesses across the Asia-Pacific region."
The UK and Japan will kick off trade talks on Tuesday
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the UK hopes to strike a deal with Japan before the end of the year
Takaaki Hanaoka, secretary general of the Japanese chamber of commerce and industry in the UK, said the two nations stand to benefit from a post-Brexit deal. He said: "The UK and Japan have common ground in that both have mature markets and societies. "Both can be partners in further developing economic activities through mutual trade and investment." According to Government data, UK trade with Japan was worth more than £30 billion last year. READ MORE: EU panic: Brussels farmers issue statement in no deal Brexit fear
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Farmers may go bust if a trade deal with the EU is not signed, farming bodies have warned
David Frost is leading the trade talks on behalf of the UK
Brexit: 'No significant areas of progress’ says Michel Barnier
Last Friday saw the fourth round of negotiations wrapped up. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, struck a pessimistic tone on the failure of both sides to see eye to eye on key issues. He said “there has been no significant progress in the talks" and added: “We cannot go on like this forever."
Brexit timeline
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents land, property and business owners in rural England and Wales, said the lack of progress was “of great concern to farmers”.
CLA president Mark Bridgeman warned thousands of farmers could go bust if a deal was not agreed in the coming months. He said: “The EU sells £33 billion of agricultural products to the UK each year – almost £20 billion more than we sell to them – so the Prime Minister is absolutely right to have confidence in the value of our market.
Michel Barnier said there had been a significant lack of progress made in trade talks