thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--NHS vote: Which MPs just voted AGAINST protecting the NHS in post Brexit trade deal?

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Tories have voted in the House of Commons against an amendement designed to protect the NHS and publicly-funded health and care services from being subject to any form of control from outside the UK in a future post-Brexit trade deal .
The amendment , which was put forward by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and supported by Labour leader Keir Starmer and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was voted down by a margin of 340 to 241 thanks to the Tories ’ overwhelming parliamentary majority .
The amendment to the bill , if passed , would have protected the following : • Ensuring the ability to provide a “ comprehensive and publicly funded health service free at the point of delivery ” was not compromised by any future trade deal • Protecting hard-working NHS staff from having their wages or rights slashed by any future trade deal • Protecting the quality and saftey of health and care services It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any future trade deal and marketisation , something health leaders have voraciously warned against .
It also means the NHS could be exposed to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement ( ISDS ) system , which allows a company to sue a Government for threatening their profits by imposing barriers to trade .

Tories have voted in the House of Commons against an amendement designed to protect the NHS and publicly-funded health and care services from being subject to any form of control from outside the UK in a future post-Brexit trade deal.
The amendment, which was put forward by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and supported by Labour leader Keir Starmer and a number of other senior Labour MPs, was voted down by a margin of 340 to 241 thanks to the Tories’ overwhelming parliamentary majority.
The amendment to the bill, if passed, would have protected the following:
Ensuring the ability to provide a “comprehensive and publicly funded health service free at the point of delivery” was not compromised by any future trade deal
Protecting hard-working NHS staff from having their wages or rights slashed by any future trade deal
Protecting the quality and saftey of health and care services
It also puts the NHS on the table in any future trade deal and marketisation, something health leaders have voraciously warned against.
It also means the NHS could be exposed to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system, which allows a company to sue a Government for threatening their profits by imposing barriers to trade.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--Russia report: Committee requests full intelligence report into the EU Referendum

The long-awaited report into Russia 's involvement in UK politics has finally been released following months of delays , revealing Moscow did not interfere with the Brexit vote in June 2016 but did meddle in the Scottish independence referendum two years earlier .
The findings come as part of a long-running investigation into the threats Russia poses to Britain , carried out by MPs and peers on the Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) .
They explore suspicions of Russian interference in UK elections and referendums , Russia-linked donations to political parties , Russian money in the City of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even assassinations .
One senior source from within Whitehall had told The Daily Telegraph the findings raised concerns not enough was done to investigate Russian interference during the referendum in 2016 .
But their delayed report warned not enough was done to establish what role Moscow played in the Brexit vote just over four years ago around whether the UK should leave the European Union .
The ISC says it would be `` difficult - if not impossible - to prove '' allegations Russia tried to influence the Brexit vote from 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government , and says it was `` slow to recognise the existence of the threat '' .
When discussing the EU referendum from June 2016 , the UK parliamentary report is heavily redacted .
But the says : `` It is nonetheless the Committee 's view that the UK Intelligence Community should produce an analogous assessment of potential Russian interference in the EU referendum and that an unclassified summary of it be published . ''
Top officials from spy agencies , as well as a number of expert witnesses , gave evidence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was former MI6 officer Christopher Steele , who authored a report into alleged links between Russia and Donald Trump 's US election campaign from 2016 .
In his testimony to the committee , he wrote : `` My understanding , arising partly from personal experience with the 'Trump-Russia dossier ' , is that this Government perhaps more than its predecessors is reluctant to see ( or act upon ) intelligence on Russian activities when this presents difficult wider political implications .
`` Examples of this include reporting on the Kremlin ’ s likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and indications of Russian interference in and clandestine funding of the Brexit referendum . ''
The 18-month inquiry also reveals Russia may have meddled in the Scottish independence referendum from 2014 and was `` the first post-Soviet interference in a Western democratic election '' .
The ISC says : `` There is credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 . ''
The report criticised the way successive British Government had not done enough to respond the way Vladimir Putin has dramatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It covers alleged cyber attacks from Russia and the attempted killing of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in 2018 .
This inquiry points to allegations of involvement from Russia in 14 suspicious deaths on UK soil .
DO N'T MISS 'Embarrassing ! '
BBC 's Marr savages Labour for using Russian hacking [ VIDEO ] Why Brexit really was anything but a Russian revolution [ ANALYSIS ] Corbyn leadership ripped to shreds as Labour 'got it wrong ' on Russia [ COMMENT ] The ISC also says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its top western intelligence targets '' .
The committee adds : `` Russia 's cyber security capability is a matter of grave concern and poses an immediate and urgent threat to national security . ''
The report also questions whether the country has done enough in clamping down on the offshore wealth of Russian oligarchs and imposing tough sanctions on those linked to the Russian President .
The 50-page report comes following an 18-month investigation by the Intelligence and Security Committee , chaired by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve .
This report was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October last year , but Boris Johnson sparked an outcry by delaying its publication .
In November 32017 , the ISC said it would investigate Russian activities , but the formal inquiry did not interview witnesses until the following year .
It was only then finalised and cleared for publication through official channels last October .
Mr Johnson had refused to give the go-ahead for its publication before Parliament dissolved prior to the general election in December .
This sparked a furious reaction in Westminster , as at that point , the ISC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
Mr Grieve , former chairman of the ISC , said : `` I ’ m delighted it is finally coming out .
`` It is nine months later than it should have been and there was no good reason not to publish it in October last year .
`` Now people will have a better understanding on the threat Russia poses and if we are doing enough to counter it . ''
Last week , Dominic Raab said the Government is `` almost certain '' Russian actors sought to interfere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the documents relating to a possible free trade deal between the UK and US were `` illicitly acquired '' .
The Foreign Secretary wrote in a statement : `` On the basis of extensive analysis , the government has concluded that it is almost certain that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 general election through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents .
`` Sensitive Government documents relating to the UK-US free trade agreement were illicitly acquired before the 2019 general election and disseminated online via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these gained no traction , further attempts were made to promote the illicitly acquired material online in the run-up to the general election . ''
Mr Raab said there was `` no evidence of a broadspectrum Russian campaign '' against the election , warning `` any attempt to interfere in our democratic processes '' was unacceptable .

Russia Report: UK one of Russia’s ‘top targets’ says Hosie
The long-awaited report into Russia's involvement in UK politics has finally been released following months of delays, revealing Moscow did not interfere with the Brexit vote in June 2016 but did meddle in the Scottish independence referendum two years earlier. The findings come as part of a long-running investigation into the threats Russia poses to Britain, carried out by MPs and peers on the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). They explore suspicions of Russian interference in UK elections and referendums, Russia-linked donations to political parties, Russian money in the City of London, cyber attacks, espionage and even assassinations.
Trending
One senior source from within Whitehall had told The Daily Telegraph the findings raised concerns not enough was done to investigate Russian interference during the referendum in 2016. But their delayed report warned not enough was done to establish what role Moscow played in the Brexit vote just over four years ago around whether the UK should leave the European Union. The ISC says it would be "difficult - if not impossible - to prove" allegations Russia tried to influence the Brexit vote from 2016. But the report lashes out at the Government, and says it was "slow to recognise the existence of the threat". When discussing the EU referendum from June 2016, the UK parliamentary report is heavily redacted.
Russia report: The inquiry reveals Moscow did not interfere with the Brexit vote in 2016
Russia report: Not enough was done to establish what role Moscow played in the Brexit vote, the inquiry warned
But the says: "It is nonetheless the Committee's view that the UK Intelligence Community should produce an analogous assessment of potential Russian interference in the EU referendum and that an unclassified summary of it be published." Top officials from spy agencies, as well as a number of expert witnesses, gave evidence to the committee. One of those witnesses was former MI6 officer Christopher Steele, who authored a report into alleged links between Russia and Donald Trump's US election campaign from 2016. In his testimony to the committee, he wrote: "My understanding, arising partly from personal experience with the 'Trump-Russia dossier', is that this Government perhaps more than its predecessors is reluctant to see (or act upon) intelligence on Russian activities when this presents difficult wider political implications. "Examples of this include reporting on the Kremlin’s likely hold over President Trump and his family/administration and indications of Russian interference in and clandestine funding of the Brexit referendum." READ MORE: UK sends EU dire ultimatum - before rivals share 'poignant moment'
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Russia report: The inquiry said Moscow did meddle in the Scottish independence referendum
The 18-month inquiry also reveals Russia may have meddled in the Scottish independence referendum from 2014 and was "the first post-Soviet interference in a Western democratic election". The ISC says: "There is credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014." The report criticised the way successive British Government had not done enough to respond the way Vladimir Putin has dramatically shifted Russia relations with the West. It covers alleged cyber attacks from Russia and the attempted killing of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in 2018. This inquiry points to allegations of involvement from Russia in 14 suspicious deaths on UK soil. DON'T MISS
'Embarrassing!' BBC's Marr savages Labour for using Russian hacking [VIDEO]
Why Brexit really was anything but a Russian revolution [ANALYSIS]
Corbyn leadership ripped to shreds as Labour 'got it wrong' on Russia [COMMENT]
Russia Report reveals aim to ‘discredit’ Scottish referendum
Russia report: Boris Jonhson has come under pressure over the delayed public release of the findings
The ISC also says Russia considers the UK "one if its top western intelligence targets". The committee adds: "Russia's cyber security capability is a matter of grave concern and poses an immediate and urgent threat to national security." The report also questions whether the country has done enough in clamping down on the offshore wealth of Russian oligarchs and imposing tough sanctions on those linked to the Russian President. The 50-page report comes following an 18-month investigation by the Intelligence and Security Committee, chaired by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve. This report was initially cleared for release by spies in October last year, but Boris Johnson sparked an outcry by delaying its publication. In November 32017, the ISC said it would investigate Russian activities, but the formal inquiry did not interview witnesses until the following year.
Russia report: Several questions have been asked around Russian interference in UK politics
Russia report: Dominic Raab said the Government is "almost certain" Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 general election
It was only then finalised and cleared for publication through official channels last October. Mr Johnson had refused to give the go-ahead for its publication before Parliament dissolved prior to the general election in December. This sparked a furious reaction in Westminster, as at that point, the ISC also had to disband and only reconstituted last week. Mr Grieve, former chairman of the ISC, said: "I’m delighted it is finally coming out. "It is nine months later than it should have been and there was no good reason not to publish it in October last year. "Now people will have a better understanding on the threat Russia poses and if we are doing enough to counter it."


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--EU superstate: 5.30am £677bn recovery deal is no-going-back moment for federal Europe

The marathon talks , which entered their fifth day , saw leaders exchange verbal insults , bang their fists on the table and storm out of the negotiating rooms as tempers flared .
But shortly after 5.30am in Brussels , European Council President Charles Michel declared a deal had been done on a recovery fund for the bloc ’ s pandemic-stricken regions and industries .
The unprecedented package moves the EU one step closer to full-blown federalism by sanctioning the European Commission to undertake mass borrowing to pay for the rescue package .
Top eurocrat Ursula von der Leyen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courage to think big , this is a historic moment in Europe .
`` We have now new revenue streams for the EU , linked to the repayment of the borrowing for recovery . ''
But the victory came at a significant cost to the bloc , with relations between its 27 member states at an all-time low .
The €750 billion recovery fund was radically overhauled during more than 92 hours of bitter wrangling between prime ministers , presidents and their closest aides .
At the centre of the package , leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-repayable grants to economically revive the worst-hit member states – a much smaller sum than originally proposed by Germany and France .
Leaders also rubber-stamped the EU ’ s next seven-year budget , which will be worth €1.074 trillion .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mr Michel became the driving force behind the deal , breaking down significant opposition that had built up since talks started on Friday .
Mrs Merkel called it a “ very important message to the rest of Europe , adding : “ This very special construct of 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to act together and has proven that it is able to act together.
” Leaders struggled to overcome opposition from the so-called “ Frugal Four ” – Austria , Denmark , Sweden and the Netherlands – who were reluctant to allow Brussels to borrow on international markets to fund handouts for member states .
Even after a deal was struck , Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte refused to brand the arrangement historic .
The frugals ’ support was secured by a sizable boost to budget rebates received as a result of Margret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a payback system for Britain .
MUST READ : Brexit Britain stands firm as crunch EU talks on brink of collapse More recently countries , led by France , have pushed for the rebates to be scrapped after Brexit .
Mr Rutte also secured an emergency brake that would allow any country to raise concerns over any capital not honouring the promises of reforms to its economy .
But in order to ease the concerns of some member states , such as Spain and Italy , EU leaders should “ as a rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider any complaint , according to the final agreement .
Another hotly contested issue was the demand for a link between accessing the cash and the respect for the rule of law .
DO N'T MISS Salvini rallies against 'blackmailing ' Brussels as EU27 clash on funds [ INSIGHT ] Macron unleashes fury at Austrian leader Kurz for 'walking out ' [ REPORT ] EU summit : Macron thumps table in rage and threatens to quit talks [ UPDATE ]

Angela Merkel claims EU have come to ‘possible agreement’
The marathon talks, which entered their fifth day, saw leaders exchange verbal insults, bang their fists on the table and storm out of the negotiating rooms as tempers flared. But shortly after 5.30am in Brussels, European Council President Charles Michel declared a deal had been done on a recovery fund for the bloc’s pandemic-stricken regions and industries. The unprecedented package moves the EU one step closer to full-blown federalism by sanctioning the European Commission to undertake mass borrowing to pay for the rescue package.
Trending
Top eurocrat Ursula von der Leyen said: "Europe has the imagination and courage to think big, this is a historic moment in Europe. "We have now new revenue streams for the EU, linked to the repayment of the borrowing for recovery." But the victory came at a significant cost to the bloc, with relations between its 27 member states at an all-time low. The €750 billion recovery fund was radically overhauled during more than 92 hours of bitter wrangling between prime ministers, presidents and their closest aides.
EU leaders broker €1.1 trillion coronavirus recovery package and budget
European Council President Charles Michel
At the centre of the package, leaders agreed to a €390 billion programme of non-repayable grants to economically revive the worst-hit member states – a much smaller sum than originally proposed by Germany and France. Leaders also rubber-stamped the EU’s next seven-year budget, which will be worth €1.074 trillion. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mr Michel became the driving force behind the deal, breaking down significant opposition that had built up since talks started on Friday. Mrs Merkel called it a “very important message to the rest of Europe, adding: “This very special construct of 27 member states of the European Union is able to act together and has proven that it is able to act together.”
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French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Leaders struggled to overcome opposition from the so-called “Frugal Four” – Austria, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands – who were reluctant to allow Brussels to borrow on international markets to fund handouts for member states. Even after a deal was struck, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte refused to brand the arrangement historic. He added: “That’s a term I wouldn’t use.” The frugals’ support was secured by a sizable boost to budget rebates received as a result of Margret Thatcher’s 1984 victory to secure a payback system for Britain. MUST READ: Brexit Britain stands firm as crunch EU talks on brink of collapse
Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
More recently countries, led by France, have pushed for the rebates to be scrapped after Brexit. Mr Rutte also secured an emergency brake that would allow any country to raise concerns over any capital not honouring the promises of reforms to its economy. But in order to ease the concerns of some member states, such as Spain and Italy, EU leaders should “as a rule” take no more than three months to consider any complaint, according to the final agreement. Another hotly contested issue was the demand for a link between accessing the cash and the respect for the rule of law. DON'T MISS
Salvini rallies against 'blackmailing' Brussels as EU27 clash on funds [INSIGHT]
Macron unleashes fury at Austrian leader Kurz for 'walking out' [REPORT]
EU summit: Macron thumps table in rage and threatens to quit talks [UPDATE]
EU: 'Diplomacy is slipping' at summit claims expert


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--Farage takes on EU again as Italexit campaign praises him for freeing UK from 'EU cage'

Prominent Brexiteer and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has been hailed a “ true British patriot ” who “ sent away the technocrats from Brussels ” by anti-EU campaigner Gianluigi Paragone , a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement in Italy .
Mr Paragone revealed he had met with Mr Farage just before launching his Italexit campaign 'No Europe for Italy ’ , which will take place on Thursday , July 23 .
The politician has announced the launch of a single-issue party , much like the Brexit Party , to push for Italy to rip itself from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss Brexit and the future “ of a truly sovereign country ” free from the “ EU cage ” .
Mr Paragone said : `` I met Nigel Farage , leader of the Brexit Party in London , who triumphed in the British referendum by bringing the United Kingdom out of the European Union cage .
“ A true British patriot , the only one who sent away the technocrats from Brussels .
`` I confronted him on the present and future of a truly sovereign country which , even more so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real answers to citizens in the midst of the post-COVID economic crisis . ''
Mr Paragone is hoping to capitalise on anti-EU sentiment in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , which has seen Italy ravaged and the epicentre of the crisis .
READ MORE : Italexit campaign ‘ No Europe - For Italy ’ launches on Thursday Announcing his Italexit campaign launch , he warned the EU Italy would not be “ blackmailed ” .
He added : “ This is the way forward : we can no longer be blackmailed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the great prestige of Italy .
“ For this reason , on July 23 , at 10 am , in the press room of the Chamber of Deputies , I will officially launch my party for Italexit , presenting the name and logo . ''
Mr Farage was at the helm of the Brexit campaign during the build up to the 2016 EU referendum as the leader of the Ukip Party .
After leaving Ukip , he set up his own party , the Brexit Party , with the sole aim to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation and cut ties with the bloc .
Similarly , Mr Paragone is a fierce opponent of the EU and claims the bloc is dominated by the “ Franco-German axis in which banks and bureaucracy are favoured to the detriment of the people ” .
Mr Paragone started his career in politics as a member of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.He said the word “ Italexit ” may figure prominently in the new group ’ s logo .
It comes after Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned that the EU ’ s very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not pull together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
He told the Financial Times newspaper that monetary policies alone would not resolve the issue .

Italexit could be 'only solution' says Robert Oulds
Prominent Brexiteer and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has been hailed a “true British patriot” who “sent away the technocrats from Brussels” by anti-EU campaigner Gianluigi Paragone, a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement in Italy. Mr Paragone revealed he had met with Mr Farage just before launching his Italexit campaign 'No Europe for Italy’, which will take place on Thursday, July 23.
Trending
The politician has announced the launch of a single-issue party, much like the Brexit Party, to push for Italy to rip itself from the bloc. He said met Mr Farage to discuss Brexit and the future “of a truly sovereign country” free from the “EU cage”. Mr Paragone said: "I met Nigel Farage, leader of the Brexit Party in London, who triumphed in the British referendum by bringing the United Kingdom out of the European Union cage.
Nigel Farage is making his mark yet again in his battle against the EU
Gianluigi Paragone hailed Farage as a 'true British patriot'
“A true British patriot, the only one who sent away the technocrats from Brussels. "I confronted him on the present and future of a truly sovereign country which, even more so after Brexit, is able to give real answers to citizens in the midst of the post-COVID economic crisis." Mr Paragone is hoping to capitalise on anti-EU sentiment in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen Italy ravaged and the epicentre of the crisis. READ MORE: Italexit campaign ‘No Europe - For Italy’ launches on Thursday
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Farage was at the helm of the Brexit campaign during the build up to the 2016 EU referendum
Announcing his Italexit campaign launch, he warned the EU Italy would not be “blackmailed”. He added: “This is the way forward: we can no longer be blackmailed by tax havens that allow themselves to offend the great prestige of Italy. “For this reason, on July 23, at 10 am, in the press room of the Chamber of Deputies, I will officially launch my party for Italexit, presenting the name and logo."
Nigel Farage is the leader of the Brexit Party
The Brexit Party has the sole aim to make sure Britain honoured the vote of the nation and cut ties with the bloc
Mr Farage was at the helm of the Brexit campaign during the build up to the 2016 EU referendum as the leader of the Ukip Party. After leaving Ukip, he set up his own party, the Brexit Party, with the sole aim to make sure Britain honoured the vote of the nation and cut ties with the bloc. Similarly, Mr Paragone is a fierce opponent of the EU and claims the bloc is dominated by the “Franco-German axis in which banks and bureaucracy are favoured to the detriment of the people”.
Ursula von der Leyen's EU Commission
Mr Paragone started his career in politics as a member of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.He said the word “Italexit” may figure prominently in the new group’s logo. It comes after Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned that the EU’s very existence would be under threat if countries could not pull together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He told the Financial Times newspaper that monetary policies alone would not resolve the issue.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--Really, Boris? Cabinet meets in person today but ministers WON'T be forced to wear masks

The once-regular weekly meeting will be chaired by the Prime Minister on a physical level for the first time since March and will take place in a large room at the Foreign Office .
They will be told to wash their hands at the start and end of the meeting and will also be given individual water jugs and classes to prevent contamination , but Downing Street has said it is `` not expecting '' them to wear face coverings .
This risks sparking fury among the British public and opposition ministers , as the Government 's own guidelines state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings when distances of two metres can not be kept in indoor environments where possible '' .
The Cabinet last met in person on March 17 - just days before lockdown began , with Mr Johnson since using videoconferencing equipment to meet ministers remotely .
A Downing Street spokesman said : `` As we move forward with the coronavirus recovery and more people return to work in person , the Prime Minister felt that it was right for the Cabinet to come together and have a face-to-face meeting .
`` Essentially we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we set out for businesses when they are considering having this kind of meeting . ''
Asked whether ministers would be wearing face coverings , he spokesman : `` I ’ m not expecting so . ''
He added : `` It is a large room that has been chosen in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it will be properly ventilated and in terms of the steps which are being taken there will be a supply of hand sanitiser and members of the Cabinet will have individual water jugs and glasses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be to a minimum of one metre . ''
Ministers usually sit closely together around the famous coffin-shaped table in 10 Downing Street , but on this occasion they will use the vast Locarno Suite of the Foreign Office .
The gold-painted staterooms , which are often used for meetings with world leaders visiting Downing Street , will now play host to the Prime Minister 's Cabinet meetings until the coronavirus crisis is deemed over .
On Friday , Mr Johnson unveiled an updated timetable around further easing lockdown measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge businesses to bring employees back to the work place .
READ MORE : Coronavirus map LIVE : UK faces MORE local lockdowns after new hotspot He lifted restrictions on using public transport , and workers are being encouraged to resume their regular commutes from next month .
But the latest announcements come with the Prime Minister under pressure for the Government 's often conflicting advice on face coverings .
Despite Mr Johnson 's announcing they would have to be worn in shops , scientists are urging ministers to make them compulsory at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport .
During the briefing on Friday , Mr Johnson said he hopes the UK will be back to something close to normal by Christmas .
DO N'T MISS Rishi Sunak announces 900,000 public sector workers will get pay rise [ COMMENT ] Coronavirus warning : The 11 most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection [ ADVICE ] After shock admission , should police fine those flouting mask law ?
[ POLL ] Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government Sir Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty - who have both regularly appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefings - were both notably absent from the press conference .
This further fueled speculation ministers and their scientific experts are at loggerheads over coronavirus guidance for the British public and businesses .
Just 24 hours earlier , Sir Patrick appeared before MPs but said there is `` absolutely no reason '' to change the current work from home guidance .
He warned the UK is `` still at a time when distancing measures are important '' and that working remotely `` remains a perfectly good option '' .

Boris Johnson and Cabinet ministers arrive at Foreign Office
The once-regular weekly meeting will be chaired by the Prime Minister on a physical level for the first time since March and will take place in a large room at the Foreign Office. They will be told to wash their hands at the start and end of the meeting and will also be given individual water jugs and classes to prevent contamination, but Downing Street has said it is "not expecting" them to wear face coverings. This risks sparking fury among the British public and opposition ministers, as the Government's own guidelines state people working together should be "wearing face coverings when distances of two metres cannot be kept in indoor environments where possible".
Trending
The Cabinet last met in person on March 17 - just days before lockdown began, with Mr Johnson since using videoconferencing equipment to meet ministers remotely. A Downing Street spokesman said: "As we move forward with the coronavirus recovery and more people return to work in person, the Prime Minister felt that it was right for the Cabinet to come together and have a face-to-face meeting. "Essentially we will be following all the COVID-secure guidance we set out for businesses when they are considering having this kind of meeting." Asked whether ministers would be wearing face coverings, he spokesman: "I’m not expecting so."
Boris Johnson on his way to chair the first face-to-face Cabinet meeting in four months
Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street to travel to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
He added: "It is a large room that has been chosen in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it will be properly ventilated and in terms of the steps which are being taken there will be a supply of hand sanitiser and members of the Cabinet will have individual water jugs and glasses and they will be socially distanced, so that will be to a minimum of one metre." Ministers usually sit closely together around the famous coffin-shaped table in 10 Downing Street, but on this occasion they will use the vast Locarno Suite of the Foreign Office. The gold-painted staterooms, which are often used for meetings with world leaders visiting Downing Street, will now play host to the Prime Minister's Cabinet meetings until the coronavirus crisis is deemed over. On Friday, Mr Johnson unveiled an updated timetable around further easing lockdown measures, and scaling back working from home to urge businesses to bring employees back to the work place. READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: UK faces MORE local lockdowns after new hotspot
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Cabinet minister are usually tightly packed around a table for the weekly meeting
He lifted restrictions on using public transport, and workers are being encouraged to resume their regular commutes from next month. But the latest announcements come with the Prime Minister under pressure for the Government's often conflicting advice on face coverings. Despite Mr Johnson's announcing they would have to be worn in shops, scientists are urging ministers to make them compulsory at work, as well as on public transport. During the briefing on Friday, Mr Johnson said he hopes the UK will be back to something close to normal by Christmas. DON'T MISS
Rishi Sunak announces 900,000 public sector workers will get pay rise [COMMENT]
Coronavirus warning: The 11 most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection [ADVICE]
After shock admission, should police fine those flouting mask law? [POLL]
Boris Johnson wore a face mask during a visit to the headquarters of the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust last week
Sir Patrick Vallance said there is "absolutely no reason" to change the current work from home guidance
Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government Sir Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty - who have both regularly appeared alongside the Prime minister during major coronavirus briefings - were both notably absent from the press conference. This further fueled speculation ministers and their scientific experts are at loggerheads over coronavirus guidance for the British public and businesses. Just 24 hours earlier, Sir Patrick appeared before MPs but said there is "absolutely no reason" to change the current work from home guidance. He warned the UK is "still at a time when distancing measures are important" and that working remotely "remains a perfectly good option".
More than 45,000 people have died from coronavirus in the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--John Curtice issues alarming Scottish independence prediction - 'First time in history'

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Sir John Curtice told BBC 's World at One that between 52 to 53 percent of Scottish people now favour independence from the United Kingdom in what will be seen as a major boost for Nicola Sturgeon 's SNP .
Sir John added that the coronavirus pandemic has led to a gain of up to 2 percent for independence during the last quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We have had nine independent polls conducted this year and so far in 2020 on average these have put yes at 51 percent and no at 49 percent .
`` If you look at figures for the last quarter , the four polls done during the coronavirus pandemic that figure has crept up to 52 or 53 percent .
`` So we have been looking at a sustained period of around six months in which on average the polls have been putting yes ahead .
`` This is the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had such a sustained lead for yes over a significant period of time .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon bombshell : SNP rebels growing tired of First Minister

John Curtice sends warning over Scottish independence polls
Sir John Curtice told BBC's World at One that between 52 to 53 percent of Scottish people now favour independence from the United Kingdom in what will be seen as a major boost for Nicola Sturgeon's SNP. Sir John added that the coronavirus pandemic has led to a gain of up to 2 percent for independence during the last quarter of the year.
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Sir John said: "We have had nine independent polls conducted this year and so far in 2020 on average these have put yes at 51 percent and no at 49 percent. "If you look at figures for the last quarter, the four polls done during the coronavirus pandemic that figure has crept up to 52 or 53 percent. "So we have been looking at a sustained period of around six months in which on average the polls have been putting yes ahead. "This is the first time in Scottish polling history where we have had such a sustained lead for yes over a significant period of time. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon bombshell: SNP rebels growing tired of First Minister
John Curtice is a polling expert
Nicola Sturgeon campaigned for independence in the 2014 referendum
"We can all point to individual polls in the past but we have never had a position where yes is so clearly and consistently ahead, albeit very narrowly ahead over a sustained period of time." Last week Sir John revealed there has been a shift in support towards Scottish independence from both pro-EU and Brexit supporters in Scotland. The politics expert told TimesRadio the coronavirus pandemic may have led to a rise in support for Scottish independence Sir John said: "The polls this year are saying that both groups have become a bit more pro yes although Remain voters are still much more likely to be in favour of yes than Leave voters.
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Johnson's approval ratings 'negative' in Scotland says Curtice
"Leave voters are now switching to some degree. "It is no longer obvious whether this most recent increase is to do with Brexit as opposed to something else. "The most obvious something else is of course coronavirus." He continued: "It is probably true that more people across the whole of the UK, not least England, now realise that quite a lot of life in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is not run by the UK Government in London. DON'T MISS
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--Brexit LIVE: UK sends EU dire ultimatum - before rivals share 'poignant moment' in London

He said : `` At the occasion of the working dinner with my counterpart David Frost at Carlton Gardens , a brief moment remembering our shared European history . ''
There continue to be a number of key sticking points in the way of agreeing a post-Brexit deal before the transition period ends in January .
The points of dispute - the `` level playing field '' of measures designed to ensure fair competition between the UK and EU , fisheries and the governance of any deal - will be on the agenda in Tuesday 's sessions .
Ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences remained between the two sides and reminded the EU it is `` not asking for a special , bespoke or unique deal '' .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : ” In terms of the discussions that we have been having throughout the intensified process , they have continued to be constructive but significant differences still remain on a number of important issues .
“ Our position on our sovereignty , laws and fisheries is clear - we will not give up our rights as an independent state .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU on these key issues and will work hard to reach the broad outline of an agreement .
`` But as we have been clear all along , we are not asking for a special , bespoke or unique deal . ''
READ MORE : EU blasted for ‘ absurd ’ and ‘ contradictory ’ Brexit demands 1.15pm update : Farage takes on EU again as Italexit campaign praises him for freeing UK from 'EU cage ' Nigel Farage is making his mark yet again in his battle against the EU after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man behind Italy ’ s Italexit campaign .
Prominent Brexiteer and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has been hailed a “ true British patriot ” who “ sent away the technocrats from Brussels ” by anti-EU campaigner Gianluigi Paragone , a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement in Italy .
Mr Paragone revealed he had met with Mr Farage just before launching his Italexit campaign 'No Europe for Italy ’ , which will take place on Thursday , July 23 .
Brexit will make markets less efficient but it wo n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointee to the Bank of England 's Financial Policy Committee ( FPC ) said on Monday .
Jonathan Hall told the Treasury Select Committee that Brexit represented a longer term risk of increased fragmentation and complexity in financial services .
He said : `` This would increase friction costs for the economy , the supervisory burden . ''
11.49am update : 'Brexit was always gift to Putin ' Guy Verhofstadt , chief Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament , tweeted following the release of the Russia report : `` Brexit was always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union & left Britain divided , isolated .
The # RussiaReport shows just how many questions remain unanswered . ''
Italy will officially launch a campaign to unshackle itself from the EU on Thursday as the Mediterranean country looks to follow in Britain 's Brexit footsteps .
The EU has another crisis on its hands after Italian politician Gianluigi Paragone , a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement , said it was time for Italy to launch its Italexit campaign ' No Europe for Italy ' on Thursday , July 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` blackmailed '' by the Brussels bloc .
10.32am update : Russia meddled in Scottish referendum but unclear on Brexit - report Russia meddled in the 2014 Scottish referendum and the British government failed to ask for a deep assessment of possible Kremlin-directed interference in the Brexit vote , the British parliament 's intelligence and security committee said .
The report said : `` There has been credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 '' It said there were open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit campaign but that the British government had not sought deep evidence of meddling .
The report cast Russia as a hostile power which posed a significant threat to the United Kingdom and the West across a range of fronts , from espionage and cyber to election meddling and laundering dirty money .
It added : `` It appears that Russia considers the UK one of its top Western intelligence targets . ''
The pound briefly rose above $ 1.27 for the first time in six weeks on Tuesday .
The currency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , lifted by the generally buoyant market mood which allowed investors to overlook poor British economic data and lack of concrete progress on Brexit trade talks .
9.35am update : Nigel Farage lashes out at Remainers over Russia report Nigel Farage has demanded “ serious apologies ” after an investigation reportedly found that Russia did not attempt to meddle in the Brexit vote .
The Brexiteer hit out after a long-awaited probe into alleged Russian interference in British democracy , due to be published later today , found nothing to suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU referendum , the Daily Telegraph reported .
Mr Farage tweeted : “ So , no evidence of Russian interference in the referendum .
Some serious apologies are due.
” As Britain toughens its stance on China due to its handling of the coronavirus and a crackdown in Hong Kong , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's visit is an attempt to stiffen Boris Johnson 's resolve and dangle the potential reward of a post-Brexit free trade deal , diplomats say .
Mr Pompeo will discuss ways to tackle the growing might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , just a week after London ordered a purge of Huawei gear from the 5G network .
President Donald Trump lauded Mr Johnson 's ban on Huawei , though he also claimed he had forced London 's hand due to concern over China , which he considers to be the US ' main geopolitical rival of the 21st century .
8.15am update : Policing minister says he does n't know if Russia meddled in Brexit Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said he does not know if Russia meddled in the Brexit vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on BBC Breakfast why it has taken so long for the report to be published , he said there has been a general election , adding : `` And the fact that this report is the property of the committee itself and they make a decision about its publication .
`` The fact that the committee took a little time to get going after the general election probably delayed it too .
`` But it 'll be here in , you know , a couple of hours , and we 'll be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Asked if he thinks Russia tried to influence the Scottish and EU referendums , he said : `` I do n't know .
I have n't read the report .
I 'll have to wait and see what they have to say . ''
Micheal Martin welcomed a €5 billion reserve fund to support countries worst affected by the impact of Brexit .
It comes after the EU agreed on a €1.82 trillion budget and coronavirus recovery fund .
Micheal Martin said it is a strong deal which includes a substantial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recovery fund was finally agreed in the early hours of Tuesday after a marathon four-day summit in Brussels .
7.50am update : EU fishermen demand SAME access to UK waters in Brexit deal as system ‘ working well ’ Brexit trade talks with the EU will resume on Tuesday , but a breakthrough is not expected as the bloc is still adamant European fishermen must have the same access to UK waters - something British negotiators are keen to avoid .
Gerard van Balsfoort , Chairman of the European Fisheries Alliance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights remain the same after the conclusion of the Brexit transition period this year .
The EU 's chief negotiator was told losing access to the waters could be disastrous for many EU states .
Mr van Balsfoort told the Telegraph : “ Loss of access to fishing grounds , to markets for fish or the return of overfishing will ultimately harm all of us .
7.39am update : Brexit deal is possible but ambitious - Germany German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Tuesday : `` The aim of reaching an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future ties between the two by October is ambitious but achievable .
“ An agreement on the basis of the Political Declaration is sporty but still possible . ''

Brexit: Dominic Raab says UK is ‘committed’ to US free trade deal
Britain warned the Brussels bloc it was not prepared to “give up our rights” on sovereignty, laws and fishing after Mr Frost and Mr Barnier shared a poignant moment. Mr Barnier tweeted that he and Mr Frost paused together in front of a war memorial following dinner on Monday in Westminster. THIS BLOG HAS CLOSED. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST BREXIT UPDATES.
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He said: "At the occasion of the working dinner with my counterpart David Frost at Carlton Gardens, a brief moment remembering our shared European history." There continue to be a number of key sticking points in the way of agreeing a post-Brexit deal before the transition period ends in January. The points of dispute - the "level playing field" of measures designed to ensure fair competition between the UK and EU, fisheries and the governance of any deal - will be on the agenda in Tuesday's sessions. Ahead of the talks, Downing Street acknowledged significant differences remained between the two sides and reminded the EU it is "not asking for a special, bespoke or unique deal".
Brexit talks will take place between David Frost and Michel Barnier today
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: ”In terms of the discussions that we have been having throughout the intensified process, they have continued to be constructive but significant differences still remain on a number of important issues. “Our position on our sovereignty, laws and fisheries is clear - we will not give up our rights as an independent state. "We will continue to engage constructively with the EU on these key issues and will work hard to reach the broad outline of an agreement. "But as we have been clear all along, we are not asking for a special, bespoke or unique deal." FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES READ MORE: EU blasted for ‘absurd’ and ‘contradictory’ Brexit demands
Brexit timeline revealed
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06:24 am update: Mike Pompeo wants US-UK trade deal "as soon as possible" US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the US wants to secure a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK “as soon as possible”. His comments come after the US official arrived in the UK for high-level talks with Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. Mr Pompeo said he had discussed the trade deal with Mr Johnson yesterday morning and noted: “I hope we can get it finalised before too long.” 03:50am update: Majority of Scots want to rejoin EU after Brexit, according to one poll A poll has found that most Scots would want to rejoin the EU after Brexit. The survey, conducted by Survation for the new eu+me campaign group, found 62 percent of Scottish people would want to rejoin the EU, while 38 percent would want to stay out. The new eu+me group was established by SNP MP Stephen Gethins, and calls for a close relationship between Scotland and the EU after Brexit.
The majority of Scots want to rejoin the EU after Brexit, according to one pro-EU poll
02:56am update: All seven North Wales Conservative MPs vote against post-Brexit NHS legal bid All seven of North Wales’ Tory MPs voted against a legal bid to protect the NHS in a trade deal with the US, according to reports. Conservative ministers have said that the legal bid was not needed, since the NHS would not be sold off in a trade deal, according to North Wales live. All of the MPs also voted against keeping chlorinated chicken out of the UK food market. Edward Browne takes over live reporting 10.30pm update: Brexit talks on the brink of COLLAPSE Britain is close to abandoning all hope of striking a free trade deal with the European Union, according to reports. Senior sources in the Government have told The Daily Telegraph it is now the working assumption that the UK will trade with the bloc on WTO terms after December 31. Sources said they assume "there won't be a deal" but added that it remains possible that a "basic" agreement could be thrashed out over the coming weeks or months. The latest round of intensified talks kicked off in London on Monday. 9.47pm update: SNP motion to give Scotland a say in post-Brexit trade deals REJECTED Plans to give Scotland powers to help shape future UK trade deals has been rejected by the Conservative Party in a huge blow to Nicola Sturgeon. SNP MP’s Stewart Hosie, Margaret Ferrier and Joanna Cherry tabled a motion in the House of Commons which would have ensured that devolved governments had a say in how UK post-Brexit trade deals are negotiated. Plaid Cymru politician Ben Lake and SDLP MP Colum Eastwood from Northern Ireland also tabled the amendment. However, the vote was turned down by all Conservative MP's by 345 votes to 244. 8pm update: Pound rallies for third day despite lack of progress in Brexit talks The pound rallied for the third straight session on Tuesday, touching a six-week high above $1.27 as market optimism over a potential coronavirus vaccine and an EU agreement on a recovery fund outweighed concerns about the UK economy. The currency had enjoyed its best day in three weeks on Monday despite poor UK economic data and a lack of concrete progress on Brexit trade talks.
David Frost and Michel Barnier will meet for talks today
6.20pm update: Juncker admits he ‘made bets’ UK would vote to leave bloc Jean-Claude Juncker has said he predicted Britain would vote to leave the European Union and even admitted he "made bets" on such an outcome. In a bombshell interview with Austrian magazine, Profil, Mr Juncker insisted Britain was always going to vote to leave the EU, as the country had long criticised the bloc. He said: “I was not surprised by the result of the referendum. “I made bets here in the house, for example, with my British Commission colleague." 5.31pm update: Brexiteers laud UK’s exit as EU strides towards ‘country called Europe’ The European Union took another huge step towards a full-blown superstate on Tuesday after five days of bitter wrangling over a coronavirus rescue fund ended in a deal. After a record-breaking summit negotiation marred by controversy, EU leaders finally agreed on a €750 billion spending plan for the bloc’s regions and industries worst hit by the pandemic. To pay for the aid, the European Commission was granted unprecedented borrowing, taxation and spending powers to run up €390 billion in joint debt to be handed out as grants rather than loans. Conservative MPs said the pact showed Britain had quit the EU in the “nick of time”. Former Brexit minister David Jones said: “Had we still been a member, we’d end up taking the second-largest share of bailing our countries right across the continent. “Fortunately we’re not and I think in hindsight more or less everybody, whether they voted to leave or not, will realise Britain has had a lucky escape on this occasion. “This is another step towards an increase in powers for the European Commission and reduction in power for the national government. It’s a further step along the road to a creation of a country called Europe.” 4.22pm update: Peers clash over post-Brexit farm support system Peers have clashed over a new support system for farmers as the UK moves away from Europe's Common Agricultural Policy. Liberal Democrat Lord Teverson called for a cut in the transition period to payments under new environmental land management schemes (ELMs). But other peers warned, in committee stage debate on the Agriculture Bill, that a shorter transition period could hit farm incomes. Lord Teverson told the Lords said it was better to introduce the new ELMs in five years rather than the seven proposed in the Bill. But Tory Baroness McIntosh of Pickering said the transition period from direct payments should remain at seven years. Lady McIntosh said it was the biggest change faced by farmers for a generation and a delay would give the Government time to develop a good scheme, rather than a "half-baked" one.
Mike Pompeo hailed constructive Brexit talks with Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson is keen to secure an agreement by July
1.56am update: Pompeo hails 'constructive' Brexit talks with Boris Mike Pompeo said it was a constructive visit after he met Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He said: "Our two countries' long-standing, strong bilateral relationship has laid the foundation for today's candid discussion on issues ranging from 5G telecommunication to our negotiations for a US-UK free trade agreement. 1.15pm update: Farage takes on EU again as Italexit campaign praises him for freeing UK from 'EU cage' Nigel Farage is making his mark yet again in his battle against the EU after it emerged he has helped inspire the man behind Italy’s Italexit campaign. Prominent Brexiteer and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has been hailed a “true British patriot” who “sent away the technocrats from Brussels” by anti-EU campaigner Gianluigi Paragone, a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement in Italy. Mr Paragone revealed he had met with Mr Farage just before launching his Italexit campaign 'No Europe for Italy’, which will take place on Thursday, July 23. 12.44pm update: Brexit will split financial markets - BoE Brexit will make markets less efficient but it won't be disastrous for Britain's economy, an appointee to the Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee (FPC) said on Monday. Jonathan Hall told the Treasury Select Committee that Brexit represented a longer term risk of increased fragmentation and complexity in financial services. He said: "This would increase friction costs for the economy, the supervisory burden."
Mike Pompeo arrives in London ahead of talks with Boris Johnson
11.49am update: 'Brexit was always gift to Putin' Guy Verhofstadt, chief Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament, tweeted following the release of the Russia report: "Brexit was always a gift to Putin because it weakened the European Union & left Britain divided, isolated. The #RussiaReport shows just how many questions remain unanswered." 11.25am update: Italy could follow in UK's Brexit footsteps Italy will officially launch a campaign to unshackle itself from the EU on Thursday as the Mediterranean country looks to follow in Britain's Brexit footsteps. The EU has another crisis on its hands after Italian politician Gianluigi Paragone, a former senator for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement, said it was time for Italy to launch its Italexit campaign ' No Europe for Italy' on Thursday, July 23. He said Italy would no longer be "blackmailed" by the Brussels bloc. 10.32am update: Russia meddled in Scottish referendum but unclear on Brexit - report Russia meddled in the 2014 Scottish referendum and the British government failed to ask for a deep assessment of possible Kremlin-directed interference in the Brexit vote, the British parliament's intelligence and security committee said. The report said: "There has been credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014" It said there were open source indications that Russia sought to influence the Brexit campaign but that the British government had not sought deep evidence of meddling. The report cast Russia as a hostile power which posed a significant threat to the United Kingdom and the West across a range of fronts, from espionage and cyber to election meddling and laundering dirty money. It added: "It appears that Russia considers the UK one of its top Western intelligence targets."
Michel Barnier and David Frost shared a poignant moment ahead of talks
Michel Barnier is in London for EU exit talks
9.46am update: Pound Sterling enjoys rise The pound briefly rose above $1.27 for the first time in six weeks on Tuesday. The currency had enjoyed its best day in three-weeks on Monday, lifted by the generally buoyant market mood which allowed investors to overlook poor British economic data and lack of concrete progress on Brexit trade talks. 9.35am update: Nigel Farage lashes out at Remainers over Russia report Nigel Farage has demanded “serious apologies” after an investigation reportedly found that Russia did not attempt to meddle in the Brexit vote. The Brexiteer hit out after a long-awaited probe into alleged Russian interference in British democracy, due to be published later today, found nothing to suggest Russia played any part in the 2016 EU referendum, the Daily Telegraph reported. Mr Farage tweeted: “So, no evidence of Russian interference in the referendum. Some serious apologies are due.” 8.48am update: US Mike Pompeo to meet Boris As Britain toughens its stance on China due to its handling of the coronavirus and a crackdown in Hong Kong, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit is an attempt to stiffen Boris Johnson's resolve and dangle the potential reward of a post-Brexit free trade deal, diplomats say. Mr Pompeo will discuss ways to tackle the growing might of China when he meets Mr Johnson on Tuesday, just a week after London ordered a purge of Huawei gear from the 5G network. President Donald Trump lauded Mr Johnson's ban on Huawei, though he also claimed he had forced London's hand due to concern over China, which he considers to be the US' main geopolitical rival of the 21st century. 8.15am update: Policing minister says he doesn't know if Russia meddled in Brexit Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said he does not know if Russia meddled in the Brexit vote or the Scottish independence referendum. Asked on BBC Breakfast why it has taken so long for the report to be published, he said there has been a general election, adding: "And the fact that this report is the property of the committee itself and they make a decision about its publication. "The fact that the committee took a little time to get going after the general election probably delayed it too. "But it'll be here in, you know, a couple of hours, and we'll be able to read it and digest it." Asked if he thinks Russia tried to influence the Scottish and EU referendums, he said: "I don't know. I haven't read the report. I'll have to wait and see what they have to say."
Michel Barnier will hold talks with David Frost in London
Brexit: UK could have second extension under WTO says Fox


thedailyexpress--2020-07-22--Scotland's no deal PANIC: Anti-Brexit campaign launched to try to tie Edinburgh to bloc

The eu+me campaign is chaired by former North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins and the campaign 's director is the SNP 's former head of communications , Fergus Mutch .
Mr Mutch said the campaign will be a `` grassroots-led force for positive change '' at a crucial moment in Scotland 's relationship with Europe .
The poll , undertaken by Survation revealed that 65 percent of Scots regret the Brexit result while 62 percent of Scots would want to rejoin the EU .
Meanwhile , the other 38 percent would opt to stay out of the EU , excluding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know '' .
More than a third ( 35.7 percent ) of the 1,127 Scots surveyed between June 10th and 16th believe the economic impact of coronavirus would have been reduced if the UK remained in the EU .
Following the result , Mr Mutch told Express.co.uk : “ We have support from all politicians but we don ’ t have a Tory member on the board .
`` There 's a very real risk that in just over five months time we crash out of the transition period with no deal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace and prosperity across Europe for over 60 years.
” Mr Mutch stressed that he didn ’ t have the confidence there would be a deal adding that no deal was the most likely option to occur .
He added : “ The UK government has ignored quite a lot of the implications for Scotland and the devolved nations when it comes to Brexit .
“ Scotland , however , has done very well for the past few years to give a sense that EU citizens living here are welcome to stay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and workplaces .
READ MORE : Rejected - Calls for inquiry into Russian interference in 2014 indy vote “ Maintaining that will be a challenge particularly if we leave without a deal at the end of the year when free movement ends.
” Mr Mutch continued : `` Never has an energetic campaign been more badly needed to protect our status and to help shape our future as Europeans . ''
He said the campaign aims to `` influence what comes next '' and was not aligned to any political party or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express.co.uk .
He added : `` The coming months could not be more crucial to secure the rights we 've enjoyed for most of our lifetimes to live , work , travel , study and thrive as part of Europe.
” DO N'T MISS : Motion to give Scotland a say in post-Brexit trade deals REJECTED [ REVEAL ] SNP 's Drew Hendry shut down by Alok Sharma in furlough row [ JUST IN ] Sturgeon under pressure : Alliance For Independence to launch [ INSIGHT ]

Nicola Sturgeon: Brexit is making Scottish population angry
The eu+me campaign is chaired by former North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins and the campaign's director is the SNP's former head of communications, Fergus Mutch. Mr Mutch said the campaign will be a "grassroots-led force for positive change" at a crucial moment in Scotland's relationship with Europe.
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The poll, undertaken by Survation revealed that 65 percent of Scots regret the Brexit result while 62 percent of Scots would want to rejoin the EU. Meanwhile, the other 38 percent would opt to stay out of the EU, excluding those who answered: "don't know". More than a third (35.7 percent) of the 1,127 Scots surveyed between June 10th and 16th believe the economic impact of coronavirus would have been reduced if the UK remained in the EU. Following the result, Mr Mutch told Express.co.uk: “We have support from all politicians but we don’t have a Tory member on the board.
Nicola Sturgeon has made her position clear on Brexit
The latest round of EU talks have reached deadlock
"There's a very real risk that in just over five months time we crash out of the transition period with no deal and irreparably damage the relationships that have maintained peace and prosperity across Europe for over 60 years.” Mr Mutch stressed that he didn’t have the confidence there would be a deal adding that no deal was the most likely option to occur. He added: “The UK government has ignored quite a lot of the implications for Scotland and the devolved nations when it comes to Brexit. “Scotland, however, has done very well for the past few years to give a sense that EU citizens living here are welcome to stay, they make a valuable contribution to communities and workplaces. READ MORE: Rejected - Calls for inquiry into Russian interference in 2014 indy vote
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Nicola Sturgeon has warned about the future of the Scottish economy
“Maintaining that will be a challenge particularly if we leave without a deal at the end of the year when free movement ends.” Mr Mutch continued: "Never has an energetic campaign been more badly needed to protect our status and to help shape our future as Europeans." He said the campaign aims to "influence what comes next" and was not aligned to any political party or a position on Scottish independence when asked by Express.co.uk. He added: "The coming months could not be more crucial to secure the rights we've enjoyed for most of our lifetimes to live, work, travel, study and thrive as part of Europe.” DON'T MISS:
Motion to give Scotland a say in post-Brexit trade deals REJECTED [REVEAL]
SNP's Drew Hendry shut down by Alok Sharma in furlough row [JUST IN]
Sturgeon under pressure: Alliance For Independence to launch [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon spoke at a recent European Policy Centre event


thedailyexpress--2020-07-22--Brexit talks on the brink of COLLAPSE as UK close to abandoning hope of EU trade deal

Senior sources in the Government have told The Daily Telegraph it is now the working assumption the UK will trade with the bloc on WTO terms after December 31 .
Sources said they assume `` there wo n't be a deal '' but added that it remains possible that a `` basic '' agreement could be thrashed out over the coming weeks or months .
The latest round of intensified talks kicked off in London this week .
Businesses across the UK have already been told to ready themselves for a hard exit from the bloc .
The Daily Telegraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's negotiating team - led by David Frost - is not willing to compromise on key issues such as access to fishing waters .
The source said : `` The Government has been making it clear for a while that it is prepared for no deal .
`` Britain is n't going to budge on fundamentals like fishing rights , so it 's all in the hands of the EU . ''
Another source on Mr Frost 's negotiating team was quoted as saying they had hoped to sign a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they claimed , the EU had made it `` clear '' that it could not happen .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson warned he 's on 'borrowed time ' - support rests on Brexit However , the EU has said it will only agree to a free trade deal with certain conditions attached .
The latest twist in the Brexit saga comes after talks were intensified after the deadline for the Brexit transition period to be extended was reached .
Mr Johnson spoke with the President of the European Commission Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks .
Ahead of this week 's talks , Downing Street acknowledged significant differences remained between the two sides .
They reminded the EU it is `` not asking for a special , bespoke or unique deal '' .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : ” In terms of the discussions that we have been having throughout the intensified process , they have continued to be constructive but significant differences still remain on a number of important issues .
“ Our position on our sovereignty , laws and fisheries is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights as an independent state .

Brexit: EU propositions are ‘incompatible’ with UK says expert
Senior sources in the Government have told The Daily Telegraph it is now the working assumption the UK will trade with the bloc on WTO terms after December 31. Sources said they assume "there won't be a deal" but added that it remains possible that a "basic" agreement could be thrashed out over the coming weeks or months. The latest round of intensified talks kicked off in London this week.
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Businesses across the UK have already been told to ready themselves for a hard exit from the bloc. The Daily Telegraph quoted a senior Government source as saying the UK's negotiating team - led by David Frost - is not willing to compromise on key issues such as access to fishing waters. The source said: "The Government has been making it clear for a while that it is prepared for no deal.
The UK does not expect to strike a deal with the EU, sources say
Michel Barnier waves to photographers outside No10
"Britain isn't going to budge on fundamentals like fishing rights, so it's all in the hands of the EU." Another source on Mr Frost's negotiating team was quoted as saying they had hoped to sign a deal by the end of July. But, they claimed, the EU had made it "clear" that it could not happen. READ MORE: Boris Johnson warned he's on 'borrowed time' - support rests on Brexit
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The UK's chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost
The Prime Minister pictured leaving No10
Michel Barnier arrives at Downing Street
However, the EU has said it will only agree to a free trade deal with certain conditions attached. The latest twist in the Brexit saga comes after talks were intensified after the deadline for the Brexit transition period to be extended was reached. Mr Johnson spoke with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in a bid to fast-track talks.
Brexit timeline
Ahead of this week's talks, Downing Street acknowledged significant differences remained between the two sides. They reminded the EU it is "not asking for a special, bespoke or unique deal". The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: ”In terms of the discussions that we have been having throughout the intensified process, they have continued to be constructive but significant differences still remain on a number of important issues. “Our position on our sovereignty, laws and fisheries is clear - we will not give up our rights as an independent state.
Boris Johnson has ruled out an extension to the Brexit transition period


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--Blow to Sturgeon: SNP plot to give Scotland a say in post-Brexit trade deals REJECTED

SNP MP ’ s Stewart Hosie , Margaret Ferrier and Joanna Cherry backed a motion in the House of Commons which would have ensured that devolved governments had a say in how UK post-Brexit trade deals are negotiated .
Plaid Cymru politician Ben Lake and SDLP MP Colum Eastwood from Northern Ireland also backed the amendment .
It comes amid fears by Holyrood the UK could leave without a trade deal at the end of the Brexit transition period after a stalemate in recent negotiations with the Brussels bloc - leaving the devolved administrations vulnerable .
DUP MP Carla Lockhart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons : “ Our role should be proactive and not passive .
“ That is why we will be supporting amendment NC4 .
`` Parliament 's role must be enhanced ahead of negotiations . ''
She added that the devolved administrations `` should also have a meaningful role '' .
Ben Lake stressed that Wales faced being “ left with less of a say over our future than a regional parliament in Belgium ” .
Speaking before the vote , he said : “ If the Westminster Government is putting the interests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal , they have nothing to worry about .
“ All of the parliaments will simply vote through any agreement .
READ MORE : Scottish politicians urge Boris to hold inquiry over Russia meddling “ The problem is , I simply don ’ t trust the warm words of the Westminster government that they won ’ t drop our food standards or put the NHS up for sale in their desperation for a trade deal with the US.
” However , the vote was turned down by all Conservative MP 's by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Tories Andrew Bowie , David Duguid , Alister Jack , John Lamont , David Mundell and Douglas Ross rejected the motion .
SNP MSP Paul Wheelhouse expressed his anger about the vote .
DO N'T MISS : SNP 's Drew Hendry shut down by Alok Sharma in furlough row [ REVEAL ] Nicola Sturgeon warned SNP 's independence dream to be 'eclipsed ' [ INSIGHT ] John Curtice issues alarming Scottish independence prediction [ JUST IN ] He tweeted : “ Remember Tories telling voters @ theSNP was scaremongering about the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Trade deal ?
“ Well , the Tories told blatant lies & this proves it .
“ Tory Bill passed to Lords last night as Tory MPs voted down protections for [ Scottish ] NHS # indyref2.
” But opening the debate , International Trade Minister Greg Hands said the Government was `` committed to transparency '' regarding scrutiny of international agreements .

Brexit: Dominic Raab says UK is ‘committed’ to US free trade deal
SNP MP’s Stewart Hosie, Margaret Ferrier and Joanna Cherry backed a motion in the House of Commons which would have ensured that devolved governments had a say in how UK post-Brexit trade deals are negotiated. Plaid Cymru politician Ben Lake and SDLP MP Colum Eastwood from Northern Ireland also backed the amendment.
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It comes amid fears by Holyrood the UK could leave without a trade deal at the end of the Brexit transition period after a stalemate in recent negotiations with the Brussels bloc - leaving the devolved administrations vulnerable. DUP MP Carla Lockhart also backed the deal and told The Commons: “Our role should be proactive and not passive. “That is why we will be supporting amendment NC4. "Parliament's role must be enhanced ahead of negotiations."
Devolved administrations will have no say in future UK trade deals
Stewart Hosie helped to table the motion
She added that the devolved administrations "should also have a meaningful role". Ben Lake stressed that Wales faced being “left with less of a say over our future than a regional parliament in Belgium”. Speaking before the vote, he said: “If the Westminster Government is putting the interests of all four UK nations first in any trade deal, they have nothing to worry about. “All of the parliaments will simply vote through any agreement. READ MORE: Scottish politicians urge Boris to hold inquiry over Russia meddling
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Nicola Sturgeon has made clear about the impact of a no deal Brexit on the UK
Mr Hosie was formerly SNP deputy leader
He tweeted: “Remember Tories telling voters @theSNP was scaremongering about the NHS being sold down river to secure a US Trade deal? “Well, the Tories told blatant lies & this proves it. “Tory Bill passed to Lords last night as Tory MPs voted down protections for [Scottish] NHS #indyref2.” But opening the debate, International Trade Minister Greg Hands said the Government was "committed to transparency" regarding scrutiny of international agreements.
The Tories have rejected the devolved adminstrations calls


thedailyexpress--2020-07-21--Sturgeon under pressure: Alliance For Independence to launch as Scot independence party

Alliance For Independence is to be launched with former SNP MSP Dave Thompson at the helm .
Express.co.uk understands the party will run under the slogan `` Max the Yes '' in next May ’ s Holyrood elections .
The new independence party is hoping to put forward 96 candidates in next year ’ s Scottish Parliament election .
This week , the party will submit details including its logo which will be the letters AFI over an image of a Saltire , also known as St Andrew ’ s Cross , the National Flag of Scotland to the Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would not challenge the SNP in constituency seats and that it would only contest regional list seats in an effort to increase the number of pro-referendum MSPs at Holyrood .
It comes after recent surveys indicate the SNP will secure a large victory in next year ’ s Holyrood elections and will sweep up all of Scotland ’ s constituency seats - but very few regional list seats which could give Mr Thompson ’ s new party a chance .
Holyrood uses the Additional Member system meaning voters have two votes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a voter chooses a candidate to represent one of Scotland ’ s 73 constituencies and each constituency elects one MSP .
A second vote is used to select 56 additional members who represent eight different parliamentary regions .
However , in the second vote , the electorate votes for a party rather than a candidate in a list .
READ MORE : Scottish politicians urge Boris to hold inquiry over Russia meddling This method could increase the number of pro-independence MSPs at Holyrood .
Several former SNP politicians have said they will back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates in upcoming elections .
Among them is John Wilson who was an MSP under Alex Salmond from 2007 in the Central Scotland region but quit the SNP after the 2014 referendum .
He told the Daily Record : “ In 2016 , the overwhelming majority of 2nd SNP votes produced little or nothing for the independence movement .
In Central , the SNP took every seat and the second vote became a wasted vote .
DO N'T MISS : Russia report : What 's in the Russia report ?
UK failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparks new Scotland lockdown fears [ REVEAL ] John Curtice issues alarming Scottish independence prediction [ INSIGHT ] “ I do n't think it causes confusion .
“ My view is voters are looking to maximise their vote , they 're the ones who want to drive home the argument for independence .
“ Quite rightly AFI wo n't stand constituency candidates because they understand the SNP will want to field them everywhere.
” He stressed that the elections were an opportunity for other political figures “ to be involved.
” Mr MacAskill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on Scottish independence .
He added : “ I can understand why the First Minister and the health minister have been otherwise engaged .
`` But this is n't about the government , the government has a job to do managing the country , this is about the position of the Scottish National Party .
And questions have to be asked about what 's going on there.
” He added : “ I think the party has gone to sleep for a few months and I think it 's about time whoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got it working .
The work on independence should be getting done .
”

Alok Sharma shuts down Hendry over Scotland's furlough support
Alliance For Independence is to be launched with former SNP MSP Dave Thompson at the helm. Express.co.uk understands the party will run under the slogan "Max the Yes" in next May’s Holyrood elections.
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The new independence party is hoping to put forward 96 candidates in next year’s Scottish Parliament election. This week, the party will submit details including its logo which will be the letters AFI over an image of a Saltire, also known as St Andrew’s Cross, the National Flag of Scotland to the Electoral Commission. Mr Thompson has made clear it would not challenge the SNP in constituency seats and that it would only contest regional list seats in an effort to increase the number of pro-referendum MSPs at Holyrood. It comes after recent surveys indicate the SNP will secure a large victory in next year’s Holyrood elections and will sweep up all of Scotland’s constituency seats - but very few regional list seats which could give Mr Thompson’s new party a chance.
The Alliance for Independence will launch tomorrow
The party will be known as Alliance for Independence
Holyrood uses the Additional Member system meaning voters have two votes in elections. In the first vote, a voter chooses a candidate to represent one of Scotland’s 73 constituencies and each constituency elects one MSP. A second vote is used to select 56 additional members who represent eight different parliamentary regions. However, in the second vote, the electorate votes for a party rather than a candidate in a list. READ MORE: Scottish politicians urge Boris to hold inquiry over Russia meddling
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John Wilson, a former SNP MSP has expressed support
This method could increase the number of pro-independence MSPs at Holyrood. Several former SNP politicians have said they will back the party and could potentially stand as candidates in upcoming elections. Among them is John Wilson who was an MSP under Alex Salmond from 2007 in the Central Scotland region but quit the SNP after the 2014 referendum. He told the Daily Record: “In 2016, the overwhelming majority of 2nd SNP votes produced little or nothing for the independence movement. In Central, the SNP took every seat and the second vote became a wasted vote. DON'T MISS:
Russia report: What's in the Russia report? UK failed to investigate [JUST IN]
Nicola Sturgeon sparks new Scotland lockdown fears [REVEAL]
John Curtice issues alarming Scottish independence prediction [INSIGHT]
SNP MP Kenny MacAskill has backed calls for a second Pro-Indy party
“I don't think it causes confusion. “My view is voters are looking to maximise their vote, they're the ones who want to drive home the argument for independence. “Quite rightly AFI won't stand constituency candidates because they understand the SNP will want to field them everywhere.” He stressed that the elections were an opportunity for other political figures “to be involved.”
The party could put forward candidates in the next Scottish elections
He added: “The reality is we need to get as many MSPs to show there is a clear majority in 2021 that indicates Scotland’s desire for independence." Serving SNP MP for East Lothian Kenny MacAskill has also urged voters to back a second pro-independence party as well as the SNP at the next Holyrood election. He stressed the current Holyrood voting system made it hard to get a majority in both constituency and regional seats in an electoral region. Mr MacAskill added: “‘Both Votes SNP’ just doesn’t work. “What better way of allowing Scottish voters a choice than a specific ‘independence’ option on the list.”
Nicola Sturgeon's party is set to win next years Holyrood elections


thedailyexpress--2020-07-22--Labour war EXPLODES: Starmer faces mutiny from Corbyn allies after whistleblower apology

An army of supporters of Sir Keir Starmer ’ s predecessor Jeremy Corbyn have hit out after Labour agreed to pay `` substantial damages '' and issued an unreserved apology over `` defamatory and false allegations '' made following a BBC Panorama investigation .
It comes as Mr Starmer continues efforts to distance the party from his predecessor Mr Corbyn , declaring to the House of Commons this afternoon during Prime Minister ’ s Questions “ the Labour Party is under new management ” .
But the decision has reignited tensions with the party ’ s hard Left .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Unite - Labour 's biggest donor - said it was a `` misuse '' of the party 's funds .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey , an ally of Mr Corbyn , said : `` Today 's settlement is a misuse of Labour Party funds to settle a case it was advised we would win in court.
” He said a leaked report on anti-Semitism - which detailed the factional splits in the party 's headquarters - told a `` very different story about what happened '' .
While , Mr Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : “ Keir Starmer just threw the Labour party into an even deeper mess .
“ By issuing an apology to former staff who appeared in the # Panorama programme , he is pre-judging the Forde inquiry into the serious issues revealed in the # leakedreport in which at least one of them is implicated.
” Their angry comments comes amid reports several of Mr Corbyn ’ s former officials - Karie Murphy , Seumas Milne and Jennie Formby - sought legal advice ahead of the decision to ensure they saw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn has himself also hit out , saying settling the case was `` a political decision , not a legal one '' .
He said it was a `` disappointing '' decision which `` risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations '' about action to tackle anti-Semitism in Labour .
Mr Corbyn said : `` Our legal advice was that the party had a strong defence , and the evidence in the leaked Labour report that is now the subject of an NEC inquiry led by Martin Forde QC strengthened concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who took part in the programme .
`` The decision to settle these claims in this way is disappointing , and risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations about action taken to tackle anti-Semitism in the Labour Party in recent years .
`` To give our members the answers and justice they deserve , the inquiry led by Martin Forde must now fully address the evidence the internal report uncovered of racism , sexism , factionalism and obstruction of Labour 's 2017 general election campaign . ''
Seven former employees who worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit , who were responsible for the investigation of allegations of misconduct by party members , sued Labour after it issued a press release describing them as having `` personal and political axes to grind '' .
The legal action followed the broadcast in July 2019 of a BBC Panorama programme titled Is Labour Anti-Semitic ?
.
Katherine Buckingham , Michael Creighton , Samuel Matthews , Daniel Hogan , Louise Withers Green , Martha Robinson and Benjamin Westerman all had concerns there was `` a lack ofcommitment '' by Labour to properly investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court heard on Wednesday .
At a brief hearing in London , their barrister William Bennett QC said : `` The whistleblowers were highly critical of the Labour Party 's approach to tackling anti-Semitism within its ranks . ''
He told Mr Justice Nicklin : `` Before the broadcast of the Panorama programme , the Labour Party issued a press release that contained defamatory and false allegations about the whistleblowers .
Labour 's handling of anti-Semitism allegations under Mr Corbyn 's leadership is the subject of an inquiry by the Equality and Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already received a draft report from the watchdog .

Labour: Panorama documentary explores the anti-Semitism issue
An army of supporters of Sir Keir Starmer’s predecessor Jeremy Corbyn have hit out after Labour agreed to pay "substantial damages" and issued an unreserved apology over "defamatory and false allegations" made following a BBC Panorama investigation. It comes as Mr Starmer continues efforts to distance the party from his predecessor Mr Corbyn, declaring to the House of Commons this afternoon during Prime Minister’s Questions “the Labour Party is under new management”.
Trending
But the decision has reignited tensions with the party’s hard Left. In response to the settlement, the boss of Unite - Labour's biggest donor - said it was a "misuse" of the party's funds. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, an ally of Mr Corbyn, said: "Today's settlement is a misuse of Labour Party funds to settle a case it was advised we would win in court.” He said a leaked report on anti-Semitism - which detailed the factional splits in the party's headquarters - told a "very different story about what happened".
Keir Starmer faces mutiny from Corbyn allies
Keir Starmer continues efforts to distance the party from his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn
While, Mr Corbyn's former aide, Steve Howell, tweeted: “Keir Starmer just threw the Labour party into an even deeper mess. “By issuing an apology to former staff who appeared in the #Panorama programme, he is pre-judging the Forde inquiry into the serious issues revealed in the #leakedreport in which at least one of them is implicated.” Their angry comments comes amid reports several of Mr Corbyn’s former officials - Karie Murphy, Seumas Milne and Jennie Formby - sought legal advice ahead of the decision to ensure they saw the apology before it was issued. Mr Corbyn has himself also hit out, saying settling the case was "a political decision, not a legal one". READ MORE: Labour pays 'substantial' damages after whistleblower attacks
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Len McCluskey hit out at the apology
He said it was a "disappointing" decision which "risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations" about action to tackle anti-Semitism in Labour. Mr Corbyn said: "Our legal advice was that the party had a strong defence, and the evidence in the leaked Labour report that is now the subject of an NEC inquiry led by Martin Forde QC strengthened concerns about the role played by some of those who took part in the programme. "The decision to settle these claims in this way is disappointing, and risks giving credibility to misleading and inaccurate allegations about action taken to tackle anti-Semitism in the Labour Party in recent years. DON'T MISS
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Jeremy Corbyn said the ruling was 'disappointing'
Corbyn has himself also hit out, saying settling the case was "a political decision, not a legal one"
"To give our members the answers and justice they deserve, the inquiry led by Martin Forde must now fully address the evidence the internal report uncovered of racism, sexism, factionalism and obstruction of Labour's 2017 general election campaign." Seven former employees who worked in the party's governance and legal unit, who were responsible for the investigation of allegations of misconduct by party members, sued Labour after it issued a press release describing them as having "personal and political axes to grind". The legal action followed the broadcast in July 2019 of a BBC Panorama programme titled Is Labour Anti-Semitic?.
Main reason for not sticking with Labour
Katherine Buckingham, Michael Creighton, Samuel Matthews, Daniel Hogan, Louise Withers Green, Martha Robinson and Benjamin Westerman all had concerns there was "a lack ofcommitment" by Labour to properly investigate anti-Semitism within the party, the High Court heard on Wednesday. At a brief hearing in London, their barrister William Bennett QC said: "The whistleblowers were highly critical of the Labour Party's approach to tackling anti-Semitism within its ranks." He told Mr Justice Nicklin: "Before the broadcast of the Panorama programme, the Labour Party issued a press release that contained defamatory and false allegations about the whistleblowers. Labour's handling of anti-Semitism allegations under Mr Corbyn's leadership is the subject of an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission - and Sir Keir has already received a draft report from the watchdog.