thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Brexit POLL: Who should lead talks for the EU – Barnier, VDL, Merkel, Macron? VOTE HERE

Britain officially left the European Union on January 31 following more than three years of intense negotiations between the two sides , which saw them finally come to terms on the withdrawal agreement and political declaration .
The focus then quickly shifted to talks on a post-Brexit trade deal and the terms of the future relationship between London and Brussels , which began in March .
But three months on , little progress has been made , with both sides trading brutal blows over each other 's negotiating positions .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bemoaning the lack of progress being made in talks and criticising Britain for demands made over what should be included in any trade deal .
Mr Barnier has also been left furious by the insistence of Boris Johnson and the UK 's chief negotiator David Frost that an agreement must be signed before the end of the transition period on December 31 , 2020 - a deadline both sides have now accepted .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has had little direct involvement in negotiations since taking over from Jean-Claude Juncker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although she was part of high-level talks with leaders via a video conference call on Monday .
French President Emmanuel Macron has also been vocal on Brexit , and has warned the UK on several occasions around demands made in a trade deal , particularly for access for EU fishermen to British waters after the transition period .
But it is German Chancellor Angela Merkel who has now appeared as a front-runner to play an influential role for the EU in striking an agreement with the UK .
Germany is taking over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the EU on July 1 .
This has raised hopes among officials on both sides of the post-Brexit trade negotiations that a deal can indeed be struck .
Mr Barnier continues to lead talks for the EU and although there are no plans by member states to change his negotiating mandate , the European Council presidency still plays a key role in maintaining unity among the 27 countries and finding political compromises where needed .
German ambassador to the EU Michael Clauss told a recent panel discussion by the European Policy Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to absorb a lot , or most , of the political attention '' of the German Council Presidency .
Jürgen Hardt , the foreign policy spokesperson of Ms Merkel 's CDU/CSU coalition in Germany , said : `` If Prime Minister Boris Johnson is most likely to trust a foreign head of Government , it is Merkel .
`` She has always respected the vote of the British people , even if she thinks it is wrong . ''
He added : `` What Johnson can certainly expect from Angela Merkel is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in pursuing his Brexit policy as long as it does not conflict with the fundamental interests of the EU . ''
The German intervention and in particular that of Ms Merkel has also raised hopes in the UK that a Brexit deal can finally be struck .
Conservative MP David Jones , a former junior Brexit minister who also serves as deputy chair of the European Research Group of Brexiteer backbenchers , said : “ Angela Merkel has historically shown herself to be a pragmatist and less doctrinaire than , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She recognises the reality of the U.K. ’ s departure and understands the mutual importance of Anglo-German trade .

Brexit: EU should ‘prepare’ for a no-deal Brexit says Lamberts
Britain officially left the European Union on January 31 following more than three years of intense negotiations between the two sides, which saw them finally come to terms on the withdrawal agreement and political declaration. The focus then quickly shifted to talks on a post-Brexit trade deal and the terms of the future relationship between London and Brussels, which began in March. But three months on, little progress has been made, with both sides trading brutal blows over each other's negotiating positions. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED - FOR RESULTS CLICK HERE.
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The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has continued to lash out at the UK, bemoaning the lack of progress being made in talks and criticising Britain for demands made over what should be included in any trade deal. Mr Barnier has also been left furious by the insistence of Boris Johnson and the UK's chief negotiator David Frost that an agreement must be signed before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020 - a deadline both sides have now accepted. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has had little direct involvement in negotiations since taking over from Jean-Claude Juncker at the end of last year, although she was part of high-level talks with leaders via a video conference call on Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron has also been vocal on Brexit, and has warned the UK on several occasions around demands made in a trade deal, particularly for access for EU fishermen to British waters after the transition period.
Brexit news: Who should lead negotiations for the EU?
But it is German Chancellor Angela Merkel who has now appeared as a front-runner to play an influential role for the EU in striking an agreement with the UK. Germany is taking over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council of the EU on July 1. This has raised hopes among officials on both sides of the post-Brexit trade negotiations that a deal can indeed be struck. Mr Barnier continues to lead talks for the EU and although there are no plans by member states to change his negotiating mandate, the European Council presidency still plays a key role in maintaining unity among the 27 countries and finding political compromises where needed.
Brexit news: Michel Barnier has continued to lash out at the UK
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German ambassador to the EU Michael Clauss told a recent panel discussion by the European Policy Centre he expects the ongoing Brexit negotiations "to absorb a lot, or most, of the political attention" of the German Council Presidency. Jürgen Hardt, the foreign policy spokesperson of Ms Merkel's CDU/CSU coalition in Germany, said: "If Prime Minister Boris Johnson is most likely to trust a foreign head of Government, it is Merkel. "She has always respected the vote of the British people, even if she thinks it is wrong." He added: "What Johnson can certainly expect from Angela Merkel is that she will do her best to support him in pursuing his Brexit policy as long as it does not conflict with the fundamental interests of the EU."
Brexit news: Ursula von der Leyen took part in high-level talks on Monday
Brexit news: Angela Merkel has appeared as a frontrunner to lead talks for the EU
The German intervention and in particular that of Ms Merkel has also raised hopes in the UK that a Brexit deal can finally be struck. Conservative MP David Jones, a former junior Brexit minister who also serves as deputy chair of the European Research Group of Brexiteer backbenchers, said: “Angela Merkel has historically shown herself to be a pragmatist and less doctrinaire than, for example, [French President Emmanuel] Macron "She recognises the reality of the U.K.’s departure and understands the mutual importance of Anglo-German trade.
Brexit news: The transition period will end on December 31, 2020


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--'Your witness!' Boris Johnson mocks Keir Starmer as he tears him apart in savage PMQs row

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he welcomes the Government 's U-turn on free school meals but that it is `` just one step '' to reducing child poverty .
He told MPs : `` A report last week from the Government 's social mobility commission concluded that there are now 600,000 more children living in relative poverty than in 2012 .
The report went on to say child poverty rates are projected to increase to 5.2 million by 2022 .
What does the Prime Minister think caused that ? ''
The Prime Minister rejected the accusation as `` completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report cited by Sir Keir was on an `` anticipated rise '' of poverty , and not on the current situation in Britain .
Boris Johnson replied : `` He 's talking about what we call an anticipated rise rather than a rise that has actually taken place .
`` A new concept is being introduced into our deliberation .
`` What we 're talking about is what is actually happening , Mr Speaker , which is action in poverty .
`` Of course , this Government is deeply concerned about the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' At the end of his furious slapdown , Boris Johnson joked : `` Your witness , Mr Speaker ! ''
READ MORE : Boris vows free trade with Australia to cement post-Brexit strength The Prime Minsiter urged Sir Keir Starmer to encourage people to send their children back to school as it is safe .
Sir Keir said : `` The Prime Minister says poverty has not increased .
I just read a direct quote from a Government report from a Government commission produced last week which says it has gone up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The social mobility commission has a clear answer to my question - this anticipated rise in child poverty is not driven by forces beyond our control .
`` I 'm sure the Prime Minister would agree that an even higher child poverty rate would be an intolerable outcome from this pandemic , so what is he going to do to prevent it ? ''
Mr Johnson said : `` What we 're talking about is what has actually happened , which is a reduction in poverty . ''
Mr Johnson added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help the poorest children in the country `` would be to encourage all kids who can go back to school to go back to school now because their schools are safe '' .
The Prime Minister then said to Sir Keir : `` How can he talk about tackling the effect of coronavirus on the most disadvantaged ?
`` It 's the most disadvantaged kids who need to go back to school and it is those groups which , unfortunately , at the moment that are not going back to school .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more time , will he say schools are safe to go back to ?
Come on . ''
Sir Keir replied : `` This is turning into Opposition questions .
`` If the Prime Minister wants to swap places , I 'm very happy to do it , to do it now . ''
DO N'T MISS : PMQs LIVE : Boris Johnson set for Commons showdown with Keir Starmer [ LIVE BLOG ] Australian High Commissioner hints at key element of UK trade deal [ INTERVIEW ] Boris vows free trade with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Sir Keir Starmer warned council leaders face a choice between `` cutting core services or facing bankruptcy '' , telling the Prime Minister : `` Either outcome will harm communities and mean local services ca n't reopen .
`` That will drive up poverty , something the Prime Minister says he does n't intend to do .
Local councils have done everything asked of them in this crisis , the Government has n't .
Will the Prime Minister take responsibility and actually do something ? ''
Boris Johnson said he had outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country can be `` very proud '' of its investments and the response of local government officials .
He added : `` There are some councils , particularly Labour councils alas , that are not opening their schools when they could be opening them .
`` And I say to him , I hope for the last time , now is the moment when he can say to those Labour councillors that it is safe for kids to go back to reception , to year one , to year six , to early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Sir Keir replied : `` Every week the Prime Minister seems to complain that I ask him questions at Prime Minister 's Questions .
If he wants to swap place , so be it . ''

PMQs: Boris Johnson mocks Keir Starmer during poverty debate
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he welcomes the Government's U-turn on free school meals but that it is "just one step" to reducing child poverty. He told MPs: "A report last week from the Government's social mobility commission concluded that there are now 600,000 more children living in relative poverty than in 2012. The report went on to say child poverty rates are projected to increase to 5.2 million by 2022. What does the Prime Minister think caused that?"
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The Prime Minister rejected the accusation as "completely wrong" and as he claimed the report cited by Sir Keir was on an "anticipated rise" of poverty, and not on the current situation in Britain. Boris Johnson replied: "He's talking about what we call an anticipated rise rather than a rise that has actually taken place. "A new concept is being introduced into our deliberation. "What we're talking about is what is actually happening, Mr Speaker, which is action in poverty. "Of course, this Government is deeply concerned about the impact of coronavirus on the UK economy." At the end of his furious slapdown, Boris Johnson joked: "Your witness, Mr Speaker!" READ MORE: Boris vows free trade with Australia to cement post-Brexit strength
Boris Johnson mocked Keir Starmer during PMQs
Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clashed on a poverty report
The Prime Minsiter urged Sir Keir Starmer to encourage people to send their children back to school as it is safe. Sir Keir said: "The Prime Minister says poverty has not increased. I just read a direct quote from a Government report from a Government commission produced last week which says it has gone up by 600,000." Sir Keir added: "The social mobility commission has a clear answer to my question - this anticipated rise in child poverty is not driven by forces beyond our control. "I'm sure the Prime Minister would agree that an even higher child poverty rate would be an intolerable outcome from this pandemic, so what is he going to do to prevent it?" Mr Johnson said: "What we're talking about is what has actually happened, which is a reduction in poverty." Mr Johnson added that one of the best ways to help the poorest children in the country "would be to encourage all kids who can go back to school to go back to school now because their schools are safe".
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PMQ's: Boris Johnson clashes with Keir Starmer on poverty in UK
The Prime Minister then said to Sir Keir: "How can he talk about tackling the effect of coronavirus on the most disadvantaged? "It's the most disadvantaged kids who need to go back to school and it is those groups which, unfortunately, at the moment that are not going back to school. "Let's hear from him, one more time, will he say schools are safe to go back to? Come on." Sir Keir replied: "This is turning into Opposition questions. "If the Prime Minister wants to swap places, I'm very happy to do it, to do it now." DON'T MISS:
PMQs LIVE: Boris Johnson set for Commons showdown with Keir Starmer [LIVE BLOG]
Australian High Commissioner hints at key element of UK trade deal [INTERVIEW]
Boris vows free trade with Australia to cement post-Brexit strength [VIDEO]


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--This is how it's done, Brussels! UK plans Australia trade deal in just MONTHS

Australia ’ s trade minister told the Financial Times : “ I do hope that if we can , we could get something settled before the end of the year .
“ But that would be record breaking time for trade deals.
” Ms Truss has published the UK ’ s negotiating objectives for trade deals with Australia and New Zealand .
She said trade agreements with the two countries would `` make good on the promise of Brexit ” .
She added moving towards the Asia-Pacific region would diversify trade and increase the resilience of UK supply chains .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand will boost the coronavirus recovery by opening up new markets for businesses and creating jobs .
Its analysis suggests the value of UK exports to the two countries could increase by a huge £1 billion as a result of trade agreements .
Ms Truss said : `` Our new-found status as an independent trading nation will enable us to strengthen ties with countries around the world .
READ MORE : Michael Gove rages at EU Brexit demands that UK ' can not accept' '' Ambitious , wide-ranging free trade agreements with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a powerful way for us to do that and make good on the promise of Brexit .
`` Pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific will diversify our trade , increase the resilience of our supply chains and ensure the UK is less vulnerable to political and economic shocks in certain parts of the world . ''
Talks with the EU , US and Japan are also ongoing .
Boris Johnson called for a free trade deal to be reached with Brussels by the end of July after a video conference with EU leaders on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HAD to end , says MICHAEL GOVE [ COMMENT ] Boris told to WALK AWAY from Brexit trade talks - readers vote no deal [ POLL ] Canada style Brexit : What is a Canada style Brexit ?
[ INSIGHT ] The Prime Minister spoke to European Council chief Charles Michel , European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament president David Sassoli at the virtual summit .
He was joined by his Europe adviser David Frost , Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and the UK 's ambassador to the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference , Mr Johnson said a deal could be done but `` the faster we can do this the better '' .
On the possibility of a `` cut-off date '' on the talks , he said : `` What we already said today is the faster we can do this the better , we see no reason why you should n't get that done in July .

Australia trade deal: Liz Truss reveals plans for ‘ambitious’ deal
Australia’s trade minister Simon Birmingham said he hoped negotiations could be completed by the end of 2020. Talks between Mr Birmingham and International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will be launched via video link today.
Australia’s trade minister told the Financial Times: “I do hope that if we can, we could get something settled before the end of the year. “But that would be record breaking time for trade deals.” Ms Truss has published the UK’s negotiating objectives for trade deals with Australia and New Zealand. She said trade agreements with the two countries would "make good on the promise of Brexit”.
The UK and Australia are aiming to strike a free trade deal in “record” time
Australia’s trade minister Simon Birmingham said he hoped negotiations could be completed by the end of 2020
She added moving towards the Asia-Pacific region would diversify trade and increase the resilience of UK supply chains. The Government hopes deals with Australia and New Zealand will boost the coronavirus recovery by opening up new markets for businesses and creating jobs. Its analysis suggests the value of UK exports to the two countries could increase by a huge £1 billion as a result of trade agreements. Ms Truss said: "Our new-found status as an independent trading nation will enable us to strengthen ties with countries around the world. READ MORE: Michael Gove rages at EU Brexit demands that UK 'cannot accept'
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Talks between Mr Birmingham and International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will be launched via video link today
"Ambitious, wide-ranging free trade agreements with old friends like Australia and New Zealand are a powerful way for us to do that and make good on the promise of Brexit. "Pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific will diversify our trade, increase the resilience of our supply chains and ensure the UK is less vulnerable to political and economic shocks in certain parts of the world." Talks with the EU, US and Japan are also ongoing. Boris Johnson called for a free trade deal to be reached with Brussels by the end of July after a video conference with EU leaders on Monday. DON'T MISS
Brexit transition HAD to end, says MICHAEL GOVE [COMMENT]
Boris told to WALK AWAY from Brexit trade talks - readers vote no deal [POLL]
Canada style Brexit: What is a Canada style Brexit? [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson called for a free trade deal to be reached with Brussels by the end of July after a video conference with EU leaders on Monday
The Prime Minister spoke to European Council chief Charles Michel, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament president David Sassoli at the virtual summit
The Prime Minister spoke to European Council chief Charles Michel, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament president David Sassoli at the virtual summit. He was joined by his Europe adviser David Frost, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and the UK's ambassador to the EU Sir Tim Barrow. Following the video conference, Mr Johnson said a deal could be done but "the faster we can do this the better". On the possibility of a "cut-off date" on the talks, he said: "What we already said today is the faster we can do this the better, we see no reason why you shouldn't get that done in July.
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thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Britain's BONKERS overseas aid grants - including give China £150m two years ago

In a Commons statement , the Prime Minister said the Department for International Development was seen round the world as a “ great cashpoint in the sky ” that handed out money without regard to British interests or values .
He announced it would be merged with the Foreign Office to create a new “ Whitehall super department ” designed to “ help improve the way this country projects itself abroad ” .
Mr Johnson told MPs : “ This will unite our aid with our diplomacy and bring them together in our international effort.
” Work on merging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Commonwealth and Development Office will begin immediately and is scheduled to be formally completed by September .
Government sources said the UK ’ s target of spending 0.7 percent of the country ’ s Gross Domestic Product on overseas aid will remain in force after the merger .
They also pointed out that Britain ’ s aid budget , which hit £15.2billion last year , was likely to be significantly cut as a result of fall in GDP resulting from the coronavirus lockdown .
While some Civil Service jobs could be cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street insiders insisted there would be no compulsory redundancies .
Opposition MPs and aid campaigners reacted angrily to the decision .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the announcement was `` a distraction '' from how poorly the Government was handling the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We should see this statement for what it is , the tactics of pure distraction , ” he said .
`` Abolishing Dfid diminishes Britain 's place in the world .
There 's no rationale for making this statement today.
” Former Tory prime minister David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international target of spending 0.7 percent of national income on aid , described the move as a “ mistake ” .
He said : “ The end of DfID will mean less expertise , less voice for development at the top table and ultimately less respect for the UK overseas.
” But Mr Johnson insisted the move would ensure Britain spoke with one diplomatic voice around the world and help get better value for money for UK taxpayers .
“ DfID and the FCO are now joining together to become a Whitehall super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of huge benefit to our ability to project Britain ’ s sense mission about overseas aid .
“ For too long , frankly , UK overseas aid has been treated as some giant cashpoint in the sky that arrives without any reference to UK interests or to the values that the UK wishes to express , ” he told MPs .
Speaking in the Commons , the Prime Minister said the UK had the third biggest aid budget and diplomatic network in the world .
“ We owe it to our people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which scarcely any of our peers can match .
“ The British taxpayer has the right to expect that we achieve the maximum value with every pound we spend , ” he said .
Mr Johnson said the world coronavirus pandemic had shown the split between diplomacy and overseas development was “ artificial and outdated ” .
Mr Johnson said Britain ’ s aid spending should be more in line with the country ’ s diplomatic aims .
“ We give as much aid to Zambia as we do to Ukraine , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We give ten times as much aid to Tanzania as we do to the six countries of the Western Balkans , who are acutely vulnerable to Russian meddling , ” he said .
Mr Johnson said Tony Blair ’ s Labour government had been well-intentioned and right in setting up DfID in 1997 but the world had changed dramatically since then .
“ Those judgments date from a relatively benign era when China ’ s economy was still smaller than Italy ’ s and the West was buoyed by victory in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now strengthen our position in an intensely competitive world by making sensible changes.
” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will have the power to decide which countries receive or cease to receive UK foreign aid under the shake up , the Prime Minister said .
Dismissing opposition complaints that the shake up should not take place during the pandemic response , he added : “ This is exactly the moment when we must mobilise every one of our national assets , including our aid budget and expertise , to safeguard British interests and values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for doing that will be a new department charged with using all the tools of British influence to seize the opportunities ahead.
” James Roberts , of the TaxPayers ' Alliance campaign group , said : `` This shift is good news for taxpayers , but it 's crucial that the end result is less of their money being wasted .
“ Taxpayers must get the maximum possible value for every pound spent .
For too long , cash has been thrown away by DfID on ineffective and unjustified projects - money must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at home and abroad .
`` As part of a single foreign affairs department , it should be easier to place the nation 's best interests at the heart of aid decisions , and to save taxpayers ' money . ''
Tory MP Tom Tugendhat , chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee , said : “ I am pleased to see that the Foreign Secretary will be given more strategic oversight when it comes to key aspects of overseas influence and spending.
” But Daniel Willis , of aid campaign group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a terrible decision that takes us back two decades to when UK aid was subservient to the interests of British business .
It 's bad news for the fight against global poverty , and good news for suppliers of corporate drinks parties in foreign embassies.
” • Britain handed £150million to aid projects in China in 2018 despite the Asian giant already being one of the biggest economies in the world .
• Yenga , a pop group hailed as Ethiopia ’ s answer to the Spice Girls , received £4million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme aimed at empowering women in Ethiopia .
• In 2018 , the UK pledged nearly £100million in aid to India despite the Indian government spending almost the same sum on a lunar probe while millions of its citizens live in poverty .
• Britain handed £1.5billion in aid to 20 countries internationally recognised as the most corrupt regimes in the world .
• £1.5million of UK aid was spent on eradicating super-sized mice from uninhabited Gough Island in the southern Atlantic Ocean .
• £326 million was spent on operating costs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single year in 2018/19 .

Boris Johnson announces he is merging DfID with Foreign Office
In a Commons statement, the Prime Minister said the Department for International Development was seen round the world as a “great cashpoint in the sky” that handed out money without regard to British interests or values. He announced it would be merged with the Foreign Office to create a new “Whitehall super department” designed to “help improve the way this country projects itself abroad”. Mr Johnson told MPs: “This will unite our aid with our diplomacy and bring them together in our international effort.”
Work on merging the two Whitehall departments into the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will begin immediately and is scheduled to be formally completed by September. Government sources said the UK’s target of spending 0.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product on overseas aid will remain in force after the merger. They also pointed out that Britain’s aid budget, which hit £15.2billion last year, was likely to be significantly cut as a result of fall in GDP resulting from the coronavirus lockdown. While some Civil Service jobs could be cut as a result of the merger, Downing Street insiders insisted there would be no compulsory redundancies. Opposition MPs and aid campaigners reacted angrily to the decision. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the announcement was "a distraction" from how poorly the Government was handling the coronavirus pandemic. "We should see this statement for what it is, the tactics of pure distraction,” he said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer
"Abolishing Dfid diminishes Britain's place in the world. There's no rationale for making this statement today.” Former Tory prime minister David Cameron, whose coalition government hit the international target of spending 0.7 percent of national income on aid, described the move as a “mistake”. He said: “The end of DfID will mean less expertise, less voice for development at the top table and ultimately less respect for the UK overseas.” But Mr Johnson insisted the move would ensure Britain spoke with one diplomatic voice around the world and help get better value for money for UK taxpayers. “DfID and the FCO are now joining together to become a Whitehall super department for international affairs which will be of huge benefit to our ability to project Britain’s sense mission about overseas aid. “For too long, frankly, UK overseas aid has been treated as some giant cashpoint in the sky that arrives without any reference to UK interests or to the values that the UK wishes to express,” he told MPs.
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Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister said the UK had the third biggest aid budget and diplomatic network in the world. “We owe it to our people to make best use of these assets, which scarcely any of our peers can match. “The British taxpayer has the right to expect that we achieve the maximum value with every pound we spend,” he said. Mr Johnson said the world coronavirus pandemic had shown the split between diplomacy and overseas development was “artificial and outdated”. Mr Johnson said Britain’s aid spending should be more in line with the country’s diplomatic aims. “We give as much aid to Zambia as we do to Ukraine, though the latter is vital for European security. “We give ten times as much aid to Tanzania as we do to the six countries of the Western Balkans, who are acutely vulnerable to Russian meddling,” he said.
Boris Johnson clashes with Keir Starmer on foreign aid statement
Mr Johnson said Tony Blair’s Labour government had been well-intentioned and right in setting up DfID in 1997 but the world had changed dramatically since then. “Those judgments date from a relatively benign era when China’s economy was still smaller than Italy’s and the West was buoyed by victory in the Cold War. “We must now strengthen our position in an intensely competitive world by making sensible changes.” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will have the power to decide which countries receive or cease to receive UK foreign aid under the shake up, the Prime Minister said. Dismissing opposition complaints that the shake up should not take place during the pandemic response, he added: “This is exactly the moment when we must mobilise every one of our national assets, including our aid budget and expertise, to safeguard British interests and values overseas - and the best possible instrument for doing that will be a new department charged with using all the tools of British influence to seize the opportunities ahead.” James Roberts, of the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group, said: "This shift is good news for taxpayers, but it's crucial that the end result is less of their money being wasted.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--EU still got time! Michael Gove gives Brussels LAST CHANCE for Brexit deal

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Brussels agrees that now is the time to “ accelerate ” the negotiations and also wants an “ early ” pact on the principles , he said .
Mr Gove was updating MPs on progress in the talks after Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to the EU ’ s top officials on Monday .
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said discussions will intensify from June 29 .
He said : `` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We do not want to see this process going on into the autumn and then the winter .
We all need certainty and that is what we 're aiming to provide . ''
Mr Gove insisted the UK is `` ready to be flexible '' in how it secures a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU and there is `` no intrinsic reason '' why a deal can not be reached in good time .
He said : `` The UK 's political will is there , our position is reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still have the time to bring a deal home .
`` That is why the Prime Minister has led the drive to accelerate these talks , to reach agreement and to ensure next January we leave the regulatory reach of the EU and embrace the new opportunities our independence will bring . ''
Protecting the rights of EU citizens living in Britain is a “ priority ” for the government , Mr Gove told the Commons .

Brussels agrees that now is the time to “accelerate” the negotiations and also wants an “early” pact on the principles, he said. Mr Gove was updating MPs on progress in the talks after Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to the EU’s top officials on Monday. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said discussions will intensify from June 29.
He said: "We're looking to get things done in July. We do not want to see this process going on into the autumn and then the winter. We all need certainty and that is what we're aiming to provide."
Mr Gove insisted the UK is "ready to be flexible" in how it secures a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU and there is "no intrinsic reason" why a deal cannot be reached in good time.
He said: "The UK's political will is there, our position is reasonable, based on precedent, and we still have the time to bring a deal home.
"That is why the Prime Minister has led the drive to accelerate these talks, to reach agreement and to ensure next January we leave the regulatory reach of the EU and embrace the new opportunities our independence will bring."
Protecting the rights of EU citizens living in Britain is a “priority” for the government, Mr Gove told the Commons.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Boris Johnson's Union Jack plane will win world hearts 'PM doesnt like GREY'

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The Prime Minister ’ s usual military aircraft is being given a bright new makeover because it was deemed to be too dull .
A defence source said the RAF Voyager transport plane would be transformed from plain grey - a colour Mr Johnson has in the past complained about - to sporting the UK 's red , white and blue on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fin .
One source said the paint job sounded like something `` from Austin Powers '' .
Air bridges could be set up by July allowing thousands to travel '' Boris does n't like it being grey .
He is getting it painted up , '' the source said .
The Voyager is receiving its makeover at an airport in Cambridge .
It is expected to be finished by the back end of this month .
A spokesman for the Royal Air Force said : `` An RAF Voyager is currently in Cambridgeshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media account said last week on Twitter that a Voyager aircraft was travelling to the Cambridge airfield .
`` This flight is necessary to enable scheduled maintenance to be carried out at Marshall Aerospace '' , the tweet , by RAF Brize Norton , said .

The Prime Minister’s usual military aircraft is being given a bright new makeover because it was deemed to be too dull. A defence source said the RAF Voyager transport plane would be transformed from plain grey - a colour Mr Johnson has in the past complained about - to sporting the UK's red, white and blue on the rear of its fuselage and up the fin. One source said the paint job sounded like something "from Austin Powers".
Air bridges could be set up by July allowing thousands to travel
"Boris doesn't like it being grey. He is getting it painted up," the source said.
The Voyager is receiving its makeover at an airport in Cambridge. It is expected to be finished by the back end of this month.
A spokesman for the Royal Air Force said: "An RAF Voyager is currently in Cambridgeshire for pre-planned works"
An RAF-linked social media account said last week on Twitter that a Voyager aircraft was travelling to the Cambridge airfield.
"This flight is necessary to enable scheduled maintenance to be carried out at Marshall Aerospace", the tweet, by RAF Brize Norton, said.


thedailyexpress--2020-06-18--'Absolute c***!' SNP MP ordered to withdraw statement after foul-mouthed Commons rant

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An SNP MP @ @ @ @ @ the House of Commons after sweary tirade against the Government .
David Linden was objecting @ @ @ @ @ Philip praising the UK 's approach to asylum seekers and foreign nationals .
The Scottish @ @ @ @ @ oppose the comments , but broke a major rule of the House of Commons .
@ @ @ @ @ I 'm sorry , the minister is just talking absolute c*** here . ''
Immediately @ @ @ @ @ House intervened and ordered Mr Linden to withdraw his use of profanity .
The Scottish @ @ @ @ @ n't resist adding : `` I withdraw the word c*** , but I would say @ @ @ @ @ '' He then proceeded to hit out at Mr Philip 's argument .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ Speaker as Scottish MP tells Boris to 'shut up '

SNP MP David Linden swears twice in the House of Commons
An SNP MP was forced to apologise to the House of Commons after sweary tirade against the Government. David Linden was objecting to Home Office minister Chris Philip praising the UK's approach to asylum seekers and foreign nationals. The Scottish politician stood up to directly oppose the comments, but broke a major rule of the House of Commons.
Trending
Mr Linden said: "I'm sorry, the minister is just talking absolute c*** here." Immediately, the Speaker of the House intervened and ordered Mr Linden to withdraw his use of profanity. The Scottish MP acquiesced, but couldn't resist adding: "I withdraw the word c***, but I would say it's absolute nonsense." He then proceeded to hit out at Mr Philip's argument. READ MORE: SNP shamed by Deputy Speaker as Scottish MP tells Boris to 'shut up'
SNP MP ordered to withdraw statement after foul-mouthed Commons rant - 'Absolute cr*p!'
'I withdraw the word c***, but I would say it's absolute nonsense.'
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Mr Linden told the House: "He talks about how welcoming the UK is. "This is the same UK Government that had 'go home' vans going around communities. "It's the same UK Government that's got a hostile environment. "So can I just suggest he cut to the chase and address the actual question?"
'It's the same UK Government that's got a hostile environment.'
Michael Gove laughs at Pete Wishart’s ‘metaphor’
'He can shake his head and fold his arms, but those are the facts.'


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--'EU is a small pedantic club!' MEP lashes out at Brussels - 'Wouldn't be here without UK!'

Speaking in Parliament , Dutch MEP Derk Jan Eppink hit out at the EU while also reminding the members states that the bloc would not even exist without the UK 's help .
In his speech , Mr Jan Eppink commented on the vast new financial aid package put forward by Germany and France which will give greater power to the EU Commission .
He added : `` The UK wo n't be involved in the rebuild of Europe .
`` But we would n't be here without the UK .
`` We are punishing the Brits out over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small pedantic club with no strategic vision .
`` We welcome the Balkans while we push the Brits out the exit . ''
The MEP 's comments come as the war of words between the two sides continued today as Commission President , Ursula von der Leyen claimed the EU will not compromise on its core values .
There have been several areas of divergence between the two sides , most notably fisheries and the concept of a level playing field .
A level playing field is whereby businesses agree to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one state undercutting the other .
There had been fear from the EU side the UK could drop taxes and certain rules post-Brexit to attract businesses to Britain away from Brussels .
JUST IN : Boris Johnson dismantles Lib Dem MP 's Brexit warning on beef While the EU has stated it will not back down , Ms von der Leyen did concede following a meeting with Boris Johnson this week that an extension will not be requested .
She said today : `` These are our objectives , not only in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with any partner .
`` Because these are principles at the heart of the European Union - fair competition , rising social standards , the protection of our citizens and the rule of law .
`` This is who we are and it is not going to change .
DO N'T MISS Australian High Commissioner hints at key element of UK trade deal [ Latest ] Boris Johnson silences plea to accept Barnier 's Brexit extension [ Update ] Labour peer fears no deal Brexit could see criminals walk free [ Insight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always promised to be difficult and they have not disappointed .
`` We are now halfway through these negotiations with five months left to go .
`` But we 're definitely not halfway through the work to reach an agreement . ''
Following their meeting this week , both UK and EU officials agreed they would need to expedite talks in order to reach a deal .

Brexit: EU are 'punishing UK for leaving' says Dutch MEP
Speaking in Parliament, Dutch MEP Derk Jan Eppink hit out at the EU while also reminding the members states that the bloc would not even exist without the UK's help. In his speech, Mr Jan Eppink commented on the vast new financial aid package put forward by Germany and France which will give greater power to the EU Commission. He added: "The UK won't be involved in the rebuild of Europe.
Trending
"But we wouldn't be here without the UK. "We are punishing the Brits out over a democratic vote. "We're just a small pedantic club with no strategic vision. "We welcome the Balkans while we push the Brits out the exit."
Brexit news: MEP lashes out of Brussels
EU news: Dutch MEP savages EU
The MEPs comments come as the war of words between the two sides continued yesterday as Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen claimed the EU will not compromise on its core values. There have been several areas of divergence between the two sides, most notably fisheries and the concept of a level playing field. A level playing field is whereby businesses agree to a set of principles in order to stop one state undercutting the other. There had been fear from the EU side the UK could drop taxes and certain rules post-Brexit to attract businesses to Britain away from Brussels. JUST IN: Boris Johnson dismantles Lib Dem MP's Brexit warning on beef
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Brexit news: EU Ms von der Leyen has insisted the EU will not back down
While the EU has stated it will not back down, Ms von der Leyen did concede following a meeting with Boris Johnson this week that an extension will not be requested. She said yesterday: "These are our objectives, not only in our discussions with the UK but in any relationship with any partner. "Because these are principles at the heart of the European Union - fair competition, rising social standards, the protection of our citizens and the rule of law. "This is who we are and it is not going to change. DON'T MISS
Australian High Commissioner hints at key element of UK trade deal [Latest]
Boris Johnson silences plea to accept Barnier's Brexit extension [Update]
Labour peer fears no deal Brexit could see criminals walk free [Insight]
Brexit news: Ms von der Leyen did conceded an extension will not be requested
"The negotiations with the UK always promised to be difficult and they have not disappointed. "We are now halfway through these negotiations with five months left to go. "But we're definitely not halfway through the work to reach an agreement." Following their meeting this week, both UK and EU officials agreed they would need to expedite talks in order to reach a deal.
EU-UK negotiations
The end of the transition ends on December 31, 2020. If a deal is not agreed by then the UK will revert to WTO rules. Even if a deal is reached relatively quickly, it will then need to be ratified by the other 27 EU member states individually.
Brexit news: Mr Johnson insisted the UK will leave the EU by the end of the year


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Barnier humiliated as Von der Leyen urged to REPLACE Brexit negotiator in poll

Michel Barnier is the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator but an Express.co.uk poll has found the majority of readers would prefer Ursula von der Leyen to lead the talks .
The poll , carried out from 11am-9pm on Wednesday June 17 , asked : `` Who should lead Brexit talks for the EU ? ''
Readers could choose from Mr Barnier , Ms von der Leyen , German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron .
Ms von Der Leyen received the most backing with 38 percent of the 2,288 respondents ( 871 people ) voting for the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 34 percent of the vote ( 786 people ) , while Mr Barnier trailed in third with just 11 percent backing ( 246 people ) .
The French President came in last however , with just three percent of the vote ( 80 people ) .
Fourteen percent of respondents ( 305 people ) opted for `` do n't know '' .
The post-Brexit trade talks have reached a crucial stage in recent weeks , as time is running out for the two sides to reach a deal .
Mr Barnier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bemoaning the lack of progress being made in talks and he has criticised Britain for demands made over what should be included in any trade deal .
The EU negotiator has also urged the UK to consider extending the transition period to allow more time for the two sides to negotiate a deal - but such a stance was firmly rejected by Boris Johnson .
JUST IN : 'Very hard ' Brexit 'inevitable ' MEP says 'start preparing now' By contrast , Ms von der Leyen - who Express readers back to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in the negotiations .
Germany could start to play a more influential role in the trade talks , as the country takes over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1 .
It is no surprise that Mr Macron finished last in the poll , as he has been a vocal critic of Brexit and has urged the EU to ensure the bloc has access to British fishing waters .
Readers took to the comments to explain why they voted for each leader .
DO N'T MISS : Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Union Jack plane [ INSIGHT ] EU confession : How Michel Barnier warned of 'failing European Project ' [ DETAILS ] Furious eurosceptic Italian MEP puts Brussels on alert - [ VIDEO ] One person said : `` I voted for Frau Merkel as Germany has so much to lose with a no deal . ''
Another user said : `` VDL is the most easily intimidated , but it makes little difference because the chances of a deal that suits or benefits the UK in any way being ratified and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But many readers suggested it did n't matter who was in charge of the talks .
One person said : `` Does it matter , they do n't listen . ''

Brexit: Level playing field 'fundamental issue' says Von der Leyen
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator but an Express.co.uk poll has found the majority of readers would prefer Ursula von der Leyen to lead the talks. The poll, carried out from 11am-9pm on Wednesday June 17, asked: "Who should lead Brexit talks for the EU?"
Trending
Readers could choose from Mr Barnier, Ms von der Leyen, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Ms von Der Leyen received the most backing with 38 percent of the 2,288 respondents (871 people) voting for the EU chief. Ms Merkel came in second, with 34 percent of the vote (786 people), while Mr Barnier trailed in third with just 11 percent backing (246 people). The French President came in last however, with just three percent of the vote (80 people).
Brexit news: Readers have suggested Ursula von der Leyen should take over Brexit talks
Ursula von der Leyen has had little involvement in the Brexit talks so far
Fourteen percent of respondents (305 people) opted for "don't know". The post-Brexit trade talks have reached a crucial stage in recent weeks, as time is running out for the two sides to reach a deal. Mr Barnier has repeatedly lashed out at the UK bemoaning the lack of progress being made in talks and he has criticised Britain for demands made over what should be included in any trade deal. The EU negotiator has also urged the UK to consider extending the transition period to allow more time for the two sides to negotiate a deal - but such a stance was firmly rejected by Boris Johnson. JUST IN: 'Very hard' Brexit 'inevitable' MEP says 'start preparing now'
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The majority of readers voted for Ursula von der Leyen
By contrast, Ms von der Leyen - who Express readers back to lead the talks, has had little direct involvement in the negotiations. Germany could start to play a more influential role in the trade talks, as the country takes over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1. It is no surprise that Mr Macron finished last in the poll, as he has been a vocal critic of Brexit and has urged the EU to ensure the bloc has access to British fishing waters. Readers took to the comments to explain why they voted for each leader. DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson splashes £900,000 of taxpayers' cash on Union Jack plane [INSIGHT]
EU confession: How Michel Barnier warned of 'failing European Project' [DETAILS]
Furious eurosceptic Italian MEP puts Brussels on alert - [VIDEO]
Many readers voted for Angela Merkel to lead the talks
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
One person said: "I voted for Frau Merkel as Germany has so much to lose with a no deal." Another user said: "VDL is the most easily intimidated, but it makes little difference because the chances of a deal that suits or benefits the UK in any way being ratified and not vetoed are minimal at best." But many readers suggested it didn't matter who was in charge of the talks. One person said: "Does it matter, they don't listen."
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Labour blow: The one major problem Keir Starmer can't seem to shake off – revealed

Since taking over as Leader of the Opposition , many have praised Sir Keir for how he has taken on the Government during the coronavirus crisis .
However , in a blow to Sir Keir ’ s Prime Ministerial credentials , he is not trusted to manage the UK ’ s economy according to a YouGov poll .
In a poll released today , 41 percent of those asked between June 13 to 15 supported a Government led by Mr Johnson to manage the economy .
Just 21 percent backed Sir Keir , while 14 stated they didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not know '' .
Crucially , 61 percent of those asked in the same period stated the economy was the most important issue in the UK .
With many now questioning how the UK economy will recover post , the lack of trust in the Opposition will be critical .
The backing for Mr Johnson comes as the UK ’ s economy shrank 20.4 percent in April .
Despite the huge drop , Mr Johnson stated the economy would suffer but that Britain would “ bounce back ” following the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We ’ re going to work slowly to get the economy back on its feet .
“ Slowly confidence will return and you will see a bounce back for the UK.
” The collapse in the economy is the biggest monthly drop since records began in 1997 .
JUST IN : Barnier issues fresh Brexit warning at UK 's ‘ cherry picking ’ It also dwarfs the previous record fall of 5.8 percent in March .
While voters may not trust Sir Keir in terms of the UK ’ s economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour has closed the gap markedly .
With Sir Keir at the helm of Labour , the Opposition has reduced the gap with the Tories in the latest statistics YouGov voting intention tracker to just eight percent .
As of June 12 , 37 percent would vote for Labour while 45 percent would vote for the Tories , down from a 24 percent gap on April 1 .
DO N'T MISS Barnier issues fresh Brexit warning at UK 's ‘ cherry picking ’ [ Latest ] Boris Johnson delivered CRUSHING blow as UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Andrew Neil lifts the lid on Emmanuel Macron ’ s modified £215m jet [ Insight ] In the same data range , however , 45 percent have now voted they believe Sir Keir to be more competent than the Prime Minister .
As of June 15 , 45 percent believe to be competent while 41 percent think Mr Johnson to be so .
Commenting on the data , YouGov ’ s research manager , Chris Curtis , said : “ This week ’ s results also revealed a rare sighting , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more competent than the Conservative leader .
“ Just 41 percent perceive Boris Johnson as being competent , down 14 percentage points since April , compared to 45 percent who see the Labour leader as competent , up 14 percentage points .

PMQs: Boris Johnson mocks Keir Starmer during poverty debate
Since taking over as Leader of the Opposition, many have praised Sir Keir for how he has taken on the Government during the coronavirus crisis. However, in a blow to Sir Keir’s Prime Ministerial credentials, he is not trusted to manage the UK’s economy according to a YouGov poll. In a poll released today, 41 percent of those asked between June 13 to 15 supported a Government led by Mr Johnson to manage the economy.
Trending
Just 21 percent backed Sir Keir, while 14 stated they didn’t trust either and 23 said they "did not know". Crucially, 61 percent of those asked in the same period stated the economy was the most important issue in the UK. With many now questioning how the UK economy will recover post, the lack of trust in the Opposition will be critical. The backing for Mr Johnson comes as the UK’s economy shrank 20.4 percent in April.
Boris Johnson: YouGov poll delivers dent to Keir Starmer
Labour: Keir Starmer was voted as more competent
Despite the huge drop, Mr Johnson stated the economy would suffer but that Britain would “bounce back” following the virus. This month, the Prime Minister said: “We’re going to work slowly to get the economy back on its feet. “Slowly confidence will return and you will see a bounce back for the UK.” The collapse in the economy is the biggest monthly drop since records began in 1997. JUST IN: Barnier issues fresh Brexit warning at UK's ‘cherry picking’
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Labour: Boris Johnson was backed supported to run the economy
It also dwarfs the previous record fall of 5.8 percent in March. While voters may not trust Sir Keir in terms of the UK’s economy, the latest voting intention statistics show Labour has closed the gap markedly. With Sir Keir at the helm of Labour, the Opposition has reduced the gap with the Tories in the latest statistics YouGov voting intention tracker to just eight percent. As of June 12, 37 percent would vote for Labour while 45 percent would vote for the Tories, down from a 24 percent gap on April 1. DON'T MISS
Barnier issues fresh Brexit warning at UK's ‘cherry picking’ [Latest]
Boris Johnson delivered CRUSHING blow as UK’s coronavirus is ranked [Update]
Andrew Neil lifts the lid on Emmanuel Macron’s modified £215m jet [Insight]
Labour: Sir Keir has seen a surge in popularity
In the same data range, however, 45 percent have now voted they believe Sir Keir to be more competent than the Prime Minister. As of June 15, 45 percent believe to be competent while 41 percent think Mr Johnson to be so. Commenting on the data, YouGov’s research manager, Chris Curtis, said: “This week’s results also revealed a rare sighting, a Labour leader who is perceived to be more competent than the Conservative leader. “Just 41 percent perceive Boris Johnson as being competent, down 14 percentage points since April, compared to 45 percent who see the Labour leader as competent, up 14 percentage points.
Boris Johnson 'committed' to reopening hospitality from July 4th
“On the reverse of this, just 11 percent view Keir Starmer as incompetent as many are still yet to form a view with 47 percent believing this to be an apt description of the Prime Minister. “Even at the height of Corbynmania, in the days running up to the 2017 election, the Labour leader still lagged behind Theresa May on competence 34 percent to 53 percent.
Labour: The UK's GDP shrank to record levels


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--'Very hard' Brexit 'inevitable' MEP says as he blasts EU 'stop demanding the impossible!'

Radoslaw Sikorski , who went to Oxford University at the same time as Boris Johnson , made the comments while speaking at a plenary in the European Parliament this afternoon .
He urged the bloc to rethink its strategy during the current UK trade talks , and said EU negotiators need to `` stop demanding the impossible '' .
The Polish politician said he wanted the two sides to agree a deal , but due to current disagreements , such a position seems impossible .
Mr Sikorski said : “ As the deputy chairman of the EU-UK friendship group I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a deal , but I am beginning to despair .
“ Our red line and politics is that we want to preserve the integrity of the single market .
“ The British Prime Minister has communicated to us that Britain can not accept a deal which puts Britain under the jurisdiction of the ECJ ( European Court of Justice ) or that bars the House of Commons in any way in the future in determining Britain ’ s commercial arrangements .
“ That seems to me to make a deal impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you will do in the future what the treaty says and not as you please .
“ Therefore , our red lines don ’ t seem to touch at any point .
“ Therefore this is why I would urge you to stop demanding the impossible from our negotiators and start preparing for what is regrettable but seems to be inevitable - which is a very hard Brexit indeed.
” Previously , Mr Sikorski remarked that the EU `` has never been so popular '' , and said Brexit had cemented loyalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier humiliated as Von der Leyen urged to REPLACE Brexit negotiator He told American newspaper The Monitor : `` The EU has never been as popular and has never commanded such widespread loyalty as now .
`` As a result of Brexit , people see the mess and that that 's not an example to follow . ''
`` The Brexiteers were saying that Britain will be cutting itself off from a corpse .
`` Well , the corpse seems pretty lively and actually seems to have negotiated rather better . ''

Brexit: Radoslaw Sikorski says ‘hard exit is inevitable’
Radoslaw Sikorski, who went to Oxford University at the same time as Boris Johnson, made the comments while speaking at a plenary in the European Parliament this afternoon. He urged the bloc to rethink its strategy during the current UK trade talks, and said EU negotiators need to "stop demanding the impossible".
Trending
The Polish politician said he wanted the two sides to agree a deal, but due to current disagreements, such a position seems impossible. Mr Sikorski said: “As the deputy chairman of the EU-UK friendship group I would, of course, like there to be a deal, but I am beginning to despair. “Our red line and politics is that we want to preserve the integrity of the single market. “The British Prime Minister has communicated to us that Britain cannot accept a deal which puts Britain under the jurisdiction of the ECJ (European Court of Justice) or that bars the House of Commons in any way in the future in determining Britain’s commercial arrangements.
Brexit news: An MEP has claimed a 'very hard Brexit is inevitable'
The Polish politician said he wanted the two sides to agree a deal
“That seems to me to make a deal impossible because the nature of any treaty is that you will do in the future what the treaty says and not as you please. “Therefore, our red lines don’t seem to touch at any point. “Therefore this is why I would urge you to stop demanding the impossible from our negotiators and start preparing for what is regrettable but seems to be inevitable - which is a very hard Brexit indeed.” Previously, Mr Sikorski remarked that the EU "has never been so popular", and said Brexit had cemented loyalty within the bloc. JUST IN: Barnier humiliated as Von der Leyen urged to REPLACE Brexit negotiator
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Radoslaw Sikorski made the comments while speaking at a plenary in the European Parliament today
He told American newspaper The Monitor: "The EU has never been as popular and has never commanded such widespread loyalty as now. "As a result of Brexit, people see the mess and that that's not an example to follow." "The Brexiteers were saying that Britain will be cutting itself off from a corpse. "Well, the corpse seems pretty lively and actually seems to have negotiated rather better."
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Merkel sets September date for 'hot phase' Brexit talks – makes swipe at last minute hopes

On Monday , the European Union finally accepted the UK will leave the bloc at the end of the transition period on December 31 , 2020 following talks with Boris Johnson .
The Prime Minister met European Council President Charles Michel , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President David Sassoli by video conference to assess the progress made on a post-Brexit trade agreement .
A statement from the European Commission confirmed both sides had noted the UK 's decision not to request an extension to the transition period beyond the end of this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stalemate , with issues including EU access to UK fishing waters , business competition regulations and the European Court of Justice ’ s role in governing a deal proving to be major sticking points .
The UK has always insisted a trade agreement must be signed before the end of the transition period on December 31 , but will make a decision before the autumn on whether any deal is possible .
Negotiators from both sides will now meet for a series of five consecutive week-long rounds of talks from the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , Mr Johnson warned talks needed `` a bit of oomph '' if a deal is to be agreed next month .
But a leaked document from the German Government , seen by Reuters , has warned Berlin is expecting negotiations to drag on much longer .
“ Britain is already escalating threats in Brussels , wants to settle as much as possible in the shortest possible time and hopes to achieve last-minute success in the negotiations.
” Germany could play a key role in determining the fate of any trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1 .
READ MORE : Duncan Smith shuts down Labour MP accusing Boris of 'playing chicken' The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will continue to lead talks for Brussels , and there are no plans from member states to change his negotiating mandate .
But the European Council presidency still plays an important role in finding political compromises among the 27 remaining countries in the bloc .
German ambassador to the EU Michael Clauss told a recent panel discussion by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing Brexit negotiations `` to absorb a lot , or most , of the political attention '' of the German Council Presidency .
Jürgen Hardt , the foreign policy spokesperson of Ms Merkel 's CDU/CSU coalition in Germany , said : `` If Prime Minister Boris Johnson is most likely to trust a foreign head of Government , it is Merkel .
DO N'T MISS Boris vows free trade with Australia to cement post-Brexit strength [ COMMENT ] Brexit bombshell : MEP predicts no deal Brexit [ FORECAST ] Brexit is giving Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'FLYNN [ OPINION ] '' She has always respected the vote of the British people , even if she thinks it is wrong . ''
He added : `` What Johnson can certainly expect from Angela Merkel is that she will do her best to support him in pursuing his Brexit policy as long as it does not conflict with the fundamental interests of the EU . ''
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday , Cabinet Minister Michael Gove offered hope to a deal being agreed by saying the UK will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strike an agreement next month .

Brexit: Merkel to bring ‘common sense’ says former MEP
On Monday, the European Union finally accepted the UK will leave the bloc at the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020 following talks with Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister met European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President David Sassoli by video conference to assess the progress made on a post-Brexit trade agreement. A statement from the European Commission confirmed both sides had noted the UK's decision not to request an extension to the transition period beyond the end of this year.
Trending
The trade talks have so far ended in stalemate, with issues including EU access to UK fishing waters, business competition regulations and the European Court of Justice’s role in governing a deal proving to be major sticking points. The UK has always insisted a trade agreement must be signed before the end of the transition period on December 31, but will make a decision before the autumn on whether any deal is possible. Negotiators from both sides will now meet for a series of five consecutive week-long rounds of talks from the beginning in July. Following the latest talks on Monday, Mr Johnson warned talks needed "a bit of oomph" if a deal is to be agreed next month.
Brexit news: Germany has set September as a date for a 'hot phase' in talks
Brexit news: Germany has taken a swipe at the UK
But a leaked document from the German Government, seen by Reuters, has warned Berlin is expecting negotiations to drag on much longer. The document reads: “From September, the negotiations enter a hot phase. “Britain is already escalating threats in Brussels, wants to settle as much as possible in the shortest possible time and hopes to achieve last-minute success in the negotiations.” Germany could play a key role in determining the fate of any trade deal, as the country is taking over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1. READ MORE: Duncan Smith shuts down Labour MP accusing Boris of 'playing chicken'
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Brexit news: Boris Johnson wants a trade deal agreed next month
The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will continue to lead talks for Brussels, and there are no plans from member states to change his negotiating mandate. But the European Council presidency still plays an important role in finding political compromises among the 27 remaining countries in the bloc. German ambassador to the EU Michael Clauss told a recent panel discussion by the European Policy Centre he expects the ongoing Brexit negotiations "to absorb a lot, or most, of the political attention" of the German Council Presidency. Jürgen Hardt, the foreign policy spokesperson of Ms Merkel's CDU/CSU coalition in Germany, said: "If Prime Minister Boris Johnson is most likely to trust a foreign head of Government, it is Merkel. DON'T MISS
Boris vows free trade with Australia to cement post-Brexit strength [COMMENT]
Brexit bombshell: MEP predicts no deal Brexit [FORECAST]
Brexit is giving Boris chance to show his mettle says PATRICK O'FLYNN [OPINION]
Brexit news: Michel Barnier will continue to lead negotiations for the EU
Brexit news: The UK and EU will enter into several rounds of intense talks
"She has always respected the vote of the British people, even if she thinks it is wrong." He added: "What Johnson can certainly expect from Angela Merkel is that she will do her best to support him in pursuing his Brexit policy as long as it does not conflict with the fundamental interests of the EU." Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove offered hope to a deal being agreed by saying the UK will be as flexible as possible in trying to strike an agreement next month.
Brexit news: The transition period will end of December 31, 2020


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--Boris dismantles Scottish MP's Brexit warning on beef in brilliant slapdown 'Laws of EU!'

The anti-Brexit MP for Orkney and Shetland urged the Prime Minister to look at a loophole in British legislation that allows non-British beef to be labelled from the UK provided the product is packaged in the country .
Mr Carmichael warned : `` Labelling legislation in this country allow beef from anywhere in the world to be labelled as British beef as long as it is packaged in this country .
`` If the Prime Minister is serious about maintaining food standards , especially in light of any future trade arrangements , will he do something to close that loophole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument immediately backfired when Boris Johnson claimed the legislation must have been implemented to comply with EU laws .
He said : `` If what the Rt Honourable Gentlemen says is indeed the case - and I 'm sure that he knows exactly of what he speaks - I can only say that it must be one of those things that is currently governed by the laws of the EU .
`` To which he is bound to return an independent Scotland , should that catastrophe ever arise .
READ MORE : Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him apart in PMQs row '' And we on this side of the House intend to take advantage of the freedom that we have won .
`` The freedoms that the British people have decided to take back to make sure that Scottish beef farmers do have the protection that they need . ''
In a slapdown of the acting co-leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey , Boris Johnson also said that people are `` heartily sick '' of going on about Brexit when asked if he would consider an extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Britain 's hour of need , will the Prime Minister put the practical imperative of saving jobs before his Brexit ideology ?
`` Rather than risking a bad deal or a no deal due to the deadline set before coronavirus , why does n't the Prime Minister show some good old-fashioned British common sense , give our economy the chance to breathe and accept the EU 's offer of a delay ? ''
Mr Johnson responded : `` I think the people of this country are heartily sick of going on about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
`` We got it done and we are moving forward .
`` The other point is when we come to the end of the transition period , we will be able to do things differently .
`` We will be able to respond to our economic needs in a creative and constructive way . ''
The clashes came as the Prime Minister said on Wednesday that a trade deal between the UK and Australia would bring the countries `` closer together than ever before '' .
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PMQ’s: Johnson shuts down Lib Dem’s 'loophole' beef warning
The anti-Brexit MP for Orkney and Shetland urged the Prime Minister to look at a loophole in British legislation that allows non-British beef to be labelled from the UK provided the product is packaged in the country. Mr Carmichael warned: "Labelling legislation in this country allow beef from anywhere in the world to be labelled as British beef as long as it is packaged in this country.
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"If the Prime Minister is serious about maintaining food standards, especially in light of any future trade arrangements, will he do something to close that loophole?" But the Remainer MP's argument immediately backfired when Boris Johnson claimed the legislation must have been implemented to comply with EU laws. He said: "If what the Rt Honourable Gentlemen says is indeed the case - and I'm sure that he knows exactly of what he speaks - I can only say that it must be one of those things that is currently governed by the laws of the EU. "To which he is bound to return an independent Scotland, should that catastrophe ever arise. READ MORE: Boris Johnson mocks Keir Starmer as he tears him apart in PMQs row
Boris Johnson said loopholes in legislation on British beef are caused by EU law
Brexit news: Alistair Carmichael laughed when his argument backfired in the Commons
"And we on this side of the House intend to take advantage of the freedom that we have won. "The freedoms that the British people have decided to take back to make sure that Scottish beef farmers do have the protection that they need." In a slapdown of the acting co-leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey, Boris Johnson also said that people are "heartily sick" of going on about Brexit when asked if he would consider an extension. Sir Ed Davey said: "In Britain's hour of need, will the Prime Minister put the practical imperative of saving jobs before his Brexit ideology? "Rather than risking a bad deal or a no deal due to the deadline set before coronavirus, why doesn't the Prime Minister show some good old-fashioned British common sense, give our economy the chance to breathe and accept the EU's offer of a delay?"
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PMQ’s: Johnson hits back at Davey’s Brexit delay demand
Mr Johnson responded: "I think the people of this country are heartily sick of going on about Brexit and they want to get it done. "We got it done and we are moving forward. "The other point is when we come to the end of the transition period, we will be able to do things differently. "We will be able to respond to our economic needs in a creative and constructive way." The clashes came as the Prime Minister said on Wednesday that a trade deal between the UK and Australia would bring the countries "closer together than ever before". DON'T MISS:
Brexit POLL: Who should lead talks for the EU? VOTE HERE [POLL]
SNP row: Michael Gove mocks Sturgeon ally after bizarre Commons taunt [VIDEO]
Australian High Commissioner hints at key element of UK trade deal [INTERVIEW]
Boris Johnson announced trade talks with Australia begin today


thedailyexpress--2020-06-17--PMQs: 'Absolutely wrong!' Boris blasts back at Starmer in furious poverty row

Boris Johnson clashed with Sir Keir Starmer in Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday afternoon .
The Labour Party leader was quick to quiz the Prime Minister over child poverty in the UK .
During the spat between the two leaders , Mr Johnson insisted Sir Keir was `` completely wrong '' with his assessment of the situation .
During the heated session , the Labour Party leader also grilled Mr Johnson over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Earlier this week , the government were forced into a U-turn which will now allow about 1.3m children in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal vouchers in the summer holidays , after a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford .
Mr Johnson was pressed over the issue , with Labour ’ s Sir Keir earlier describing the move was a `` welcome U-turn '' .
Mr Johnson was also pressured on the state of the economy as the immediate impact of coronavirus lockdown became clear last week .
UK GDP fell by a record 20.4 percent in April .
There were also huge warnings about future unemployment across Britain .
During PMQs , Mr Johnson was also pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit transition - something he has repeatedly ruled out .
PMQs LIVE UPDATES TO FOLLOW BELOW from midday : Boris Johnson was urged to block out a `` loophole '' in “ labelling legislation ” which allows “ beef from anywhere in the world to be labelled as British beef as long as it is packaged in this country.
” Alistair Carmichael said : “ If the Prime Minister is serious about maintaining food standards…will he do something to close that loophole ?
” Mr Johnson quickly replied : “ Yes , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be one of those things that is currently governed by the laws of the EU .
“ To which he is bound to return an independent Scotland should that catastrophe ever arise .
“ Mr Speaker , we on this side of the House want to take advantage of the freedoms we have won .
And the freedoms the British people have decided to take back .
“ To make sure Scottish beef farmers do have the protections they need.
” 12.28pm update : Boris urged to support innovative solutions to tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had used innovative solutions in dealing with rough sleeping while he was London Mayor .
He said : “ We have made huge progress to tackle rough sleeping .
It has got much much better.
” Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the position of Keir Starmer on children going back to school as `` wibble-wobble ” .
READ MORE : Coronavirus LIVE : Hancock says new drug has passed test and is available to use NOW The Liberal Democrat politician urged the Prime Minister to extend the Brexit transition period .
Mr Davey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common sense ” and extend the deadline that was set before the coronavirus crisis .
Mr Johnson insisted Brexit Britain would not be extending the transition period with the EU .
Ian Blackford demanded more from the government to help children in poverty across the UK .
The SNP ’ s Westminster leader said Marcus Rashford has shown more “ moral leadership ” than the government .
Mr Johnson insisted there will be tough times ahead but the government will do more where they can .
The Prime Minister was quizzed over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period ends with the EU .
Mr Johnson said : “ We are going to become an independent coastal state.
” 12.11pm update : Sir Keir Starmer asks about funding for local government The Labour Party leader quizzed Mr Johnson over funding for local government , specifically councils .
The Prime Minister shot back by repeatedly asking the Labour Party leader to say that schools were safe to return to for some students .
Boris fires back at Starmer over schools in England and whether they are “ safe to go back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ This is turning into opposition questions .
If he wants to swap places- I ’ ll do it now.
” Mr Starmer insisted he had just read the government 's report findings to the Prime Minister which prompted a furious response from Mr Johnson .
The Prime Minister said : “ The right honourable gentlemen is talking about what he calls an anticipated rise , rather than a rise that has actually taken place .
“ A new concept is coming into our deliberations .
What we are talking about is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in poverty .
Of course , we are concerned about the impact of coronavirus on the UK economy .
”

PMQ's: Boris Johnson clashes with Keir Starmer on poverty in UK
Boris Johnson clashed with Sir Keir Starmer in Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday afternoon. The Labour Party leader was quick to quiz the Prime Minister over child poverty in the UK. During the spat between the two leaders, Mr Johnson insisted Sir Keir was "completely wrong" with his assessment of the situation.
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During the heated session, the Labour Party leader also grilled Mr Johnson over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this week, the government were forced into a U-turn which will now allow about 1.3m children in England to be able to claim free school meal vouchers in the summer holidays, after a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford. Mr Johnson was pressed over the issue, with Labour’s Sir Keir earlier describing the move was a "welcome U-turn".
Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer clash in the Commons
Mr Johnson was also pressured on the state of the economy as the immediate impact of coronavirus lockdown became clear last week. UK GDP fell by a record 20.4 percent in April. There were also huge warnings about future unemployment across Britain. During PMQs, Mr Johnson was also pressed by the Lib Dems to delay the Brexit transition - something he has repeatedly ruled out. PMQs LIVE UPDATES TO FOLLOW BELOW from midday:
Boris Johnson in Prime Minister's Questions
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12.29pm update: Boris turns tables on Lib Dems Boris Johnson was urged to block out a "loophole" in “labelling legislation” which allows “beef from anywhere in the world to be labelled as British beef as long as it is packaged in this country.” Alistair Carmichael said: “If the Prime Minister is serious about maintaining food standards…will he do something to close that loophole?” Mr Johnson quickly replied: “Yes, Mr Speaker. I can only say it must be one of those things that is currently governed by the laws of the EU. “To which he is bound to return an independent Scotland should that catastrophe ever arise. “Mr Speaker, we on this side of the House want to take advantage of the freedoms we have won. And the freedoms the British people have decided to take back. “To make sure Scottish beef farmers do have the protections they need.” 12.28pm update: Boris urged to support innovative solutions to tackle to coronavirus crisis Prime Minister insisted he had used innovative solutions in dealing with rough sleeping while he was London Mayor. He said: “We have made huge progress to tackle rough sleeping. It has got much much better.” 12.22pm update: Boris Johnson takes another swipe at Starmer Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the position of Keir Starmer on children going back to school as "wibble-wobble”. READ MORE: Coronavirus LIVE: Hancock says new drug has passed test and is available to use NOW
Sir Keir Starmer quizzing Boris Johnson in Prime Minister's Questions
PMQ’s: Johnson hits back at Davey’s Brexit delay demand
12.19pm update: Sir Ed Davey urges Boris to extend transition period The Liberal Democrat politician urged the Prime Minister to extend the Brexit transition period. Mr Davey called for the UK to show “common sense” and extend the deadline that was set before the coronavirus crisis. Mr Johnson insisted Brexit Britain would not be extending the transition period with the EU. 12.17pm update: Ian Blackford attacks the Prime Minister Ian Blackford demanded more from the government to help children in poverty across the UK. The SNP’s Westminster leader said Marcus Rashford has shown more “moral leadership” than the government. Mr Johnson insisted there will be tough times ahead but the government will do more where they can. 12.14pm update: Boris Johnson quizzed over Brexit Britain’s fisheries
The Prime Minister was quizzed over the state of UK fisheries after the transition period ends with the EU. Mr Johnson said: “We are going to become an independent coastal state.”
Sir Ed Davey asked Boris Johnson to extend the Brexit transition period
12.11pm update: Sir Keir Starmer asks about funding for local government The Labour Party leader quizzed Mr Johnson over funding for local government, specifically councils. The Prime Minister shot back by repeatedly asking the Labour Party leader to say that schools were safe to return to for some students. 12.08pm update: Boris and Starmer engaged in blistering row Boris fires back at Starmer over schools in England and whether they are “safe to go back to”. The Labour Party leader raged: “This is turning into opposition questions. If he wants to swap places- I’ll do it now.” 12.06pm update: Labour leader continues to press the PM Mr Starmer insisted he had just read the government's report findings to the Prime Minister which prompted a furious response from Mr Johnson. The Prime Minister said: “The right honourable gentlemen is talking about what he calls an anticipated rise, rather than a rise that has actually taken place. “A new concept is coming into our deliberations. What we are talking about is what has actually happened. “A reduction in poverty. Of course, we are concerned about the impact of coronavirus on the UK economy.”


thedailyexpress--2020-06-18--POLL: Is £900k on RAF plane's 'Union Jack paint job' a good use of taxpayer money?

The new and improved look will mean the aircraft can `` better represent the UK around the world with national branding , '' the Prime Minister 's spokesman said .
The plane , which is used by the Royal Family , is in Cambridgeshire for the paint job .
Mr Johnson 's decision to give the RAF Voyager a lick of paint has been met with fierce opposition from MPs and members of the public .
Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone branded it an `` absurd waste '' of cash .
He said the money could have been channelled towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty during the pandemic .
Mr Stone said : `` This absurd waste of nearly £1 million at a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table is insulting .
`` We are facing the biggest crisis in generations but Boris is concerned with the colours of his plane .
`` Can he pay for this , rather than bill the taxpayer ? ''
Deputy leader of Welsh Labour Carolyn Harris said : `` £900,000 to put a flag on the Prime Minister 's plane .
`` That could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
And Sir Ed Davey , acting leader of the Liberal Democrats said : `` The drug dexamethasone , that can potentially save the lives of people with coronavirus , costs £5 per patient .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson splashes £900,000 of taxpayers ' cash on Union Jack plane '' Boris Johnson could have bought 180,000 doses of that , but instead he 's painting a flag on a plane . ''
But others backed his decision to splurge on the paint job .
One social media user said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade with the world in an unrestricted EU-free manner , Brand Britain is more important than ever . ''
A second person said they found it to be a good move in terms of marketing brand Britain .
DO N'T MISS Johnson 's Union Jack plane will win world hearts [ COMMENT ] Boris gets 'Brexit jet ' for official business [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson travel secrets : PM never travels without this item [ REVEALED ] '' Every business has a budget for that and we are now open to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £900,000 is `` a lot less '' than the huge sums the EU spends transport for MEPs .
Speaking to Sky News ' Kay Burley about the project on Wednesday morning , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab defended his boss ' decision .
Mr Raab said : `` We do make sure we maintain and upgrade the things like the aircraft and other things that help us project our influence abroad in a normal way .
`` Obviously , we want to make sure we get good value for money with all those projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're out there in the world projecting global influence particularly at a time with coronavirus when our international cooperation is more important than ever . ''

Dominic Raab grilled by Kay Burley on plans to paint plane
The new and improved look will mean the aircraft can "better represent the UK around the world with national branding," the Prime Minister's spokesman said. The plane, which is used by the Royal Family, is in Cambridgeshire for the paint job. Mr Johnson's decision to give the RAF Voyager a lick of paint has been met with fierce opposition from MPs and members of the public.
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Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone branded it an "absurd waste" of cash. He said the money could have been channelled towards the Britons who have run into financial difficulty during the pandemic. Mr Stone said: "This absurd waste of nearly £1 million at a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table is insulting. "We are facing the biggest crisis in generations but Boris is concerned with the colours of his plane.
Do you think Boris Johnson's decision to spend £900k of taxpayers' cash on the paint job is a waste?
The PM has come under fire over the paint job
"Can he pay for this, rather than bill the taxpayer?" Deputy leader of Welsh Labour Carolyn Harris said: "£900,000 to put a flag on the Prime Minister's plane. "That could pay for 60,000 free school meal vouchers." And Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats said: "The drug dexamethasone, that can potentially save the lives of people with coronavirus, costs £5 per patient. READ MORE: Boris Johnson splashes £900,000 of taxpayers' cash on Union Jack plane
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The plane will be painted in the Union Jack colours
They tweeted: "Absolutely... it's marketing. "Every business has a budget for that and we are now open to the world for business." They said £900,000 is "a lot less" than the huge sums the EU spends transport for MEPs.
The Royal Family also use the plane
Speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley about the project on Wednesday morning, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab defended his boss' decision. Mr Raab said: "We do make sure we maintain and upgrade the things like the aircraft and other things that help us project our influence abroad in a normal way. "Obviously, we want to make sure we get good value for money with all those projects but it is really important that we're out there in the world projecting global influence particularly at a time with coronavirus when our international cooperation is more important than ever."
The RAF Voyager


thedailyexpress--2020-06-18--Sturgeon chaos: Rural voters TURN on SNP - and plan OWN party to challenge them

Scotland Rural Affairs minister Maira Gougeon announced the Scottish Government would back a Green amendment that will give year-round legal protection to the creatures .
MSPs passed by 60 votes to 19 an amendment from Green parliamentary co-leader Alison Johnstone to the Animals and Wildlife ( Penalties , Protections and Powers ) ( Scotland ) Bill .
It now means that someone can face up to five years in prison for shooting any of the 135,000 hares in the wild across Scotland .
Previously hares could be shot without a license between August and February with gamekeepers arguing that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Hogg , chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association branded the ban a `` grave mistake '' .
He added : `` This is a bad law , made by people it will not impact upon .
`` The views of the rural working people of the land have been ignored , here .
Mr Hogg added about the new political party : “ We have been in discussions for some months about a party for rural Scotland and the possibility of fielding candidates in list seats .
“ Our members feel this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been lamentable and we now need to consider all options to ensure the working countryside is represented better in Scotland today.
” Sarah-Jane Laing , chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates , added : “ We are extremely disappointed that the Scottish Parliament has voted for sweeping changes to regulations covering the control of mountain hares and the introduction of further criminal offences of vicarious liability around the use of traps and snares .
“ These changes will not help Scotland ’ s wildlife , which is the prime concern of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , we have seen rushed , last-minute amendments to a bill which will lead to flawed legislation .
“ It can not be good governance to have years ’ of scientific research , evidence and effort tossed aside without proper consideration.
” DO N'T MISS : SNP MP in emergency surgery and being found collapsed at home [ REVEAL ] Outlander : Jamie Fraser star Sam addresses changing Battle of Culloden [ REVEAL ] SNP row : Michael Gove mocks Sturgeon ally after bizarre Commons taunt [ REVEAL ]

Nicola Sturgeon extends free school meals scheme in Scotland
Scotland Rural Affairs minister Maira Gougeon announced the Scottish Government would back a Green amendment that will give year-round legal protection to the creatures. MSPs passed by 60 votes to 19 an amendment from Green parliamentary co-leader Alison Johnstone to the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill.
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It now means that someone can face up to five years in prison for shooting any of the 135,000 hares in the wild across Scotland. Previously hares could be shot without a license between August and February with gamekeepers arguing that they can spread diseases such as tick-borne. Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association branded the ban a "grave mistake". He added: "This is a bad law, made by people it will not impact upon.
The Scottish government has come under fire from gamekeepers.
Scottish gamekeepers may form their own party.
"The views of the rural working people of the land have been ignored, here. “The system has failed them." Mr Hogg added about the new political party: “We have been in discussions for some months about a party for rural Scotland and the possibility of fielding candidates in list seats. “Our members feel this whole process and the lack of scrutiny has been lamentable and we now need to consider all options to ensure the working countryside is represented better in Scotland today.” READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon nightmare: Scottish economy could suffer
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Nicola Sturgeon's government has come under fire.
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, added: “We are extremely disappointed that the Scottish Parliament has voted for sweeping changes to regulations covering the control of mountain hares and the introduction of further criminal offences of vicarious liability around the use of traps and snares. “These changes will not help Scotland’s wildlife, which is the prime concern of gamekeepers and land managers. “Yet again, we have seen rushed, last-minute amendments to a bill which will lead to flawed legislation. “It cannot be good governance to have years’ of scientific research, evidence and effort tossed aside without proper consideration.” DON'T MISS:
SNP MP in emergency surgery and being found collapsed at home [REVEAL]
Outlander: Jamie Fraser star Sam addresses changing Battle of Culloden [REVEAL]
SNP row: Michael Gove mocks Sturgeon ally after bizarre Commons taunt [REVEAL]
There are more than 135,000 mountain hares in Scotland.