thedailyexpress--2020-03-09--Brexit farce: Von der Leyen left red faced after 'gibberish' answer to UK Brexit position

Chiefly , according to Mr Barnier , the two sides still remain at odds over the issue of fisheries , fair and equal competition , criminal justice and the eventual dispute settlement .
Although he said the areas of differences remained , he said he believed a deal could be reached while warning it would be difficult .
He said : `` To be completely frank with you , there are many divergences and they are very serious divergences .
`` Which is probably quite natural after the first round of negotiations .
“ Our differences come as no surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , but some are very , very difficult .
“ However , I continue to believe that we can reach a good agreement for both sides.
” THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED Welsh government ministers , industry representatives and trade unions have banded together to call for a change to the UK ’ s post-Brexit immigration plans .
They claim the plans “ do not work for Wales ” .
Under the measures , low-skilled workers will not get visas as the UK government urges employers to move away from relying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member states .
Jeremy Miles , the Welsh government ’ s Counsel General , said in a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel the salary threshold should be reduced or scrapped .
He said : “ `` Together , we are sending a very clear message - we need a migration system that works for Wales , that works for our businesses , our schools and universities , our care homes and hospitals , so we continue to have the skills and people we need .
`` What the UK government is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.09pm update : Brexit should be a secondary matter , says John McDonnell Labour ’ s John McDonnell has said the government should treat the Brexit negotiations with Brussels as a secondary matter amid the coronavirus crisis .
In an interview , the shadow chancellor was asked if he thought the trade talks with the EU should be called off until the epidemic was brought under control .
He declined to give a clear answer but said “ others ” have questioned the ability of the government to best deal with the discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr McDonnell told The Independent : “ We are hearing increasingly noises from businesses and others about the problems they will confront in preparedness for Brexit implementation given the fact they ’ ve also got to address the threat of the virus outbreak .
“ In addition to that , others have questioned the limitations of the bandwidth within government to be able to deal with a global crisis and the negotiations themselves on the timetable the government has now set.
” He added : “ Brexit , although significant and important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep people safe.
” 7.45pm update : ‘ They need to decide what they want !
’ Critics hit back at EU Social media users have hit back at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for saying the UK should be prepared to make “ trade offs ” in negotiations on a free trade deal with the EU .
She said it was `` up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account '' .
One person said : “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU that was peddled during the WA talks .
“ Obviously hasn ’ t dawned on them that they are facing a very different negotiating team this time.
” Another person said : “ Here we go again , same old divide and rule games by the EU .
“ The reality is now that they need to decide what they want !
” Leo Varadkar has said the money Ireland would have set aside for a hard Brexit is now being channelled towards the fight against coronavirus .
He warned more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland could contract virus .
He said : `` Money that would have been set aside for a hard Brexit is being put aside for Covid-19 . ''
The first case of coronavirus has been detected among staff at the European Commission , a spokeswoman said on Monday .
The woman came back from Italy and has been in quarantine since last week , an EU official said .
The EU Commission , the 27-nation bloc 's executive , has a staff of around 32,000 .
Last week , another EU body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case of coronavirus among its staff .
And the Council of the European Union , another body , also decided to send home close to 50 persons after two staff members tested positive to the virus .
The case is not expected to affect the ongoing Brexit discussions .
4.01pm update : UK and EU partners need to decide if Brexit timetable is realistic , says John McDonnell Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has questioned whether the government could still keep to Boris Johnson 's timetable to conclude a post-Brexit free trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year in the midst of the coronavirus crisis .
In a pre-Budget address in London , Mr McDonnell said Labour did not want to engage in party politics at a time of crisis .
However , he said the Prime Minister should not have waited until last week to chair his first meeting of the government 's Cobra contingencies committee on coronavirus .
And he said Chancellor Rishi Sunak should have made a statement 10 days ago setting out the measures they were prepared to take to support the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances you need to be fast in demonstrating that there is a clear plan of action nationally , but also internationally .
Blind optimism is no substitute for that.
” In an interview with the PA news agency following his speech , Mr McDonnell called for cross-party talks on whether the timetable for reaching a trade deal with the EU was still feasible .
`` Is there enough bandwidth within government to deal with this crisis as well as the crisis that we are facing in terms of climate change as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit too ? ''
he said .
`` I think there needs to be a serious examination by government itself and proper consultation on a cross-party basis with our European partners whether the existing timetable is realistic .
Let 's look again . ''
3.26pm update : Gove hits back at von der Leyen - UK has been clear !
Michael Gove has hit back at the EU after Ursula von der Leyen said the UK needed to “ make up its mind ” on what kind of a post-Brexit deal it wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British negotiators who headed to Brussels for the first round of talks last week “ made clear ” that they wanted to become an independent country in 2021 and ruled out an extension to the transition period .
Updating MPs on the first round of talks , Cabinet Office minister Mr Gove said : `` The UK 's team made clear that on January 1 2021 the UK would regain its economic and political independence in full , and that the future relationship would need to reflect that reality . ''
Before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects to table `` a number of legal texts , including a draft FTA ( free trade agreement ) ” , Mr Gove said .
The UK will release a draft legal text ahead of the second round of Brexit negotiations next week .
Commenting on the approach , political editor for The Sun Tom Newton Dunn said the UK 's approach was a `` punchy '' one .
He said : `` Punchy move by No10 .
Doing to the EU what the EU did to the UK during Withdrawal Agreement negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK must make up its mind on Brexit , No10 has released a statement insisting the UK 's position has been clear .
It read : `` I think the UK has made up its mind very decisively and has been very clear about what it wants from its future relationship with the EU . ''
Felix Schoenherr , a German politician who is a member of the Christian Democratic Union ( CDU ) party , has expressed his fear over the loss of UK trade .
Speaking to Express.co.uk , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course the UK is an important market , so we are dependent on that trade relationship as well as our trade with the US , also to China .
So this is an issue .
“ Apart from that , travel restrictions may be a thing for students and academics who want to go to the UK , but really this is the danger of losing a market we have good trade with .
“ I think from a German economic perspective the UK is a very important trade partner , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both sides.
” Ms von der Leyen 's criticism of the UK 's Brexit position has been met with widespread condemnation .
Deputy political editor for the MailOnline , Jack Maidment , said : `` Ursula von der Leyen says UK must 'make up its mind ' on what it wants in Brexit trade talks .
`` Says if UK does n't want to play by EU rules it 'will be more distant ' and 'more difficult ' for UK to access the single market ' .
`` Which all feels a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A former Brexit Party MEP for the West Midlands , Rupert Lowe , has criticised Ms von der Leyen 's comments on the UK 's uncertain Brexit stance .
He said : `` Strange for von der Leyen to be criticising the UK for not making our mind up .
`` British Gov have made it quite clear we want no ECJ , no level-playing field and to be treated as 'sovereign equals ' .
`` Just because she does n't like it does n't mean it is n't happening ! ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission President urged the UK to `` make up '' its mind on what it wants for a post-Brexit future .
However , several commentators have said the UK has been clear of its intent to break away from the EU 's regulations and replicate a trade agreement similar to that of Canada .
Following her comments , The Daily Telegraph 's Brussels correspondent , James Crisp , insisted she must `` update '' her message .
He said : `` I think she needs to update her messaging - this make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
President of the European Commission , Ursula von der Leyen , held a press conference today where she addressed the coronavirus outbreak and Brexit .
Commenting on the Brexit trade deal , she said : `` We will make as much as we can but the truth is also that our partnership will be different .
`` The UK will be a third country and the EU will continue to forge its path in today ’ s world on its own . ''
9.41am update : Truckers to face huge amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haulage and shipping industries face a mountain of paperwork after the government ignored advice to request security waivers , The Daily Telegraph reports .
British negotiators rejected participation in the EU 's safety and security zone , according to the report .
This move is set to increase border delays despite warnings from industry experts .
Announcing her bid to become the next leader of the party , Ms Moran described her party 's policy to revoke Brexit as an error .
BBC Newsnight policy editor Lewis Goodall said the `` chances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rising '' due to the increase in cases of coronavirus .
Boris Johnson has said he will not request an extension to the Brexit transition which will end on December 31 , 2020 .
As it stands , the deadline for extending the transition period is the end of July .
Mr Goodall said an extension could be possible due to `` public concern '' .
He said : `` They will be acutely aware that public concern over virus much greater than its concern over the extension of a transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware .
`` If the crisis approaches the severity of migration crisis plus crash for the EU , they will be clamouring for an extension as well .
Both sides will run out of bandwidth or capacity to absorb further supply shocks . ''
Only crucial meetings will be held by the EU council this week amid fears caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
In health advice circulated by the bloc , delegates have been advised to `` respect personal hygiene '' and to `` avoid handshakes and kisses '' during meetings this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuses to rule out rejoining the EU Speaking at the Labour leadership hustings on Sunday , Sir Keir insisted the issue was not for the `` immediate future '' .
He added : `` I do n't think it 's a priority for now and the immediate future '' .
When asked to explicitly rule it out , he refused .
When questioned on his stance , he said it was for `` our kids to decide what our future relationship is '' .

Brexit: Keir Starmer insists rejoining EU is 'not a priority’
Speaking today, Ms von der Leyen called on the UK to clarify exactly what it wants from Brexit negotiations. However, several political commentators said Britain hhad been very clear on its desire for a clean break from EU regulations and bureaucracy. Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out rejoining the EU in a shock announcement at the Labour leadership hustings on Sunday. Speaking on a panel with fellow contenders, Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey, Sir Keir could not rule out the possibility of rejoining the trade bloc in the distant future. Last week, the EU and UK concluded the first round of negotiations although Michel Barnier declared on Thursday the two sides had multiple areas of "divergence".
Chiefly, according to Mr Barnier, the two sides still remain at odds over the issue of fisheries, fair and equal competition, criminal justice and the eventual dispute settlement. Although he said the areas of differences remained, he said he believed a deal could be reached while warning it would be difficult. He said: "To be completely frank with you, there are many divergences and they are very serious divergences. "Which is probably quite natural after the first round of negotiations. “Our differences come as no surprise, especially after only one round of negotiations, but some are very, very difficult. “However, I continue to believe that we can reach a good agreement for both sides.” THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED FOLLOW BELOW FOR YESTERDAY'S UPDATES.
Brexit LIVE: Ursula von der Leyen left red-faced
John McDonnell said questions have been raised about the government's scope to negotiate a trade deal amid the virus crisis
10.37pm update: Government’s post-Brexit immigrations system ‘doesn’t work for Wales’ Welsh government ministers, industry representatives and trade unions have banded together to call for a change to the UK’s post-Brexit immigration plans. They claim the plans “do not work for Wales”. Under the measures, low-skilled workers will not get visas as the UK government urges employers to move away from relying on “cheap labour” from EU member states. Jeremy Miles, the Welsh government’s Counsel General, said in a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel the salary threshold should be reduced or scrapped. He said: “ "Together, we are sending a very clear message - we need a migration system that works for Wales, that works for our businesses, our schools and universities, our care homes and hospitals, so we continue to have the skills and people we need. "What the UK government is currently proposing does not work for Wales. 9.09pm update: Brexit should be a secondary matter, says John McDonnell Labour’s John McDonnell has said the government should treat the Brexit negotiations with Brussels as a secondary matter amid the coronavirus crisis. In an interview, the shadow chancellor was asked if he thought the trade talks with the EU should be called off until the epidemic was brought under control. He declined to give a clear answer but said “others” have questioned the ability of the government to best deal with the discussions in the middle of a virus outbreak. Mr McDonnell told The Independent: “We are hearing increasingly noises from businesses and others about the problems they will confront in preparedness for Brexit implementation given the fact they’ve also got to address the threat of the virus outbreak. “In addition to that, others have questioned the limitations of the bandwidth within government to be able to deal with a global crisis and the negotiations themselves on the timetable the government has now set.” He added: “Brexit, although significant and important, has to be a secondary matter to keep people safe.”
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John McDonnell said the government should sideline Breixt amid the coronavirus crisis
7.45pm update: ‘They need to decide what they want!’ Critics hit back at EU Social media users have hit back at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for saying the UK should be prepared to make “trade offs” in negotiations on a free trade deal with the EU. She said it was "up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account". One person said: “It’s also the same narrative from the EU that was peddled during the WA talks. “Obviously hasn’t dawned on them that they are facing a very different negotiating team this time.” Another person said: “Here we go again, same old divide and rule games by the EU. “The reality is now that they need to decide what they want!” 6.28pm update: Ireland’s hard Brexit fund channelled towards coronavirus Leo Varadkar has said the money Ireland would have set aside for a hard Brexit is now being channelled towards the fight against coronavirus. He warned more than half of the population in the Republic of Ireland could contract virus. He said: "Money that would have been set aside for a hard Brexit is being put aside for Covid-19."
Micheal Gove has hit back at Ursula von der Leyen, insisting the UK has been clear on its intentions
5.22pm update: First coronavirus case detected at EU Commission The first case of coronavirus has been detected among staff at the European Commission, a spokeswoman said on Monday. The woman came back from Italy and has been in quarantine since last week, an EU official said. The EU Commission, the 27-nation bloc's executive, has a staff of around 32,000. Last week, another EU body, the European Defence Agency, reported a case of coronavirus among its staff. And the Council of the European Union, another body, also decided to send home close to 50 persons after two staff members tested positive to the virus. The case is not expected to affect the ongoing Brexit discussions. 4.01pm update: UK and EU partners need to decide if Brexit timetable is realistic, says John McDonnell Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has questioned whether the government could still keep to Boris Johnson's timetable to conclude a post-Brexit free trade deal with the European Union by the end of the year in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. In a pre-Budget address in London, Mr McDonnell said Labour did not want to engage in party politics at a time of crisis. However, he said the Prime Minister should not have waited until last week to chair his first meeting of the government's Cobra contingencies committee on coronavirus. And he said Chancellor Rishi Sunak should have made a statement 10 days ago setting out the measures they were prepared to take to support the economy. Mr McDonnell said: “In these circumstances you need to be fast in demonstrating that there is a clear plan of action nationally, but also internationally. Blind optimism is no substitute for that.” In an interview with the PA news agency following his speech, Mr McDonnell called for cross-party talks on whether the timetable for reaching a trade deal with the EU was still feasible. "Is there enough bandwidth within government to deal with this crisis as well as the crisis that we are facing in terms of climate change as well as the crisis in our public services and Brexit too?" he said. "I think there needs to be a serious examination by government itself and proper consultation on a cross-party basis with our European partners whether the existing timetable is realistic. Let's look again."
Michael Gove updated his Cabinet colleagues on the progress of talks on Monday
3.26pm update: Gove hits back at von der Leyen - UK has been clear! Michael Gove has hit back at the EU after Ursula von der Leyen said the UK needed to “make up its mind” on what kind of a post-Brexit deal it wanted. Mr Gove claimed the team of British negotiators who headed to Brussels for the first round of talks last week “made clear” that they wanted to become an independent country in 2021 and ruled out an extension to the transition period. Updating MPs on the first round of talks, Cabinet Office minister Mr Gove said: "The UK's team made clear that on January 1 2021 the UK would regain its economic and political independence in full, and that the future relationship would need to reflect that reality." Before the next round of talks, the UK expects to table "a number of legal texts, including a draft FTA (free trade agreement)”, Mr Gove said. 2.48pm update: "Punchy move" by the UK The UK will release a draft legal text ahead of the second round of Brexit negotiations next week. Commenting on the approach, political editor for The Sun Tom Newton Dunn said the UK's approach was a "punchy" one. He said: "Punchy move by No10. Doing to the EU what the EU did to the UK during Withdrawal Agreement negotiations."
Brexit LIVE: No 10 releases statement on Brexit talks
1.38pm update: No 10 hits back at Ursula von der Leyen Following her claims that the UK must make up its mind on Brexit, No10 has released a statement insisting the UK's position has been clear. It read: "I think the UK has made up its mind very decisively and has been very clear about what it wants from its future relationship with the EU." 1.06pm update: Germany fears loss of UK trade Felix Schoenherr, a German politician who is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, has expressed his fear over the loss of UK trade. Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: "It's mainly exports, of course the UK is an important market, so we are dependent on that trade relationship as well as our trade with the US, also to China. So this is an issue. “Apart from that, travel restrictions may be a thing for students and academics who want to go to the UK, but really this is the danger of losing a market we have good trade with. “I think from a German economic perspective the UK is a very important trade partner, and we should try to get an agreement on both sides.”
Brexit LIVE: Germany fears loss of UK trade
12.10pm update: Ursula von der Leyen a bit "fingers-in-ears given UK position" Ms von der Leyen's criticism of the UK's Brexit position has been met with widespread condemnation. Deputy political editor for the MailOnline, Jack Maidment, said: "Ursula von der Leyen says UK must 'make up its mind' on what it wants in Brexit trade talks. "Says if UK doesn't want to play by EU rules it 'will be more distant' and 'more difficult' for UK to access the single market'. "Which all feels a bit fingers-in-ears given UK position." 11.39am update: Rupert Lowe ridicules Ursula von der Leyen's Brexit speech A former Brexit Party MEP for the West Midlands, Rupert Lowe, has criticised Ms von der Leyen's comments on the UK's uncertain Brexit stance. He said: "Strange for von der Leyen to be criticising the UK for not making our mind up. "British Gov have made it quite clear we want no ECJ, no level-playing field and to be treated as 'sovereign equals'. "Just because she doesn't like it doesn't mean it isn't happening!"
Brexit LIVE: Brexit Day timeline
11am update: Von der Leyen accused of confusing Brexit speech In a press conference today, the European Commission President urged the UK to "make up" its mind on what it wants for a post-Brexit future. However, several commentators have said the UK has been clear of its intent to break away from the EU's regulations and replicate a trade agreement similar to that of Canada. Following her comments, The Daily Telegraph's Brussels correspondent, James Crisp, insisted she must "update" her message. He said: "I think she needs to update her messaging - this make up your mind gibberish is so last year." 10.21am update: Ursula von der Leyen comments on Brexit President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, held a press conference today where she addressed the coronavirus outbreak and Brexit. Commenting on the Brexit trade deal, she said: "We will make as much as we can but the truth is also that our partnership will be different. "The UK will be a third country and the EU will continue to forge its path in today’s world on its own."
Ursula von der Leyen drew widespread criticism for saying the UK should 'make up its mind' on Brexit
Brexit LIVE: Urusla von der Leyen gives an update on Brexit talks
9.41am update: Truckers to face huge amount of paperwork as UK drops fast-track checks Haulage and shipping industries face a mountain of paperwork after the government ignored advice to request security waivers, The Daily Telegraph reports. British negotiators rejected participation in the EU's safety and security zone, according to the report. This move is set to increase border delays despite warnings from industry experts. 8.34am update: Lib Dem Brexit policy "a big mistake" Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran criticised her party's Brexit policy on Sunday. Announcing her bid to become the next leader of the party, Ms Moran described her party's policy to revoke Brexit as an error.
Brexit LIVE: EU-UK trade negotiations
Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak discusses 'Brexit transition period'


thedailyexpress--2020-03-10--SNP civil war: Ian Blackford slaps down rebels over independence ‘We can’t break the law’

Party colleague Angus MacNeil MP is one of those arguing an SNP majority victory in next year ’ s Holyrood election should be seen as a mandate for independence if Boris Johnson continues to block a second referendum .
However , speaking about Scottish independence at a London School of Economics ( LSE ) debate society event , Mr Blackford stressed to “ see this through ” the party would have to adopt a “ legitimate and legal route ” .
Mr Blackford pointedly observed the “ path and destination of Scotland ’ s independence can only ever be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
It was only was via this “ path of persuasion ” that a majority of Scots would come round to leaving the rest of the UK , Mr Blackford added .
Mr Blackford , MP for Ross , Skye and Lochaber MP added : “ The United Kingdom that Scotland voted to remain part of 2014 no longer exists .
“ The union on these islands , as once was , is simply no more.
” Claiming a no-deal Brexit was “ still very much hanging over our people and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Scotland ’ s economic interests are no longer served by being a part of this union .
“ The landscape of the last decade - of austerity , of Brexit , of deep uncertainty and instability – has come at a great cost .
“ It is therefore little wonder that more and more of our citizens are seeking to escape that prolonged austerity and escape Brexit .
JUST IN : Brexit LIVE - Barnier in frantic race to publish key legal text Last month Mr Hague told Express.co.uk the SNP party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MacNeil and Joanna Cherry QC , who favour calling a referendum even without the blessing of Westminster , and Mr Blackford and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , who have adopted a more cautious approach .
Mr MacNeil , meanwhile signalled his impatience in a blog published on the Politics Home website last month in which he referred to a request under Section 30 of the Scottish Act , which permits Holyrood to pass laws in areas normally reserved to Westminster .
In it , he said : “ All avenues of the Consultative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Scottish Government should be decisive and not dither as it did over the Section 30 request .
“ That will be a hard sentence for many of my colleagues to read , but dither it was .
Now the Scottish Government is dithering over establishing the legality of a Consultative Referendum and that is another hard fact to swallow .
If all Referendum approaches are closed off , then we move away from ( the Salmond inspired ) Referendum approach that hold sway today and allow the Scottish people democratic expression at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats or votes .
“ After all Boris Johnson has his mandate for any Brexit on 43 percent of the vote and 56 percent of the seats .

Question Time: Joanna Cherry and host clash over Indyref2
The path and destination of Scotland’s independence can only ever be found through the democratic will of our people Ian Blackford
Party colleague Angus MacNeil MP is one of those arguing an SNP majority victory in next year’s Holyrood election should be seen as a mandate for independence if Boris Johnson continues to block a second referendum. However, speaking about Scottish independence at a London School of Economics (LSE) debate society event, Mr Blackford stressed to “see this through” the party would have to adopt a “legitimate and legal route”. Mr Blackford pointedly observed the “path and destination of Scotland’s independence can only ever be found through the democratic will of our people”.
It was only was via this “path of persuasion” that a majority of Scots would come round to leaving the rest of the UK, Mr Blackford added. Mr Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP added: “The United Kingdom that Scotland voted to remain part of 2014 no longer exists. “The union on these islands, as once was, is simply no more.”
SNP MPs Ian Blackford and Angus MacNeil
Joanna Cherry QC is another SNP MP in Westminster
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Claiming a no-deal Brexit was “still very much hanging over our people and our businesses”, Mr Blackford said: “Scotland’s economic interests are no longer served by being a part of this union. “The landscape of the last decade - of austerity, of Brexit, of deep uncertainty and instability – has come at a great cost. “It is therefore little wonder that more and more of our citizens are seeking to escape that prolonged austerity and escape Brexit. JUST IN: Brexit LIVE - Barnier in frantic race to publish key legal text
Angus MacNeil has a more militant approach
Ian Blackford is the SNP's Westminster leader
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister
Last month Mr Hague told Express.co.uk the SNP party was split between hardliners such as Mr MacNeil and Joanna Cherry QC, who favour calling a referendum even without the blessing of Westminster, and Mr Blackford and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who have adopted a more cautious approach. Mr MacNeil, meanwhile signalled his impatience in a blog published on the Politics Home website last month in which he referred to a request under Section 30 of the Scottish Act, which permits Holyrood to pass laws in areas normally reserved to Westminster. In it, he said: “All avenues of the Consultative Referendum should be explored now, and the Scottish Government should be decisive and not dither as it did over the Section 30 request.
Scottish independence polls show a narrow majority in favour
“That will be a hard sentence for many of my colleagues to read, but dither it was. Now the Scottish Government is dithering over establishing the legality of a Consultative Referendum and that is another hard fact to swallow. If all Referendum approaches are closed off, then we move away from (the Salmond inspired) Referendum approach that hold sway today and allow the Scottish people democratic expression at an election, either by majority of seats or votes. “After all Boris Johnson has his mandate for any Brexit on 43 percent of the vote and 56 percent of the seats.
These Islands chief Kevin Hague
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-03-10--Boris Johnson nearly suffers defeat as 38 Tories try to sabotage Huawei 5G plans

Mr Johnson saw off defeat but his majority was slashed from 80 to 24 and more Tories signalled they will vote against Huawei ’ s involvement in the coming months .
Worried MPs fear using Huawei to develop 5G systems will allow China to spy on Britain and sabotage infrastructure .
They slammed the government for putting national security at risk by pressing ahead with the plans in the face of opposition from international allies .
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith tried to amend a bill in the Commons to ban Huawei from the system in two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essentially almost completely owned '' by Chinese trade unions controlled by the state and warned “ security of the realm is the number one priority ” .
`` The reality is that when it comes to security versus cost , my view is security wins every single time because I worry when we start compromising security , '' he added .
`` We are genuinely concerned that this country has got itself far too bound into a process in which we are reliant on untrusted vendors and in this particular case , Huawei.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease fears by insisting the government is “ 'clear-eyed about the challenges posed by Huawei ” and is working to reduce its involvement .
But Conservative former trade secretary Liam Fox urged the UK to `` avoid the risk '' .
“ This idea we must have Huawei because there are no other alternatives is also untrue , ” he said .
`` The United States is going to get 5G without Huawei because they will not bring that risk into their own national security.
” Huawei is one of the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private company .
But Chinese law means firms can be forced to co-operate with its national intelligence work and critics claim Beijing could force Huawei to spy on people through so-called `` back doors '' in its telecoms equipment .
Tory former cabinet minister Owen Paterson criticised the government ’ s plan to limit the company ’ s involvement to 35 percent of the project as “ a bit of a nonsense ” .
“ It 's like saying prisoners are allowed to build 35 percent of a prison wall.
” Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s involvement in their own telecommunications networks .
US President Donald Trump is said to be furious with the UK over the decision and privately described it as a “ betrayal ” .

Huawei: MP’s vote against ‘high-risk vendors’ ban
Mr Johnson saw off defeat but his majority was slashed from 80 to 24 and more Tories signalled they will vote against Huawei’s involvement in the coming months. Worried MPs fear using Huawei to develop 5G systems will allow China to spy on Britain and sabotage infrastructure. They slammed the government for putting national security at risk by pressing ahead with the plans in the face of opposition from international allies.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith tried to amend a bill in the Commons to ban Huawei from the system in two years. Sir Iain said Huawei was "essentially almost completely owned" by Chinese trade unions controlled by the state and warned “security of the realm is the number one priority”. "The reality is that when it comes to security versus cost, my view is security wins every single time because I worry when we start compromising security," he added. "We are genuinely concerned that this country has got itself far too bound into a process in which we are reliant on untrusted vendors and in this particular case, Huawei.”
Huawei is 'essentially almost completely owned' by Chinese trade unions
Should Huawei have a hand in our security?
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tried to ease fears by insisting the government is “'clear-eyed about the challenges posed by Huawei” and is working to reduce its involvement. But Conservative former trade secretary Liam Fox urged the UK to "avoid the risk". “This idea we must have Huawei because there are no other alternatives is also untrue,” he said. "The United States is going to get 5G without Huawei because they will not bring that risk into their own national security.” Huawei is one of the world's biggest suppliers of telecommunications equipment and is a private company.
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But Chinese law means firms can be forced to co-operate with its national intelligence work and critics claim Beijing could force Huawei to spy on people through so-called "back doors" in its telecoms equipment. Tory former cabinet minister Owen Paterson criticised the government’s plan to limit the company’s involvement to 35 percent of the project as “a bit of a nonsense”. “It's like saying prisoners are allowed to build 35 percent of a prison wall.” Britain’s international allies have blocked Huawei’s involvement in their own telecommunications networks. US President Donald Trump is said to be furious with the UK over the decision and privately described it as a “betrayal”.


thedailyexpress--2020-03-10--Brexit LIVE: Barnier in frantic race to publish key legal text after UK shows up EU

Mr Johnson has presented the EU chief with a detailed report of the first round of trade negotiations which took place in Brussels last week .
The published document also references the mandate for talks on the future relationship and the 11 core topics including trade , fisheries and law .
In a statement released by Number 10 , Michael Gove made it clear to the bloc the UK would “ regain its economic and political independence in full ” .
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said : “ Discussions in some areas identified a degree of common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could cover .
“ In other areas , notably fisheries , governance and dispute settlement , and the so-called ‘ level playing field ’ , there were , as expected , significant differences.
” David Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , also pointed the bloc towards the statement and insisted the UK would publish a legal text before the second round of talks on March 18-20 .
The response from Downing Street comes after Ms von der Leyen acknowledged there were `` differences in the approach ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK for the lack of progress and insisted Britain must decide whether it wanted access to the EU single market .
She said : `` We are are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to .
`` So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules that are the rules of the single market .
`` If this is not the UK 's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market .
`` So I think it 's up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account . ''
9.56pm update : Furious French urge Macron to block Brexit deal if UK sticks to red lines ‘ No deal !
’ France 's President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade negotiations and walk away unless the UK agrees to align with EU rules and regulations , a French farmer has said - with the subject of chlorinated chicken at the top of the agenda .
The UK is pushing for a wide-ranging , post-Brexit free trade deal with the USA – but Washington wants Britain to change food hygiene rules to allow chicken carcasses to be disinfected with chemicals such as chlorine .
However , EU standards require washing with water , which the bloc ’ s farmers say means they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequently more costly .
French poultry farmer Isabelle Leballeur is angry at European trade agreements which she said allowed low-cost chicken into France and voiced her determination to stop post-Brexit Britain getting such a kind of deal .
9.22pm update : Ian Blackford slaps down rebels over independence ‘ We can ’ t break the law ’ Ian Blackford , the SNP 's Westminster leader , has delivered a withering rebuke to party colleagues pushing for Scotland to break away from the rest of the UK next year - and exposing the divisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process .
Party colleague Angus MacNeil MP is one of those arguing an SNP majority victory in next year ’ s Holyrood election should be seen as a mandate for independence if Boris Johnson continues to block a second referendum .
However , speaking about Scottish independence at a London School of Economics ( LSE ) debate society event , Mr Blackford stressed to “ see this through ” the party would have to adopt a “ legitimate and legal route ” .
Mr Blackford pointedly observed the “ path and destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever be found through the democratic will of our people ” .
BREXITEER Mark Francois is the new chairman of the Eurosceptic European Research Group , Steve Baker MP has announced .
Mr Baker , who stepped down from the role himself , having himself replaced previous chairman Jacob Rees Mogg , tweeted : `` I 'm delighted to announce that the ERG has approved Mark Francois as Chair and former Brexit minister David Jones as Deputy Chair .
`` Congratulations to you both .
We can look forward to robust and capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has told Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ignore the `` whinging '' European Commission - and deliver a Brexit which gets Britain `` match-fit '' for Brexit .
Writing on the Politics Home website , Mr Davis said of Mr Sunak , who replaced Sajid Javid last month : `` He has to help get the country match-fit for Brexit .
New deals to encourage research and tax breaks to encourage exports , should be high on the agenda .
`` We are still one of the best places in the world to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation .
`` In doing so , he should ignore the whinging of the European Commission .
It always struck me as amusing that the Commission complained about “ unfair competition ” when their President , Jean-Claude Juncker , had been both Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Luxembourg , which has long been one of the EU ’ s leading tax havens , with Ireland and the Netherlands .
`` So we should ignore them and do what is squarely in the national interest . ''
7.10pm update : Barnier pushes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has admitted the bloc is scrambling to put together a legal text in advance of next week 's crunch talks after it was revealed UK negotiators were ahead of the game Speaking at the European Parliament after a meeting with MPs , Mr Barnier was questioned about the UK 's plans to present a draft treaty text .
In a strong hint the EU would do likewise , he said : `` “ It ’ s always useful , in this very short time , to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On both sides , on both sides.
” The UK Government must implement a `` meaningful , comprehensive and transparent process '' for the devolved administrations to influence Brexit talks .
A joint statement aimed at Downing Street was issued after a meeting in London .
Attendees included Scotland 's Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell and Europe minister Jenny Gilruth , her Welsh counterpart Jeremy Miles , Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Michelle O'Neill .
They said they had not been given the role they hoped for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the next round of discussions with the EU taking place next week , the devolved administrations called on Westminster to listen to the needs and interests of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
The statement said : `` Before the next round of negotiations later this month we agreed there must be a meaningful , comprehensive and transparent process for the devolved Governments to influence the UK 's negotiating position - something that has clearly not happened so far .
Piers Morgan has clashed with Remainers on a number of occasions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer as the ITV Good Morning Britain host dubbed his policy on Brexit a `` threat to democracy '' .
The row came as MPs backed a bill aimed at blocking Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without a Brexit deal and potentially scuppering his Brexit plans .
But Piers Morgan took issue with this , hinting that a “ Remainer Parliament '' could be attempting to stop Brexit from happening at all .
In September , the GMB host put his questions to Labour Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU .
Conservative MP George Freeman warned he will be voicing his concerns over Boris Johnson 's Brexit `` masterplan '' at the 2020 budget announcement on Wednesday , after being sacked as a minister by the Prime Minister 's team .
The former transport minister claimed to have been let go with two other members of the team after the decision of Boris Johnson 's special adviser Dominic Cummings to push away anyone that could jeopardise his Brexit masterplan .
Speaking on BBC Politics Live , Mr Freeman claimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister 's Brexit vision but that he feared Mr Cummings would backtrack on the UK 's promise to `` take back control '' after leaving the EU .
The Tory MP said : “ Three of us at the department of transport were moved out and I think that ’ s because Dominic Cummings and the team have got a masterplan , much of which I support actually , which is about infrastructure , science and treasury and fiscal stimuli to level up . ''
4.46pm update : Dan Wootton lashes out at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with coronavirus Dan Wootton unleashed his frustration at `` London liberal elites '' attempting to stop Brexit from going ahead due to the coronavirus epidemic .
TalkRADIO host Dan Wootton took aim at author Jemma Forte who suggested the British Government should consider putting a hold on Brexit to deal with the coronavirus outbreak .
While on the Jeremy Vine Show , Dan Wootton broke into a furious rant criticising another attempt from `` Remoaners '' to stop Brexit at any costs .
Mr Wootton argued Remainers were hoping to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit from happening .
3.45pm update : Why coronavirus could force PM to STOP exit but UK would still pay into EU Boris Johnson could be forced to delay Brexit as he steps up his fight against the coronavirus outbreak , a political expert has warned .
Mujtaba Rahman warned of three reasons why the Prime Minister will have to trigger a Brexit extension – a move which would see Britain still bound to paying into the EU coffers .
Mr Rahman , managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group , a political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson was under pressure over how the deadly coronavirus could affect UK-EU trade negotiations .
The political expert said the “ tight timetable ” for Brexit negotiations had been “ aggravated ” by the coronavirus outbreak .
3.30pm update : `` Even more opportunities to trade with new partners '' Mr Sunak , who delivers his first Budget tomorrow , said : `` This decade will provide even more opportunities for British businesses to export and trade with new partners across the world .
`` The Government will support business to seize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage .
`` This package - which is the highest level of export lending the Government has ever made available - will provide support to industries and regions across the country . ''
From the £5 billion pot being made available , £2 billion will be offered for exports that encourage green growth while £1 billion will be set aside for defence industry purchases , Number 11 confirmed .
As part of the extra funding , foreign investors hoping to start a business in the UK are also expected to have their visa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade .
Mr Sunak will also look closer to home as well during his Budget , announcing £50 million worth of investment to improve accessibility to train stations .
3.20pm update : Sunak will use Budget to boost post-Brexit exports Chancellor Rishi Sunak is aiming to boost post-Brexit exports for UK businesses by making £5billion of loans available in his forthcoming Budget .
Mr Sunak is set to hand over £5 billion to UK Export Finance ( Ukef ) , the Government 's export credit agency that provides loans to overseas buyers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the money would help UK exporters to increase their global sales as Britain prepares for life outside the EU , with Mr Sunak helping to top up the purchasing power of those abroad by providing a competitive loan rate through Ukef .
The agency 's role is to ensure exports do not fail due to a lack of available finance or insurance for those looking to buy up Britain 's export offers .
It will be the largest increase ever handed to the Ukef , taking its lending power up from £3billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ POLL : Should Brexit be delayed to focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak ?
Coronavirus has caused a global health crisis and focused the minds of Government ’ s around the world to try and contain the deadly virus , but should Brexit be delayed to focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak ?
VOTE NOW .
10.45am update : Trade minister in US for talks with business leaders Greg Hands , Minister for Trade policy is the the US ahead of trade talks between the UK and the US .
Mr Hands will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives in New York , Pennsylvania and Washington .
He said : “ From Harrisburg to Harrogate , this deal will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic .
It will scrap unnecessary red tape , bring more opportunities for businesses , lower prices and create better jobs in the UK and the US .
“ Securing free trade deals will be a key driver in levelling up the UK , and a trade deal with our largest single trading partner will benefit every UK region and nation .
“ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week to discuss our objectives ahead of the negotiations.
” London ’ s stock exchange has made gains following ‘ black Monday ’ which saw shares plummet across the world .
The FTSE 100 was up by around 2 percent in early trading this morning .
British Businessman John Mills has outlined the benefits of Brexit to UK firms following the launch of a pro-Brexit lobby group .
Mr Mills , the founder of consumer products company JML , along with John Longworth , the former director general of the British Chambers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation to provide an “ alternative post-Brexit voice ” .
Mr Mills wrote on Twitter : “ Brexit is great for business .
“ Entrepreneurs see Brexit as a radical opportunity to expand and grow !
“ This group is an antidote to the gloomy cynics !
” 8.50am update : Iain Duncan Smith outlines why the UK has the ‘ power ’ over the EU in trade talks Iain Duncan Smith has brilliantly outlined why the UK now has the upper-hand in trade negotiations with the European Union .
The former Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election under Theresa May and more laterally under Boris Johnson no majority , the EU was always able to smile to itself because it knew that parliament would stymie the Government at almost every turn because they didn ’ t have a majority .
“ So they would make demands and bare in mind also in the negotiations we went always to Brussels , you know we had to go over to them which was always a sign of weakness I always thought .
“ Now it is different , having got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU that actually the Government will for the most part get whatever it wants done , which means it has no fallback to parliament and therefore its all the negotiations .
“ And point two now and that is they have to come to London and that is the key bit they are doing turn and turn about which puts the power back in London ’ s hands , back in our hands . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to increase the state loans available to export firms to £8 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Sunak said : “ This decade will provide even more opportunities for British businesses to export and trade with new partners across the world .
“ This package , which is the highest level of export lending the Government has ever made available , will provide support to industries and regions across the country .
”

Brexit: Ursula von der Leyen urges UK to 'make up' its mind
Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a stern response to Ursula von der Leyen after the EU Commission President ordered the UK to "make up its mind" on what it wants from Brexit talks. Speaking at the European Parliament after a meeting with MPs, Mr Barnier was questioned about the UK's plans to present a draft treaty text. In a strong hint the EU would do likewise, he said: "“It’s always useful, in this very short time, to work on legal text - on both sides. On both sides, on both sides.”
Mr Johnson has presented the EU chief with a detailed report of the first round of trade negotiations which took place in Brussels last week. The published document also references the mandate for talks on the future relationship and the 11 core topics including trade, fisheries and law. In a statement released by Number 10, Michael Gove made it clear to the bloc the UK would “regain its economic and political independence in full”. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said: “Discussions in some areas identified a degree of common understanding of the ground that future talks could cover. “In other areas, notably fisheries, governance and dispute settlement, and the so-called ‘level playing field’, there were, as expected, significant differences.”
Michel Barnier is scrambling to get a legal text together for next week's meeting
David Frost, the Prime Minister’s chief Brexit negotiator, also pointed the bloc towards the statement and insisted the UK would publish a legal text before the second round of talks on March 18-20. The response from Downing Street comes after Ms von der Leyen acknowledged there were "differences in the approach”. The EU chief shifted the blame towards the UK for the lack of progress and insisted Britain must decide whether it wanted access to the EU single market. She said: "We are are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to.
Brexit news: David Frost and Michel Barnier in Brussels last week
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"So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market, the more they have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market. "If this is not the UK's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market. "So I think it's up to the UK within the negotiations to think about the trade-offs they want to take into account." This live blog is no longer being updated. See below for yesterday's Brexit updates:
Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen has called on the UK to 'make up its mind'
9.56pm update: Furious French urge Macron to block Brexit deal if UK sticks to red lines ‘No deal!’ France's President Emmanuel Macron should pull the plug on trade negotiations and walk away unless the UK agrees to align with EU rules and regulations, a French farmer has said - with the subject of chlorinated chicken at the top of the agenda. The UK is pushing for a wide-ranging, post-Brexit free trade deal with the USA – but Washington wants Britain to change food hygiene rules to allow chicken carcasses to be disinfected with chemicals such as chlorine. However, EU standards require washing with water, which the bloc’s farmers say means they have to maintain stricter standards, which are consequently more costly. French poultry farmer Isabelle Leballeur is angry at European trade agreements which she said allowed low-cost chicken into France and voiced her determination to stop post-Brexit Britain getting such a kind of deal. 9.22pm update: Ian Blackford slaps down rebels over independence ‘We can’t break the law’ Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, has delivered a withering rebuke to party colleagues pushing for Scotland to break away from the rest of the UK next year - and exposing the divisions at the heart of the party in the process. Party colleague Angus MacNeil MP is one of those arguing an SNP majority victory in next year’s Holyrood election should be seen as a mandate for independence if Boris Johnson continues to block a second referendum. However, speaking about Scottish independence at a London School of Economics (LSE) debate society event, Mr Blackford stressed to “see this through” the party would have to adopt a “legitimate and legal route”. Mr Blackford pointedly observed the “path and destination of Scotland’s independence can only ever be found through the democratic will of our people”. 7.50pm update: Francois is new ERG chairman BREXITEER Mark Francois is the new chairman of the Eurosceptic European Research Group, Steve Baker MP has announced. Mr Baker, who stepped down from the role himself, having himself replaced previous chairman Jacob Rees Mogg, tweeted: "I'm delighted to announce that the ERG has approved Mark Francois as Chair and former Brexit minister David Jones as Deputy Chair. "Congratulations to you both. We can look forward to robust and capable leadership?
Steve Baker's tweet
7.13pm update: Davis tells Sunak: "Ignore whinging European Commission" Former Brexit Secretary David Davis has told Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ignore the "whinging" European Commission - and deliver a Brexit which gets Britain "match-fit" for Brexit. Writing on the Politics Home website, Mr Davis said of Mr Sunak, who replaced Sajid Javid last month: "He has to help get the country match-fit for Brexit. New deals to encourage research and tax breaks to encourage exports, should be high on the agenda. "We are still one of the best places in the world to do business, and he should reinforce that reputation. "In doing so, he should ignore the whinging of the European Commission. It always struck me as amusing that the Commission complained about “unfair competition” when their President, Jean-Claude Juncker, had been both Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Luxembourg, which has long been one of the EU’s leading tax havens, with Ireland and the Netherlands. "So we should ignore them and do what is squarely in the national interest." 7.10pm update: Barnier pushes for legal text prior to next week's meeting EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has admitted the bloc is scrambling to put together a legal text in advance of next week's crunch talks after it was revealed UK negotiators were ahead of the game Speaking at the European Parliament after a meeting with MPs, Mr Barnier was questioned about the UK's plans to present a draft treaty text. In a strong hint the EU would do likewise, he said: "“It’s always useful, in this very short time, to work on legal text - on both sides. On both sides, on both sides.” 5.40pm update: Devolved regions demand voice in EU trade talks The UK Government must implement a "meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process" for the devolved administrations to influence Brexit talks. A joint statement aimed at Downing Street was issued after a meeting in London. Attendees included Scotland's Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell and Europe minister Jenny Gilruth, her Welsh counterpart Jeremy Miles, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Michelle O'Neill. They said they had not been given the role they hoped for in the first round of talks. With the next round of discussions with the EU taking place next week, the devolved administrations called on Westminster to listen to the needs and interests of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The statement said: "Before the next round of negotiations later this month we agreed there must be a meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process for the devolved Governments to influence the UK's negotiating position - something that has clearly not happened so far. 5.20pm update: How GMB host dubbed Keir Starmer Brexit policy a ‘threat to democracy' Piers Morgan has clashed with Remainers on a number of occasions - this included Labour leadership hopeful Keir Starmer as the ITV Good Morning Britain host dubbed his policy on Brexit a "threat to democracy". The row came as MPs backed a bill aimed at blocking Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without a Brexit deal and potentially scuppering his Brexit plans. But Piers Morgan took issue with this, hinting that a “Remainer Parliament" could be attempting to stop Brexit from happening at all. In September, the GMB host put his questions to Labour Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer, who campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU. 4.48pm update: Sacked minister threatens Tory revenge at 2020 budget announcement over Brexit masterplan Conservative MP George Freeman warned he will be voicing his concerns over Boris Johnson's Brexit "masterplan" at the 2020 budget announcement on Wednesday, after being sacked as a minister by the Prime Minister's team. The former transport minister claimed to have been let go with two other members of the team after the decision of Boris Johnson's special adviser Dominic Cummings to push away anyone that could jeopardise his Brexit masterplan. Speaking on BBC Politics Live, Mr Freeman claimed to be a big supporter of the Prime Minister's Brexit vision but that he feared Mr Cummings would backtrack on the UK's promise to "take back control" after leaving the EU. The Tory MP said: “Three of us at the department of transport were moved out and I think that’s because Dominic Cummings and the team have got a masterplan, much of which I support actually, which is about infrastructure, science and treasury and fiscal stimuli to level up."
Brexit: Piers Morgan warns of 'threat to democracy' in 2019
4.46pm update: Dan Wootton lashes out at ‘Remoaners’ demanding Brexit be stopped to deal with coronavirus Dan Wootton unleashed his frustration at "London liberal elites" attempting to stop Brexit from going ahead due to the coronavirus epidemic. TalkRADIO host Dan Wootton took aim at author Jemma Forte who suggested the British Government should consider putting a hold on Brexit to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. While on the Jeremy Vine Show, Dan Wootton broke into a furious rant criticising another attempt from "Remoaners" to stop Brexit at any costs. Mr Wootton argued Remainers were hoping to use coronavirus as the next plot to prevent Brexit from happening. 3.45pm update: Why coronavirus could force PM to STOP exit but UK would still pay into EU Boris Johnson could be forced to delay Brexit as he steps up his fight against the coronavirus outbreak, a political expert has warned. Mujtaba Rahman warned of three reasons why the Prime Minister will have to trigger a Brexit extension – a move which would see Britain still bound to paying into the EU coffers. Mr Rahman, managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm, said Boris Johnson was under pressure over how the deadly coronavirus could affect UK-EU trade negotiations. The political expert said the “tight timetable” for Brexit negotiations had been “aggravated” by the coronavirus outbreak.
Brexit: Iain Duncan Smith claims EU is ‘more weak’ than UK
3.30pm update: "Even more opportunities to trade with new partners" Mr Sunak, who delivers his first Budget tomorrow, said: "This decade will provide even more opportunities for British businesses to export and trade with new partners across the world. "The Government will support business to seize these opportunities and thrive on the world stage. "This package - which is the highest level of export lending the Government has ever made available - will provide support to industries and regions across the country." From the £5 billion pot being made available, £2 billion will be offered for exports that encourage green growth while £1 billion will be set aside for defence industry purchases, Number 11 confirmed. As part of the extra funding, foreign investors hoping to start a business in the UK are also expected to have their visa applications supported by the Department for International Trade. Mr Sunak will also look closer to home as well during his Budget, announcing £50 million worth of investment to improve accessibility to train stations. 3.20pm update: Sunak will use Budget to boost post-Brexit exports Chancellor Rishi Sunak is aiming to boost post-Brexit exports for UK businesses by making £5billion of loans available in his forthcoming Budget. Mr Sunak is set to hand over £5 billion to UK Export Finance (Ukef), the Government's export credit agency that provides loans to overseas buyers of British goods and services. The Treasury said the money would help UK exporters to increase their global sales as Britain prepares for life outside the EU, with Mr Sunak helping to top up the purchasing power of those abroad by providing a competitive loan rate through Ukef. The agency's role is to ensure exports do not fail due to a lack of available finance or insurance for those looking to buy up Britain's export offers. It will be the largest increase ever handed to the Ukef, taking its lending power up from £3billion to £8billion. 1.30pm update: Brexit POLL: Should Brexit be delayed to focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak? Coronavirus has caused a global health crisis and focused the minds of Government’s around the world to try and contain the deadly virus, but should Brexit be delayed to focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak? VOTE NOW.
Brexit in covers
11.40am update: Boris say the UK will not extend Brexit deadline due to coronavirus Boris Johnson has dismissed the proposition of the Brexit transition period being extended in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak across the world. The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: "The talks are progressing exactly as planned. “Both sides are very aware of the timetable that they are working to." 11.15am update: David Lammy claims it's national interest to stop Brexit due to coronavirus David Lammy has called on Boris Johnson to "swallow his pride and put the national interest first" by delaying Brexit amid the coronavirus outbreak. The MP for Tottenham wrote on Twitter: “The government can't negotiate the future of Britain's trade with the EU in a few months during what could well become a global coronavirus pandemic. “Boris Johnson needs to swallow his pride and put the national interest first. That means agreeing an extension with the EU.” READ MORE: Brexit DELAY: David Lammy claims it's national interest to stop Brexit due to coronavirus
10.45am update: Trade minister in US for talks with business leaders Greg Hands, Minister for Trade policy is the the US ahead of trade talks between the UK and the US. Mr Hands will meet business and industry leaders and Government representatives in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. He said: “From Harrisburg to Harrogate, this deal will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic. It will scrap unnecessary red tape, bring more opportunities for businesses, lower prices and create better jobs in the UK and the US. “Securing free trade deals will be a key driver in levelling up the UK, and a trade deal with our largest single trading partner will benefit every UK region and nation. “I am delighted to be on the East coast this week to discuss our objectives ahead of the negotiations.” 10.00am update: FTSE makes gains this morning London’s stock exchange has made gains following ‘black Monday’ which saw shares plummet across the world. The FTSE 100 was up by around 2 percent in early trading this morning. 9.15am update: Brexiteers set up rival pro-Brexit lobby group British Businessman John Mills has outlined the benefits of Brexit to UK firms following the launch of a pro-Brexit lobby group. Mr Mills, the founder of consumer products company JML, along with John Longworth, the former director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, have formed an Independent Foundation to provide an “alternative post-Brexit voice”. Mr Mills wrote on Twitter: “Brexit is great for business. “UK business is innovative, entrepreneurial and dynamic. “Entrepreneurs see Brexit as a radical opportunity to expand and grow! “This group is an antidote to the gloomy cynics!”
Brexit news: A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-03-12--Boris Johnson speech in FULL: What did Boris announce on delay phase? What does it mean?

The UK is now in the second step - the delay phase - of the Government ’ s four point plan against coronavirus .
On Thursday afternoon Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the step up to the delay phase in a televised address from inside Downing Street .
The number of cases of coronavirus in the UK reached 596 on Thursday , up by more than 100 in the past 24 hours .
Deaths in the UK have climbed to 10 , all elderly patients who had underlying health conditions .
NHS England revealed the latest deaths were an 89-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman in her 60s at Queen 's Hospital in Romford .
Mr Johnson led an emergency meeting this lunchtime , with other ministers and the nation 's top scientific experts .
• Coronavirus : Dr Hilary reveals how to make your own hand sanitiser But what did the Prime Minister announce on the delay phase ?
What does it mean ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson opened his speech by saying : `` It 's clear that coronavirus Covid-19 continues and will continue to spread across the world and our country over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done what can be done to contain this disease , and this has bought us valuable time , but it 's now a global pandemic .
`` The number of cases will rise sharply , indeed the true number of cases is higher - perhaps much higher - than the number of cases we have so far confirmed with tests . ''
He said : ” We are now getting onto the next phase .
`` This is now not just an attempt to contain the disease as far as possible but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aim of the Government ’ s plan was to push back the peak of the virus to maximise the effect of the NHS .
Mr Johnson said they aimed to protect the elderly and those most vulnerable .
DO N'T MISS Kim Jong-un coronavirus crisis as North Korea despot FLEES [ INSIGHT ] Coronavirus : UK officially in delay phase - COBRA escalation [ ANALYSIS ] UK broadband blackout : Coronavirus could ‘ overload ’ networks [ EXPLAINED ] The Government are advising against international school trips , and those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for at least seven days .
Mr Johnson also said : `` We are considering banning major public events like sporting fixtures .
`` The scientific advice is this has little effect on the spread - but it does place a burden on other public services . ''
Currently , schools were not being told to close however Mr Johnson said the advice may change as coronavirus spreads .
The Prime Minister acknowledged the measures the Government are implementing will cause severe disruption for many months .
Mr Johnson said families would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their time '' as the coronavirus outbreak worsens .
He said : `` We 've all got to be clear , this is the worst public health crisis for a generation .
`` Some people compare it to seasonal flu , alas that is not right .
Due to the lack of immunity this disease is more dangerous .
`` It is going to spread further and I must level with you , I must level with the British public : many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time @ @

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson aims to 'delay peak' of COVID-19
The UK is now in the second step - the delay phase - of the Government’s four point plan against coronavirus. On Thursday afternoon Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the step up to the delay phase in a televised address from inside Downing Street.
Trending
The number of cases of coronavirus in the UK reached 596 on Thursday, up by more than 100 in the past 24 hours. Deaths in the UK have climbed to 10, all elderly patients who had underlying health conditions. NHS England revealed the latest deaths were an 89-year-old at Charing Cross Hospital in London and a woman in her 60s at Queen's Hospital in Romford. Mr Johnson led an emergency meeting this lunchtime, with other ministers and the nation's top scientific experts. Read More: Coronavirus: Travel insurers cut back on coronavirus cover
Boris Johnson speech in FULL: Mr Johnson announced the UK is moving into the delay phase
READ MORE Coronavirus: Dr Hilary reveals how to make your own hand sanitiser But what did the Prime Minister announce on the delay phase? What does it mean? Prime Minister Boris Johnson opened his speech by saying: "It's clear that coronavirus Covid-19 continues and will continue to spread across the world and our country over the next few months. "We've done what can be done to contain this disease, and this has bought us valuable time, but it's now a global pandemic. "The number of cases will rise sharply, indeed the true number of cases is higher - perhaps much higher - than the number of cases we have so far confirmed with tests."
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Boris Johnson speech in FULL: Cases increased by more than 100 in 24 hours
He said: ”We are now getting onto the next phase. "This is now not just an attempt to contain the disease as far as possible but to delay its spread." He added the aim of the Government’s plan was to push back the peak of the virus to maximise the effect of the NHS. Mr Johnson said they aimed to protect the elderly and those most vulnerable. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE Coronavirus UK outbreak: Boris urged to SCRAP May elections The Government are advising against international school trips, and those who have any symptoms of coronavirus should remain at home for at least seven days. Mr Johnson also said: "We are considering banning major public events like sporting fixtures. "The scientific advice is this has little effect on the spread - but it does place a burden on other public services." Currently, schools were not being told to close however Mr Johnson said the advice may change as coronavirus spreads.
Boris Johnson speech in FULL: Around the world there are more than 120,000 cases of coronavirus
Boris Johnson speech in FULL: Mr Johnson warned to take the COVID-19 outbreak seriously
The Prime Minister acknowledged the measures the Government are implementing will cause severe disruption for many months. Mr Johnson said families would continue to "lose loved ones before their time" as the coronavirus outbreak worsens. He said: "We've all got to be clear, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation. "Some people compare it to seasonal flu, alas that is not right. Due to the lack of immunity this disease is more dangerous. "It is going to spread further and I must level with you, I must level with the British public: many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time."


thedailyexpress--2020-03-12--UK elections could be scrapped as Electoral Commission makes urgent recommendation

The Electoral Commission said today the “ risk ” of holding a series of votes across Britain would still be high in May .
In a letter to the Cabinet Office , Bob Posner , Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission , has called on the government to delay the May 7 2020 elections following its announcement to enter the delay phase of its strategy to control the spread of COVID-19 .
The Mayor of London and London Assembly elections will see voters in London boroughs cast their votes for who they want to be mayor and their constituency member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Londoners are among the most at risk of catching the virus with the highest number of cases in a concentrated area , with 104 to date .
And with over 500 confirmed cases across the UK , the commission has said the virus will block politicians from campaigning effectively and prevent voters from casting their vote at the ballot box .
With over 500 confirmed cases , the commission has said the virus will block politicians from campaigning effectively and prevent voters from casting their vote at the ballot box .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing cold or flu-like symptoms are being asked to self isolate for seven days , as the government ’ s chief scientific adviser says there are likely between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected with the virus .
Consequently , the government is being urged to postpone the election until autumn .
READ MORE : Coronavirus : PM says to self-isolate if you have mild symptoms

Coronavirus: Johnson says more families will 'lose loved ones'
The Electoral Commission said today the “risk” of holding a series of votes across Britain would still be high in May. In a letter to the Cabinet Office, Bob Posner, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, has called on the government to delay the May 7 2020 elections following its announcement to enter the delay phase of its strategy to control the spread of COVID-19. The Mayor of London and London Assembly elections will see voters in London boroughs cast their votes for who they want to be mayor and their constituency member as well as 11 London-wide Assembly Members. But Londoners are among the most at risk of catching the virus with the highest number of cases in a concentrated area, with 104 to date. And with over 500 confirmed cases across the UK, the commission has said the virus will block politicians from campaigning effectively and prevent voters from casting their vote at the ballot box. With over 500 confirmed cases, the commission has said the virus will block politicians from campaigning effectively and prevent voters from casting their vote at the ballot box. From Friday, anyone in the UK showing cold or flu-like symptoms are being asked to self isolate for seven days, as the government’s chief scientific adviser says there are likely between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected with the virus. Consequently, the government is being urged to postpone the election until autumn. READ MORE: Coronavirus: PM says to self-isolate if you have mild symptoms
Bob Posner is calling for the government to postpone May elections
The UK has entered the delay phase of its strategy to stop spread of virus
Mr Posner wrote in the letter: “In light of the current and emerging situation around Covid-19 in the UK, I wanted to write to set out the Commission’s concerns about the real risks to the successful delivery of the scheduled 7 May 2020 elections. “It has already become clear that the risks are so significant as to raise serious concerns about the polls continuing to their current timetable.” While polling day is not for eight weeks, preparations for elections are underway and the start of the formal timetable takes place later this month. The commission raised concerns over politicians’ ability to reach the general public, if many forms of campaigning are not possible. It is vital that voters are able to hear the positions of candidates, parties and campaigners before casting their vote, but there may be insufficient space for arguments to be heard, it said. Meanwhile, local authorities are unsure of whether they will be able to provide polling station venues that are secure, staffed and accessible in light of the challenges the coronavirus poses, Mr Posner added. Chief executives of local authorities and their staff across the country are preoccupied with managing the impact of COVID-19 on their localities - not the election, it adds. “The risks to delivery that have been identified are such that we cannot be confident that voters will be able to participate in the polls safely and confidently, nor that campaigners and parties will be able to put their case to the electorate,” the letter said. DON'T MISS:
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Boris Johnson has triggered the 'delay phase' of the government's response to virus
The Electoral Commission is assessing the risks with the Association of Electoral Administrators, Solace, the Greater London Returning Officer and the Wales Electoral Coordination Board. Meanwhile, Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU to be held in London next week have been cancelled as the numbers of officials infected rises. David Frost, the president’s Europe adviser and chief negotiator of Task Force Europe, and Michele Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, were due to discuss the second round of negotiations on free trade deals. The meeting would have involved 100 officials from the EU and UK. In a joint statement released by 10 Downing Street, the UK and EU negotiators said: “Given the latest Covid-19 developments, UK and EU negotiators have today jointly decided not to hold next week’s round of negotiations in London, in the form originally scheduled. “Both sides are currently exploring alternative ways to continue discussions, including if possible the use of video conferences.” This is a developing story, more to follow…


thedailyexpress--2020-03-12--Coronavirus chaos: Parliament panics as Cabinet minister awaits results - MPs self-isolate

The unnamed minister has withdrawn from their regular parliamentary duties after coming into close contact with health minister Nadine Dorries , who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday evening .
The Cabinet minister was tested for coronavirus on Wednesday and is due to receive their test results this morning , sources have revealed.n Fellow Health Minister Edward Argar also remained at home after having lunch with Ms Dorries in Parliament last week .
Fears were raised over his health when he was spotted coughing in the Dispatch Box in the House of Commons on Tuesday .
Sources close to Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was not showing any of the symptoms closely associated with coronavirus .
But he reportedly chose to remain at home as precaution , and had even caught advice from Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty , asking him whether it was safe to return to Parliament or to stay at home .
But The Daily Telegraph has claimed four other ministers are now believed to be in self-isolation .
Sir Charles Walker , the Conservative MP for Broxbourne , placed himself into self-isolation on Wednesday and was due to be tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telegraph he was “ really fine ” , but decided to remain at home as a precaution after having an “ engaged discussion ” with Ms Dorries in Parliament last week .
The latest scare has sparked fears throughout Westminster the killer bug - which has so far killed six people in the UK with nearly 500 confirmed cases - could now be quickly spreading throughout Parliament .
Public Health England is desperately trying to trace people who may have come into contact with Ms Dorries , including up to 10 people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event in Downing Street .
Attendees included Boris Johnson ’ s pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds , three female Cabinet ministers , former Olympic gold medal winning athlete Dame KellyHomes , and a number of schoolchildren .
Senior Conservatives have now raised the alarm over Ms Dorries ’ diagnosis , clawing she is a regular visitor to the tea room in the House of Commons .
One worried MP told The Daily Telegraph : “ She loves the tea room , so she will have seen loads of people.
” Ms Dorries used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message to her colleagues on Wednesday morning .
DO N'T MISS Coronavirus panic : Sky News ' Kay Burley loses it over No 10 's response [ VIDEO ] Coronavirus symptoms : When should you call NHS 111 ?
[ ADVICE ] Nicola Sturgeon infuriates GMB viewers [ INTERVIEW ] She wrote : “ Hard to remember every single person I was in contact with last week .
“ If you sat next to me in the tea room or library etc please let me know.
” There had been fears Foreign Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was spotted coughing and wi [ ping his nose on the front bench during the Budget speech delivered by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday .
The MP for Esher and Walton insisted to The Daily Telegraph he was “ at the tail end of a cold ” , and said : “ I ’ ve already been checked for coronavirus and is was negative.
” But pictures and videos of his apparent ill-health began trading immediately on social media , with thousands of people raising concerns for the health of the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading his illness .
LBC presenter Shelagh Fogarty wrote on Twitter : “ Can someone please get Dominic Raab a large hanky to cough in ?
“ He is barely covering his mouth and coughing consistently on the front bench.
” But despite the recent coronavirus scares , Health Secretary Matt Hancock and House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted there are currently no plans to shut down Parliament .

Coronavirus: Kay Burley calls on Rishi Sunak to get tested
The unnamed minister has withdrawn from their regular parliamentary duties after coming into close contact with health minister Nadine Dorries, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday evening. The Cabinet minister was tested for coronavirus on Wednesday and is due to receive their test results this morning, sources have revealed.n Fellow Health Minister Edward Argar also remained at home after having lunch with Ms Dorries in Parliament last week.
Fears were raised over his health when he was spotted coughing in the Dispatch Box in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Sources close to Mr Argar insisted he felt “fine” and was not showing any of the symptoms closely associated with coronavirus. But he reportedly chose to remain at home as precaution, and had even caught advice from Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, asking him whether it was safe to return to Parliament or to stay at home. But The Daily Telegraph has claimed four other ministers are now believed to be in self-isolation.
Coronavirus UK news: Panic is sweeping through Parliament
Coronavirus UK news: Nadine Dorries tested positive for COVID-19
Sir Charles Walker, the Conservative MP for Broxbourne, placed himself into self-isolation on Wednesday and was due to be tested for coronavirus. He insisted to The Daily Telegraph he was “really fine”, but decided to remain at home as a precaution after having an “engaged discussion” with Ms Dorries in Parliament last week. The latest scare has sparked fears throughout Westminster the killer bug - which has so far killed six people in the UK with nearly 500 confirmed cases - could now be quickly spreading throughout Parliament. Public Health England is desperately trying to trace people who may have come into contact with Ms Dorries, including up to 10 people who attended a recentInternational Women’s Day event in Downing Street. READ MORE: Coronavirus UK LIVE: Boris Johnson holds emergency meeting
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Coronavirus UK news: Nadine Dorries was the first minister to test positive for the disease
Attendees included Boris Johnson’s pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds, three female Cabinet ministers, former Olympic gold medal winning athlete Dame KellyHomes, and a number of schoolchildren. Senior Conservatives have now raised the alarm over Ms Dorries’ diagnosis, clawing she is a regular visitor to the tea room in the House of Commons. One worried MP told The Daily Telegraph: “She loves the tea room, so she will have seen loads of people.” Ms Dorries used a WhatsApp group of ministers to send a message to her colleagues on Wednesday morning. DON'T MISS
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Coronavirus UK news: Dominic Raab insisted he was at the 'tail end of a cold'
She wrote: “Hard to remember every single person I was in contact with last week. “If you sat next to me in the tea room or library etc please let me know.” There had been fears Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab may have contracted coronavirus after he was spotted coughing and wi[ping his nose on the front bench during the Budget speech delivered by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday. The MP for Esher and Walton insisted to The Daily Telegraph he was “at the tail end of a cold”, and said: “I’ve already been checked for coronavirus and is was negative.”
Coronavirus UK news: The four-stage battle plan
But pictures and videos of his apparent ill-health began trading immediately on social media, with thousands of people raising concerns for the health of the former Brexit Secretary and fearing he may be spreading his illness. LBC presenter Shelagh Fogarty wrote on Twitter: “Can someone please get Dominic Raab a large hanky to cough in? “He is barely covering his mouth and coughing consistently on the front bench.” But despite the recent coronavirus scares, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted there are currently no plans to shut down Parliament.
Coronavirus UK news: The NHS is under pressure as the outbreak accelerates
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thedailyexpress--2020-03-12--John McDonnell squirms as he is grilled on losing core Labour voters on BBC Breakfast

Labour ’ s John McDonnell argued former Labour Party voters will be “ bitterly disappointed ” as he claimed the Conservatives won ’ t follow through on their infrastructure plans .
The Shadow Chancellor also feared the Government aren ’ t tackling climate change and won ’ t be forgiven for not acting on it .
He squirmed as BBC host Nina Warhurst asked how Labour plan to win voters back on an argument which lost them seats in the December general election .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Mr McDonnell said : “ If they had taken our advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have grown our economy .
“ What we have to do is recognise that interest rates are at an all-time low .
“ We ’ ve got to use that opportunity and yes , we do have to borrow more to tackle the existential threat of climate change .
“ If we don ’ t do that , our children and grandchildren will never forgive us .
“ Unfortunately what happened on the infrastructure spend under this Government failed to invest in what we were doing in 2010 .
“ They created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all they ’ re doing now is half filling it , unfortunately .
“ I regret what they ’ ve done over the last 10 years .
They got us into this mess and I ’ m afraid the scale investment they ’ re bringing forward and timing of it isn ’ t going to address these issues . ''
The BBC host noted the Government said it ’ s £600billion over the next four years .
But Mr McDonnell argued : “ £500billion of that was already announced .
Yesterday was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ A Labour councillor told me he ’ s ‘ stamping on our turf ’ .
What are you going to do now ?
“ Where do you go with the Red Wall of the north after losing seats in the last election ?
These policies are winning votes over even more .
How do you get them back ?
” The Shadow Chancellor explained : “ I think they ’ ll be bitterly disappointed because unfortunately yes we have shifted them a bit but certainly not enough to tackle the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public services .
John McDonnell speechless as Andrew Neil confronts him with two polls [ VIDEO ] Rishi Sunak delivered a Budget full of ambition says LEO McKINSTRY [ COMMENT ] Andrew Neil savages Labour over bumper Government 's 'tank ' Budget [ VIDEO ]

Budget 2020: McDonnell struggles to defend Labour's policies
Labour’s John McDonnell argued former Labour Party voters will be “bitterly disappointed” as he claimed the Conservatives won’t follow through on their infrastructure plans. The Shadow Chancellor also feared the Government aren’t tackling climate change and won’t be forgiven for not acting on it. He squirmed as BBC host Nina Warhurst asked how Labour plan to win voters back on an argument which lost them seats in the December general election.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr McDonnell said: “If they had taken our advice and invested a few years ago we would have grown our economy. “What we have to do is recognise that interest rates are at an all-time low. “We’ve got to use that opportunity and yes, we do have to borrow more to tackle the existential threat of climate change. “If we don’t do that, our children and grandchildren will never forgive us. READ MORE: Brexit Britain ignited with multi-billion investment
John McDonnell squirmed on BBC Breakfast this morning
John McDonnell argued former Labour voters will be “bitterly disappointed”
“Unfortunately what happened on the infrastructure spend under this Government failed to invest in what we were doing in 2010. “They created a £192billion hole in infrastructure spending and all they’re doing now is half filling it, unfortunately. “I regret what they’ve done over the last 10 years. They got us into this mess and I’m afraid the scale investment they’re bringing forward and timing of it isn’t going to address these issues." The BBC host noted the Government said it’s £600billion over the next four years.
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John McDonnell also feared the Government aren’t tackling climate change
Budget 2020: Andrew Neil grills John McDonnell
But Mr McDonnell argued: “£500billion of that was already announced. Yesterday was just a series of re-announcements.” She added: “A Labour councillor told me he’s ‘stamping on our turf’. What are you going to do now? “Where do you go with the Red Wall of the north after losing seats in the last election? These policies are winning votes over even more. How do you get them back?” The Shadow Chancellor explained: “I think they’ll be bitterly disappointed because unfortunately yes we have shifted them a bit but certainly not enough to tackle the problems that are needed our crisis and our public services. DON'T MISS John McDonnell speechless as Andrew Neil confronts him with two polls [VIDEO]
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Labour chart
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