thedailyexpress--2020-11-30--BBC's Laura Kuenssberg accused of misleading viewers on Sunak's borrowing as Chancellor

Director general Tim Davie has received a letter from the experts accusing the BBC of confusing viewers with `` inappropriate metaphors '' for the extent of UK borrowing .
On an episode of the BBC 's Politics Live last week , the corporation 's political editor , Laura Kuenssberg , said of the UK 's finances : `` The credit card , the national mortgage , everything absolutely maxed out . ''
She added after the extensive spending by Rishi Sunak and the Treasury to deal with the economic cost of coronavirus , there was `` no money '' left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day as the Chancellor delivered his spending review to the House of Commons .
In the statement to MPs Mr Sunak warned the UK 's `` economic emergency has only just begun '' as he outlined measures to curb spending , including a pay freeze for public sector workers and curbing the foreign aid budget from 0.7 percent of GDP to 0.5 percent .
The Chancellor 's announcement came after the spending watchdog , the Office of Budget Responsibility , said borrowing this year had hit £394billion - the highest level since World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Kuenssberg said : `` The debate we had from the late Naughties all the way through to the 2015 election was defined by how if the country going to pay back what we had to borrow in the credit crisis ?
`` This is the credit card , the national mortgage , everything absolutely maxed out . ''
Following the journalist 's comments , the 24 economists wrote to the BBC director general to remind him `` the BBC has a responsibility to ensure that its coverage is of the utmost accuracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : BBC editor admitted people 'tried to silence her' In their letter , the experts said Ms Kuenssberg 's metaphor `` misrepresents the financial constraints facing the UK Government and reproduces a number of misconceptions surrounding macroeconomics and the public finances '' .
They wrote : `` To focus on the 'credit card ' analogy , we would argue that this is never an appropriate metaphor for public finances .
`` Maxing out a credit card would imply that the Government is approaching a hard limit on its ability to borrow .
DO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal complaint from Scottish nationalist [ REPORT ] 'This is not a full lockdown ' Boris hits back at Kuenssberg 's attack [ VIDEO ] BBC is not fit for purpose & licence fee is mess , blasts Philip Davies [ COMMENT ] The economists said one of the fundamental roles of the BBC was to `` inform and educate '' the public .
They added : `` It is crucial economic issues are explained in an accurate way . ''
However , the letter also said Ms Kuenssberg has made `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme .

Laura Kuenssberg says ‘UK credit card is maxed out’
Director general Tim Davie has received a letter from the experts accusing the BBC of confusing viewers with "inappropriate metaphors" for the extent of UK borrowing. On an episode of the BBC's Politics Live last week, the corporation's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, said of the UK's finances: "The credit card, the national mortgage, everything absolutely maxed out."
She added after the extensive spending by Rishi Sunak and the Treasury to deal with the economic cost of coronavirus, there was "no money" left. Her comments came on the same day as the Chancellor delivered his spending review to the House of Commons. In the statement to MPs Mr Sunak warned the UK's "economic emergency has only just begun" as he outlined measures to curb spending, including a pay freeze for public sector workers and curbing the foreign aid budget from 0.7 percent of GDP to 0.5 percent. The Chancellor's announcement came after the spending watchdog, the Office of Budget Responsibility, said borrowing this year had hit £394billion - the highest level since World War 2.
Laura Kuenssberg has been accused of misleading BBC viewers
Responding to these projections Ms Kuenssberg said: "The debate we had from the late Naughties all the way through to the 2015 election was defined by how if the country going to pay back what we had to borrow in the credit crisis? "This is that, and some. "This is the credit card, the national mortgage, everything absolutely maxed out." Following the journalist's comments, the 24 economists wrote to the BBC director general to remind him "the BBC has a responsibility to ensure that its coverage is of the utmost accuracy". READ MORE: Laura Kuenssberg: BBC editor admitted people 'tried to silence her'
BBC director general Tim Davie has been sent a letter reminding the corporation of its role
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Rishi Sunak warned the economic 'emergency' was only just beginning in his spending review
The Chancellor announced a cut to foreign aid and a public sector pay freeze to pay for record borrowing
"This is not the case." The economists said one of the fundamental roles of the BBC was to "inform and educate" the public. They added: "It is crucial economic issues are explained in an accurate way." However, the letter also said Ms Kuenssberg has made "a number" of good points on the programme.
The economists said Laura Kuenssberg 'sets the standard' across the media
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thedailyexpress--2020-11-30--Matt Hancock says UK tiers could be lowered before Christmas as cases down a third in week

Matt Hancock has suggested that UK tiers could be changed ahead of Christmas as they are subject to review on December 16 .
He urged areas of the UK to `` come together '' and bring case rates down as Liverpool has in the past month .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing , the Health Secretary said : `` We will look at the data on December 16 and we will announce the results of that review on December 17 .
`` Of course we have got to take into account that Christmas is coming up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down as they are , almost a third in the last week .
`` We will absolutely be looking at each area and seeing what is the right tier for that area .
`` I want to see areas that have pulled together , followed the rules , got the case rate down like Liverpool has over the last month which has led to it going into Tier 2 .
`` I want to see that happening much more broadly .
`` There are some areas of the country that I 'm worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the country where the numbers are still going up . ''
His comments come as Boris Johnson has defended his plans for a tiered system to replace the national lockdown in England as he seeks to quell a rebellion against the restrictions from Tory MPs .
The Prime Minister said it would be wrong to `` take our foot off the throat of the beast '' now , with up to 100 Conservatives unhappy about the new system .
He acknowledged that `` lots of people think that they are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures set to come into force on Wednesday are needed to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
His comments , during a visit to a facility of pharmaceutical firm Wockhardt in Wales , where it is hoped a vaccine will be produced , came shortly before the Government published its impact assessment of the tiered approach ahead of Tuesday 's crunch Commons vote .
Mr Johnson insisted the tiers are needed while `` the scientific cavalry really are almost here '' , as he said a jab could be available `` in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brain through the nose - key symptoms [ INSIGHT ] 'What was the point ?
! '
Andrew Pierce rages at Tier 1 restrictions [ VIDEO ] Laurence Fox pulled apart over 'NHS is n't fit for purpose ' tweet [ ANALYSIS ]

Matt Hancock addresses lowering of tiers before Christmas
Matt Hancock has suggested that UK tiers could be changed ahead of Christmas as they are subject to review on December 16. He urged areas of the UK to "come together" and bring case rates down as Liverpool has in the past month. Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, the Health Secretary said: "We will look at the data on December 16 and we will announce the results of that review on December 17.
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"Of course we have got to take into account that Christmas is coming up. "Nevertheless with the case rates coming down as they are, almost a third in the last week. "We will absolutely be looking at each area and seeing what is the right tier for that area. "I want to see areas that have pulled together, followed the rules, got the case rate down like Liverpool has over the last month which has led to it going into Tier 2. READ MORE: Coronavirus pub crackdown: Police to stop punters crossing counties
Matt Hancock said the "light of dawn is on the horizon" as he urged for resolve in fighting COVID
Matt Hancock explained the Tiers will be reviewed on December 16
"I want to see that happening much more broadly. "There are some areas of the country that I'm worried about. "There are some small parts of the country where the numbers are still going up." His comments come as Boris Johnson has defended his plans for a tiered system to replace the national lockdown in England as he seeks to quell a rebellion against the restrictions from Tory MPs.
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He urged areas of the UK to "come together" and bring case rates down like Liverpool has
UK lockdown: Desmond Swayne claims 'liberty comes first'
The Prime Minister said it would be wrong to "take our foot off the throat of the beast" now, with up to 100 Conservatives unhappy about the new system. He acknowledged that "lots of people think that they are in the wrong tier" but insisted the measures set to come into force on Wednesday are needed to slow the spread of Covid-19. His comments, during a visit to a facility of pharmaceutical firm Wockhardt in Wales, where it is hoped a vaccine will be produced, came shortly before the Government published its impact assessment of the tiered approach ahead of Tuesday's crunch Commons vote. Mr Johnson insisted the tiers are needed while "the scientific cavalry really are almost here", as he said a jab could be available "in a few weeks". DON'T MISS Coronavirus may enter the brain through the nose - key symptoms [INSIGHT]
'What was the point?!' Andrew Pierce rages at Tier 1 restrictions [VIDEO]
Laurence Fox pulled apart over 'NHS isn't fit for purpose' tweet [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus vaccine


thedailyexpress--2020-11-30--France promises to block Brexit deal if UK allowed to 'lay down law' on own fishing waters

Paris was today refusing to drop its demand for near-parity access to Britain ’ s coastal waters for its country ’ s fishermen .
Europe minister Clement Beaune insisted the two sides were “ still very far from agreement ” on the Brexit trade deal .
Speaking to reporters in Madrid , he said : “ Our fishermen are no less important than theirs and they didn ’ t have the right to vote in the referendum .
“ There can be no agreement unless there is one that gives sustainable and wide-ranging access to British waters.
” Mr Beaune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macron , insisted Brussels shouldn ’ t accept a trade agreement that hands Britain back full control over its own fishing grounds .
He said France will “ try again ” to reassert itself on the negotiations with Britain to secure a good deal for its fishing industry .
“ We have a bit of time left but till a long way to go and if the UK believes that limited time left works in its favour as it has in the past few years , that is not the case.
” His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impatient ” European capitals to show support for chief negotiator Michel Barnier .
The German Chancellor backed the Frenchman to use his “ deft hand ” to deliver a Brexit compromise as time runs out to secure a trade deal with Britain .
The veteran leader also empathised European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen ’ s growing influence as Berlin ’ s dealmaker in the wrangling over a future EU-UK trade and security deal .
Mrs Merkel hinted that her former defence minister ’ s intervention would help deliver a “ positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor said : “ Michel Barnier has been negotiating and Ursula von der Leyen has been increasingly involved in the negotiating process so we do hope that we 'll get a positive conclusion to this .
“ Some member states are now becoming impatient .
There 's not much time left .
Governance , level playing field play a large role .
Perhaps for some the most tangible are concrete questions , from the British point of view access to energy markets , from our view access to British fishing grounds . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aide , Stephanie Riso , to London with the bloc ’ s chief negotiator to oversee the final compromises .
MUST READ : Brexit to bring 'huge boost to Britain 's apple industry' Ms Riso was an influential member of Mr Barnier ’ s team during the Brexit divorce talks before being scooped up to become one Commission ’ s most senior advisers .
Brussels sources have praised her inclusion in the EU ’ s negotiating team for the final rounds of trade talks with Britain .
They see Ms Riso as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merkel and other influential leaders across the bloc .
DO N'T MISS Brexit talks could continue BEYOND 2020 even if EU trade deal struck [ INSIGHT ] Leaked EU document exposes Brexit 'punishment plan ' [ REVEALED ] Brexit : Deal to be secured at 'eleventh-hour ' as deadline on brink [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: UK will take 'constructive approach' says John Glen
Paris was today refusing to drop its demand for near-parity access to Britain’s coastal waters for its country’s fishermen. Europe minister Clement Beaune insisted the two sides were “still very far from agreement” on the Brexit trade deal. Speaking to reporters in Madrid, he said: “Our fishermen are no less important than theirs and they didn’t have the right to vote in the referendum.
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“There can be no agreement unless there is one that gives sustainable and wide-ranging access to British waters.” Mr Beaune, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, insisted Brussels shouldn’t accept a trade agreement that hands Britain back full control over its own fishing grounds. He said France will “try again” to reassert itself on the negotiations with Britain to secure a good deal for its fishing industry. “We have a bit of time left but till a long way to go and if the UK believes that limited time left works in its favour as it has in the past few years, that is not the case.”
France is refusing to drop its hardline demands for access to UK waters
Clement Beaune is France's European affairs minister
His warning came as Angela Merkel urged “impatient” European capitals to show support for chief negotiator Michel Barnier. The German Chancellor backed the Frenchman to use his “deft hand” to deliver a Brexit compromise as time runs out to secure a trade deal with Britain. The veteran leader also empathised European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen’s growing influence as Berlin’s dealmaker in the wrangling over a future EU-UK trade and security deal. Mrs Merkel hinted that her former defence minister’s intervention would help deliver a “positive conclusion” in the talks.
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Clement Beaune is a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron
The Chancellor said: “Michel Barnier has been negotiating and Ursula von der Leyen has been increasingly involved in the negotiating process so we do hope that we'll get a positive conclusion to this. “Some member states are now becoming impatient. There's not much time left. Governance, level playing field play a large role. Perhaps for some the most tangible are concrete questions, from the British point of view access to energy markets, from our view access to British fishing grounds." Mrs von der Leyen has deployed key aide, Stephanie Riso, to London with the bloc’s chief negotiator to oversee the final compromises. MUST READ: Brexit to bring 'huge boost to Britain's apple industry'
What needs to be done to get a Brexit trade deal over the line
Ms Riso was an influential member of Mr Barnier’s team during the Brexit divorce talks before being scooped up to become one Commission’s most senior advisers. Brussels sources have praised her inclusion in the EU’s negotiating team for the final rounds of trade talks with Britain. They see Ms Riso as a trusted dealmaker with the backing of Mrs Merkel and other influential leaders across the bloc. DON'T MISS
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Brexit: Deal to be secured at 'eleventh-hour' as deadline on brink [ANALYSIS]
Brexit: Ben Habib says he’s ‘still pessimistic’


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--'People have had enough!' Leadsom erupts at Boris' lockdown tiers plan as Commons explodes

The Prime Minister is bracing for a sizeable rebellion from the Tory backbenches on Tuesday evening as MPs prepare to vote on his coronavirus tiers proposals .
Ahead of the vote , Tory MP Andrea Leadsom expressed her frustration with the draconian rules put forward by the Government , arguing people in Britain have `` had enough '' and will fail to comply with the restrictions once lockdown is over on Wednesday .
She asked Boris Johnson : `` What assessment has he done on compliance with previous lockdowns ?
`` And does he share my concern that people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of non-compliance is very great ?
`` And then those who are compliant will have the added frustration of watching those who wo n't comply doing whatever they want whilst they have to sit at home . ''
The Prime Minister hit back : `` Normally I find myself in agreement with the Rt .
Hon .
Lady , but I must say I do n't think that she 's right in this instance .
READ MORE : 'More civilians dead than WW2 ! '
Piers Morgan shames Michael Gove '' If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved in the last few weeks by following the guidance , by deciding to work together to get the R down , they have done just that .
`` Collectively the people of this country have got the R back down below 1 .
`` That was n't by non-compliance .
That was by the people of this country deciding to follow the rules , doing it together and get the virus down . ''
Opening the debate on the tiers system in the House of Commons , the Prime Minister said all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not serve food - will receive £1,000 to `` recognise how hard they have been hit '' by Covid controls during what would typically be their busiest time of year .
MPs are due to vote on Tuesday on measures that would put 99 percent of England 's population into the tough measures of Tier 2 and Tier 3 when the second national lockdown ends on Wednesday .
Pubs will only be allowed to open in Tier 2 if they can act as a restaurant , while those in Tier 3 will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson reeled off a list of support already announced for the hospitality sector , before telling MPs : `` Today we 're going further , with a one-off payment of £1,000 in December to wet pubs - that 's pubs that do not serve food .
`` Recognising how hard they 've been hit by this virus in what is typically their busiest month . ''
The British Beer and Pub Association has already criticised the amount of support being offered .
Mr Johnson added : `` This is not another lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing measures in England .
DO N'T MISS : SNP POLL : Should Nicola Sturgeon quit if she fails to get indyref2 ?
[ POLL ] Pandemic brought out best in British , says FIYAZ MUGHAL [ COMMENT ] Covid symptoms update : A dry nose could be one of the earliest signs [ INSIGHT ]

Boris Johnson warned of lockdown non-compliance by Leadsom
The Prime Minister is bracing for a sizeable rebellion from the Tory backbenches on Tuesday evening as MPs prepare to vote on his coronavirus tiers proposals. Ahead of the vote, Tory MP Andrea Leadsom expressed her frustration with the draconian rules put forward by the Government, arguing people in Britain have "had enough" and will fail to comply with the restrictions once lockdown is over on Wednesday.
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She asked Boris Johnson: "What assessment has he done on compliance with previous lockdowns? "And does he share my concern that people have just had enough and that the risk of non-compliance is very great? "And then those who are compliant will have the added frustration of watching those who won't comply doing whatever they want whilst they have to sit at home." The Prime Minister hit back: "Normally I find myself in agreement with the Rt. Hon. Lady, but I must say I don't think that she's right in this instance. READ MORE: 'More civilians dead than WW2!' Piers Morgan shames Michael Gove
Andrea Leadsom says people 'have had enough' of coronavirus restrictions
Boris Johnson says he believes British people will continue to comply with the rules
"If you look at what the British people have achieved in the last few weeks by following the guidance, by deciding to work together to get the R down, they have done just that. "Collectively the people of this country have got the R back down below 1. "That wasn't by non-compliance. That was by the people of this country deciding to follow the rules, doing it together and get the virus down." Opening the debate on the tiers system in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister said all "wet pubs" - establishments that do not serve food - will receive £1,000 to "recognise how hard they have been hit" by Covid controls during what would typically be their busiest time of year. MPs are due to vote on Tuesday on measures that would put 99 percent of England's population into the tough measures of Tier 2 and Tier 3 when the second national lockdown ends on Wednesday. Pubs will only be allowed to open in Tier 2 if they can act as a restaurant, while those in Tier 3 will only be permitted to serve takeaway.
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Boris Johnson slammed by Price over handling of coronavirus
Mr Johnson reeled off a list of support already announced for the hospitality sector, before telling MPs: "Today we're going further, with a one-off payment of £1,000 in December to wet pubs - that's pubs that do not serve food. "Recognising how hard they've been hit by this virus in what is typically their busiest month." The British Beer and Pub Association has already criticised the amount of support being offered. Mr Johnson added: "This is not another lockdown. Nor is this the renewal of existing measures in England. DON'T MISS:
SNP POLL: Should Nicola Sturgeon quit if she fails to get indyref2? [POLL]
Pandemic brought out best in British, says FIYAZ MUGHAL [COMMENT]
Covid symptoms update: A dry nose could be one of the earliest signs [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus UK latest stats as of November 30


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--Last chance saloon! Boris pleads with Tory MPs to call off rebellion in Covid vote tonight

If approved , the three-tier system will come into force from midnight tonight when England exits its month-long lockdown .
Last week the Health Department set out which tier each area of the country to be in , with 99 percent of country put in the top two tiers of the system .
Pubs and restaurants Tier 2 will be unable to serve alcohol unless with a `` substantial meal '' , while those in Tier 3 will be forced to shut completely except for takeaway , with many MPs concerned about the impact the restrictions will have on local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today ahead of a vote on the measures later tonight , the Prime Minister said the strict measures were needed to save lives .
He said : `` While the virus has been contained , it has not been eradicated . ''
Coronavirus cases in England have dropped by 30 percent during the second national lockdown , but it is still thought one in every 100 people are infected .
READ MORE : Andy Burnham hails Tory rebels 'taking right stance ' against Boris Mr Johnson admitted he understood the anger on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of `` injustice '' over the new tiers system .
But he added : `` We ca n't simply allow the current restrictions to expire for the reason he gives , with no replacement whatever . ''
Outrage from MPs was clear made clear within just minutes of his statement when Slough MP Tan Dhesi interjected to accuse the Prime Minister of `` hating '' his constituency .
The Labour representative , whose constituency has been placed in Tier 3 , asked : “ Why does the prime minister hate Slough ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annoyed him so much ?
” Empathetic , the Prime Minister responded : `` I love Slough , but I appreciate what he ’ s saying . ''
Defending his plan to see England get through the pandemic over the winter period , Mr Johnson said his measures were not `` another lockdown '' and would mean people were `` free '' to leave their homes .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson makes peace offering to Tory rebels on Covid Mr Johnson admitted he understood the anger on the backbenches and why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' over the new tiers system .
`` The tiers that I 'm proposing would mean that from tomorrow everyone in England , including those in Tier 3 , will be free to leave their homes for any reason .
`` And when they do they will find the shops open for Christmas , the hairdressers open , the nail bars open , gyms , leisure centres , swimming pools open . ''
In a bid to suppress the size of the rebellion on tonight 's vote , the Prime Minister also used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` wet pubs '' which do not serve food and would therefore be unable to open in Tiers 2 and 3 .
He promised businesses forced shut will receive £1,000 to `` recognise how hard they have been hit '' by Covid controls during what would typically be their busiest time of year .
DO N'T MISS : Boris tells MPs to back new Covid rules or face lockdown three [ WARNING ] Secret NHS plan to give you coronavirus jab in your village hall [ REVEALED ] Pandemic brought out best in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] The Prime Minister also emphasised the tier system would cease to exist beyond February 2 2021 , unless MPs explicitly backed an extension to the measures at a later date .
The threat of the rebellion on rose greatly last night when Sir Keir Starmer announced he was instructing Labour MPs not to give their backing to the plan and instead abstain on the vote .
It means just 145 MPs would now need to vote against the measures for Mr Johnson 's plan to be rejected in the Commons .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 100 MPs who could rebel .
Explaining his position in the House of Commons , Sir Keir said that while Labour had supported the Government 's coronavirus in the past , he could not endorse the new system as he did not have confidence it would work .
He said : `` The Prime Minister should not be surprised that after eight months we , and many of the British people , are not convinced this time round . ''
Attacking his counterpart 's dithering and refusal to take either endorse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said : `` I do think it is extraordinary that in spite of the barrage of criticism that we have no credible plan from the party opposite , indeed we have no view on the way ahead .
`` It 's a quite extraordinary thing that tonight , to the best of my knowledge , Sir Keir Starmer , who said he 's always going to act in the national interest , has told his party to sit on its hands and to abstain . ''
The vote in the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7pm tonight .

Boris Johnson facing ‘growing rebellion’ from MPs says insider
If approved, the three-tier system will come into force from midnight tonight when England exits its month-long lockdown. Last week the Health Department set out which tier each area of the country to be in, with 99 percent of country put in the top two tiers of the system.
Pubs and restaurants Tier 2 will be unable to serve alcohol unless with a "substantial meal", while those in Tier 3 will be forced to shut completely except for takeaway, with many MPs concerned about the impact the restrictions will have on local businesses. Addressing the House of Commons today ahead of a vote on the measures later tonight, the Prime Minister said the strict measures were needed to save lives. He said: "While the virus has been contained, it has not been eradicated." Coronavirus cases in England have dropped by 30 percent during the second national lockdown, but it is still thought one in every 100 people are infected. READ MORE: Andy Burnham hails Tory rebels 'taking right stance' against Boris
Boris Johnson is asking MPs to support his three tier plan
Slough MP Tan Dhesi accused the Prime Minister of hating his constituency
Mr Johnson admitted he understood the anger on the backbenches and why the public feels a sense of "injustice" over the new tiers system. But he added: "We can't simply allow the current restrictions to expire for the reason he gives, with no replacement whatever." Outrage from MPs was clear made clear within just minutes of his statement when Slough MP Tan Dhesi interjected to accuse the Prime Minister of "hating" his constituency. The Labour representative, whose constituency has been placed in Tier 3, asked: “Why does the prime minister hate Slough? What have we done that’s annoyed him so much?” Empathetic, the Prime Minister responded: "I love Slough, but I appreciate what he’s saying." Defending his plan to see England get through the pandemic over the winter period, Mr Johnson said his measures were not "another lockdown" and would mean people were "free" to leave their homes. READ MORE: Boris Johnson makes peace offering to Tory rebels on Covid
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The Prime Minister said he understands the public's sense of 'injustice' with the tier system
The Government wants to introduce a new three tier system
Mr Johnson said: "The tiers that I'm proposing would mean that from tomorrow everyone in England, including those in Tier 3, will be free to leave their homes for any reason. "And when they do, they will find the shops open for Christmas, the hairdressers open, the nail bars open, gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools open." In a bid to suppress the size of the rebellion on tonight's vote, the Prime Minister also used his statement to outline plans to support "wet pubs", which do not serve food and would therefore be unable to open in Tiers 2 and 3. He promised businesses forced shut will receive £1,000 to "recognise how hard they have been hit" by Covid controls during what would typically be their busiest time of year. DON'T MISS:
Boris tells MPs to back new Covid rules or face lockdown three [WARNING]
Secret NHS plan to give you coronavirus jab in your village hall [REVEALED]
Pandemic brought out best in British, says FIYAZ MUGHAL [COMMENT]
Tiers 2 and 3 will be applied to 99 percent of England
The Prime Minister also emphasised the tier system would cease to exist beyond February 2, 2021, unless MPs explicitly backed an extension to the measures at a later date. The threat of the rebellion rose greatly last night when Sir Keir Starmer announced he was instructing Labour MPs not to give their backing to the plan and instead abstain on the vote. It means just 145 MPs would now need to vote against the measures for Mr Johnson's plan to be rejected in the Commons. The Government yesterday admitted they were aware of up to 100 MPs who could rebel. Explaining his position in the House of Commons, Sir Keir said while Labour had supported the Government's coronavirus in the past, he could not endorse the new system as he did not have confidence it would work.
Keir Starmer has told Labour MPs to abstain on the vote
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--What time is lockdown tier vote tonight?

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England has been in a second national lockdown for the last few weeks , and it is due to end on December 2 .
Following the end of lockdown , rules will be replaced with the three-tier lockdown system , with tighter restrictions than was first introduced back in October .
MPs will vote on the new measures today ( December 1 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still see England divided into tiers based on risk , but restrictions on businesses and households have been strengthened .
Under Tier 3 , or the Very High alert level , all hospitality businesses including restaurants and pubs will have to close .
At the moment 99 percent of the population are proposed to be entering Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions from December 2 , and only the Isles of Scilly , Cornwall and the Isle of Wight will be included in the lowest Tier 1 .
The Government is convinced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the rate of coronavirus transmission under control in England .
READ MORE : Brexit : Boris Johnson 'forced to cave to EU ' by Joe Biden

Keir Starmer to let Tories 'fight it out' in tier vote says expert
England has been in a second national lockdown for the last few weeks, and it is due to end on December 2. Following the end of lockdown, rules will be replaced with the three-tier lockdown system, with tighter restrictions than was first introduced back in October. MPs will vote on the new measures today (December 1).
Trending
The improved three-tier lockdown system will still see England divided into tiers based on risk, but restrictions on businesses and households have been strengthened. Under Tier 3, or the Very High alert level, all hospitality businesses including restaurants and pubs will have to close. At the moment 99 percent of the population are proposed to be entering Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions from December 2, and only the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and the Isle of Wight will be included in the lowest Tier 1. The Government is convinced the new measures will be strong enough to keep the rate of coronavirus transmission under control in England. READ MORE: Brexit: Boris Johnson 'forced to cave to EU' by Joe Biden
What time is lockdown tier vote tonight?
What time is lockdown tier vote tonight? Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will abstain from the lockdown vote on Tuesday
READ MORE UK firms could be forced to pay up to £1.6bn if EU blocks deal But there are some concerns another national lockdown may be needed again in the future, especially as many households will be mixing as part of the new Christmas bubble system. Cabinet Minister Michael Gove told Sky News he was “confident as confident can be” the new three-tier lockdown measures will be “robust”. Asked if he could rule out another lockdown, Mr Gove said: "You can never rule anything out in politics, but, as I say, I'm pretty confident on the basis of the rigour with which these new tiers are applying that we can prevent a national lockdown. "One thing I fear though would be that if we were to relax the situation too rapidly then we would have the situation which we have had in some other countries, and, indeed, in Wales, where you have to slam the brakes on again."
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What time is lockdown tier vote tonight? England's three-tier lockdown system
Later today MPs will vote on the Government’s motion to introduce a three-tier lockdown system and the motion is expected to pass, but not without significant opposition from MPs. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the party had “serious misgivings” about the Government’s strategy to tackle coronavirus. However, he said it would not be in the national interest for Labour to strike down the new system when there is still a “serious risk” posed by coronavirus. The Labour Party has said its members would abstain from Tuesday's vote. DON'T MISS:
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What time is lockdown tier vote tonight? Boris Johnson could face rebellion from Tory MPs during Tuesday's lockdown vote
READ MORE Macron warned he's wildly misjudged Boris on Brexit In response, Downing Street accused Sir Keir of "playing politics in the middle of a global pandemic instead of working with the Government to find a way through this difficult time for the British people". The Prime Minister is also expected to face some rebellion from his own MPs during Tuesday's vote. Several Conservative MPs have been outspoken about their criticism of the proposed three-tier system. According to a tally by Sky News, 65 of the PM’s Conservative colleagues have criticised the proposals or are unlikely to vote for the new lockdown measures.


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--'What democracy?!' SNP's Hendry dismantled over Sturgeon's desperate Indyref2 demands

Nicola Sturgeon has claimed independence is `` essential '' to help with the task of rebuilding Scotland after coronavirus .
Ahead of her final speech at the SNP annual conference on Monday , SNP MP Drew Hendry told BBC Politics Live : `` Boris Johnson , like Donald Trump , is going to deny the democracy that people show or want to show in a public vote . ''
But the SNP MP was promptly blasted by BBC host Jo Coburn who pointed out : `` What democracy ?
`` Boris Johnson would say he is respecting the result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Scotland voted no .
`` Donald Trump is contesting the result of the 2020 presidential election that he has n't won .
He replied : `` There are two very clear things .
`` First of all the promises that were made in 2014 about Scotland being an equal partner have just not been delivered .
READ MORE : Sturgeon pleads with Boris Johnson to not tax £500 'SNP thank you' '' The day after the referendum David Cameron came out on the steps of 10 Downing Street and talked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The First Minister said she will use next May 's Holyrood election to try to win a mandate to hold an independence referendum `` in the early part of the new Parliament '' .
While her opponents have criticised her for speaking about the issue during the pandemic , the SNP leader said in her closing speech to her party 's conference on Monday : `` Independence is not a distraction from the task of post-Covid reconstruction .
`` It is essential to getting it right . ''
She said this is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country we rebuild is the one we want it to be , with kindness , compassion , fairness , equality and enterprise at its heart , and not one built in the image of Boris Johnson and his band of Brexiteers '' .
The First Minister said she accepts `` many '' Scots would `` prefer a stronger Scottish Parliament to independence '' but said the `` hard truth '' is this is not on offer from Westminster , as she accused the Tories of trying to take powers away from Holyrood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period due to finish at the end of December , she criticised the UK Government for not extending it .
She claimed Brexit would be a `` huge , damaging change at the best of times '' but added that in `` these most difficult of times it is unforgivable '' .
The First Minister said the UK Government 's Internal Market Bill , setting out how trade between the four nations of the UK will operate post-Brexit , is a `` Trojan Horse that will allow Westminster to work its way into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
DO N'T MISS : SNP POLL : Should Nicola Sturgeon quit if she fails to get indyref2 ?
[ POLL ] Sturgeon takes pot-shot at Boris and 'band of Brexiteers ' over plot [ VIDEO ] Sturgeon signed document promising NOT to push for indyref2 [ INSIGHT ]

Drew Hendry grilled on the 'democracy' of an IndyRef2 bid
Nicola Sturgeon has claimed independence is "essential" to help with the task of rebuilding Scotland after coronavirus. Ahead of her final speech at the SNP annual conference on Monday, SNP MP Drew Hendry told BBC Politics Live: "Boris Johnson, like Donald Trump, is going to deny the democracy that people show or want to show in a public vote." But the SNP MP was promptly blasted by BBC host Jo Coburn who pointed out: "What democracy?
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"Boris Johnson would say he is respecting the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum when the people of Scotland voted no. "Donald Trump is contesting the result of the 2020 presidential election that he hasn't won. "So what's the comparison?" He replied: "There are two very clear things. "First of all the promises that were made in 2014 about Scotland being an equal partner have just not been delivered. READ MORE: Sturgeon pleads with Boris Johnson to not tax £500 'SNP thank you'
SNP MP Drew Hendry was confronted on BBC Two over Sturgeon's demands for a referendum
SNP MP Drew Hendry compared Boris Johnson to Donald Trump
"The day after the referendum David Cameron came out on the steps of 10 Downing Street and talked about English votes for English laws." The First Minister said she will use next May's Holyrood election to try to win a mandate to hold an independence referendum "in the early part of the new Parliament". While her opponents have criticised her for speaking about the issue during the pandemic, the SNP leader said in her closing speech to her party's conference on Monday: "Independence is not a distraction from the task of post-Covid reconstruction. "It is essential to getting it right." She said this is important "if we want to make sure the country we rebuild is the one we want it to be, with kindness, compassion, fairness, equality and enterprise at its heart, and not one built in the image of Boris Johnson and his band of Brexiteers".
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Indyref2: Drew Hendry clashes with Boulton on second vote
The First Minister said she accepts "many" Scots would "prefer a stronger Scottish Parliament to independence" but said the "hard truth" is this is not on offer from Westminster, as she accused the Tories of trying to take powers away from Holyrood. With the UK's Brexit transition period due to finish at the end of December, she criticised the UK Government for not extending it. She claimed Brexit would be a "huge, damaging change at the best of times" but added that in "these most difficult of times it is unforgivable". The First Minister said the UK Government's Internal Market Bill, setting out how trade between the four nations of the UK will operate post-Brexit, is a "Trojan Horse that will allow Westminster to work its way into the very heart of the devolution settlement". DON'T MISS:
SNP POLL: Should Nicola Sturgeon quit if she fails to get indyref2? [POLL]
Sturgeon takes pot-shot at Boris and 'band of Brexiteers' over plot [VIDEO]
Sturgeon signed document promising NOT to push for indyref2 [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon said a second independence referendum is 'essential'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--'We've had enough!' Brexiteer rages at Boris 'sacrificing' UK fisheries in Brexit talks

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Raging on Jeremy Vine on 5 , the former Brexit Party MEP dismissed claims the fishing industry only contributes to 2 percent of the UK 's GDP .
She blasted taking back full control over British fishing waters would allow coastal communities to have a future post- Brexit .
Ms Mummery said : `` We are taking back full control of our waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in any deals . ''
She added : `` That GDP is not a small 2 percent .
That GDP is 100 percent to coastal communities and we need that back .
`` We have got a golden opportunity to rebuild our industry that quite frankly has been taken away from us .
`` We need to create jobs now for future generations and you can not do that if you allow the EU to still control some of our fishing industry .
`` So we have to take back control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
`` Why should the coastal community be the sacrificial lamb in all of this ?
`` No !
We have been sacrificed once before and we 've had enough .
READ MORE : 'OUR waters ' Michael Gove explodes at Michel Barnier

Brexit: 'Fisheries shouldn't even be in the deal' says Mummery
Raging on Jeremy Vine on 5, the former Brexit Party MEP dismissed claims the fishing industry only contributes to 2 percent of the UK's GDP. She blasted taking back full control over British fishing waters would allow coastal communities to have a future post-Brexit. Ms Mummery said: "We are taking back full control of our waters and resources. Fishing shouldn't even be in any deals."
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She added: "That GDP is not a small 2 percent. That GDP is 100 percent to coastal communities and we need that back. "We have got a golden opportunity to rebuild our industry that quite frankly has been taken away from us. "We need to create jobs now for future generations and you cannot do that if you allow the EU to still control some of our fishing industry. "So we have to take back control. There is no other way forward for us. "Why should the coastal community be the sacrificial lamb in all of this? "No! We have been sacrificed once before and we've had enough. READ MORE: 'OUR waters' Michael Gove explodes at Michel Barnier
Brexit news: June Mummery urges Boris to take fishing off negotiating table
Brexit news: June Mummery says coastal communities cannot be sacrificed
"We want to take it back and be happy. "Look at that wonderful ocean over there, that belongs to each and every one of us. "Fishing is the most sustainable, natural resource that we have." Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has also hit out at the EU for trying to take the "lion's share" of British fish stocks as Brexit talks go "down to the wire". The senior minister also called for Brussels to move on other areas of contention such as dispute resolution, as he insisted "it takes two to tango". The remarks came as negotiations between London and Brussels continue, with both sides stressing that time is running short to strike an agreement, with the Brexit transition period finishing at the end of December.
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Brexit: EU want ‘lion’s share’ of fish from ‘our waters’ says Gove
Mr Gove urged businesses to be ready for the deadline whether a last-minute deal is struck or not. "The EU still want to take the lion's share of the fishing in our waters, which is just not fair given that we are leaving the EU. "The EU still want us to be tied to their way of doing things. "What happens if there is a dispute? The EU are at the moment reserving the right, if there is any sort of dispute, to not quite rip everything up but really to impose some quite penal and tough restrictions on us, and we don't think that's fair," he told Sky News. DON'T MISS:
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UK-Norway deal shows Boris' fishing red lines 'not unreasonable' [REACTION]
Brexit news: Gove hit out at the EU for trying to take the 'lion's share' of British fish stocks


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--SNP POLL: Should Nicola Sturgeon resign if she fails to deliver independence in 2021? VOTE

The First Minister said she is hoping to hold the vote during the early part of the next Scottish parliamentary term , following elections to Holyrood on May 6 .
If the SNP wins a majority , Ms Sturgeon could demand Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives MSPs the power to call a referendum .
But he has made it clear he will refuse to allow this .
This means Ms Sturgeon may not be able to deliver her promise of independence .
The last referendum in 2014 resulted in 55 percent of Scottish voters choosing to remain in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are still , like other countries the world over , in a global pandemic .
There are lots of uncertainties ahead of us right now .
`` We do n't know - I think we 're all a lot more hopeful the end of the pandemic is in sight - but we do n't know yet exactly when that will be so my energies are focused on that . ''
However , she did not make it clear when she would set a date .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the next term of the Scottish parliament rather than the later part .
`` I 'm not ruling anything out , I 'm not ruling anything in .
I 'm clear that I think for all the reasons I 've set out , the sooner Scotland can have the powers of independence so we chart our own future , the better it will be for all of us . ''
But the SNP leader has faced backlash over her plans for another referendum .
READ MORE : 'You want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Piers Morgan hits out at Sturgeon Douglas Ross , leader of the Scottish Tories , said next year should instead be about `` improving schools and hospitals '' to help the country rebuild from the pandemic .
He tweeted : `` They wo n't get a look in if Nicola Sturgeon gets her way and demands indyref2 next year .
`` The SNP 's obsession is crippling our country . ''
The First Minister admitted she accepts many people would `` prefer a stronger Scottish Parliament to independence '' .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begs Brussels for reunion [ REVEALED ] Nicola Sturgeon branded 'reckless and irresponsible ' [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon takes pot-shot at Boris and 'band of Brexiteers ' over plot [ VIDEO ] But she still accused the Government of trying to take powers away from Holyrood .
Ms Sturgeon also took a swipe at Brexit as she pushed her cause yesterday .
She claimed Brexit would be a `` huge , damaging change at the best of times '' .
She then added that in `` these most difficult of times it is @ @ @

Nicola Sturgeon tells EU 'we will return as an independent state'
The First Minister said she is hoping to hold the vote during the early part of the next Scottish parliamentary term, following elections to Holyrood on May 6. If the SNP wins a majority, Ms Sturgeon could demand Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives MSPs the power to call a referendum. But he has made it clear he will refuse to allow this. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED. CLICK HERE FOR THE RESULTS.
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This means Ms Sturgeon may not be able to deliver her promise of independence. The last referendum in 2014 resulted in 55 percent of Scottish voters choosing to remain in the UK. Ms Sturgeon said on Monday: "We are still, like other countries the world over, in a global pandemic. There are lots of uncertainties ahead of us right now. "We don't know - I think we're all a lot more hopeful the end of the pandemic is in sight - but we don't know yet exactly when that will be so my energies are focused on that."
SNP poll: Should Nicola Sturgeon resign if she does not deliver Scottish independence?
However, she did not make it clear when she would set a date. Ms Sturgeon said: "I want to see it in the early part of the next term of the Scottish parliament rather than the later part. "I'm not ruling anything out, I'm not ruling anything in. I'm clear that I think for all the reasons I've set out, the sooner Scotland can have the powers of independence so we chart our own future, the better it will be for all of us." But the SNP leader has faced backlash over her plans for another referendum. READ MORE: 'You want to be in EU but NOT UK?’ Piers Morgan hits out at Sturgeon
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Scottish voters chose to remain in the UK in 2014
But she still accused the Government of trying to take powers away from Holyrood. Ms Sturgeon also took a swipe at Brexit as she pushed her cause yesterday. She claimed Brexit would be a "huge, damaging change at the best of times". She then added that in "these most difficult of times it is unforgivable".
Nicola Sturgeon insisted she would hold another vote
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--Macron warned he's wildly misjudged Boris on Brexit talks - 'History won't judge kindly!'

The French president has demanded the EU 's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier stick with his hardline stance on continued access to UK waters for EU fisheries under the current terms .
But after months of trade talks , Brussels and the UK remain at loggerheads on the issue with just weeks until the end of the EU transition period .
Both sides have been holding out in the hope the other may cave to their demands .
Now , Lord Hague has warned France and other EU nations they would be wrong to assume Boris Johnson has the political capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He wrote in an opinion piece today : `` President Macron and others might easily misjudge how much room Boris Johnson has for manoeuvre on this issue .
`` History will not judge them kindly if there is no agreement over an insistence that fishing rights in another country ’ s seas can barely ever be changed . ''
READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG Under current EU rules - which the UK remains bound by until the end of the year - more than 60 percent of fish caught in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Hague understands the predicament the Prime Minister faces on convincing his MPs he has secured a good trade deal with the EU better than most .
Between 1997 and 2001 , Lord Hague was leader of the Conservatives and was tasked with keeping the party united amid bitter infighting and factionalism .
After years of Tory backbench rebellions in the House of Commons votes on Brexit , Mr Johnson faces the challenge of securing a deal that will be backed in a vote by his MPs .
`` Taking back control '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2016 EU referendum and one which Conservative Brexiteers will expect to be honoured in a free trade deal with Brussels .
Writing in The Telegraph , Lord Hague described Britain 's refusal to cave on fishing `` completely reasonable '' .
He wrote : `` Fisheries are the most intractable issue and one on which the British side has very strong arguments .
`` The UK will become what is known as an independent coastal state , entitled to control of its own sovereign waters .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own feet , says MICHAEL GOVE [ COMMENT ] Irish PM ‘ hopeful ’ Boris Johnson can strike final EU deal [ REACTION ] EU trade deal expected THIS WEEK at the 11th HOUR [ INSIGHT ] '' Its boats are currently restricted to a tiny proportion of the fishing catch in certain products , such as seven percent of cod in the Celtic Sea , while it is thought 40 percent of the cod in that region are in UK waters .
`` Seen in that light , EU offers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by small percentages do not amount to very much . ''
It is understood last week Mr Barnier made an offer to David Frost , his UK counterpart , to increase Britain 's fishing quotes by 15 to 18 percent I order to force a deal .
Just days remaining to secure a deal in time for it to be ratified before the transition period ends on December 31 .

Brexit: EU want ‘lion’s share’ of fish from ‘our waters’ says Gove
The French president has demanded the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier stick with his hardline stance on continued access to UK waters for EU fisheries under the current terms. But after months of trade talks, Brussels and the UK remain at loggerheads on the issue with just weeks until the end of the EU transition period.
Both sides have been holding out in the hope the other may cave to their demands. Now, Lord Hague has warned France and other EU nations they would be wrong to assume Boris Johnson has the political capacity to bend to their will on fishing. He wrote in an opinion piece today: "President Macron and others might easily misjudge how much room Boris Johnson has for manoeuvre on this issue. "History will not judge them kindly if there is no agreement over an insistence that fishing rights in another country’s seas can barely ever be changed." READ MORE ON OUR BREXIT LIVE BLOG
Emmanuel Macron has been warned he is pushing the UK towards no deal
Fishing has been one of the most contentious issues in trade deal talks
Under current EU rules - which the UK remains bound by until the end of the year - more than 60 percent of fish caught in British waters are from foreign boats. Lord Hague understands the predicament the Prime Minister faces on convincing his MPs he has secured a good trade deal with the EU better than most. Between 1997 and 2001, Lord Hague was leader of the Conservatives and was tasked with keeping the party united amid bitter infighting and factionalism. After years of Tory backbench rebellions in the House of Commons votes on Brexit, Mr Johnson faces the challenge of securing a deal that will be backed in a vote by his MPs. READ MORE: Von der Leyen sends Boris last-minute Brexit warning
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Boris Johnson's room for 'manoeuvre' on a fishing compromise could be misjudged by the EU
"Taking back control" of UK waters was a central pledge of the 2016 EU referendum and one which Conservative Brexiteers will expect to be honoured in a free trade deal with Brussels. Writing in The Telegraph, Lord Hague described Britain's refusal to cave on fishing "completely reasonable". He wrote: "Fisheries are the most intractable issue and one on which the British side has very strong arguments. "The UK will become what is known as an independent coastal state, entitled to control of its own sovereign waters. DON'T MISS:
Brexit New Year will see UK stand on its own feet, says MICHAEL GOVE [COMMENT]
Irish PM ‘hopeful’ Boris Johnson can strike final EU deal [REACTION]
EU trade deal expected THIS WEEK at the 11th HOUR [INSIGHT]
Michel Barnier is in London this week for last ditch talks to secure a deal
Both David Frost and Michel Barnier has stood their ground on fishing in negotiations
"Its boats are currently restricted to a tiny proportion of the fishing catch in certain products, such as seven percent of cod in the Celtic Sea, while it is thought 40 percent of the cod in that region are in UK waters. "Seen in that light, EU offers to increase the British share of the catch by small percentages do not amount to very much." It is understood last week Mr Barnier made an offer to David Frost, his UK counterpart, to increase Britain's fishing quotes by 15 to 18 percent I order to force a deal. No10 immediately rejected the suggested compromise, calling it "derisory". Just days remaining to secure a deal in time for it to be ratified before the transition period ends on December 31.
Brexit end game: The steps needed to implement a trade deal with the EU
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thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--UK must play by EU rules! Von der Leyen sends Boris last-minute Brexit warning

Speaking at an online event , the European Commission President said she would not sanction a future relationship pact without a regulatory level-playing field that could keep Britain tied to the bloc ’ s standards .
But she hinted at a mechanism that would allow the UK to diverge from the EU ’ s rule book over time .
Mrs von der Leyen said : “ Normally when you negotiate a free trade agreement two different entities try to join and exploit what they do together .
Here , almost half a century , our British friends were completely integrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have to shape an agreement where we discuss how to disentangle , how to divide , while being close to better together .
“ Therefore it is so tricky and so difficult .
What is it all about if we talk about the level playing field ?
“ If the companies that our British friends want access to the single market without quota , and without tariffs .
So , total access to the single market , then it must be clear that all in the single market play by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call level playing field.
” The bloc ’ s most senior official said tariff and quota-free access would depend on Mr Johnson signing up to “ non-regression ” clauses in areas such a state aid , environmental standards and workers ’ rights .
The Prime Minister could one day opt to diverge from the bloc ’ s rulebook but it would mean the introduction of trade levies if the move is deemed to distort competition between EU and UK firms .
Mrs von der Leyen said : “ At the moment being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the control of the level playing field .
Be it state aid , be it norms , environmental norms or labour norms… “ How we replicate that on both sides so that we can be clear there is no regression on what we have achieved and there is fairness over time so that , indeed , access can be without quota and tariffs and all companies play by the same rules in the single market .
“ We want an agreement but not at any price .
We are well prepared for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next days how things turn out.
” The disputes over the so-called level playing field and post-Brexit fishing rights are said to be the two main stumbling blocks in the wrangling .
France is blocking progress by refusing to drop its demands for near-parity access to Britain ’ s coastal waters after Brexit .
Downing Street insists its negotiating position will not change .
Prime Minister Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` We want to try and reach a free-trade agreement as soon as possible .
But we have been clear we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been clear what that position is . ''
MUST READ : We need MORE talks !
Worried William Hague demands further negotiations Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said : `` The EU still wants to take the lion 's share of the fishing in our waters - which is just not fair given that we are leaving the EU .
`` The EU still want us to be tied to their way of doing things .
`` The EU are at the moment reserving the right , if there is any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rip everything up but to impose some really penal and tough restrictions on us , and we do n't think that 's fair . ''
DO N'T MISS Brexit warning : Gove warns EU it is in their 'interest ' to secure deal [ VIDEO ] Pound euro exchange rate in 'tight range ' as Brexit impacts GBP [ FORECAST ] Brexit New Year will see UK stand on its own feet , says MICHAEL GOVE [ COMMENT ]

Brexit: Michael Gove says it’s ‘in EU’s interest’ to get a deal
Speaking at an online event, the European Commission President said she would not sanction a future relationship pact without a regulatory level-playing field that could keep Britain tied to the bloc’s standards. But she hinted at a mechanism that would allow the UK to diverge from the EU’s rule book over time. Mrs von der Leyen said: “Normally when you negotiate a free trade agreement two different entities try to join and exploit what they do together. Here, almost half a century, our British friends were completely integrated in the single market. And unfortunately, we have to shape an agreement where we discuss how to disentangle, how to divide, while being close to better together.
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“Therefore it is so tricky and so difficult. What is it all about if we talk about the level playing field? “If the companies that our British friends want access to the single market without quota, and without tariffs. So, total access to the single market, then it must be clear that all in the single market play by the same rules. That's what we call level playing field.” The bloc’s most senior official said tariff and quota-free access would depend on Mr Johnson signing up to “non-regression” clauses in areas such a state aid, environmental standards and workers’ rights. The Prime Minister could one day opt to diverge from the bloc’s rulebook but it would mean the introduction of trade levies if the move is deemed to distort competition between EU and UK firms.
Ursula von der Leyen has said the UK must play by EU rules as price for trade deal
Ursula von der Leyen speaks at an online event for European parliamentarians
Mrs von der Leyen said: “At the moment being, we’re discussing who we replicate the control of the level playing field. Be it state aid, be it norms, environmental norms or labour norms… “How we replicate that on both sides so that we can be clear there is no regression on what we have achieved and there is fairness over time so that, indeed, access can be without quota and tariffs and all companies play by the same rules in the single market. “We want an agreement but not at any price. We are well prepared for both scenarios so we will see in the next days how things turn out.”
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Lord Frost and Michel Barnier are currently locked in intensive talks
The disputes over the so-called level playing field and post-Brexit fishing rights are said to be the two main stumbling blocks in the wrangling. France is blocking progress by refusing to drop its demands for near-parity access to Britain’s coastal waters after Brexit. Downing Street insists its negotiating position will not change. Prime Minister Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "We want to try and reach a free-trade agreement as soon as possible. But we have been clear we won't change our negotiating position and we have been clear what that position is." MUST READ: We need MORE talks! Worried William Hague demands further negotiations
Lord Frost is Boris Johnson's lead negotiator with Brussels
What needs to be done to get the Brexit trade and security deal over the line?
Brexit: 'Fisheries shouldn't even be in the deal' says Mummery


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--Boris caves: UK gives in on Brexit red line, Barnier tells MEPs - 'British have accepted'

Michel Barnier claimed the Prime Minister has accepted that future police and judicial co-operation must be underpinned by the European Convention of Human Rights .
The Brussels diplomat said this has paved the way to finalising terms on a deal that will make it easier for Britain to extradite terrorists and share criminal data with the bloc .
An agreement has been on the verge of completion for longer than a month since Lord Frost first signalled the UK would soften its stance .
Mr Barnier told MEPS last Friday : “ We are almost in agreement on judicial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepted the prerequisites that we put down on the European Convention on Human Rights , ” he added , according to the Daily Mail .
“ We can now finalise those points.
” Lord Frost , the Prime Minister 's lead negotiator with Brussels , has previously told the House of Lords the challenge was how to include a commitment to the ECHR in the legal text .
Britain has previously rejected EU demands to implement a commitment to retain membership of the ECHR into domestic law as the price for the internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international agreement drawn up by the Council of Europe and enforced by the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights .
A spokesman for the UK Government said : `` The UK remains committed to the ECHR – we have been clear on that time and time again , including in Parliament .
`` We agree that co-operation with the EU should be based on our shared values of respect for fundamental rights and for the rule of law .
`` The UK 's approach to these issues in the context of law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements in this area . ''
MUST READ : Brexit LIVE : German MEP breaks cover to admit EU no deal panic Conservative politicians have often opposed the UK ’ s participation in the ECHR .
Mr Johnson ’ s former top aide , Dominic Cummings , has also previously criticised the Strasbourg-based human rights court .
It is understood UK and EU negotiators are exploring a “ guillotine ” clause that allows either side to suspend or terminate the security agreement if there are serious concerns over human rights or rule of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson ‘ takes back control ’ as EU trade talks go to the wire [ EXCLUSIVE ] France accuses UK of not negotiating seriously in Brexit threat [ INSIGHT ] Brexit : Europe 's car industry warns of 'double whammy crisis ' [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: Boris Johnson is 'very close to selling out' says Farage
Michel Barnier claimed the Prime Minister has accepted that future police and judicial co-operation must be underpinned by the European Convention of Human Rights. The Brussels diplomat said this has paved the way to finalising terms on a deal that will make it easier for Britain to extradite terrorists and share criminal data with the bloc. An agreement has been on the verge of completion for longer than a month since Lord Frost first signalled the UK would soften its stance.
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Mr Barnier told MEPS last Friday: “We are almost in agreement on judicial and police co-operation.” “The British have accepted the prerequisites that we put down on the European Convention on Human Rights,” he added, according to the Daily Mail. “We can now finalise those points.”
Michel Barnier claims Boris Johnson has accepted European human rights rules in Brexit trade talks
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Lord Frost, the Prime Minister's lead negotiator with Brussels, has previously told the House of Lords the challenge was how to include a commitment to the ECHR in the legal text. Britain has previously rejected EU demands to implement a commitment to retain membership of the ECHR into domestic law as the price for the internal security pact. The ECHR is an international agreement drawn up by the Council of Europe and enforced by the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights.
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Lord Frost and his negotiating team during a recent round of talks in Brussels
A spokesman for the UK Government said: "The UK remains committed to the ECHR – we have been clear on that time and time again, including in Parliament. "We agree that co-operation with the EU should be based on our shared values of respect for fundamental rights and for the rule of law. "The UK's approach to these issues in the context of law enforcement is based on precedent for EU third-country agreements in this area." MUST READ: Brexit LIVE: German MEP breaks cover to admit EU no deal panic
What needs to be done to get a Brexit trade and security deal over the line
Michael Gove: Businesses 'should prepare with or without deal'


thedailyexpress--2020-12-01--Listen up Angela! UK's German envoy issues fisheries warning as Brexit talks hit end game

With the EU failing to back down over its demands to have continued access to the UK ’ s waters , Britain ’ s new ambassador , Jill Gallard , has labelled Brussels ’ desire as “ unacceptable ” .
Ms Gallard also called on the EU to offer some compromise on its demands if a deal is to be agreed .
Despite issuing her threats to the EU , she also expressed her confidence a deal will be agreed between the two sides .
She told German publication , Dusseldorf Rheinische Post : “ I also have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of fishing rights in the North Sea is not acceptable to the British Government .
“ With EU standards such as subsidies and compliance with environmental and labour law provisions , we can not accept that we have to enter into obligations that third countries such as Canada are not fulfilling .
“ But the EU side also has to move.
” Now an independence nation out of the EU , the UK wants to be able to determine access and quotas shares for our own waters .
The EU , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Common Fisheries Policy ( CFP ) which allows EU fleets equal access to the bloc exclusive economic zone .
Within that zone , lies the Northeast Atlantic which has some of the richest and most plentiful fish stocks .
UK waters also occupy parts of this zone while French , Dutch and Danish fleets also catch much more fish than British fishermen in EU waters .
In comparison , figures from think-tank , The UK in a Changing EU , showed French fishermen made £171million from Britain 's waters .
JUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as PM 'likely to cave in to EU demands' The UK on the other hand managed a value of just £88million from European waters .
Due to this discrepancy , the issue of fisheries had remained one of the largest areas of divergence between the two sides .
The two sides entered talks this week with time now running out for a deal to be agreed before the end of the transition period on January 1 .
With time now short , Cabinet Office Minister , Michael Gove called the EU ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
DO N'T MISS 'Retake our waters ! '
Brexiteer tears apart Michel Barnier [ Comment ] Brexiteer rages at Barnier holding UK fishing to ransom in EU talks [ Update ] Macron warned he 's wildly misjudged Boris on Brexit [ Latest ] He also referenced the EU ’ s desire for Britain to be tied to European regulations despite leaving the bloc .
He told Sky News this morning : “ There are three , the first is fisheries .
`` The EU still wants to take the lion ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters which is just not fair given we are leaving the EU .
`` The second thing is that the EU still wants us to be tied to their way of doing things .
`` The third thing is what happens if there is a dispute .
`` The EU is at the moment reserving the right if there is a dispute , not quite to rip everything up , but really to impose some quite penal and tough restrictions on us .

Brexit: 'Fisheries shouldn't even be in the deal' says Mummery
With the EU failing to back down over its demands to have continued access to the UK’s waters, Britain’s new ambassador, Jill Gallard, has labelled Brussels’ desire as “unacceptable”. Ms Gallard also called on the EU to offer some compromise on its demands if a deal is to be agreed. Despite issuing her threats to the EU, she also expressed her confidence a deal will be agreed between the two sides.
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She told German publication, Dusseldorf Rheinische Post: “I also have to be clear that the status quo on the issue of fishing rights in the North Sea is not acceptable to the British Government. “With EU standards such as subsidies and compliance with environmental and labour law provisions, we cannot accept that we have to enter into obligations that third countries such as Canada are not fulfilling. “But the EU side also has to move.” Now an independence nation out of the EU, the UK wants to be able to determine access and quotas shares for our own waters.
Brexit news: Angela Merkel issued warning
Brexit news: UK fishermen have been exploited under the CFP
The EU, however, wants to maintain current agreements seen with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which allows EU fleets equal access to the bloc exclusive economic zone. Within that zone, lies the Northeast Atlantic which has some of the richest and most plentiful fish stocks. UK waters also occupy parts of this zone while French, Dutch and Danish fleets also catch much more fish than British fishermen in EU waters. In comparison, figures from think-tank, The UK in a Changing EU, showed French fishermen made £171million from Britain's waters. JUST IN: Brexit in name only fears as PM 'likely to cave in to EU demands'
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Brexit news: Michel Barnier arrived in London this week
The UK on the other hand managed a value of just £88million from European waters. Due to this discrepancy, the issue of fisheries had remained one of the largest areas of divergence between the two sides. The two sides entered talks this week with time now running out for a deal to be agreed before the end of the transition period on January 1. With time now short, Cabinet Office Minister, Michael Gove called the EU’s desire over UK waters as “unfair”. DON'T MISS
'Retake our waters!' Brexiteer tears apart Michel Barnier [Comment]
Brexiteer rages at Barnier holding UK fishing to ransom in EU talks [Update]
Macron warned he's wildly misjudged Boris on Brexit [Latest]
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has remained defiant over the UK's waters
Brexit news: UK trawlers catch less in EU water than European fleets in Britain's
He also referenced the EU’s desire for Britain to be tied to European regulations despite leaving the bloc. He told Sky News this morning: “There are three, the first is fisheries. "The EU still wants to take the lion’s share of the fish in our waters which is just not fair given we are leaving the EU. "The second thing is that the EU still wants us to be tied to their way of doing things.
Brexit endgame
"The third thing is what happens if there is a dispute. "The EU is at the moment reserving the right if there is a dispute, not quite to rip everything up, but really to impose some quite penal and tough restrictions on us.
Brexit news: Lord Frost has demanded the EU compromise on fisheries


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Brexit fisheries row: EU branded ‘selfish’ as Brussels bloc told to ‘budge’ in tense talks

Heated talks between London and Brussels continued on Tuesday night as time runs out for both sides to agree to a deal , with the Brexit transition period finishing at the end of December .
Fisheries continue to be a contentious issue in trade negotiations , with UK officials standing firm on securing a deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made clear a deal with the Brussels bloc is preferable but has warned the UK is willing to walk away without an agreement .
Speaking about recent talks , a Whitehall source close to the negotiations claimed the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing , adding Brussels ' approach was “ not helpful to the negotiations.
” The source added : “ This is a tight point of contention , the EU needs to budge.
” Environment Secretary George Eustice has insisted the UK is seeking `` zonal attachment '' .
It comes after the EU proposed an offer which would see the bloc hand back 15 to 18 percent of its catch the UK ’ s current share .
However , a No10 source said this approach showed signs the EU was “ making things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of securing a deal , Mr Eustice told Holyrood ’ s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee : “ Here is the sharing arrangement ; in other words , who gets what slice of the cake .
“ In the final analysis , what tends to happen is an argument over sharing , which is understandable .
READ MORE : Macron threatens to vote down Brexit deal as he refuses to budge “ The way in which those arguments are flushed out is by saying to countries 'if you think you have those fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your waters ' .
“ It is at that point that the countries that depend on access to another country ’ s waters in order to catch the fish that they would like have to accept a different type of sharing arrangement .
“ That is the general dynamic of any fisheries negotiation.
” French President Emmanuel Macron said France was paying particular attention to negotiations around trade conditions and fisheries in talks over a Brexit deal , adding that the country 's long term interests were at stake .
DO N'T MISS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal sex party in Brussels [ REVEAL ] Brexit news : Von der Leyen sends Boris last-minute Brexit warning [ LATEST ] Boris caves : UK gives in on Brexit red line , Barnier tells MEPs [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: Expert discusses possible ‘transition’ for fishermen
Heated talks between London and Brussels continued on Tuesday night as time runs out for both sides to agree to a deal, with the Brexit transition period finishing at the end of December. Fisheries continue to be a contentious issue in trade negotiations, with UK officials standing firm on securing a deal.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made clear a deal with the Brussels bloc is preferable but has warned the UK is willing to walk away without an agreement. Speaking about recent talks, a Whitehall source close to the negotiations claimed the EU side was being “selfish” over fishing, adding Brussels' approach was “not helpful to the negotiations.” The source added: “This is a tight point of contention, the EU needs to budge.” Environment Secretary George Eustice has insisted the UK is seeking "zonal attachment".
Michel Barnier is set to host a meeting with the EU27
Michel Barnier is in London for Brexit talks
It comes after the EU proposed an offer which would see the bloc hand back 15 to 18 percent of its catch the UK’s current share. However, a No10 source said this approach showed signs the EU was “making things difficult”. Speaking about the process of securing a deal, Mr Eustice told Holyrood’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee: “Here is the sharing arrangement; in other words, who gets what slice of the cake. “In the final analysis, what tends to happen is an argument over sharing, which is understandable. READ MORE: Macron threatens to vote down Brexit deal as he refuses to budge
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EU talks have come down to the wire
“The way in which those arguments are flushed out is by saying to countries 'if you think you have those fish in your waters, catch them in your waters'. “It is at that point that the countries that depend on access to another country’s waters in order to catch the fish that they would like have to accept a different type of sharing arrangement. “That is the general dynamic of any fisheries negotiation.” French President Emmanuel Macron said France was paying particular attention to negotiations around trade conditions and fisheries in talks over a Brexit deal, adding that the country's long term interests were at stake. DON'T MISS:
MEP resigns after being caught at illegal sex party in Brussels [REVEAL]
Brexit news: Von der Leyen sends Boris last-minute Brexit warning [LATEST]
Boris caves: UK gives in on Brexit red line, Barnier tells MEPs [INSIGHT]
Zonal attachments have been suggested by George Eustice


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Barnier risks mutiny as Brussels states fear EU chief ready to CAVE to secure Brexit deal

The Brussels diplomat is set for a grilling on Wednesday morning when he meets with EU27 ambassadors to discuss the state of play in the wrangling over a future relationship pact .
Some member states are concerned Mr Barnier ’ s refusal to reveal exact details from the trade talks mean he could be about to lose his nerve as time runs out to reach an agreement .
Brussels sources have revealed President Emmanuel Macron is one of the most nervous that the tussle over post-Brexit fishing rights could spell bad news for France ’ s fishing industry .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier and Frost negotiate stand up in capitals ?
An insider told Express.co.uk : “ The main question is will what Barnier and Frost negotiate stand up in capitals ?
“ States are becoming more nervy as they receive less information from the talks.
” EU diplomats and officials believe significant concessions would have to be made to get a Brexit trade deal over the line given the current deadlock over fishing rights and state aid rules .
Mr Barnier last week warned the “ significant divergences ” between the two sides was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The source added : “ To make that gap some large concessions are required and it remains to be seen whether some EU capitals are going to sell those back home.
” Mr Barnier will be forced to field difficult questions when he holds his meeting with the EU27 envoys on Wednesday morning .
The Frenchman will be expected to deliver a “ clear message ” to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the bloc should not cave in to secure a deal .
UK and EU sources have dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck before the end of the week .
Speaking at a joint news conference , the French President said : “ Our two countries are among the most concerned by a Brexit we did n't choose .
We are particularly vigilant on the level playing field , today and in the future , and the question of fishing .
“ The preservation of the activities of our fishermen in British waters is an essential condition , the fair rules of the market in the future are equal .
“ On the subject of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal must allow for a fair future relationship and France wo n't accept a deal that does n't that does n't respect our interests in the future.
” MUST READ : Brexit revenge sought by Boris as he strips back Supreme Court power At the news conference in Paris , Mr De Croo said : “ On Brexit , we did n't want it .
A deal is important but naturally not at all costs , and to keep a fair economic position between the EU and the UK , that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But it 's clear when one is all the same in the last minute of a football match , a decisive goal can happen in the last minute as well as the first minute .
“ But we are all the same in a moment where we really must see if it 's possible to advance and to get a deal which is fair.
” DO N'T MISS Leaked email exposed German civil servant who 'did nothing for 14 year [ REVEALED ] Macron threatens to vote down Brexit deal as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal projections are 'overblown and misleading ' [ REPORT ]

Brexit: Jeremy Vine caller slams EU fishing in British waters
The Brussels diplomat got a grilling on Wednesday morning when he met with EU27 ambassadors to discuss the state of play in the wrangling over a future relationship pact. Some member states are concerned Mr Barnier’s refusal to reveal exact details from the trade talks mean he could be about to lose his nerve as time runs out to reach an agreement. Brussels sources have revealed President Emmanuel Macron is one of the most nervous that the tussle over post-Brexit fishing rights could spell bad news for France’s fishing industry.
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: “The main question is will what Barnier and Frost negotiate stand up in capitals? An insider told Express.co.uk : “The main question is will what Barnier and Frost negotiate stand up in capitals? “States are becoming more nervy as they receive less information from the talks.” EU diplomats and officials believe significant concessions would have to be made to get a Brexit trade deal over the line given the current deadlock over fishing rights and state aid rules. France said it is ready to veto a deal it doesn't like, with Bloomberg reporting the country's ambassador as saying Mr Barnier would look bad if he brokered a deal only for it to be voted down by the EU 27.
Michel Barnier faces pressure from EU states not to cave in Brexit talks
Speaking at a news conference, Mr Macron said: “Our two countries are among the most concerned by a Brexit we didn't choose. We are particularly vigilant on the level playing field, today and in the future, and the question of fishing. “The preservation of the activities of our fishermen in British waters is an essential condition, the fair rules of the market in the future are equal. “On the subject of Brexit our position has been constant - a deal must allow for a fair future relationship and France won't accept a deal that doesn't that doesn't respect our interests in the future.” Mr Barnier last week warned the “significant divergences” between the two sides was blocking any progress in the trade talks.
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Michel Barnier is currently in London for trade talks
The source added: “To make that gap some large concessions are required and it remains to be seen whether some EU capitals are going to sell those back home.” Mr Barnier will be forced to field difficult questions when he holds his meeting with the EU27 envoys on Wednesday morning. The Frenchman will be expected to deliver a “clear message” to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the bloc should not cave in to secure a deal. UK and EU sources have dismissed positive reports that an agreement could be struck before the end of the week. MUST READ: Brexit revenge sought by Boris as he strips back Supreme Court power
Brexit: What needs to be done to get a trade and security deal over the line
At the news conference in Paris, Belgian PM Alexander Mr De Croo said: “On Brexit, we didn't want it. A deal is important but naturally not at all costs, and to keep a fair economic position between the EU and the UK, that's clearly the important element for us. “But it's clear when one is all the same in the last minute of a football match, a decisive goal can happen in the last minute as well as the first minute. “But we are all the same in a moment where we really must see if it's possible to advance and to get a deal which is fair.” DON'T MISS
Leaked email exposed German civil servant who 'did nothing for 14 year [REVEALED]
Macron threatens to vote down Brexit deal as he refuses to budge [INSIGHT]
No deal projections are 'overblown and misleading' [REPORT]
Brexit: Johnson has 'not got the guts' for no deal says Habib


thedailyexpress--2020-12-02--Sturgeon red-faced as EU figures dismiss dream of 'economically weaker' Scotland joining

Ms Sturgeon sent a message of unity to Brussels and pledged “ Scotland wants to return ” during the final day of SNP conference on Monday .
The Scottish First Minister ’ s message came as the UK edges closer to freeing itself from the last of the EU ’ s shackles with the Brexit transition period ending on December 31 .
But doubts have been expressed by Brussels figures over how a future independent Scotland could work within the EU and the prospect of a second Scottish vote .
A senior EU policy source told Express.co.uk there were many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concept could even be discussed formally .
They added the “ important and challenging task of independence ” needed to be achieved first especially since Boris Johnson had been “ clear on a second vote ” .
German MEP Gunnar Beck also told this website it was not “ immediately obvious ” if an independent Scotland would be an economic asset to the EU .
The EU lawyer added : “ Nicola Sturgeon would find it very very difficult to get an assurance , a promise out of Brussels that should she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be assured speedy accession to the EU while remaining free to retain its own currency.
” However , he stressed : “ On the other hand , the EU has never been unduly troubled by the accession of economically weaker new numbers because it has an imperial momentum to it , it wants to grow.
” Mr Beck argued the 2014 Scottish independence vote was “ once in a generation ” and another vote should not be held for at least another 25 years .
He said : “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put to a constituent part of a United country in such regular intervals every 10 years and in such quick secession .
READ MORE : Boris caves : UK gives in on Brexit red line , Barnier tells MEPs “ I think the consensus would be to do it a referendum once in a generation at the utmost .
“ I don ’ t think they are very parallel to holding an independence referendum in the same country in such quick succession .
“ 25 years is the minimum I should think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average age at which people have children is about 25 years.
” In her conference address to SNP members , the First Minister told the EU : `` You are - and always will be - part of who we are .
You are not distant to us .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon blow : Sir John Curtice warns SNP independence far from sure [ INSIGHT ] Macron threatens to vote down Brexit deal as he refuses to budge [ LATEST ] SNP MP hints at Scotland republic vote and demands Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you who have come from other countries to live here in ours , thank you - please stay .
`` To the other countries of the EU , Scotland wants to return .
And we hope to do so soon , as an independent member state . ''
Scotland Constitution Secretary Mike Russell also said he would not like a `` halfway house '' of European Economic Area ( EEA ) membership .
Mr Russell said : `` I 've been on record as wishing to see Scotland rejoin the EU and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not what I 'm looking for . ''
The EEA consists of members of the EU along with Liechtenstein , Iceland and Norway , through the European Free Trade Agreement ( EFTA ) which grants the free movement of goods , people , services and capital within member states .
Officials at the Nordic Council also hinted it may be beneficial for Scotland to consider joining the Bloc , the official body for formal inter-parliamentary co-operation among the Nordic countries .
Silja Dögg Gunnarsdóttir , an Icelandic politician who serves as the President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Historically , there have always been close ties between the Nordic countries , Scotland and the rest of Britain .
“ The Nordic Council will do everything in its power to ensure that this close co-operation continues .
“ Despite Brexit , we want Scotland to know that she will always have friends in the Nordic countries .
”

Brexit: UK should not 'cast the blame onto Scotland' says Russell
Ms Sturgeon sent a message of unity to Brussels and pledged “Scotland wants to return” during the final day of SNP conference on Monday. The Scottish First Minister’s message came as the UK edges closer to freeing itself from the last of the EU’s shackles with the Brexit transition period ending on December 31.
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But doubts have been expressed by Brussels figures over how a future independent Scotland could work within the EU and the prospect of a second Scottish vote.
A senior EU policy source told Express.co.uk there were many “difficult hurdles to overcome” before the concept could even be discussed formally.
They added the “important and challenging task of independence” needed to be achieved first especially since Boris Johnson had been “clear on a second vote”.
German MEP Gunnar Beck also told this website it was not “immediately obvious” if an independent Scotland would be an economic asset to the EU.
The EU have hinted at opposition to Scotland's position
Ms Sturgeon has been dealt a major blow as EU rejects Scotland's pleas to rejoin bloc
The EU lawyer added: “Nicola Sturgeon would find it very very difficult to get an assurance, a promise out of Brussels that should she win a referendum in Scotland, it would be assured speedy accession to the EU while remaining free to retain its own currency.”
However, he stressed: “On the other hand, the EU has never been unduly troubled by the accession of economically weaker new numbers because it has an imperial momentum to it, it wants to grow.”
Mr Beck argued the 2014 Scottish independence vote was “once in a generation” and another vote should not be held for at least another 25 years.
He said: “It’s very unusual for independence referendums to be put to a constituent part of a United country in such regular intervals every 10 years and in such quick secession. READ MORE: Boris caves: UK gives in on Brexit red line, Barnier tells MEPs
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The transition period will end on 31 December
“I think the consensus would be to do it a referendum once in a generation at the utmost.
“I don’t think they are very parallel to holding an independence referendum in the same country in such quick succession.
“25 years is the minimum I should think, today’s western world, the average age at which people have children is about 25 years.”
In her conference address to SNP members, the First Minister told the EU: "You are - and always will be - part of who we are. You are not distant to us. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon blow: Sir John Curtice warns SNP independence far from sure [INSIGHT]
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Brexit talks have continued this week in London
"To those of you who have come from other countries to live here in ours, thank you - please stay.
"To the other countries of the EU, Scotland wants to return. And we hope to do so soon, as an independent member state."
Scotland Constitution Secretary Mike Russell also said he would not like a "halfway house" of European Economic Area (EEA) membership.
Mr Russell said: "I've been on record as wishing to see Scotland rejoin the EU and to that extent a halfway house is not what I'm looking for."
The EEA consists of members of the EU along with Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, through the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) which grants the free movement of goods, people, services and capital within member states.
Mr Russell would like Scotland to rejoin the EU