thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--'Wishful thinking!' Express.co.uk readers brutally shut down calls for Welsh independence

Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under fire this week over the internal market bill , which aims to protect jobs and trade in the UK after the transition period with the EU ends on December 31 .
Part of the legislation explains how the UK will `` provide financial assistance to Scotland , Wales , and Northern Ireland with new powers to spend taxpayers ’ money previously administered by the EU ” .
The Welsh Government reacted furiously by blasting the bill as “ an attack on democracy and an affront to the people of Wales , Scotland and Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jobbins warned there was growing support of Welsh independence within the country amid the Internal Market Bill being debated and voted on in Parliament this week .
Between 12.29pm and 7.20pm today , 1,608 Express readers voted on whether Wales could really go it alone as an independent country .
A whopping 1,421 ( 89 percent ) voters said they did not believe Wales could really go it alone .
Only 169 voters ( 10 percent ) said they thought Wales could thrive as an independent country .
And 18 people ( one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ca n't see this Brexit poll ?
Click here to open in your browser Many readers vented their frustration at the prospect of Wales separating from the rest of the UK .
One person said : `` Wishful , if not delusional thinking , without unrestricted access to the rest of the UK ’ s internal market and the substantial transfer payments made to it , its position is much the same as Scotland ’ s and Northern Ireland ’ s . ''
Another reader added : `` I 'm Welsh and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Like Scotland , why cut off the hand that feeds you , we just ca n't afford it . ''
READ MORE : Wales POLL : As independence campaign surges , can Wales go it alone ?
A third agreed that people in Wales are not leaning towards independence .
They said : `` I am Welsh and there is no appetite or desire for independence amongst the silent majority . ''
And a fourth reader called for the UK to remain united .
They said : `` Breaking up the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do and our children will pay for that mistake .
DO N'T MISS Furious Boris Johnson ‘ rolls his eyes ’ in fierce House of Commons row [ WATCH ] Brexit news : EU ‘ fighting desperately ’ to stop other countries leaving [ REVEALED ] Carrie Symonds left in tears after 'difficult watch ' [ VIDEO ] '' We can be great together again ! ''
Mr Jobbins previously outlined the key ways Wales may already be `` ready to be independent '' .
He told Express.co.uk : `` Our GDP per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our tax revenue per head is high than New Zealand 's , we have 15 percent of the whole of Europe 's tidal power , we already export twice as much electricity as we use and , are in fact , the world 's 6th biggest electricity exporter , we also have excellent brands in food and meats , a strong tourism sector and 6 universities where most of the students come in from outside Wales .
`` We 're recognised as an independent country in many sports - football and rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally self-financing and doing well ) , have some international consulates here already like Ireland and we have a strong country brand .
`` Wales is better and more ready to be independent than the vast majority of countries who 've ever become independent since the War . ''
The result of a YouGov poll carried out in May showed 25 percent of 1,021 people who voted were in support of Welsh independence .

Boris Johnson slams EU on ‘unreasonable’ Brexit tariffs
Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under fire this week over the internal market bill, which aims to protect jobs and trade in the UK after the transition period with the EU ends on December 31. Part of the legislation explains how the UK will "provide financial assistance to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland with new powers to spend taxpayers’ money previously administered by the EU”. The Welsh Government reacted furiously by blasting the bill as “an attack on democracy and an affront to the people of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland”.
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YesCymru campaign chairman Sion Jobbins warned there was growing support of Welsh independence within the country amid the Internal Market Bill being debated and voted on in Parliament this week. Between 12.29pm and 7.20pm today, 1,608 Express readers voted on whether Wales could really go it alone as an independent country. A whopping 1,421 (89 percent) voters said they did not believe Wales could really go it alone. Only 169 voters (10 percent) said they thought Wales could thrive as an independent country. And 18 people (one percent) said they did not know. Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
Wales news: Express.co.uk readers have shut down calls for Welsh independence
Many readers vented their frustration at the prospect of Wales separating from the rest of the UK. One person said: "Wishful, if not delusional thinking, without unrestricted access to the rest of the UK’s internal market and the substantial transfer payments made to it, its position is much the same as Scotland’s and Northern Ireland’s." Another reader added: "I'm Welsh and no way should we be independent. "Like Scotland, why cut off the hand that feeds you, we just can't afford it." READ MORE: Wales POLL: As independence campaign surges, can Wales go it alone?
Wales news: The majority of voters said Wales should not be independent
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The UK has made changes to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement
"Remember divided we will fall. "We can be great together again!" Mr Jobbins previously outlined the key ways Wales may already be "ready to be independent". He told Express.co.uk: "Our GDP per capita is higher than Spain or Portugal, our tax revenue per head is high than New Zealand's, we have 15 percent of the whole of Europe's tidal power, we already export twice as much electricity as we use and, are in fact, the world's 6th biggest electricity exporter, we also have excellent brands in food and meats, a strong tourism sector and 6 universities where most of the students come in from outside Wales.
The UK is hoping to gain more control over Welsh spending
"We're recognised as an independent country in many sports - football and rugby being most obvious (where we're totally self-financing and doing well), have some international consulates here already like Ireland and we have a strong country brand. "Wales is better and more ready to be independent than the vast majority of countries who've ever become independent since the War." The result of a YouGov poll carried out in May showed 25 percent of 1,021 people who voted were in support of Welsh independence.
Boris Johnson debated the Internal Market Bill in the Commons this evening
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--SNP's Ian Blackford furious as Tory MPs groan at 'chlorinated chicken' Brexit trade claim

The SNP 's Westminster leader was heckled following a furious rant in the House of Commons .
Ian Blackford stated that standards in Scotland could drop regarding animal welfare , food safety and environment protection following the end of the post-Brexit transition period with the European Union .
Mr Blackford said : `` Let me turn to the contents of the Bill and specifically the numerous aspects that will undermine the powers and authority of Scotland ’ s parliament .
`` Clauses two to nine contain sweeping powers that could compel Scotland to accept lower standards set elsewhere in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal welfare , food safety and environment protection to name but a few . ''
He continued : `` We all know the threat and risk it will bring especially for Scotland ’ s farmers and consumers .
READ MORE : Sturgeon ’ s position in jeopardy as SNP ‘ cracking ’ under pressure Ca n't see this Brexit poll ?
Click here to open in your browser '' This law is a Tory invitation for chlorinated chicken and hormone injected beef in our supermarkets .
`` We can hear the guffawing from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics Scotland the Treasury Minister more or less admitted that they could not stop chlorinated chicken coming into the United Kingdom .
`` Go and check the tapes . ''
His comments sparked groans from Tories in the Commons as they dismissed the claims from the SNP Westminster leader .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , the Scottish Conservative Councillor for Cupar Tony Miklinski hit out at the current state of Scotland 's economy and hightlighted the struggles Nicola Sturgeon would face trying to join the EU .
Mr Miklinski added the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy greatly benefits from being supported by the Westminster Government .
He said : `` The EU rules that they apply to everybody is a GDP deficit gap of no more than three percent .
`` Scotland ’ s is currently seven percent it is just about the worst in the existing European countries .
`` Therefore , the rules that they have , especially post pandemic when all economies are struggling means I can see no scenario where they would welcome effectively a sick orphan , the Scottish economy , into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept EU ’ s terms and common fisheries policy [ INSIGHT ] Nicola Sturgeon 's SIX major failures as Scotland 's First Minister [ ANALYSIS ] Scotland in danger of being ‘ left behind ’ with Sturgeon as SNP leader [ VIDEO ]

Ian Blackford heckled in Commons over 'chlorinated chicken' claim
The SNP's Westminster leader was heckled following a furious rant in the House of Commons. Ian Blackford stated that standards in Scotland could drop regarding animal welfare, food safety and environment protection following the end of the post-Brexit transition period with the European Union.
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Mr Blackford said: "Let me turn to the contents of the Bill and specifically the numerous aspects that will undermine the powers and authority of Scotland’s parliament. "Clauses two to nine contain sweeping powers that could compel Scotland to accept lower standards set elsewhere in the UK. "That means standards on animal welfare, food safety and environment protection to name but a few." He continued: "We all know the threat and risk it will bring especially for Scotland’s farmers and consumers. READ MORE: Sturgeon’s position in jeopardy as SNP ‘cracking’ under pressure Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
Ian Blackford is the leader of the SNP in Westminster
Nicola Sturgeon is the leader of the SNP
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"This law is a Tory invitation for chlorinated chicken and hormone injected beef in our supermarkets. "We can hear the guffawing from the Conservative benches but yesterday morning on Politics Scotland the Treasury Minister more or less admitted that they could not stop chlorinated chicken coming into the United Kingdom. "Go and check the tapes." His comments sparked groans from Tories in the Commons as they dismissed the claims from the SNP Westminster leader. During an interview with Express.co.uk, the Scottish Conservative Councillor for Cupar Tony Miklinski hit out at the current state of Scotland's economy and hightlighted the struggles Nicola Sturgeon would face trying to join the EU.
Indyref2: Sturgeon would impose ‘severe constraints’ says expert
Mr Miklinski added the United Kingdom is stronger together and Scotland's economy greatly benefits from being supported by the Westminster Government. He said: "The EU rules that they apply to everybody is a GDP deficit gap of no more than three percent. "Scotland’s is currently seven percent it is just about the worst in the existing European countries. "Therefore, the rules that they have, especially post pandemic when all economies are struggling means I can see no scenario where they would welcome effectively a sick orphan, the Scottish economy, into their midst. DON'T MISS
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Nicola Sturgeon's SIX major failures as Scotland's First Minister [ANALYSIS]
Scotland in danger of being ‘left behind’ with Sturgeon as SNP leader [VIDEO]
Nicola Sturgeon has been Scotland's First Minister for over five years


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--EU ‘fighting desperately like wounded animal’ to stop other countries leaving after Brexit

The Tory MP accused Brussels of “ not playing by the rules ” in trade talks with Britain .
He added the EU fears the UK making a success of Brexit as it could spark the “ collapse ” of the bloc .
Mr Fabricant highlighted France , Italy and Sweden as possible countries that could follow Britain out of the EU .
His comments come as Boris Johnson has sparked controversy with his UK Internal Market Bill , which could flout the Brexit divorce deal the Prime Minister struck with Brussels last October .
Mr Fabricant told Express.co.uk : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU is fighting desperately to protect itself from further countries leaving .
“ They are fighting in a particularly vicious way and it just is not in Britain ’ s interests to play cricket when the EU are not playing by the rules .
“ The EU knows that if the UK makes an economic success of Brexit - and all the signs are that it will - other countries such as France , Italy and Sweden who have strong exit movements might also leave , which would initiate a collapse of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is backing the new Brexit legislation .
In a tweet , Mr Fabricant said : “ For the # EU to threaten the # UK that it will prevent food being sent to Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom is wholly unacceptable .
“ The Government must now introduce its own backstop to prevent this and the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill does just that.
” READ MORE : Farage promises to target Tory MPs who vote for ‘ Brexit in name only' Mr Johnson defended the Bill in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Prime Minister urged MPs to support the legislation in order to `` guarantee the economic and political integrity of the United Kingdom '' .
He insisted the Bill was a `` safety net '' and an `` insurance policy '' that would not be used if an agreement is finally reached with the EU .
DO N'T MISS Labour peer Kate Hoey attacks MPs planning to vote against Boris [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson ERUPTS at Brussels in Brexit rage - PM shames EU [ VIDEO ] Brexit LIVE : Rebel MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BLOG ] Mr Johnson accused Brussels of going to `` extreme and unreasonable lengths '' over the Northern Ireland Protocol which could lead to `` blockading food and agriculture transports within our own country '' .
He said : `` I regret to have to tell the House that in recent months the EU has suggested that it is willing to go to extreme and unreasonable lengths using the Northern Ireland Protocol in a way that goes well beyond common sense simply to exert leverage against the UK in our negotiations for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most glaring example the EU has said that if we fail to reach an agreement to their satisfaction they might very well refuse to list the UK 's food and agricultural products for sale anywhere in the EU .
`` And it gets even worse .
Because under this protocol that decision would create an instant and automatic prohibition on the transfer of our animal products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland .

Boris Johnson slams EU on ‘unreasonable’ Brexit tariffs
The Tory MP accused Brussels of “not playing by the rules” in trade talks with Britain. He added the EU fears the UK making a success of Brexit as it could spark the “collapse” of the bloc.
Mr Fabricant highlighted France, Italy and Sweden as possible countries that could follow Britain out of the EU. His comments come as Boris Johnson has sparked controversy with his UK Internal Market Bill, which could flout the Brexit divorce deal the Prime Minister struck with Brussels last October. Mr Fabricant told Express.co.uk: “Like a wounded animal, the EU is fighting desperately to protect itself from further countries leaving. “They are fighting in a particularly vicious way and it just is not in Britain’s interests to play cricket when the EU are not playing by the rules.
The EU is “fighting desperately” to stop other countries leaving, according to Michael Fabricant
Mr Fabricant’s comments come as Boris Johnson has sparked controversy with his UK Internal Market Bill
“The EU knows that if the UK makes an economic success of Brexit - and all the signs are that it will - other countries such as France, Italy and Sweden who have strong exit movements might also leave, which would initiate a collapse of the whole trading bloc.” The Lichfield MP is backing the new Brexit legislation. In a tweet, Mr Fabricant said: “For the #EU to threaten the #UK that it will prevent food being sent to Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom is wholly unacceptable. “The Government must now introduce its own backstop to prevent this and the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill does just that.” READ MORE: Farage promises to target Tory MPs who vote for ‘Brexit in name only'
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Mr Johnson defended the Bill in the Commons today amid a Tory rebellion
The Prime Minister urged MPs to support the legislation in order to "guarantee the economic and political integrity of the United Kingdom"
Chief negotiators Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are set to meet on Tuesday
Mr Johnson accused Brussels of going to "extreme and unreasonable lengths" over the Northern Ireland Protocol which could lead to "blockading food and agriculture transports within our own country". He said: "I regret to have to tell the House that in recent months the EU has suggested that it is willing to go to extreme and unreasonable lengths using the Northern Ireland Protocol in a way that goes well beyond common sense simply to exert leverage against the UK in our negotiations for a free trade agreement. "To take the most glaring example the EU has said that if we fail to reach an agreement to their satisfaction they might very well refuse to list the UK's food and agricultural products for sale anywhere in the EU. "And it gets even worse. Because under this protocol that decision would create an instant and automatic prohibition on the transfer of our animal products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Five key moments that led to Brexit
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg exposes ‘popular’ choice for Tory MPs in Boris's crunch Brexit vote

However , Mr Johnson is facing a revolt from his own ministers as well as former Prime Ministers including Theresa May , David Cameron and Tony Blair - who have all condemned the move .
Earlier today , Rehman Chishti , Mr Johnson ’ s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and MP for Gillingham and Rainham Flag , announced his resignation .
Writing on Twitter Mr Chishti said he `` can ’ t support Internal Market Bill in its current form '' .
Alongside the resignation letter he sent to Mr Johnson , he added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigning as PM ’ s Special Envoy on FoRB .
“ I can ’ t support Internal Market Bill in its current form , which unilaterally break UK ’ s legal commitments .
“ As an MP for 10yrs & former Barrister , values of respecting rule of law & honouring one ’ s word are dear to me . ''
Parliament is set to debate the Internal Market Bill , with MPs then voting to decide if the legislation should proceed to the House of Lords .
But , the BBC ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out “ abstentions ” could be the decision Tory MPs decide to take on Monday evening .
READ MORE : SNP 's Ian Blackford squirms as bitter Brexit attack on PM backfires Tweeting Mr Chishti ’ s letter of resignation , Ms Kuenssberg said : “ Tory MP quits his special role over govt position on bill , just as govt sources make clear all ‘ options on the table ’ for MPs who don ’ t back it tonight when asked if any rebels might lose the whip .
“ Given one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the bill , is the former PM , taking the whip away would be quite the thing - but remember abstentions , or being otherwise engaged , is not the same as voting against , and that activity could find itself rather popular later.
” The Internal Market Bill has been met with objections by Brexiteers including Geoffrey Cox , former attorney general under Mr Johnson .
Mr Cox said he would not back the bill unless ministers dispel the impression they plan to “ permanently and unilaterally ” rewrite an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hannan on why John Major is responsible for LEAVE vote [ COMMENT ] 'Unprepared EU ' savaged as Boris resists Brussels unreasonable demands [ INSIGHT ] Tony Blair sparks furious reaction over bid to stop Boris ' Brexit Bill [ REVEAL ] Writing in the Times , Mr Cox said : `` What I can say from my perspective is we simply can not approve or endorse a situation in which we go back on our word , given solemnly not only by the British Government and on behalf of the British Crown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratified this in February , unless there are extreme circumstances which arrive involving a breach of duty of the good faith by the EU .
`` In those circumstances , there are then lawful remedies open to us and it is those we should take rather than violating international law and a solemn treaty .
`` The breaking of the law leads ultimately to very long-term and permanent damage to this country 's reputation and it is also a question of honour to me - we signed up , we knew what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek to nullify those ordinary consequences of doing that and I simply ca n't support that .
`` But , as I 've said , there may be circumstances in which these powers could be lawfully used and it is those circumstances that the Government needs to define , I believe , to get the support of people like me .
`` And , may I say , I find myself in a very sad position - I 'm a strong supporter of this Government , I 'm a strong supporter of Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important boundary is when the Government says it is going to break the law and a treaty it signed . ''
David Cameron - who instigated the Brexit referendum in 2016 - joined the call to condemn Mr Johnson ’ s actions .
Mr Cameron said : “ Passing an Act of Parliament and then going on to break an international treaty obligation is the very , very last thing you should contemplate .
“ It should be an absolute final resort .

Brexit: Hoey slams MPs criticising Internal Market Bill
Today, the Prime Minister’s plan to defy international law with legislation which could breach part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement is set to face a vote in the House of Commons. The Internal Market Bill could override parts of the agreement with the European Union.
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However, Mr Johnson is facing a revolt from his own ministers as well as former Prime Ministers including Theresa May, David Cameron and Tony Blair - who have all condemned the move. Earlier today, Rehman Chishti, Mr Johnson’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and MP for Gillingham and Rainham Flag, announced his resignation. Writing on Twitter Mr Chishti said he "can’t support Internal Market Bill in its current form". Alongside the resignation letter he sent to Mr Johnson, he added: "I’ve written to the PM resigning as PM’s Special Envoy on FoRB.
BBC's Laura Kuenssberg exposes popular Brexit plan
Boris Johnson criticised for Internal Market Bill
“I can’t support Internal Market Bill in its current form, which unilaterally break UK’s legal commitments. “As an MP for 10yrs & former Barrister, values of respecting rule of law & honouring one’s word are dear to me." Parliament is set to debate the Internal Market Bill, with MPs then voting to decide if the legislation should proceed to the House of Lords. But, the BBC’s Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg has pointed out “abstentions” could be the decision Tory MPs decide to take on Monday evening. READ MORE: SNP's Ian Blackford squirms as bitter Brexit attack on PM backfires
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David Cameron condemns Boris Johnson's plan
Tweeting Mr Chishti’s letter of resignation, Ms Kuenssberg said: “Tory MP quits his special role over govt position on bill, just as govt sources make clear all ‘options on the table’ for MPs who don’t back it tonight when asked if any rebels might lose the whip. “Given one of those who has deep objections to parts of the bill, is the former PM, taking the whip away would be quite the thing - but remember abstentions, or being otherwise engaged, is not the same as voting against, and that activity could find itself rather popular later.” The Internal Market Bill has been met with objections by Brexiteers including Geoffrey Cox, former attorney general under Mr Johnson. Mr Cox said he would not back the bill unless ministers dispel the impression they plan to “permanently and unilaterally” rewrite an international agreement. DON'T MISS
Dan Hannan on why John Major is responsible for LEAVE vote [COMMENT]
'Unprepared EU' savaged as Boris resists Brussels unreasonable demands [INSIGHT]
Tony Blair sparks furious reaction over bid to stop Boris' Brexit Bill [REVEAL]
Economic loss per EU state in no deal Brexit
Writing in the Times, Mr Cox said: "What I can say from my perspective is we simply cannot approve or endorse a situation in which we go back on our word, given solemnly not only by the British Government and on behalf of the British Crown, but also by Parliament when we ratified this in February, unless there are extreme circumstances which arrive involving a breach of duty of the good faith by the EU. "In those circumstances, there are then lawful remedies open to us and it is those we should take rather than violating international law and a solemn treaty. "The breaking of the law leads ultimately to very long-term and permanent damage to this country's reputation and it is also a question of honour to me - we signed up, we knew what we were signing, we simply can't seek to nullify those ordinary consequences of doing that and I simply can't support that. "But, as I've said, there may be circumstances in which these powers could be lawfully used and it is those circumstances that the Government needs to define, I believe, to get the support of people like me.
Former attorney general Geoffrey Cox
"And, may I say, I find myself in a very sad position - I'm a strong supporter of this Government, I'm a strong supporter of Brexit, but for me the crossing of an important boundary is when the Government says it is going to break the law and a treaty it signed." David Cameron - who instigated the Brexit referendum in 2016 - joined the call to condemn Mr Johnson’s actions. Mr Cameron said: “Passing an Act of Parliament and then going on to break an international treaty obligation is the very, very last thing you should contemplate. “It should be an absolute final resort.
Theresa May condemns Boris Johnson's Brexit plan


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Bill Cash savages EU in explosive Brexit rant: 'There's NEVER been a level playing field!'

Bill Cash erupted in the House of Commons as he lashed out at the European Union for wanting a level playing field .
He said : `` There has never been a level playing field in the EU .
Their cardinal objective in these negotiations from the outset has included preventing us from being able to compete fairly .
This is not good faith .
`` Under the protocol they would even control our legal tax freedom but crate free ports and enterprise zoones .
`` All of this would massively undermine our businesses and jobs and therefore our voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and legal state aid regulation , it is concerned not only with subsidies but also tax reliefs . ''
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford went on to warn Tory MPs not to follow the Prime Minister by breaking the law .
READ MORE : Barnier on the brink : Macron tipped to STEP IN for Brexit talks He told the Commons : `` This is a test for the House this evening , do not wait for the committee stage .
Legally , morally , ethically , the right thing to do is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this House must be accountable .
`` Do not follow the Prime Minister in acquiescing in breaking the law because if you vote for second reading tonight , that 's exactly what you 're all doing .
`` So this is a test and I understand the challenge that Conservative members face - do n't support the Prime Minister by breaking the law this evening , it is as simple as that . ''
Mr Cash : `` On the question of international law , such law comes in all shapes and sizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overriding UK statute law .
`` The EU itself does sometimes break international law , including refusing certain compliance with WTO rules .
`` EU retaliation by a blockade would be utterly unlawful . ''
It comes as Boris Johnson defended his controversial plan to allow ministers to tear up the Brexit divorce deal by suggesting the European Union was being unreasonable and failing to negotiate in good faith .
The Prime Minister insisted the legislation , which would put the UK in breach of international law by breaking the terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary `` legal safety net '' to protect the relationship between Great Britain and Northern Ireland .
Brexit news : EU ‘ fighting desperately ’ to stop other countries leaving [ INSIGHT ] Furious Boris Johnson ‘ rolls his eyes ’ in fierce House of Commons row [ VIDEO ] Farage promises to target Tory MPs who vote for ‘ Brexit in name only ' [ ANALYSIS ] As he sought to quell a growing Tory revolt over the measures , he claimed that passing the legislation would strengthen the hand of negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU .
In an effort to reassure Conservative MPs , Mr Johnson said the measures contained in the Bill to set aside parts of the Brexit deal were an `` insurance policy '' that he hoped would `` never be invoked '' if an agreement was reached with Brussels .
And he promised that if it was necessary for the powers to be used , MPs would be given a vote on the regulations .
The Internal Market Bill sets out the way that trade within the UK will work once outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union .

Brexit: Bill Cash slams EU for level playing field 'objection'
Bill Cash erupted in the House of Commons as he lashed out at the European Union for wanting a level playing field. He said: "There has never been a level playing field in the EU. Their cardinal objective in these negotiations from the outset has included preventing us from being able to compete fairly. This is not good faith.
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"Under the protocol they would even control our legal tax freedom but crate free ports and enterprise zoones. "All of this would massively undermine our businesses and jobs and therefore our voters. "Consider the wide legal sphere and legal state aid regulation, it is concerned not only with subsidies but also tax reliefs." SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford went on to warn Tory MPs not to follow the Prime Minister by breaking the law. READ MORE: Barnier on the brink: Macron tipped to STEP IN for Brexit talks
Bill Cash launched a scatching attack on the European Union
He told the Commons: "This is a test for the House this evening, do not wait for the committee stage. Legally, morally, ethically, the right thing to do is to vote down this Bill tonight and this House must be accountable. "Do not follow the Prime Minister in acquiescing in breaking the law because if you vote for second reading tonight, that's exactly what you're all doing. "So this is a test and I understand the challenge that Conservative members face - don't support the Prime Minister by breaking the law this evening, it is as simple as that." Mr Cash said: "On the question of international law, such law comes in all shapes and sizes. There are many instances of express overriding UK statute law.
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Bill Cash said there has never been a level playing field in the EU
Brexit: Hoey slams MPs criticising Internal Market Bill
"The EU itself does sometimes break international law, including refusing certain compliance with WTO rules. "EU retaliation by a blockade would be utterly unlawful." It comes as Boris Johnson defended his controversial plan to allow ministers to tear up the Brexit divorce deal by suggesting the European Union was being unreasonable and failing to negotiate in good faith. The Prime Minister insisted the legislation, which would put the UK in breach of international law by breaking the terms of the treaty signed with Brussels, was a necessary "legal safety net" to protect the relationship between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. DON'T MISS Brexit news: EU ‘fighting desperately’ to stop other countries leaving [INSIGHT]
Furious Boris Johnson ‘rolls his eyes’ in fierce House of Commons row [VIDEO]
Farage promises to target Tory MPs who vote for ‘Brexit in name only' [ANALYSIS]
Eu citizens moving to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Unelected House of Lords peers want HARDSHIP FUND as £323 allowance cut - 'Out of control'

The unelected members of the House of Lords were outraged by a cut to their £323 daily allowance to £162 , a Freedom of Information ( FOI ) request has revealed .
The payment is made for those who `` actively participate '' in debates , as part of the changed response to Parliament 's working hours .
But in an incredible appeal , revealed in a FOI request shared by the Scottish National Party with Express.co.uk , peers complained about the move to the Lords ’ Commissioner .
One unelected peer claimed : “ A number of Peers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Another peer queried : “ If there was any chance of setting up a hardship fund for members in financial difficulty during this time ?
” Another Lord said “ I would be very disappointed to give up my lease and then find things back to normal ” while a colleague remarked peers may be forced to resign from their roles as “ the financial pinch is so horrible ” .
A fellow Lord also claimed the pay cut has left them “ feeling exploited ” and “ completely undervalued ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ not even minimum wage ” , referring to the National Minimum Wage for a worker over 25 in the UK is currently £8.72 per hour .
Another peer said the system was unfair because Peers could queue to speak in a debate but would not be paid if they did n't contribute before it ended .
The added : “ This means that you can sit in front of your computer at home for the length of Question Time with a wish to speak , but should you not be reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a supplementary walk away with £162 .
READ MORE : SNP government slammed as 'unprepared ' after handing money to Amazon But one Peer warned : “ For those Committee members who don ’ t have private wealth or a pension it is quite difficult as that time is obviously a time when one can ’ t do other work that we need to in order to pay the mortgage etc.
” SNP MSP Rona Mackay said the documents “ expose the total privilege and sheer arrogance of unelected Lords at Westminster.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these peers complain they aren ’ t paid enough when thousands of people across Scotland are struggling just to make ends meet due to the financial impact of Coronavirus .
DO N'T MISS : Bargain Hunt will replace Nicola Sturgeon ’ s daily COVID-19 briefing [ REVEAL ] Scottish politicians will cost taxpayers £1.5million in golden goodbye [ LATEST ] SNP 's hate crime law now officially the 'most controversial ' law [ INSIGHT ] “ These Lords are out of control - only Communist China has a bigger legislative body – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like Baroness Ruth Davidson , will be skipping down the road to join them very shortly .
“ It ’ s time to put the brakes on this gravy train and abolish the House of Lords for good.
” Danielle Boxall , Media Campaign Manager at the Taxpayers Alliance , told this website : `` When many citizens are feeling the pinch or at risk of redundancy , it 's ridiculous that the well-heeled House of Lords considers themselves hard done by .
`` Despite the devastating impact of the covid crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cash in on payments for virtual appearances .
`` Moneyed members should think twice before complaining and concentrate on doing their duties . ''
It comes as former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson is due to take up a seat in the House of Lords after receiving a resettlement grant of £53,725 as she steps down from Holyrood .
A House of Lords spokesman said in response : “ Like everyone else , the House of Lords had to take some difficult decisions as a result of COVID-19 .
`` The issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commission gave considerable thought to how to respond to this unprecedented situation , in the full knowledge that there were no easy solutions .
“ The temporary allowance system that reduced allowance rates by 50 % was considered appropriate for the changed circumstances where most Members were working from home .
It was agreed by the House as a whole on 6 May 2020 .
“ The House of Lords is a highly effective and busy Chamber , performing a vital role of improving legislation and holding the Government to account.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade union boss warned the end of Westminster ’ s job retention scheme could trigger mass redundancies .
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said : `` Unemployment is n't just miserable for families , it will hold back the economy , just at the time when if we are facing further spikes and lockdowns we need more support .
`` We 've put forward proposals to the Government for a job retention and upskilling scheme and I 'm really appealing to the Chancellor to stand by working families and keep people at work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a success , stating it is `` too soon to pull the plug '' .
`` The problem is if the Government does n't act now we could be facing mass unemployment and we know how much harm that does to the economy and how much more expensive it is in the long run . ''

Brexit: Lord Howard of Lympne hits out at Boris Johnson's plan
The unelected members of the House of Lords were outraged by a cut to their £323 daily allowance to £162, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed. The payment is made for those who "actively participate" in debates, as part of the changed response to Parliament's working hours.
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But in an incredible appeal, revealed in a FOI request shared by the Scottish National Party with Express.co.uk, peers complained about the move to the Lords’ Commissioner. One unelected peer claimed: “A number of Peers have been financially embarrassed by the present arrangements.” Another peer queried: “If there was any chance of setting up a hardship fund for members in financial difficulty during this time?” Another Lord said “I would be very disappointed to give up my lease and then find things back to normal” while a colleague remarked peers may be forced to resign from their roles as “the financial pinch is so horrible”.
Lords are complaining about a paycut
Many Peers have significant wealth
A fellow Lord also claimed the pay cut has left them “feeling exploited” and “completely undervalued”. One peer remarked the changes to pay are “not even minimum wage”, referring to the National Minimum Wage for a worker over 25 in the UK is currently £8.72 per hour. Another peer said the system was unfair because Peers could queue to speak in a debate but would not be paid if they didn't contribute before it ended. The added: “This means that you can sit in front of your computer at home for the length of Question Time with a wish to speak, but should you not be reached you get zilch whilst anyone who has had a supplementary walk away with £162. READ MORE: SNP government slammed as 'unprepared' after handing money to Amazon
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The Scottish National Party made FOI requests to the Lords
"That is plainly inequitable.” But one Peer warned: “For those Committee members who don’t have private wealth or a pension it is quite difficult as that time is obviously a time when one can’t do other work that we need to in order to pay the mortgage etc.” SNP MSP Rona Mackay said the documents “expose the total privilege and sheer arrogance of unelected Lords at Westminster.” She added: “How dare these peers complain they aren’t paid enough when thousands of people across Scotland are struggling just to make ends meet due to the financial impact of Coronavirus. DON'T MISS:
Bargain Hunt will replace Nicola Sturgeon’s daily COVID-19 briefing [REVEAL]
Scottish politicians will cost taxpayers £1.5million in golden goodbye [LATEST]
SNP's hate crime law now officially the 'most controversial' law [INSIGHT]
The TUC is urging the government to extend the Furlough scheme
“These Lords are out of control - only Communist China has a bigger legislative body – and even more members of the privileged elite, like Baroness Ruth Davidson, will be skipping down the road to join them very shortly. “It’s time to put the brakes on this gravy train and abolish the House of Lords for good.” Danielle Boxall, Media Campaign Manager at the Taxpayers Alliance, told this website: "When many citizens are feeling the pinch or at risk of redundancy, it's ridiculous that the well-heeled House of Lords considers themselves hard done by.
"Despite the devastating impact of the covid crisis, the upper house blue-bloods are continuing to cash in on payments for virtual appearances. "Moneyed members should think twice before complaining and concentrate on doing their duties."
The SNP blasted the findings
It comes as former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson is due to take up a seat in the House of Lords after receiving a resettlement grant of £53,725 as she steps down from Holyrood. A House of Lords spokesman said in response: “Like everyone else, the House of Lords had to take some difficult decisions as a result of COVID-19. "The issue of allowances is a complex matter and the Commission gave considerable thought to how to respond to this unprecedented situation, in the full knowledge that there were no easy solutions. “The temporary allowance system that reduced allowance rates by 50% was considered appropriate for the changed circumstances where most Members were working from home. It was agreed by the House as a whole on 6 May 2020. “The House of Lords is a highly effective and busy Chamber, performing a vital role of improving legislation and holding the Government to account.”
Brexit: Lord Howard of Lympne hits out at Boris Johnson's plan


thedailyexpress--2020-09-14--Boris Johnson ERUPTS at Brussels in Brexit rage - PM shames EU's 'egregious' trade threats

Boris Johnson said some in the European Union are trying to argue that every good is liable to tariffs .
Speaking in the House of Commons , Mr Johnson said : `` That would mean tariffs that could get as high as 90 percent as value on Scottish beef going to Northern Ireland .
Tariffs potentially over 61 percent on Welsh lamb and potentially over 100 percent on clotted cream .
`` This is unreasonable and plainly against the spirit of that protocol .
`` They are threatening to carve tariff borders , tariff borders across our own country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the basic facts about the economic geography of the United Kingdom and egregiously to ride roughshod over their own commitment under Article 4 of the protocol whereby , and I quote , 'Northern Ireland is part of the customs territory of the United Kingdom ' .
`` We can not have a situation where the very boundaries of our country could be dictated by a foreign power or international organisation .
`` No British prime minister , no government , no parliament could ever accept such an imposition . ''
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow as trade impasse turns nasty Mr Johnson added : `` Let us seize the opportunity presented by this Bill and send a message of unity and resolve .
Let 's say together to our European friends that we want a great future relationship and a fantastic free trade deal . ''
Conservative former minister Steve Brine said he and the Prime Minister `` fell out '' last year over the prospect of a no-deal Brexit , as he sought assurances that Mr Johnson still wants to secure a free trade agreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's by passing this Bill tonight and in subsequent days that we will make the possibility of that great free trade agreement more real and we will get it done sooner . ''
He claimed the Bill will `` expedite '' such a trade deal with the EU and other countries .
First Minister Arlene Foster has since accused the EU of treating Northern Ireland as its plaything .
She claimed the region has become a `` bargaining chip '' in trade talks between the bloc and the UK Government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the controversy around the UK Government 's plan to override elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol through domestic legislation in the form of the Internal Market Bill .
She said her hope is the contention around the protocol can be removed with the striking of a comprehensive zero-tariff free trade agreement between the UK and EU .
Farage promises to target Tory MPs who vote for ‘ Brexit in name only ' [ INSIGHT ] Kuenssberg exposes popular choice for Tory MPs in Boris 's Brexit vote [ VIDEO ] Labour peer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Boris [ ANALYSIS ]

Boris Johnson slams EU on ‘unreasonable’ Brexit tariffs
Boris Johnson said some in the European Union are trying to argue that every good is liable to tariffs. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said: "That would mean tariffs that could get as high as 90 percent as value on Scottish beef going to Northern Ireland. Tariffs potentially over 61 percent on Welsh lamb and potentially over 100 percent on clotted cream.
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"This is unreasonable and plainly against the spirit of that protocol. "They are threatening to carve tariff borders, tariff borders across our own country and to divide our own land and to change the basic facts about the economic geography of the United Kingdom and egregiously to ride roughshod over their own commitment under Article 4 of the protocol whereby, and I quote, 'Northern Ireland is part of the customs territory of the United Kingdom'. "We cannot have a situation where the very boundaries of our country could be dictated by a foreign power or international organisation. "No British prime minister, no government, no parliament could ever accept such an imposition." READ MORE: EU hits UK with major Brexit blow as trade impasse turns nasty
Boris Johnson outlined the Internal Markets Bill in Commons for its second reading
Mr Johnson added: "Let us seize the opportunity presented by this Bill and send a message of unity and resolve. Let's say together to our European friends that we want a great future relationship and a fantastic free trade deal." Conservative former minister Steve Brine said he and the Prime Minister "fell out" last year over the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, as he sought assurances that Mr Johnson still wants to secure a free trade agreement with the EU. Mr Johnson replied: "It's by passing this Bill tonight and in subsequent days that we will make the possibility of that great free trade agreement more real and we will get it done sooner." He claimed the Bill will "expedite" such a trade deal with the EU and other countries.
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Boris Johnson erupted in a furious EU rant in Commons
Brexit: Hoey slams MPs criticising Internal Market Bill
First Minister Arlene Foster has since accused the EU of treating Northern Ireland as its plaything. She claimed the region has become a "bargaining chip" in trade talks between the bloc and the UK Government. Mrs Foster was responding to Assembly questions on the controversy around the UK Government's plan to override elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol through domestic legislation in the form of the Internal Market Bill. She said her hope is the contention around the protocol can be removed with the striking of a comprehensive zero-tariff free trade agreement between the UK and EU. DON'T MISS Farage promises to target Tory MPs who vote for ‘Brexit in name only' [INSIGHT]
Kuenssberg exposes popular choice for Tory MPs in Boris's Brexit vote [VIDEO]
Labour peer Kate Hoey attacks MPs planning to vote against Boris [ANALYSIS]
Eu citizens moving to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--Sturgeon scores own goal as she admits Scotland cannot solve COVID-19 issue 'by ourselves'

Nicola Sturgeon admitted Scotland alone can not solve the issue of delayed return of coronavirus tests after confirming she has been working with Matt Hancock to address the problem .
The First Minister said she has been communicating with the UK Health Secretary to ensure Scotland continues to have `` fair access '' to UK labs .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` This has not been an issue of access to testing slots at regional testing centres or mobile testing units but instead it 's been one of sufficient access to Lighthouse laboratory processing .
`` It is this that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and longer turnaround time for tests than we want to be the case .
`` As this is a UK-wide system , we are not able to resolve this on our own and the issues are impacted by demand elsewhere in the UK . ''
The SNP leader continued : `` To that end I had a constructive conference call with Matt Hancock and Dido Harding , who 's head of the UK testing system to seek assurances is and will continue to get fair access to the UK-wide laboratory capacity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve these issues .
So I hope we can see improvement over the next few days but , of course , I will continue to provide updates . ''
JUST IN : EU erupts as controversial Brexit bill passes crunch vote - 'Boris MUST obey the law ! '
However the comment sparked irony on social media after users noted the First Minister has requested continued access to the very same labs Scotland would no longer be allowed to use if the nation were to become independent .
Scottish Conservative councillor for Milngavie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just commented on getting fair access to UK Laboratory space .
`` The same laboratory space that she wants us to walk away from . ''
Another user said : `` Ca n't wait to see the data which will prove the Labs provide a proportionately higher capacity to Scotland .
READ MORE : UK warned France to force huge disruption over EU exit bill fury And one user commented : `` Quotes like 'now as this is a UK wide system we can not fix this on our own ' in regards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need main BBC news to interrogate Sturgeon 's briefings more . ''
In her daily coronavirus briefing , the First Minister also confirmed one patient diagnosed with COVID-19 had died in the past 24 hours .
Following a delay in updating the new number of infections on Monday , Ms Sturgeon confirmed 267 people in Scotland have been confirmed as new cases of the coronavirus .
EU has behaved with shameless illegality and injustice towards Britain [ COMMENT ] Sturgeon ally admits major Brexit defeat as SNP has failed to influence talks [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebels to save bill - 'No chance it 'll pass ! '
[ LIVE BLOG ]

Nicola Sturgeon: We can't resolve testing issues on our own
Nicola Sturgeon admitted Scotland alone cannot solve the issue of delayed return of coronavirus tests after confirming she has been working with Matt Hancock to address the problem. The First Minister said she has been communicating with the UK Health Secretary to ensure Scotland continues to have "fair access" to UK labs. Ms Sturgeon said: "This has not been an issue of access to testing slots at regional testing centres or mobile testing units but instead it's been one of sufficient access to Lighthouse laboratory processing.
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"It is this that has led to a backlog in the system and longer turnaround time for tests than we want to be the case. "As this is a UK-wide system, we are not able to resolve this on our own and the issues are impacted by demand elsewhere in the UK." The SNP leader continued: "To that end I had a constructive conference call with Matt Hancock and Dido Harding, who's head of the UK testing system to seek assurances is and will continue to get fair access to the UK-wide laboratory capacity. "And also discuss how we can resolve these issues. So I hope we can see improvement over the next few days but, of course, I will continue to provide updates." JUST IN: EU erupts as controversial Brexit bill passes crunch vote - 'Boris MUST obey the law!'
Nicola Sturgeon admitted Scotland cannot address the COVID test issue "on our own"
Nicola Sturgeon said she is hoping to see some improvements in the coming days
However the comment sparked irony on social media after users noted the First Minister has requested continued access to the very same labs Scotland would no longer be allowed to use if the nation were to become independent. Scottish Conservative councillor for Milngavie Graham McGinnigle wrote: "Nicola Sturgeon just commented on getting fair access to UK Laboratory space. "The same laboratory space that she wants us to walk away from." Another user said: "Can't wait to see the data which will prove the Labs provide a proportionately higher capacity to Scotland. READ MORE: UK warned France to force huge disruption over EU exit bill fury
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Nicola Sturgeon raises ‘serious concern’ over test backlog
Nicola Sturgeon has seen her bid for independence affected as she focused on the COVID pandemic
"Wasted by SNP @scotgovhealth processes and ideology driven management. Watch." And one user commented: "Quotes like 'now as this is a UK wide system we cannot fix this on our own' in regards to lack of tests is why we need main BBC news to interrogate Sturgeon's briefings more." In her daily coronavirus briefing, the First Minister also confirmed one patient diagnosed with COVID-19 had died in the past 24 hours. Following a delay in updating the new number of infections on Monday, Ms Sturgeon confirmed 267 people in Scotland have been confirmed as new cases of the coronavirus. DON'T MISS: EU has behaved with shameless illegality and injustice towards Britain [COMMENT]
Sturgeon ally admits major Brexit defeat as SNP has failed to influence talks [VIDEO]
Boris makes late-night call to rebels to save bill - 'No chance it'll pass!'[LIVE BLOG]
Coronavirus cases have been surging across most of the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--EU erupts as controversial Brexit bill passes crunch vote - 'Boris MUST obey the law!'

Senior Euro MPs from the institution ’ s blocs of Christian democrat , green and socialist politicians insisted the European Union must stand firm against the Government ’ s Internal Market Bill .
The Prime Minister saw off a Tory rebellion last night when the legislation was advanced through the House of Commons .
Philippe Lamberts , leader of the European Greens , said : “ We are confronted with challenges to our democracy from within the European Union , but also from outside .
“ I would say that the latest Brexit episode tells us the United Kingdom has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have abandoned the idea of a rules-based international order in favour of a world where might is right or political expediency is right.
” The Belgian MEP insisted the possibility Downing Street could breach international law by scrapping EU customs checks and state aid rules for Northern Ireland is “ not good news ” for the bloc .
German MEP Manfred Weber , an ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel , accused the Prime Minister of living a lie with his Brexit plans .
The leader of the centre-right European People ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unprecedented and shocking .
“ This is what populism can do to a country , which was a global leader of international law and trade.
” Members of the EU Parliament ’ s Brexit committee have already announced they will vote down any trade deal with Britain unless the legislation is scrapped .
Socialist leader Iratxe Garcia Perez warned No 10 not to test the EU ’ s resolve on the issue as wrangling over a free-trade agreement reaches a critical stage .
The Spaniard fumed : “ It ’ s important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do hope the United Kingdom is going to comply with the law .
“ We ’ ve seen statements made by Johnson that run totally counter to that.
” She added : “ The law is absolutely fundamental within the context of the ongoing negotiations .
“ The European Parliament and all institutions are absolutely clear on that .

Brexit: MPs approve second reading of Internal Market Bill
Senior Euro MPs from the institution’s blocs of Christian democrat, green and socialist politicians insisted the European Union must stand firm against the Government’s Internal Market Bill. The Prime Minister saw off a Tory rebellion last night when the legislation was advanced through the House of Commons. Philippe Lamberts, leader of the European Greens, said: “We are confronted with challenges to our democracy from within the European Union, but also from outside.
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“I would say that the latest Brexit episode tells us the United Kingdom has joined too long a list of countries who have abandoned the idea of a rules-based international order in favour of a world where might is right or political expediency is right.” The Belgian MEP insisted the possibility Downing Street could breach international law by scrapping EU customs checks and state aid rules for Northern Ireland is “not good news” for the bloc. German MEP Manfred Weber, an ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel, accused the Prime Minister of living a lie with his Brexit plans. The leader of the centre-right European People’s Party said: “The draft Bill is unprecedented and shocking.
EU Parliament figures hit out at Boris Johnson over UK's Internal Market Bill
Greens co-chair Philippe Lamberts
“This is what populism can do to a country, which was a global leader of international law and trade.” Members of the EU Parliament’s Brexit committee have already announced they will vote down any trade deal with Britain unless the legislation is scrapped. Socialist leader Iratxe Garcia Perez warned No 10 not to test the EU’s resolve on the issue as wrangling over a free-trade agreement reaches a critical stage. The Spaniard fumed: “It’s important that law is always complied with and we do hope the United Kingdom is going to comply with the law.
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Iratxe Garcia Perez is leader of the EU Parliament's socialist MEPs
“We’ve seen statements made by Johnson that run totally counter to that.” She added: “The law is absolutely fundamental within the context of the ongoing negotiations. “The European Parliament and all institutions are absolutely clear on that. MUST READ: Oh dear Nicola! Sturgeon ally admits major SNP Brexit defeat
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Brexit: Michael Russell on Scotland's future in UK Internal Market


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--Barnier WANTED Britain to leave EU all along, claims ex-MEP - 'No accident!'

And Hans-Olaf Henkel said all sides should have realised the problems which would arise further down the track before signing the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out late last year .
With EU negotiator Mr Barnier and UK opposite number Lord David Frost trading blows on Twitter over the weekend , the prospects of a post-Brexit trade deal are currently looking bleak .
There have even been suggestions Mr Barnier could be sidelined in favour of direct bilateral negotiations between the UK and individual member states including France and Germany .
Mr Henkel , who stepped down from the assembly last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced that French and other forces in Brussels actually wanted Britain to leave as it was always Britain which stood in the way of 'more Brussels ' and 'more Government ' and 'The United States of Europe ' and that Barnier , despite his public statements , would see Britain rather leave than stay .
`` It is no accident that Ex-President Jean-Claude Juncker picked a French bureaucrat for this job . ''
Mr Henkel added : `` Michel Barnier is of course the archetypal French bureaucrat .
`` That means he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect manners . ''
Mr Barnier 's erudite approach had paid off in the early stages over the so-called sequencing issue , which split the negotiation into three sections , Mr Henkel said .
He explained : `` In the beginning of the negotiations on Brexit he outsmarted the British Government ( Theresa May ) by insisting that before they start discussing a Trade Agreement , the EU should have an agreement on the critical issue of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland plus a British commitment on the price of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s decision to call for snap elections during that time , her Government did not focus on the importance of the sequence of these three items to be negotiated .
`` Too late , after the election , Britain discovered that an agreement on the border issue would depend on the type of the agreement on trade - nowhere in the world can you find a border rule without knowing what kind of a customs agreement it needs to regulate . ''
As a result , there was a delay of almost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure as time began to run out .
Mr Henkel , who is also a former President of the BDI , Germany 's industrial lobby , said : `` UK Tory colleagues of mine in the ECR-Political Group agreed with me at that time that Number 10 should never have agreed to Barnier ’ s time table and explained it with the attention to the UK election by Theresa May ’ s team .
`` Barnier also managed to let Britain make a commitment on the amount to be paid for the Exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DO N'T MISS How can they argue this ?
Brexiteer puts EU in place [ INSIGHT ] SNP in shameless plot to block Boris ' Brexit masterplan [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit poll : Are Blair and Major right to intervene in Boris 's plan ?
[ VOTE ] '' Again , I found it strange that Britain was asked to name a price before knowing what she would get for it .
`` Why did Theresa May agree to the sequence of items to be negotiated ?
Why were the British negotiators always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier ?
`` He always showed up with a stack of folders while his British counterpart had hardly more than a sheet of paper .
`` Why did Britain change their negotiators so frequently ?
You may want to count them .
Were there three , four or five while Barnier always stayed in the same job ? ''
Mr Henkel declared : `` From the very beginning it should have been clear that one could not have 'no border between Northern Ireland and Ireland ' AND 'no border between Northern Ireland an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time .
`` Consequently , the current mess is a result of this built-in contradiction . ''
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had `` made a mistake '' in agreeing to what Mr Henkel termed a `` de-facto border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain '' .
Mr Henkel added : `` Without that commitment there would have been no agreement with EU and possibly 'troubles ' in Ireland .

Brexit: Barnier claims EU position has ‘not changed since 2017’
And Hans-Olaf Henkel said all sides should have realised the problems which would arise further down the track before signing the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out late last year. With EU negotiator Mr Barnier and UK opposite number Lord David Frost trading blows on Twitter over the weekend, the prospects of a post-Brexit trade deal are currently looking bleak.
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am convinced that French and other forces in Brussels actually wanted Britain to leave as it was always Britain which stood in the way of 'more Brussels' and 'more Government' and 'The United States of Europe' Hans-Olaf Henkel
There have even been suggestions Mr Barnier could be sidelined in favour of direct bilateral negotiations between the UK and individual member states including France and Germany. Mr Henkel, who stepped down from the assembly last year, told Express.co.uk: "I am convinced that French and other forces in Brussels actually wanted Britain to leave as it was always Britain which stood in the way of 'more Brussels' and 'more Government' and 'The United States of Europe' and that Barnier, despite his public statements, would see Britain rather leave than stay. "It is no accident that Ex-President Jean-Claude Juncker picked a French bureaucrat for this job." Mr Henkel added: "Michel Barnier is of course the archetypal French bureaucrat.
Michel Barnier - and France - always wanted the UK to quit the EU, suggested Mr Henkel
Boris Johnson, the UK's Prime Minister
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"That means he is highly intelligent, well educated and has perfect manners." Mr Barnier's erudite approach had paid off in the early stages over the so-called sequencing issue, which split the negotiation into three sections, Mr Henkel said. He explained: "In the beginning of the negotiations on Brexit he outsmarted the British Government (Theresa May) by insisting that before they start discussing a Trade Agreement, the EU should have an agreement on the critical issue of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland plus a British commitment on the price of the exit. "Because of May’s decision to call for snap elections during that time, her Government did not focus on the importance of the sequence of these three items to be negotiated. JUST IN: Ireland PANIC MODE - nervy Varadkar ponders destroying Dublin coalition
Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost in Brussels
"Too late, after the election, Britain discovered that an agreement on the border issue would depend on the type of the agreement on trade - nowhere in the world can you find a border rule without knowing what kind of a customs agreement it needs to regulate." As a result, there was a delay of almost a year, caused an enormous amount of pressure as time began to run out. Mr Henkel, who is also a former President of the BDI, Germany's industrial lobby, said: "UK Tory colleagues of mine in the ECR-Political Group agreed with me at that time that Number 10 should never have agreed to Barnier’s time table and explained it with the attention to the UK election by Theresa May’s team. "Barnier also managed to let Britain make a commitment on the amount to be paid for the Exit Bill before the agreement on trade. DON'T MISS
How can they argue this? Brexiteer puts EU in place [INSIGHT]
SNP in shameless plot to block Boris' Brexit masterplan [ANALYSIS]
Brexit poll: Are Blair and Major right to intervene in Boris's plan? [VOTE]
Hans-Olaf Henkel is a German former MEP
Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's appointment of Mr Barnier was no coincidence, said Mr Henkel
"Again, I found it strange that Britain was asked to name a price before knowing what she would get for it. "Why did Theresa May agree to the sequence of items to be negotiated? Why were the British negotiators always so poorly prepared when they met with Barnier? "He always showed up with a stack of folders while his British counterpart had hardly more than a sheet of paper. "Why did Britain change their negotiators so frequently? You may want to count them. Were there three, four or five while Barnier always stayed in the same job?"
Brexit timetable
Mr Henkel declared: "From the very beginning it should have been clear that one could not have 'no border between Northern Ireland and Ireland' AND 'no border between Northern Ireland an the rest of Great Britain' at the same time. "Consequently, the current mess is a result of this built-in contradiction." UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had "made a mistake" in agreeing to what Mr Henkel termed a "de-facto border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain". Mr Henkel added: "Without that commitment there would have been no agreement with EU and possibly 'troubles' in Ireland.
Theresa May had made a big mistake on the sequencing issue, said Mr Henkel


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--Macron's Brexit REVENGE: UK warned France to force huge disruption over EU exit bill fury

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Political commentator James Forsyth warned the UK 's push for its Brexit Internal Market Bill could result in repercussions from EU member states .
While speaking on Spectator TV , Mr Forsyth claimed France 's President Emmanuel Macron could cause delays at Calais to prove a point .
As a retaliation move , Mr Macron could demand that all lorries entering to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks based on intelligence .
Mr Forsyth also claimed that the UK 's Brexit Bill created a very high-risk situation the UK has put itself in .
He went on to list the dangers of the UK 's current strategy .
He said : `` I think the danger though is that this is a high-risk strategy .
`` If you talk to those that are veterans of no deal planning and they will say one of the most unpredictable elements of it is how the EU behaves .
DO N'T MISS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backwards ' to trade with UK Ca n't see this Brexit poll ?
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Brexit: Macron and Merkel 'increasing scepticism' claims MEP
Political commentator James Forsyth warned the UK's push for its Brexit Internal Market Bill could result in repercussions from EU member states. While speaking on Spectator TV, Mr Forsyth claimed France's President Emmanuel Macron could cause delays at Calais to prove a point. As a retaliation move, Mr Macron could demand that all lorries entering to and from the UK are checked instead of checks based on intelligence.
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Mr Forsyth also claimed that the UK's Brexit Bill created a very high-risk situation the UK has put itself in. He went on to list the dangers of the UK's current strategy. He said: "I think the danger though is that this is a high-risk strategy. "If you talk to those that are veterans of no deal planning and they will say one of the most unpredictable elements of it is how the EU behaves. DON'T MISS: Brexit breakthrough: EU should 'bend over backwards' to trade with UK Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
Macron Brexit REVENGE: UK warned France to force major disruption after Brexit bill fury
Emmanuel Macron:
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"If the French decide to inspect every lorry at Calais there are going to be significant delays. "If France decides to operate fairly pragmatically, wave things through and only check things based on intelligence then things might run much more smoothly." Mr Forsyth also reflected on the consequences of a complete breakdown of the Brexit trade deal talks. He said: "If the talks break down in total acrimony it is hard to imagine the EU will be particularly inclined to take a pragmatic view. Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
Emmanuel Macron:
Priti Patel insists government won’t ‘compromise’ on Brexit
Emmanuel Macron: