thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--SNP crisis: Galloway's election masterplan to force Sturgeon OUT - 'Time for her to go!'

The SNP has been Scotland 's ruling political party for more than 13 years after fighting off opposition from the Conservatives and Labour in the country to win three successive Scottish elections in 2007 , 2011 and 2016 .
Nicola Sturgeon became the SNP ’ s leader and Scotland 's First Minister in 2014 , leading the party to general election victory in Scotland less than two years later .
The SNP also crushed its rivals in last December 's UK general election , winning a further 13 seats to now hold a huge 48 of the 59 seats available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister has come under increasing pressure this year over her handling of the coronavirus crisis in Scotland , which has seen nearly 35,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,500 deaths .
She has also been criticised in some quarters for her continued campaign to force a second referendum on Scottish independence - despite the country voting in favour of remaining part of the UK during a historic referendum in 2014 .
Former Labour MP Mr Galloway recently established the political campaign group Alliance for Unity , which aims to force out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence .
He has also launched a campaign for a vote of no confidence to be called in Ms Sturgeon and her SNP Government , with the Change.org already receiving more than 30,000 signatures and a wave of support from those opposed to the First Minister and her party .
Mr Galloway has stepped up his campaign , warning the SNP are now in `` tatters '' and has called on pro-Union supporters to pile the pressure on them .
He told Express.co.uk : `` The SNP is in tatters , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who support the Union to make that pressure count .
`` They are beginning to turn and it 's time to chase them off the field at the election in May .
`` It is now time for Nicola Sturgeon to go .
I started a petition for her resignation and it quickly gained tens of thousands of votes .
READ MORE : Galloway mocks 'Little Napoleon ' Macron and predicts COLLAPSE of EU '' It is only treading water now because Resign Margaret Ferrier , another of my petitions , is trending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hour . ''
Mr Galloway said the only way to defeat Ms Sturgeon and the SNP at next year 's Scottish elections is to form a `` cross-class , cross-party alliance '' .
He explained this would mean pro-Union parties standing down in constituencies where they know they ca n't win , and stepping up efforts in areas of Scotland where they are confident they can be victorious .
A similar tactic was introduced by Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage in the run up to last December 's UK general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group 's members in constituencies that were likely to be dominated by rivals .
DO N'T MISS Brexit FURY : Galloway warns Boris not to sell out fisheries to EU [ INTERVIEW ] Sturgeon CONFUSION : First Minister told she 's WRONG after covid chaos [ COMMENT ] Nicola Sturgeon 's own adviser said 'she does n't understand business [ INSIGHT ] Mr Galloway explained : `` The SNP is not a party - it is an alliance .
`` It 's cross-class , cross-party alliance , stretching from would-be Irish republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brogues , tweeds and troughs up in the Highlands and islands .
`` We need a cross-class , cross-party alliance to defeat them .
`` That means the pro-Union parties standing down where they can ’ t win , so that the best place pro-Union candidate can defeat them , and that 's what I 'm fighting for.
” Mr Galloway 's online petition to force a vote of no confidence in Ms Sturgeon and the Scottish Government has received more than 30,000 signatures .

Sturgeon's IndyRef2 bid is 'poisonous discourse' says Galloway
The SNP has been Scotland's ruling political party for more than 13 years after fighting off opposition from the Conservatives and Labour in the country to win three successive Scottish elections in 2007, 2011 and 2016. Nicola Sturgeon became the SNP’s leader and Scotland's First Minister in 2014, leading the party to general election victory in Scotland less than two years later. The SNP also crushed its rivals in last December's UK general election, winning a further 13 seats to now hold a huge 48 of the 59 seats available from Scotland in Westminster.
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But the First Minister has come under increasing pressure this year over her handling of the coronavirus crisis in Scotland, which has seen nearly 35,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,500 deaths. She has also been criticised in some quarters for her continued campaign to force a second referendum on Scottish independence - despite the country voting in favour of remaining part of the UK during a historic referendum in 2014. Former Labour MP Mr Galloway recently established the political campaign group Alliance for Unity, which aims to force out the SNP and end all hopes of Scottish independence. He has also launched a campaign for a vote of no confidence to be called in Ms Sturgeon and her SNP Government, with the Change.org already receiving more than 30,000 signatures and a wave of support from those opposed to the First Minister and her party.
SNP news: George Galloway has revealed his plan to topple Nicola Sturgeon and her Government
SNP news: Nicola Sturgeon is coming undr increasing pressure
Mr Galloway has stepped up his campaign, warning the SNP are now in "tatters" and has called on pro-Union supporters to pile the pressure on them. He told Express.co.uk: "The SNP is in tatters, and now is the time for those of us who support the Union to make that pressure count. "They are beginning to turn and it's time to chase them off the field at the election in May. "It is now time for Nicola Sturgeon to go. I started a petition for her resignation and it quickly gained tens of thousands of votes. READ MORE: Galloway mocks 'Little Napoleon' Macron and predicts COLLAPSE of EU
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SNP news: George Galloway has launched a campaign for a vote of no confidence to be called in Nicola Sturgeon and her Government
"It is only treading water now because Resign Margaret Ferrier, another of my petitions, is trending on social media and is the call of the hour." Mr Galloway said the only way to defeat Ms Sturgeon and the SNP at next year's Scottish elections is to form a "cross-class, cross-party alliance". He explained this would mean pro-Union parties standing down in constituencies where they know they can't win, and stepping up efforts in areas of Scotland where they are confident they can be victorious. A similar tactic was introduced by Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage in the run up to last December's UK general election, where he stood down dozens of the group's members in constituencies that were likely to be dominated by rivals. DON'T MISS
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Sturgeon CONFUSION: First Minister told she's WRONG after covid chaos [COMMENT]
Nicola Sturgeon's own adviser said 'she doesn't understand business [INSIGHT]
SNP news: George Galloway ruled Scotland's ruling party are now in 'tatters'
SNP news: Thousands of people attand a Scottish independence rally
Mr Galloway explained: "The SNP is not a party - it is an alliance. "It's cross-class, cross-party alliance, stretching from would-be Irish republicans in parts of Glasgow and Lanarkshire, and brogues, tweeds and troughs up in the Highlands and islands. "We need a cross-class, cross-party alliance to defeat them. "That means the pro-Union parties standing down where they can’t win, so that the best place pro-Union candidate can defeat them, and that's what I'm fighting for.” Mr Galloway's online petition to force a vote of no confidence in Ms Sturgeon and the Scottish Government has received more than 30,000 signatures.


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--Brexit crisis: Galloway reveals HUGE fear over EU trade deal - 'This cannot be allowed!'

Britain and the European Union continue to be locked in crunch Brexit talks over what their future trading relationship will look like when the UK leaves the bloc at the end of the transition period on December 31 .
The two sides will come head-to-head at the European Council summit in Brussels on next Thursday - by which time Boris Johnson has said he wants the principles of a deal in place .
Significant progress in negotiations has been made over the past couple of weeks , but major gaps remain on several crucial red lines - one of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long been seen to hold the upper hand in fisheries talks , is looking to reduce the access EU vessels can have in UK waters after Brexit .
The EU , in turn , wants to stay as close as possible to current quota shares and access rights under the much-hated Common Fisheries Policy .
Prime Minister Mr Johnson has said he will do everything possible to protect UK fishermen in a trade deal with Brussels , and has vowed to `` take back control of our waters '' following the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2021 .
Former Labour MP Mr Galloway , who also recently formed political campaign group Alliance for Unity , believes a post-Brexit trade deal will be agreed between the UK and EU .
But he is fearful over the outcome in negotiations on fisheries , adding `` taking back control '' is a `` really big issue '' for Scottish fishermen .
He also sent a huge warning to France and the Netherlands , accusing them using huge fishing supertrawlers to `` empty our waters '' .
Mr Galloway told Express.co.uk : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done but I 'm also very worried about some aspects of that deal , particularly over fishing .
`` It has constantly been said that fishing is n't all that significant for our economy , in which case , why is it so significant for France and the Netherlands ?
READ MORE : Brexit FURY : Galloway warns Boris not to sell out fisheries to EU '' If it is insignificant , why is it a sticking point for them ?
That means it must be significant .
`` I have worries about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal will be done , and I have said so right from the beginning , even when relations were at their coldest between the British Government and EU .
`` In the middle of a pandemic , and when all Governments are going into a recession or worse , it just seems to be inherently unlikely that they would wilfully , for political reasons , cut off their nose to spite their face .
`` But taking back control obviously meant taking back control of all our affairs , including in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland , this is a really big issue .
DO N'T MISS Sturgeon shamed : Independence dream in 'FLAMES ' - George Galloway [ INTERVIEW ] Nigel Farage urges Brits to take back control of their money [ COMMENT ] Brexit trade talks 'to drag into next month [ ANALYSIS ] '' France and the Netherlands are using supertrawlers to empty our waters , and this simply can not be allowed to continue through any deal . ''
Mr Galloway also lashed out at the `` unelected , unaccountable bureaucracy in Brussels '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` stand up '' to the EU - as that is what Brexiteers voted for .
But he also sent a huge warning to Mr Johnson over any plans to `` sell-out Britain 's coastal communities '' and said such a move would not be forgotten by UK voters .
Mr Galloway said : `` If there is a deal , it will need to be congratulated but if it is a bad deal , it will need to be condemned .

Brexit: Lord Frost calls on EU to be 'reasonable' over fishing
Britain and the European Union continue to be locked in crunch Brexit talks over what their future trading relationship will look like when the UK leaves the bloc at the end of the transition period on December 31. The two sides will come head-to-head at the European Council summit in Brussels on next Thursday - by which time Boris Johnson has said he wants the principles of a deal in place. Significant progress in negotiations has been made over the past couple of weeks, but major gaps remain on several crucial red lines - one of which is fisheries.
Trending
Britain, which has long been seen to hold the upper hand in fisheries talks, is looking to reduce the access EU vessels can have in UK waters after Brexit. The EU, in turn, wants to stay as close as possible to current quota shares and access rights under the much-hated Common Fisheries Policy. Prime Minister Mr Johnson has said he will do everything possible to protect UK fishermen in a trade deal with Brussels, and has vowed to "take back control of our waters" following the UK's departure from the bloc on January 1, 2021. Former Labour MP Mr Galloway, who also recently formed political campaign group Alliance for Unity, believes a post-Brexit trade deal will be agreed between the UK and EU.
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has been issued a huge warning by George Galloway
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has vowed to do everything possible to protect UK fisheries in an EU trade deal
But he is fearful over the outcome in negotiations on fisheries, adding "taking back control" is a "really big issue" for Scottish fishermen. He also sent a huge warning to France and the Netherlands, accusing them using huge fishing supertrawlers to "empty our waters". Mr Galloway told Express.co.uk: "I think a deal will be done but I'm also very worried about some aspects of that deal, particularly over fishing. "It has constantly been said that fishing isn't all that significant for our economy, in which case, why is it so significant for France and the Netherlands? READ MORE: Brexit FURY: Galloway warns Boris not to sell out fisheries to EU
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Brexit news: George Galloway is fearful over the outcome in negotiations on fisheries
"If it is insignificant, why is it a sticking point for them? That means it must be significant. "I have worries about the deal, but I do think a deal will be done, and I have said so right from the beginning, even when relations were at their coldest between the British Government and EU. "In the middle of a pandemic, and when all Governments are going into a recession or worse, it just seems to be inherently unlikely that they would wilfully, for political reasons, cut off their nose to spite their face. "But taking back control obviously meant taking back control of all our affairs, including in the waters around our fantastic coastline. In Scotland, this is a really big issue. DON'T MISS
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Nigel Farage urges Brits to take back control of their money [COMMENT]
Brexit trade talks 'to drag into next month [ANALYSIS]
Brexit news: George Galloway raged at supertrawlers 'emptying' Scottish waters
Brexit news: Fisheries has become a major sticking point in negotiations between the UK and EU
"France and the Netherlands are using supertrawlers to empty our waters, and this simply cannot be allowed to continue through any deal." Mr Galloway also lashed out at the "unelected, unaccountable bureaucracy in Brussels" during trade talks, urging the UK to "stand up" to the EU - as that is what Brexiteers voted for. But he also sent a huge warning to Mr Johnson over any plans to "sell-out Britain's coastal communities" and said such a move would not be forgotten by UK voters. Mr Galloway said: "If there is a deal, it will need to be congratulated but if it is a bad deal, it will need to be condemned.
Brexit news: EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--Boris Johnson given new deadline by France to agree Brexit deal or walk away

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set a deadline of October 15 if a deal is going to be in place by December 31 , when the transition period in which the UK remains in the single market ends .
But France 's European affairs minister Clement Beaune said the Brussels bloc and the UK must reach an agreement on their post-Brexit ties by the start of November .
He called for the EU to not “ lose our calm ” and warned the Union would not accept a bad deal just for the sake of reaching a compromise .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be an agreement in the coming weeks .
That means around the beginning of November .
” We must not lose our calm in the final days of negotiations because that is sometimes when bad concessions are made . ''
It comes after Mr Johnson told French President Emmanuel Macron he would explore every avenue for a trade deal with the EU but said progress to bridge significant gaps needed to be made in the coming days .
But talks have been stalling , especially over fishing , as France expresses its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters in the event of a no deal Brexit .
However , this morning France 's Minister of the Sea said French fishermen would be better off with no-deal rather than accepting `` unacceptable '' proposals by Britain in Brexit fishing talks .
READ MORE : French fishing captain threatens 'naval battles ' if Boris walks away The EU and Britain are in crunch negotiations to get a deal on post-Brexit trade in place before an end-year deadline .
Fishing is one of three main stumbling blocks .
The EU wants to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an important issue for France where coastal fishing communities are politically influential .
But Britain wants a deal more like that of non-EU member Norway , under which quotas are set each year .
Ms Girardin added : ” We 're preparing for all eventualities , and therefore also for a no-deal .
France is preparing to support its fisheries and the entire industry .

Brexit: France and Holland 'need our fish' says June Mummery
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set a deadline of October 15 if a deal is going to be in place by December 31, when the transition period in which the UK remains in the single market ends. But France's European affairs minister Clement Beaune said the Brussels bloc and the UK must reach an agreement on their post-Brexit ties by the start of November.
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He called for the EU to not “lose our calm” and warned the Union would not accept a bad deal just for the sake of reaching a compromise. He told FranceInfo radio: “There needs to be an agreement in the coming weeks. That means around the beginning of November. ”We must not lose our calm in the final days of negotiations because that is sometimes when bad concessions are made."
Boris Johnson has been set a Brexit deadline by France
Clement Beaune warned the Union would not accept a bad deal just for the sake of reaching a compromise
It comes after Mr Johnson told French President Emmanuel Macron he would explore every avenue for a trade deal with the EU but said progress to bridge significant gaps needed to be made in the coming days. But talks have been stalling, especially over fishing, as France expresses its concerns about its own access to UK waters in the event of a no deal Brexit. However, this morning France's Minister of the Sea said French fishermen would be better off with no-deal rather than accepting "unacceptable" proposals by Britain in Brexit fishing talks. READ MORE: French fishing captain threatens 'naval battles' if Boris walks away
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Brexit talks have stalled over issues like fishing
Boris Johnson told French President Emmanuel Macron he would explore every avenue for a trade deal with the EU
France continues to play Brexit hardball
The EU and Britain are in crunch negotiations to get a deal on post-Brexit trade in place before an end-year deadline.
Fishing is one of three main stumbling blocks. The EU wants to secure consistent rights to fish in British waters, an important issue for France where coastal fishing communities are politically influential.
Brexit timeline mapped
But Britain wants a deal more like that of non-EU member Norway, under which quotas are set each year. Ms Girardin added: ”We're preparing for all eventualities, and therefore also for a no-deal. France is preparing to support its fisheries and the entire industry.


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--BBC's Andrew Marr shuts down Robert Jenrick with on-air outburst - 'This is NOT a debate!'

The BBC 's Andrew Marr hit back at Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick this morning , saying that Government was failing to work with leaders in the north of England .
This comes as the vast majority of areas in the north face severe restrictions due to rising coronavirus infection rates .
On Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline a new three-tiered `` traffic light '' system of rules .
This could see immediate measures that would force pubs and restaurants to shut across the north of England .
Mr Marr questioned Mr Jenrick on the proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there the measures were being `` imposed without a debate '' .
The BBC host said : `` There are a whole raft of new restrictions set to be announced tomorrow .
`` Will these plan people in parts of the north from leaving their local areas ? ''
JUST IN : Sky 's Ridge loses it as Robert Jenrick refuses to reveal new rules When Mr Jenrick refused to respond , Mr Marr fired back : `` I 'm sorry but your Government has been briefing this to the papers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer .
I will ask you again .
Will these plan people in parts of the north from leaving their local areas ?
Yes or no ? ''
Mr Jenrick said : `` I wo n't answer that .
It is right that PM informs the Commons what the Government strategy is . ''
When the Communities Secretary claimed the Government was `` working with the mayors , '' Mr Marr pointed to differing claims .
Joe Anderson , the Mayor of Liverpool , said this week that `` the decision has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burnham added : `` there is no discussions to be had . ''
Mr Anderson told Times Radio this morning : `` We ’ ve got very little powers or influence over this and we are being done to rather than being collaborated with or talked to .
`` Let ’ s make it absolutely clear here , if this was down in the south-east , in London , it wouldn ’ t be happening , it simply wouldn ’ t be tolerated . ''
Marr slams Labour 'confusion ' in BBC clash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis : Nicola Sturgeon loses it in 'car-crash ' interview [ INTERVIEW ] BBC Weather : Freezing Arctic blast grips UK as temperatures plummet [ FORECAST ]

Robert Jenrick gets grilled by Marr on local lockdown restrictions
The BBC's Andrew Marr hit back at Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick this morning, saying that Government was failing to work with leaders in the north of England. This comes as the vast majority of areas in the north face severe restrictions due to rising coronavirus infection rates. On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline a new three-tiered "traffic light" system of rules.
Trending
This could see immediate measures that would force pubs and restaurants to shut across the north of England. Mr Marr questioned Mr Jenrick on the proposals, bringing up criticism from northern mayors that there the measures were being "imposed without a debate". The BBC host said: "There are a whole raft of new restrictions set to be announced tomorrow. "Will these plan people in parts of the north from leaving their local areas?" JUST IN: Sky's Ridge loses it as Robert Jenrick refuses to reveal new rules
The BBC's Andrew Marr hit back at Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick this morning
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline a new three-tiered restrictions
When Mr Jenrick refused to respond, Mr Marr fired back: "I'm sorry but your Government has been briefing this to the papers. "People across the North want an answer. I will ask you again. Will these plan people in parts of the north from leaving their local areas? Yes or no?" Mr Jenrick said: "I won't answer that. It is right that PM informs the Commons what the Government strategy is." When the Communities Secretary claimed the Government was "working with the mayors," Mr Marr pointed to differing claims.
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Andrew Marr furiously shut down Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick
Andrew Marr quizzes Lisa Nandy on local lockdown plans
Joe Anderson, the Mayor of Liverpool, said this week that "the decision has already been made" while Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham added: "there is no discussions to be had." Mr Anderson told Times Radio this morning: "We’ve got very little powers or influence over this and we are being done to rather than being collaborated with or talked to. "Let’s make it absolutely clear here, if this was down in the south-east, in London, it wouldn’t be happening, it simply wouldn’t be tolerated." DON'T MISS: Marr slams Labour 'confusion' in BBC clash over coronavirus rules [VIDEO]
SNP crisis: Nicola Sturgeon loses it in 'car-crash' interview [INTERVIEW]
BBC Weather: Freezing Arctic blast grips UK as temperatures plummet [FORECAST]
Marr questioned Mr Jenrick on the proposals, bringing up criticism from northern mayors


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--Marr slams Labour in BBC clash after Lisa Nandy struggles to explain 'confusing' demands

BBC 's Andrew Marr complained that speaking with Labour MP Lisa Nandy had left him `` badly confused '' about the party 's position on coronavirus restrictions .
In a damning interview with Labour 's shadow foreign secretary , Mr Marr complained about mixed messages coming from Labour on new lockdown rules .
He pointed to contradictory demands from leading Labour politicians on potential hospitality closures and the 10pm curfew .
Manchester Mayor Andy Bunrham has criticised the UK government ’ s response to the pandemic amid a growing north-south lockdown row .
Ms Nandy , the MP for Wigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure of bars and restaurants was `` a good idea or a bad idea '' .
She responded : `` I think it 's starting to look like that is necessary . ''
The Labour MP mentioned a private briefing from the chief medical officer last week , who said that hospitality was becoming a problem .
JUST IN : Robert Jenrick 's furious attack on Labour over 'murky ' funds row However , Mr Marr rebuked this , saying that he was `` now badly confused '' .
He pointed out : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of emphasis has been placed on pubs , bars and restaurants but the evidence is that these are not major sources of transmission .
`` Further measures risk placing an existential threat on enormous numbers of businesses and the people who work in them .
`` So , why destroy all these businesses if they are not the real problem ? ''
Ms Nandy admitted that she was told `` something different from the chief medical officer '' but added that there was `` no confusion in the opposition '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport , universities and workplaces could be bigger potential sources of transmission .
He continued : `` Why are we focusing on these particular businesses ?
`` You all seem to be confused about this .
Nobody is giving me clear information .
Not the opposition , not the Government , nobody . ''
SNP crisis : Nicola Sturgeon loses it in 'car-crash ' interview [ INTERVIEW ] North Korea crisis : Kim Jong-un breaks down in tears at parade [ VIDEO ] BBC POLL : Is the broadcaster worth the £157.50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Andrew Marr quizzes Lisa Nandy on local lockdown plans
BBC's Andrew Marr complained that speaking with Labour MP Lisa Nandy had left him "badly confused" about the party's position on coronavirus restrictions. In a damning interview with Labour's shadow foreign secretary, Mr Marr complained about mixed messages coming from Labour on new lockdown rules. He pointed to contradictory demands from leading Labour politicians on potential hospitality closures and the 10pm curfew.
Trending
Manchester Mayor Andy Bunrham has criticised the UK government’s response to the pandemic amid a growing north-south lockdown row. Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was grilled on whether the possible closure of bars and restaurants was "a good idea or a bad idea". She responded: "I think it's starting to look like that is necessary." The Labour MP mentioned a private briefing from the chief medical officer last week, who said that hospitality was becoming a problem. JUST IN: Robert Jenrick's furious attack on Labour over 'murky' funds row
BBC's Andrew Marr complained that speaking with Labour MP Lisa Nandy had left him 'badly confused'
BBC'S Andrew Marr tore into the 'confusion' inside the Labour Party during an interview with Lisa Nandy
However, Mr Marr rebuked this, saying that he was "now badly confused". He pointed out: "The Manchester City Council said a lot of emphasis has been placed on pubs, bars and restaurants but the evidence is that these are not major sources of transmission. "Further measures risk placing an existential threat on enormous numbers of businesses and the people who work in them. "So, why destroy all these businesses if they are not the real problem?"
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Robert Jenrick accuses Labour Party of ‘making up stories’
Marr complained about mixed messages coming from Labour on new lockdown rules
Marr said that other areas like public transport, universities and workplaces could be bigger potential sources of transmission


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--'They're making it up!' Robert Jenrick's furious attack on Labour over 'murky' funds row

Robert Jenrick has insisted there was a `` robust and fair '' methodology behind the Government 's Towns Fund .
It follows allegations that the Communities Secretary helped a town in his constituency to secure £25 million in funding from his department .
Mr Jenrick told Sky 's Ridge on Sunday the allegations are `` completely baseless '' .
Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds called for an investigation on the matter .
Speaking to Sky News ahead of Mr Jenrick 's interview , Mr Reynolds said : `` So the whole question has always been quite a murky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocated .
`` The secretary of state has questions to answer and an investigation is the right way forwards . ''
But Mr Jenrick said the allegations were an attempt by Labour to cause a `` distraction '' from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
He blasted : `` We 're in the middle of a national crisis and all the Labour Party can do is make up political points stories which are completely baseless .
READ MORE : Sky 's Ridge loses it as Robert Jenrick refuses to reveal new rules '' My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we chose the towns for our £3.6 billion Towns Fund on a robust and fair methodology that is there for everybody to see .
`` We 're not going to apologise for investing in communities who were left behind and undervalued by the Labour Party for many , many years .
`` Many of those were won by the Conservative Party at the last general election , but that is a reflection on the Labour Party , not upon the methodology by which we chose those towns . ''
Asked if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` we 've been extremely clear - ministers do n't make decisions about their own constituencies , that is a longstanding position '' .
But asked if he would go to Parliament to defend the situation , Mr Jenrick said : `` We 're not going to get involved in party political point scoring .
`` I 'm afraid this is just a distraction tactic from the Labour Party .
`` We 've answered all the questions and ( are ) happy to answer any more that might arise .
But there really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed has written to the head of the civil service requesting a Cabinet Office investigation into Mr Jenrick , concerning how recipients of the multibillion-pound Towns Fund were decided .
Mr Jenrick has insisted he was not part of the decision-making process regarding Newark as funding for the town was determined by another minister .
Labour wants an inquiry to see how Newark was chosen for inclusion in the Towns Fund , and whether officials advised against such a move .
DO N'T MISS : Covid rules that stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country [ INSIGHT ] Nicola Sturgeon squirms as Ridge exposes huge SNP coronavirus failure [ VIDEO ] Coronavirus map LIVE : Millions told not to leave as cases TRIPLE [ LIVE BLOG ]

Robert Jenrick accuses Labour Party of ‘making up stories’
Robert Jenrick has insisted there was a "robust and fair" methodology behind the Government's Towns Fund. It follows allegations that the Communities Secretary helped a town in his constituency to secure £25 million in funding from his department. Mr Jenrick told Sky's Ridge on Sunday the allegations are "completely baseless". Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds called for an investigation on the matter.
Trending
Speaking to Sky News ahead of Mr Jenrick's interview, Mr Reynolds said: "So the whole question has always been quite a murky one as to how this money was allocated. "The secretary of state has questions to answer and an investigation is the right way forwards." But Mr Jenrick said the allegations were an attempt by Labour to cause a "distraction" from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He blasted: "We're in the middle of a national crisis and all the Labour Party can do is make up political points stories which are completely baseless. READ MORE: Sky's Ridge loses it as Robert Jenrick refuses to reveal new rules
Robert Jenrick attacked Labour over 'murky' Towns Funds allegations
Robert Jenrick's allocations of Towns Funds is 'murky', says Reynolds
"My department's officials have been very clear that we chose the towns for our £3.6 billion Towns Fund on a robust and fair methodology that is there for everybody to see. "We're not going to apologise for investing in communities who were left behind and undervalued by the Labour Party for many, many years. "Many of those were won by the Conservative Party at the last general election, but that is a reflection on the Labour Party, not upon the methodology by which we chose those towns." Asked if he selected Newark, Mr Jenrick added that "we've been extremely clear - ministers don't make decisions about their own constituencies, that is a longstanding position". But asked if he would go to Parliament to defend the situation, Mr Jenrick said: "We're not going to get involved in party political point scoring.
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Sophy Ridge tells Robert Jenrick he’s ‘ducking the questions’
"I'm afraid this is just a distraction tactic from the Labour Party. "We've answered all the questions and (are) happy to answer any more that might arise. But there really is nothing to see here." Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed has written to the head of the civil service requesting a Cabinet Office investigation into Mr Jenrick, concerning how recipients of the multibillion-pound Towns Fund were decided. Mr Jenrick has insisted he was not part of the decision-making process regarding Newark as funding for the town was determined by another minister. Labour wants an inquiry to see how Newark was chosen for inclusion in the Towns Fund, and whether officials advised against such a move. DON'T MISS:
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thedailyexpress--2020-10-12--Boris to unleash fresh lockdown hell TODAY as millions face tough coronavirus crackdown

In a dramatic move to try to halt the second wave of the pandemic , the Prime Minister is to announce that Manchester , Liverpool and other Northern cities are to be designated “ very high risk ” areas that must face the strictest measures in a new three-level alert system .
Officials will order the closure of a swathe of hospitality businesses - also including casinos and bookmakers - in the worst affected regions to clamp down on transmission of the killer disease .
Restaurants , schools and universities will be permitted to remain open in “ high risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority chiefs will review the measures every four weeks to see whether restrictions can be eased .
A Downing Street spokesman said : “ Our primary focus has always been to protect lives and livelihoods while controlling the spread of the virus and these measures will help achieve that aim .
“ We must do everything we can to protect the NHS and make sure it can continue to deliver the essential services that so many people rely on .
“ This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to help contain the virus.
” Mr Johnson is to set out the new Covid Alert Levels for England in a statement to the Commons today .
The three alert levels will be “ medium ” , “ high ” and “ very high ” with the Government and local leaders determining appropriate measures for each .
He will also address the nation at a live television news conference from Downing Street alongside Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .
But the move is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential damage to regional economies across the North .
Five Labour MPs representing Manchester constituencies wrote to the Government to protest against “ blanket closures in hospitality ” yesterday .
“ We are concerned that closing all regulated premises will not only lead to gatherings being pushed underground , but won ’ t have a sizeable effect on virus transmission rates , ” said the letter signed by Lucy Powell , Graham Stringer , Jeff Smith , Mike Kane and Afzal Khan .
David Greenhalgh , the Tory leader of Bolton Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they are being treated differently and we know our rates are high , we ’ re not underestimating that but we have to find a way through this .
“ We can not throw our local economy to the wall , particularly in the North.
” During the weekend , senior No 10 aides and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick also held discussions with local authority leaders and mayors from the highest areas of concern .
Giving local authorities a key role in the NHS Test and Trace programme was also talked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new three-level alert regime in a conference call from Downing Street yesterday afternoon .
The Prime Minister also spoke to Steve Rotheram , the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region last night .
Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of the Government ’ s “ Cobra ” emergency planning committee to finalise the alert system this morning .
His latest move follows data showing worrying surges in coronavirus infection rates around the country , particularly in parts of the North of England .
Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam and NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data in a public briefing this morning .
He said yesterday the country was at a “ tipping point ” similar to earlier this year before the first national lockdown .
Official daily data showed another 12,872 new cases of infection and a further 65 deaths .
Ministers are particularly concerned about a surge in cases in Nottingham , where the weekly infection rate has now topped 800 cases per 100,000 people .
A total of 2,763 new cases were recorded in Nottingham in week to October 8 , more than double the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese yesterday confirmed his city was to be put under the strictest lockdown measures with a review every four week .
He warned there was a “ large gulf ” between local authorities and ministers .
“ We seem to have an almost impossible task of penetrating the Westminster bubble , ” he told Times Radio .
Sir Richard said his council ’ s own data showed there was “ no evidence closing pubs works ” .
Mr Jenrick , the Communities Secretary , yesterday insisted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishing the North.
” In a round of broadcast interviews , he said : “ These apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and there is nothing that we would ever do that penalises one part of the country over another.
” Mr Jenrick also confirmed that the Government wanted local authorities to take a greater responsibility for coronavirus testing .
“ People who know their own community , particularly harder to reach communities , are bound to be better than Whitehall or national contact tracers .
“ So we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
I think they also want to have more flexibility , for example , over where testing sites might be located in their community , ” he said .
COVID symptoms may include ‘ white jelly patches ’ in the body - are you at risk ?
[ INSIGHT ] The single most common ‘ long COVID ’ symptom explains - it zaps all of my energy [ STUDY ] Full list of 172 ‘ long COVID ’ coronavirus symptoms - from belching to bedwetting [ EXCLUSIVE ] More than seven out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support local lockdowns , an opinion poll showed yesterday .
Six out of ten would also support banning all travel in and out of the country , the survey of more than 1,800 people by Ipsos Mori also found .
But voters in the poll were split about the possibility of a second full national lockdown with 43 % in favour and 40 % against .
More than eight out of 10 ( 81 % ) backed the current measures including face masks in shops and on public transport .
Ben Page , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ After months of lockdowns , semi-lock downs , and huge disruption from Covid-19 the British public remain highly concerned about the virus .
“ The majority of people are willing to make significant personal sacrifices to curb the rise in infections , even if that means local lockdowns in their own area .
”

Local lockdown: Country to be divided into tiered risk areas
Officials will order the closure of a swathe of hospitality businesses - also including casinos and bookmakers - in the worst affected regions to clamp down on transmission of the killer disease. Restaurants, schools and universities will be permitted to remain open in “high risk” areas however.
Trending
Ministers and local authority chiefs will review the measures every four weeks to see whether restrictions can be eased. A Downing Street spokesman said: “Our primary focus has always been to protect lives and livelihoods while controlling the spread of the virus and these measures will help achieve that aim. “We must do everything we can to protect the NHS and make sure it can continue to deliver the essential services that so many people rely on. “This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance we have set out to help contain the virus.”
Boris to unleash fresh lockdown hell TODAY as thousands of businesses ordered to close
Boris Johnson will today order thousands of pubs, bars, gyms and other businesses to shut
Mr Johnson is to set out the new Covid Alert Levels for England in a statement to the Commons today. The three alert levels will be “medium”, “high” and “very high” with the Government and local leaders determining appropriate measures for each. He will also address the nation at a live television news conference from Downing Street alongside Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance. But the move is likely to inflame the anger of critics complaining about the potential damage to regional economies across the North.
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Five Labour MPs representing Manchester constituencies wrote to the Government to protest against “blanket closures in hospitality” yesterday. “We are concerned that closing all regulated premises will not only lead to gatherings being pushed underground, but won’t have a sizeable effect on virus transmission rates,” said the letter signed by Lucy Powell, Graham Stringer, Jeff Smith, Mike Kane and Afzal Khan. David Greenhalgh, the Tory leader of Bolton Council, said: “The North feels like they are being treated differently and we know our rates are high, we’re not underestimating that but we have to find a way through this. “We cannot throw our local economy to the wall, particularly in the North.”
During the weekend, senior No 10 aides and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick also held discussions with local authority leaders and mayors from the highest areas of concern. Giving local authorities a key role in the NHS Test and Trace programme was also talked about. Mr Johnson briefed Cabinet ministers on the new three-level alert regime in a conference call from Downing Street yesterday afternoon. The Prime Minister also spoke to Steve Rotheram, the Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region last night. Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of the Government’s “Cobra” emergency planning committee to finalise the alert system this morning.
Rishi Sunak will join the Prime Minister today
His latest move follows data showing worrying surges in coronavirus infection rates around the country, particularly in parts of the North of England. Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam and NHS chiefs are to set out the latest data in a public briefing this morning. He said yesterday the country was at a “tipping point” similar to earlier this year before the first national lockdown. Official daily data showed another 12,872 new cases of infection and a further 65 deaths. Ministers are particularly concerned about a surge in cases in Nottingham, where the weekly infection rate has now topped 800 cases per 100,000 people. A total of 2,763 new cases were recorded in Nottingham in week to October 8, more than double the number in the previous seven days. Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese yesterday confirmed his city was to be put under the strictest lockdown measures with a review every four week. To find coronavirus levels in your area, please fill in your postcode below.
Brexit: Expert on 'risks' Joe Biden poses towards US trade deal
Coronavirus social distancing graphic


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--EU infighting erupts: Barnier and Merkel rage at Macron on fishing - 'This will get nasty'

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There are growing fears within Brussels that Emmanuel Macron and France 's stubborn fisheries demands could torpedo the entire UK-EU trade deal .
The EU 's own chief negotiator has insisted that member-states in the EU that Brexit will necessarily mean a reduced level of catches for them in British waters However , these eight countries , led by French President Macron , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands .
RTE 's Europe Editor Tony Connelly told the podcast Brexit Republic : `` The eight coastal countries are prepared to play a level of hardball where they will try to bog the UK down in details and drive the hardest bargain possible .
`` It has been said that across all the issues of Brexit , the UK have quite a strong case when it comes to fisheries .
`` For the EU to go into the negotiations demanding the status quo , the same access to British waters as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same quotas - that will be a hard thing to hold onto .
`` Barnier has been probing the limits of what those coastal states are prepared to accept . ''
JUST IN : Nicola Sturgeon told to 'forget IndyRef2 and stop failing '

Brexit: Barnier 'should stick to mandate on fishing' says attachés
There are growing fears within Brussels that Emmanuel Macron and France's stubborn fisheries demands could torpedo the entire UK-EU trade deal. The EU's own chief negotiator has insisted that member-states in the EU that Brexit will necessarily mean a reduced level of catches for them in British waters However, these eight countries, led by French President Macron, have refused to back down on their demands.
Trending
RTE's Europe Editor Tony Connelly told the podcast Brexit Republic: "The eight coastal countries are prepared to play a level of hardball where they will try to bog the UK down in details and drive the hardest bargain possible. "It has been said that across all the issues of Brexit, the UK have quite a strong case when it comes to fisheries. "For the EU to go into the negotiations demanding the status quo, the same access to British waters as the Common Fisheries Policy, and to catch the same quotas - that will be a hard thing to hold onto. "Barnier has been probing the limits of what those coastal states are prepared to accept." JUST IN: Nicola Sturgeon told to 'forget IndyRef2 and stop failing'
Emmanuel Macron and his stubborn fisheries demands could torpedo the entire UK-EU trade deal
The eight coastal member states – Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden
The eight coastal member states – Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden - have so far refused to waver. Mr Connelly added: "Barnier was setting up video calls with the eight fisheries ministers this week - including in Ireland. "But before those calls started, the fisheries attaché from those countries got together in Brussels and agreed an unanimous position that Barnier should stick to the mandate. "They said he shouldn't budge, and that the UK wouldn't get a free trade deal at all if there isn't a fisheries agreement, so it's time to play that card."
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Boris Johnson has publicly declared that the EU summit in Brussels this week is his deadline for a deal
Brexit: June Mummery says coastal MPs should be ‘rioting’
Brexit will necessarily mean a reduced level of catches for them in British waters


thedailyexpress--2020-10-11--Boris urged to dump Trump as polls show Biden heading for landslide victory in US election

Fears are growing that Britain could be isolated by Washington if the Democratic candidate defeats Mr Trump at the ballot box next month and the latest polls suggest the former vice-president is heading for a landslide .
Downing Street sources said private polling and computer models shown to No 10 put Mr Biden ’ s chances of victory at more than 70 percent .
The 77-year-old now has a double-digit lead and over Mr Trump and one model based on the latest polling gives him an 85 percent chance of winning .
And analysts suggest the Democrats could wake up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , the Senate and the House of Representatives .
Mr Johnson spoke to Mr Trump last week and wished him well for the election .
But one senior Tory said : “ They ’ re writing off Trump in Number 10 now.
” The cost of a Democrat victory could be high for the UK with Mr Biden already declaring he would not sign off a trade deal with the UK if Northern Ireland became “ a casualty of Brexit ” .
And diplomats have warned Mr Biden has not forgotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the 2016 Brexit referendum when he criticised “ the part-Kenyan president ’ s ancestral dislike of the British Empire ” .
One insider said : “ They remember that .
Democrats also regard Trump as appalling and disgusting and there will be a penalty for people who sucked up to Trump .
`` Angela Merkel didn ’ t .
Macron did and then got tough .
The Democrats don ’ t much like Brexit.
” READ MORE : Britain backs Trump : New poll shows UK support for US President British diplomats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden would probably put a trans-Pacific trade deal , or even a deal with the European Union , ahead of a bilateral deal with the UK .
Lord Darroch , the former British ambassador in Washington , said in his recent memoir that Mr Johnson was “ fascinated ” by Mr Trump and saw him as “ a kindred spirit ” .
But many of the Prime Minister 's senior aides believe comparisons between the two are damaging with Dominic Cummings apparently ordering ministers to publicly keep their distance from the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back on the campaign trail after declaring he had fully recovered from COVID-19 and was not an infection risk for others although his claims that he was immune from the illness were flagged by from Twitter for violating its rules about misleading information on coronavirus .
Mr Trump plans to travel to the key battleground state of Florida tomorrow , followed by rallies in Pennsylvania and Iowa on Tuesday and Wednesday .
The President , who spent three days in the hospital after revealing he had tested positive on October 2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus and was now immune from re-infection .
He said : `` It looks like I 'm immune for , I do n't know , maybe a long time , or maybe a short time .
It could be a lifetime .
Nobody really knows . ''
DO N'T MISS Greta Thunberg orders her followers to reject Trump and back Biden [ SPOTLIGHT ] Meghan Markle and Harry 'asking for a war ' with Trump supporters [ INSIGHT ] Trump could be 'locked in a psychiatric facility ' as a 'sociopath ' @ @ @

Brexit: Expert on 'risks' Joe Biden poses towards US trade deal
Fears are growing that Britain could be isolated by Washington if the Democratic candidate defeats Mr Trump at the ballot box next month and the latest polls suggest the former vice-president is heading for a landslide. Downing Street sources said private polling and computer models shown to No 10 put Mr Biden’s chances of victory at more than 70 percent.
They’re writing off Trump in Number 10 now Tory source
The 77-year-old now has a double-digit lead and over Mr Trump and one model based on the latest polling gives him an 85 percent chance of winning. And analysts suggest the Democrats could wake up on November 4 with control of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Mr Johnson spoke to Mr Trump last week and wished him well for the election. But one senior Tory said: “They’re writing off Trump in Number 10 now.”
Opinion polls put Joe Biden ahead in the race for the White House
The cost of a Democrat victory could be high for the UK with Mr Biden already declaring he would not sign off a trade deal with the UK if Northern Ireland became “a casualty of Brexit”. And diplomats have warned Mr Biden has not forgotten Mr Johnson's comments about Barack Obama during the 2016 Brexit referendum when he criticised “the part-Kenyan president’s ancestral dislike of the British Empire”. One insider said: “They remember that. Democrats also regard Trump as appalling and disgusting and there will be a penalty for people who sucked up to Trump. "Angela Merkel didn’t. Macron did and then got tough. The Democrats don’t much like Brexit.” READ MORE: Britain backs Trump: New poll shows UK support for US President
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Boris Johnson has been urged to forge links with Joe Biden
Donald Trump looks set to lose the US presidency in next month's election
British diplomats serving in Washington have also warned Mr Biden would probably put a trans-Pacific trade deal, or even a deal with the European Union, ahead of a bilateral deal with the UK. Lord Darroch, the former British ambassador in Washington, said in his recent memoir that Mr Johnson was “fascinated” by Mr Trump and saw him as “a kindred spirit”. But many of the Prime Minister's senior aides believe comparisons between the two are damaging with Dominic Cummings apparently ordering ministers to publicly keep their distance from the Trump administration. The US President is preparing to get back on the campaign trail after declaring he had fully recovered from COVID-19 and was not an infection risk for others although his claims that he was immune from the illness were flagged by from Twitter for violating its rules about misleading information on coronavirus.
Trending
Mr Trump plans to travel to the key battleground state of Florida tomorrow, followed by rallies in Pennsylvania and Iowa on Tuesday and Wednesday. The President, who spent three days in the hospital after revealing he had tested positive on October 2, said he was no longer on medications for coronavirus and was now immune from re-infection. He said: "It looks like I'm immune for, I don't know, maybe a long time, or maybe a short time. It could be a lifetime. Nobody really knows." DON'T MISS
Greta Thunberg orders her followers to reject Trump and back Biden[SPOTLIGHT]
Meghan Markle and Harry 'asking for a war' with Trump supporters[INSIGHT]
Trump could be 'locked in a psychiatric facility' as a 'sociopath'[FOCUS]
British diplomats fear a Joe Biden election win could leave the UK out in the cold


thedailyexpress--2020-10-12--POLL: Should shameless Scottish MP resign after breaking coronavirus rules TWICE?

Ms Ferrier broke lockdown restrictions by not self-isolating last month but has so far refused to step down from her £82,000-a-year job .
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West travelled to London after having been tested for coronavirus .
She had previously developed coronavirus symptoms but felt better ahead of her trip .
After arriving in London , Ms Ferrier was then told she had tested positive for the virus before proceeding to take the train back to Glasgow .
With that in mind , Express.co.uk is asking readers in today ’ s exclusive poll : “ Should shameless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice ?
” Ms Ferrier has so far defied calls to resigns despite criticism from party leader , Nicola Sturgeon .
Even her own local SNP branch has called for the MP to resign after violating the coronavirus measures twice last month .
Despite the criticism , Ms Ferrier claimed the virus had made her panic and her decision was made “ out of character ” .
Although Ms Ferrier has not resigned , the First Minister has removed the party whip .
She could also face a new election for her seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
In an interview with the Scottish Sun , she stated how she had been “ hung out to dry ” by her party .
JUST IN : Coronavirus map LIVE : UK split in three in huge lockdown move TODAY Ms Ferrier also claimed she had been pressured into making a public statement over the incident .
She added : “ One official said ‘ we need to be proactive and we need to get a statement out in your name — quickly ' .
“ They shared this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were getting pushed and told ‘ read the statement now .
What do you think ?
’ Labour leader on spot over party 's attempts to 'embarrass ' Boris [ Latest ] See you in court !
No10 faces LEGAL challenge over huge changes [ Update ] Boris warned UK on track for 'most difficult phase ' of Covid crisis [ Latest ] “ Someone told me to phone the police and said the statement would say I had already done so .
I was going to refer myself in any case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had done that to come back to them and let them know because they wanted to put the statement out as soon as possible .
`` At the beginning , I didn ’ t know what the urgency behind the timing of it was .
“ After that , I phoned the local police five minutes later .

Margaret Ferrier's actions 'worse than Cummings' says expert
THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS Ms Ferrier broke lockdown restrictions by not self-isolating last month but has so far refused to step down from her £82,000-a-year job. The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West travelled to London after having been tested for coronavirus. She had previously developed coronavirus symptoms but felt better ahead of her trip.
Trending
After arriving in London, Ms Ferrier was then told she had tested positive for the virus before proceeding to take the train back to Glasgow. With that in mind, Express.co.uk is asking readers in today’s exclusive poll: “Should shameless SNP MP resign after breaking coronavirus rules twice?” Ms Ferrier has so far defied calls to resigns despite criticism from party leader, Nicola Sturgeon. Even her own local SNP branch has called for the MP to resign after violating the coronavirus measures twice last month.
Coronavirus: Should MP resign?
Margaret Ferrier spoke in the Commons
Despite the criticism, Ms Ferrier claimed the virus had made her panic and her decision was made “out of character”. Although Ms Ferrier has not resigned, the First Minister has removed the party whip. She could also face a new election for her seat if 10 percent of her constituents request to do so. In an interview with the Scottish Sun, she stated how she had been “hung out to dry” by her party. JUST IN: Coronavirus map LIVE: UK split in three in huge lockdown move TODAY
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Poll: She made an estimated 700-mile round trip
Poll: Ms Sturgeon removed the party whip
Poll: Nicola Sturgeon
“Someone told me to phone the police and said the statement would say I had already done so. I was going to refer myself in any case. “I was told that when I had done that to come back to them and let them know because they wanted to put the statement out as soon as possible. "At the beginning, I didn’t know what the urgency behind the timing of it was. “After that, I phoned the local police five minutes later.
Nicola Sturgeon slams Margaret Ferrier's for ‘dangerous’ actions
“I phoned one official back who was of the opinion this needs to go out as soon as possible. “She said ‘I want it to go out at 5.45pm’.”
Nicola Sturgeon criticised the MP


thedailyexpress--2020-10-12--Brexit LIVE: Brussels to IGNORE crunch deadline - Macron makes huge fishing demand

But European leaders , particularly French President Emmanuel Macron , have put significant pressure on the bloc ’ s negotiator to not give concessions to Britain .
Michel Barnier , who is leading the talks for the EU , has been told he must insist the same fishing rights continue after the EU transition period ends at the end of the year .
Britain is vowing for a new quota system , but several EU leaders want fisheries to remain unchanged .
Mr Barnier has also been told he must stand tough on enforcement rules , and ensure the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But these two areas form part of the Prime Minister ’ s red lines - where he vowed the UK would not cave .
As a result , the next few days are critical if the two sides hope to reach a deal before Britain ’ s deadline of October 15 .
About 50 UK officials have gone to Brussels for the informal talks this week , indicating Britain ’ s readiness to secure an agreement ahead of Thursday ’ s summit .
It is thought the two sides may announce a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paving the way for the two teams to continue negotiating into the start of next month .
2pm update : UK has been clear ‘ time is running out ’ Boris Johnson ’ s official spokesman has said the UK has been clear with European Leaders that time is running out to reach a deal .
He added that British negotiators will “ work as hard as we can this week to see if we can get agreement by October 15 ” .
1.25pm update : Professor explains why Trump is best for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political commentator , sociologist & author of Democracy Under Siege has said if Joe Biden wins the presidential election it will be bad news for Britain and Brexit .
He said : “ The one thing that I do know is that Biden does n't like Britain .
“ People close to him continually portray Britain as a failed state , they continue to talk about the poisonous atmosphere within British society in the in the post Brexit environment .
“ So certainly , if Biden gets elected , that that 's bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because in their own in their eyes in Biden 's eyes , and in Kamala Harris 's eyes , Brexit is an insult as to everything they stand for.
” 12pm update : Fishing must be part of any Brexit deal - says French Minister French European affairs minister Clement Beaune has said fishing must be part of any Brexit deal .
He said the country would not accept a Brexit deal at any price , but wants a deal to be reached in the coming days .
French MEPs Nathalie Loiseau and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues to vote down any trade deal unless EU fishermen are guaranteed “ continuous access to British waters and fish ” .
In a leaked memo , seen by Express.co.uk , the French politicians set out plans to issue a public threat to Boris Johnson as crunch negotiations get underway in Brussels .
They wrote : “ As the Brexit negotiations are coming to an end , there is a special need for signals of unity coming from all EU institutions , in order to strengthen the hand of our negotiator Michel Barnier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if reachable , does protect the interests of our fellow citizens.
” The FTSE 100 and sterling were wobbly ahead of a Brexit summit later in the week .
It has opened lower , underperforming the rest of Europe .
Today ’ s underperformance will further cement the FTSE 100 ’ s underperformance this year .
It is the worst performing across all its major European and US peers , down 20.4 percent year-to-date .
9am update : Brexit POLL : Should Boris WALK AWAY if EU misses Thursday deadline for trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline is on Thursday , but the EU looks set to ignore the time limit and expect the UK to follow suit .
Should the UK walk away from talks if the EU miss this week ’ s deadline ?
Vote in our poll below .
8.15am update : Boris to quit talks as EU set to ignore UK fishing demands Boris Johnson is warning EU chiefs to back down this week over their hardline fishing demands or face a no-deal Brexit .
Government sources say the Prime Minister wants the bloc 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in access to UK coastal waters next year ahead of this Thursday 's EU summit .
He could be ready to walk away from the trade talks if the fishing row is not resolved in time for the “ stock take ” on progress in the negotiations by EU leaders in Brussels .
A senior Government source said : “ Fishing is one of the major divisions.
” EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier is understood to be on the brink of a climbdown over fishing rights but some European governments are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue .

Brexit: Barnier 'should stick to mandate on fishing' says attachés
The EU is set to stand defiant over fisheries and the level playing field demands this week, as Boris Johnson’s deadline for reaching a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU fast approaches. Trade talks will take place in Brussels this week, ahead of a key EU summit on Thursday.
Trending
But European leaders, particularly French President Emmanuel Macron, have put significant pressure on the bloc’s negotiator to not give concessions to Britain. Michel Barnier, who is leading the talks for the EU, has been told he must insist the same fishing rights continue after the EU transition period ends at the end of the year. Britain is vowing for a new quota system, but several EU leaders want fisheries to remain unchanged. Mr Barnier has also been told he must stand tough on enforcement rules, and ensure the level playing field demand is not scrapped.
Brexit latest news: The EU is poised to ignore Boris Johnson's deadline
But these two areas form part of the Prime Minister’s red lines - where he vowed the UK would not cave. As a result, the next few days are critical if the two sides hope to reach a deal before Britain’s deadline of October 15. About 50 UK officials have gone to Brussels for the informal talks this week, indicating Britain’s readiness to secure an agreement ahead of Thursday’s summit. It is thought the two sides may announce a “deal in principle” on Thursday, paving the way for the two teams to continue negotiating into the start of next month. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
10.50pm update: MPs overturn measures aimed at protecting UK food standards MPs have overturned measures aimed at protecting UK food standards in future trade deals, despite a Tory backlash in the Commons. They voted 332 votes to 279, majority 53, to disagree with a House of Lords amendment to the Agriculture Bill which would have required agricultural and food imports to meet domestic standards. Peers had made the change to block the import of foodstuffs produced abroad with lower animal welfare standards, amid warnings over chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef entering the UK market from the US. Several Conservative MPs also outlined their support for the amendment as the Bill returned before the Commons for further debate. But it was stripped from the Bill following a vote on Monday. 9.30pm update: Shadow environment secretary urges government to include legal guarantees for UK food and farming standards Shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard urged the Government to include legal guarantees that UK food and farming standards will not be reduced in post-Brexit trade deals on the front of the Agriculture Bill. Mr Pollard told MPs: "I don't think there's anyone in this House who wants lower quality food on our plates, but unless the Government shows some leadership and backs British farmers, I think there's a real risk that that could happen. "Labour has been clear that the Agriculture Bill must include legal guarantees that our high UK food and farming standards won't be undercut in post-Brexit trade deals, whether with the US, Australia or any other country. "And that is because Labour backs our British farmers. And that is why I want to speak not only for Labour in calling for food standards to be put unequivocally in law, but also on behalf of the one million people that signed the NFU's petition on food standards, and of course on behalf of the British farmers from Cornwall, Plymouth and Devon to the east of England, to Wales, to Scotland, when I say put high food and farming standards into law - do it now, do it today."
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Ann Widdecombe opposed to UK/US trade deal
8.20pm update: Ann Widdecombe admits fear for US post-Brexit trade deal saying ‘Biden is bad for Britain’ Brexiteer Ann Widdecombe has warned Democratic candidate Joe Biden winning the US election would be bad for the UK post-Brexit. Former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe said US Presidential candidate Joe Biden would be bad for the UK and its bid for a US trade deal. While speaking to Martin Daubney of Brexit Unlocked, Ms Widdecombe insisted the US election had put Americans in a difficult position. While reflecting on both candidates, Ms Widdecombe concluded that people should not rule out Donald Trump winning a second term. 7.20pm update: Boris ordered to walk away if Brexit trade deal deadline missed Boris Johnson has been urged to walk away from Brexit negotiations if the European Union misses Thursday’s crucial deadline for a trade deal, according to an exclusive Express.co.uk poll. Last month, the Prime Minister gave the EU until October 15 to secure a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK, in order to make sure both parliaments have time to ratify an agreement before the end of the transition period. However, the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier has suggested the deadline will not be adhered to. Mr Barnier told EU ambassadors the talks will likely continue past Thursday’s deadline and does not believe the UK will pull out of the talks if an agreement is not reached.
Boris urged to walk away from Brexit talks
5pm update: EU watchdog to make trade statement soon The European Union's securities watchdog said it expects to make a statement soon on where shares listed in the bloc must be traded after Britain's full departure from the European Union in December. It was important for market participants to have clarity on where they can trade shares, Steven Maijoor, chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority told the European Parliament. Britain left the bloc last January but still has full access to the single market until December 31 under transition arrangements. 3.50pm update: Macron takes control: France ORDERS Germany and Barnier to stick to hard fishing line France has ordered Michel Barnier and Germany to show "no weakness" in the battle to maintain control of Britain's fishing grounds after Brexit. European affairs minister Clement Beaune insisted securing access to the UK’s coastal waters remains a “big priority” for Paris as wrangling over a free-trade agreement is intensified. His intervention comes amid efforts by Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, to water down the bloc’s hardline demands to maintain the status quo for fisheries after the end of the transition period in December. Speaking after an event at the French economy ministry, Mr Beaune said: “Our priorities are extremely transparent, fisheries is certainly one of them. “It’s a big priority we are defending at the moment. It’s important for the UK, so we should respect and understand that, but it is crucial for France, for all of the EU, that we will defend our interests in this negotiation. “We will have no weaknesses on this issue of fisheries, that is clear.” 3.35pm update: Brexit negotiators working as "hard as we can" to get a deal by October 15 The UK and European Union are engaged in intensive negotiations as the clock ticks down to Boris Johnson's deadline for progress in trade talks. The Prime Minister wants a deal by October 15, when the leaders of the 27 European Union countries meet in Brussels. Negotiators are meeting in the Belgian capital for three days of talks ahead of Thursday's European Council summit. Following reports that the deadline could slip, Downing Street insisted that Mr Johnson remained committed to the October 15 date and pointed out that the EU's Michel Barnier had said the "moment of truth" in the negotiations would come in the middle of this month. The Prime Minister's negotiator Lord Frost and his counterpart Mr Barnier were meeting for talks in Brussels after discussions last week in London. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "David Frost and the UK negotiating team are in Brussels today for further talks as part of the intensified process that was agreed by the PM and (European Commission president) Ursula von der Leyen. "These talks will continue until Wednesday. Then the European Council takes place at the end of this week. "We will work as hard as we can to see if we can get an agreement by October 15. "The EU themselves indicated to the UK negotiating team in July that mid-October was the last possible date for a deal." The spokesman said the UK was "committed to working hard this week to seek to bridge the gaps that remain, in particular on fisheries and the level playing field". "The PM has been very clear in his conversations with European leaders that time is in short supply and that while we would like a deal and are committed to work hard to get one, if necessary then we will be prepared to move to trading with the EU on Australian-style terms," the spokesman said. The European Commission said talks were continuing but played down speculation they were now in what has been dubbed the "tunnel" or "submarine" - the final stages of negotiations conducted in the utmost secrecy with no leaks. Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said: "As far as I know they're not meeting either in a tunnel or a submarine but in offices and therefore it's a completely normal schedule and format of negotiations. "Of course negotiations have been intensified over the past weeks as Prime Minister Johnson and President von der Leyen agreed during their phone call two weeks ago and therefore we are in an intense phase of negotiations."
Brexit latest: Informal talks are taking place in Brussels this week
3pm update: Steven Brown takes over from Emily Ferguson 2.48pm update: Informal Brexit talks will continue until Wednesday, UK confirms The UK's negotiating team led by Lord Frost is in Brussels for talks as the clock ticks down to the Prime Minister's deadline for progress on a post-Brexit trade deal. Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: "David Frost and the UK negotiating team are in Brussels today for further talks as part of the intensified process that was agreed by the PM and Ursula von der Leyen. "These talks will continue until Wednesday. Then the European Council takes place at the end of this week. "We will work as hard as we can to see if we can get an agreement by October 15." 2pm update: UK has been clear ‘time is running out’ Boris Johnson’s official spokesman has said the UK has been clear with European Leaders that time is running out to reach a deal. He added that British negotiators will “work as hard as we can this week to see if we can get agreement by October 15”.
Michel Barnier has been told he must insist the same fishing rights continue
1.25pm update: Professor explains why Trump is best for post-Brexit Britain Professor Frank Furedi, a political commentator, sociologist & author of Democracy Under Siege has said if Joe Biden wins the presidential election it will be bad news for Britain and Brexit. He said: “The one thing that I do know is that Biden doesn't like Britain. “People close to him continually portray Britain as a failed state, they continue to talk about the poisonous atmosphere within British society in the in the post Brexit environment. “So certainly, if Biden gets elected, that that's bad news for people who supported Brexit, because in their own in their eyes in Biden's eyes, and in Kamala Harris's eyes, Brexit is an insult as to everything they stand for.” 12pm update: Fishing must be part of any Brexit deal - says French Minister French European affairs minister Clement Beaune has said fishing must be part of any Brexit deal. He said the country would not accept a Brexit deal at any price, but wants a deal to be reached in the coming days. 10.38am update: Leaked letter exposes French bid to DESTROY Brexit deal French MEPs Nathalie Loiseau and Pierre Karleskind are pleading with European Parliament colleagues to vote down any trade deal unless EU fishermen are guaranteed “continuous access to British waters and fish”. In a leaked memo, seen by Express.co.uk, the French politicians set out plans to issue a public threat to Boris Johnson as crunch negotiations get underway in Brussels. They wrote: “As the Brexit negotiations are coming to an end, there is a special need for signals of unity coming from all EU institutions, in order to strengthen the hand of our negotiator Michel Barnier and to ensure that a partnership agreement, if reachable, does protect the interests of our fellow citizens.”
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-10-12--EU pleads with US to drop crippling trade tariffs amid tense row with Washington

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Valdis Dombrovskis claimed the bloc is preparing its own retaliatory strike on Washington , but insisted ending transatlantic trade tensions was his top priority .
The Latvian European commissioner was appointed as the bloc ’ s next trade envoy on Wednesday following the resignation of Irishman Phil Hogan earlier this year .
Mr Dombrovskis said Brussels and Washington should work to end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft manufacturer Airbus .
The row sparked the US to impose £5.8 billion of additional trade tariffs on EU products , such as French wines , Italian cheeses and German machine tools .
Eurocrats are waiting for a decision by the World Trade Organisation before striking back at US products over similar complaints about state aid handouts to Boeing .
Mr Dombrovskis told the FT : “ Of course , if the US is not withdrawing their tariffs we have no choice but to then introduce our tariffs .
“ In any movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least suspending their tariffs , this will not require much delay from our side .
”

Bruno Le Maire: Trade war is unjustifiable and dangerous
Valdis Dombrovskis claimed the bloc is preparing its own retaliatory strike on Washington, but insisted ending transatlantic trade tensions was his top priority. The Latvian European commissioner was appointed as the bloc’s next trade envoy on Wednesday following the resignation of Irishman Phil Hogan earlier this year. Mr Dombrovskis said Brussels and Washington should work to end the spat over illegal subsidies handed to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
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The row sparked the US to impose £5.8 billion of additional trade tariffs on EU products, such as French wines, Italian cheeses and German machine tools. Eurocrats are waiting for a decision by the World Trade Organisation before striking back at US products over similar complaints about state aid handouts to Boeing. Mr Dombrovskis told the FT: “Of course, if the US is not withdrawing their tariffs we have no choice but to then introduce our tariffs. “In any movement form the US side on withdrawing or at least suspending their tariffs, this will not require much delay from our side.”
Valdis Dombrovskis has pleaded with Donald Trump to withdraw trade tariffs on EU products
Valdis Dombrovskis is the EU's new trade commissioner
Brussels is preparing to target culturally significant US products, such as tractors, motorcycles and casino machines. Mr Dombrovskis said he wanted to build on the work of his predecessor, but added he would not pursue the same “mini deals” as Mr Hogan did with Washington. The Latvian said: “I would not be expecting new mini-deals like the lobster deal, for the reason that our negotiating mandates are not matching. “Our mandate clearly excludes agriculture and the US clearly wants to discuss agriculture.”
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US President Donald Trump has slapped trade tariffs on EU products in a row over subsides
He claimed he wanted to move forward with a deal to resolve “purely legal or administrative issues” blocking trade in some EU and US agriculture products, such as European beef. But the trade chief insisted this would not involve lowering the bloc’s food-safety standards. “We have lately had a constructive co-operation on shellfish – both sides are now in the process of finalising the last steps before mutual trade can restart,” Mr Dombrovskis. MUST WATCH: Donald Trump supporters pay touching tribute to US President - VIDEO
Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump want to ease the EU-US trade tensions
Donald Trump: EU a 'foe' to US trade


thedailyexpress--2020-10-12--Hartley-Brewer erupts in furious clash with Andrew Bridgen on overkill COVID restrictions

During the interview on talkRADIO , Ms Hartley-Brewer told Mr Bridgen not to `` insult '' her listeners by pretending the only alternative to lockdown was to let COVID-19 rip through society .
The talkRADIO host stated several different options available to the UK Government including shielding the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic .
Ms Hartley Brewer said : `` Don ’ t insult my listeners by pretending the alternative is between a lockdown and letting it rip , there are a million measures in between . ''
Mr Bridgen replied : `` Such as ?
Tell me . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as shielding the most vulnerable and the elderly , having limitations on what people can do , enforcing social distancing , closing down the pubs where people aren ’ t social distancing .
`` There are plenty of measures . ''
The Conservative MP said : `` That is the idea of the traffic light system . ''
Ms Hartley-Brewer responded : `` No , it is not , that is closing down all pubs and restaurants even if they are operating just fine . ''
Mr Bridgen said : `` We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it would be only in areas where transmission of the virus it at the highest level . ''
Last week the Chancellor pledged to expand his Job Support Scheme to allow the Treasury to pay two-thirds of workers ' wages at firms forced to close due to coronavirus restrictions .
He also increased grants for affected businesses to up to £3,000 a month .
Mr Sunak said : `` I have always said that we will do whatever is necessary to protect jobs and livelihoods as the situation evolves . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scheme will provide a safety net for businesses across the UK who are required to temporarily close their doors , giving them the right support at the right time.
” DO N'T MISS : Martin Lewis warns on mortgage problems with ‘ no fool proof solutions ' [ EXPERT ] Mortgage rates could rise ‘ as soon as March 2021 ’ due to new rules [ WARNING ] Mortgage holders to face a ‘ very challenging period ’ [ INSIGHT ]

Julia Hartley-Brewer clashes with Andrew Bridgen on lockdown
During the interview on talkRADIO, Ms Hartley-Brewer told Mr Bridgen not to "insult" her listeners by pretending the only alternative to lockdown was to let COVID-19 rip through society. The talkRADIO host stated several different options available to the UK Government including shielding the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Ms Hartley Brewer said: "Don’t insult my listeners by pretending the alternative is between a lockdown and letting it rip, there are a million measures in between." Mr Bridgen replied: "Such as? Tell me." The talkRADIO host said: "Such as shielding the most vulnerable and the elderly, having limitations on what people can do, enforcing social distancing, closing down the pubs where people aren’t social distancing. "There are plenty of measures." READ MORE: Boris Johnson vows to reduce mortgage deposits
Julia Hartley-Brewer clashed with the Conservative MP
The coronavirus risk chart
The Conservative MP said: "That is the idea of the traffic light system." Ms Hartley-Brewer responded: "No, it is not, that is closing down all pubs and restaurants even if they are operating just fine." Mr Bridgen said: "We don’t know all the details yet, but it would be only in areas where transmission of the virus it at the highest level." Last week the Chancellor pledged to expand his Job Support Scheme to allow the Treasury to pay two-thirds of workers' wages at firms forced to close due to coronavirus restrictions.
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Rishi Sunak announces expansion to Jobs Support Scheme
The importance of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic


thedailyexpress--2020-10-12--Sturgeon flounders as she's shamed for SNP supporters thinking she 'can do no wrong'

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Nicola Sturgeon was confronted over her `` enthusiastic '' fanbase that has been labelling critics as `` imbeciles '' .
The First Minister was answering press questions amid her daily update about the coronavirus outbreak in Scotland .
However , STV reporter Gordon Chree threw a spanner in the works when he asked about the SNP leader 's supporters .
He asked : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harshest critics think you do nothing right and that people like me never ask any hard questions .
`` It 's also become clear that your most enthusiastic fans think you can do nothing wrong .
`` They think that people like me are 'imbeciles ' who are to ask moronic questions .
`` Does it sadden you that a fair chunk of people view what you or Boris Johnson or other leaders do about COVID through a party political or a constitutional prism rather than as a public health emergency ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ using UK 'blank cheque ' to fund lockdown

Nicola Sturgeon admits she has made ‘mistakes’ during pandemic
Nicola Sturgeon was confronted over her "enthusiastic" fanbase that has been labelling critics as "imbeciles". The First Minister was answering press questions amid her daily update about the coronavirus outbreak in Scotland. However, STV reporter Gordon Chree threw a spanner in the works when he asked about the SNP leader's supporters.
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He asked: "It's become clear that your harshest critics think you do nothing right and that people like me never ask any hard questions. "It's also become clear that your most enthusiastic fans think you can do nothing wrong. "They think that people like me are 'imbeciles' who are to ask moronic questions. "Does it sadden you that a fair chunk of people view what you or Boris Johnson or other leaders do about COVID through a party political or a constitutional prism rather than as a public health emergency?" READ MORE: Rees-Mogg accuses SNP of using UK 'blank cheque' to fund lockdown
Sturgeon confronted over 'enthusiastic' SNP fans that think she 'can do nothing wrong'
'It's also become clear that your most enthusiastic fans think you can do nothing wrong.'
Ms Sturgeon responded: "Can I say for the record, you do ask hard question, all journalists here do. "And you all ask legitimately good questions that are rightly hard. "I don't have any complaint or objection to that, that's part of the reason I stand here every day. "To get across messages but also to allow those messages to be scrutinised, challenged, at times, elucidated."
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'I think that it's an important part of the process that we are going through.'
Nicola Sturgeon gets told to give 'a straight answer’ in interview
UK CORONAVIRUS MAP LIVE