thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--Brexit LIVE: At long last Remainers are realising their BIGGEST mistake, says Brexiteer

`` It will depend on how we use our freedoms and how the EU use theirs . ''
Referring to past Brexit battles , not least that waged by businesswoman Gina Miller , Mr Redwood said : `` The Remain politicians have used a variety of ploys and devices to try to delay , dilute or prevent our exit .
`` One of their first was the court case to prevent Ministers sending in our notice to quit without further Parliamentary processes , despite the clear referendum vote .
`` The Miller case produced a useful defence of Parliamentary sovereignty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged Mrs May to hold a Parliamentary vote on a one clause Bill to speed us up and was not surprised by the Court decision , even though it was clearly a delaying tactic .
If implemented , the controversial legislation will give the Government power to override the section of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement known as the Northern Ireland protocol .
The Bill was comfortably passed by MPs , by 340 votes to 263 - but the next stages will not be as straightforward .
BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg tweeted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers tonight to try to assuage their fears about the bill .
`` Bill sailed thro Commons today , but next week with amendments wo n't be so easy , and Lords are gearing up for a fight - one Cabinet minister admitted there is no chance of it getting past the red benches as it stands . ''
Some Tory backbenchers are deeply uncomfortable because by the admission of Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis , the Bill breaches international law .
The European Union has demanded Mr Johnson withdraws the legislation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last night 's debate , Mr Johnson told the Commons the Bill was an `` insurance policy '' aimed at preventing the EU from interpreting aspects of the agreement in `` absurd '' ways .
He added : `` What we can not tolerate now is a situation where our EU counterparts seriously believe they have the power to break up our country , '' he told MPs .
`` We can not have a situation where the very boundaries of our country can be dictated to by a foreign power or international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be irritated after being confronted by Labour 's shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband , rolling his eyes as the party 's former leader said : `` I say to the Prime Minister while I have been part of many issues of contention across this dispatch box , I never thought respecting international law would be in my lifetime a matter of disagreement . ''
1.59pm update : Do n't even think about it , Lords told Downing Street has issued a warning to peers not to try to block controversial legislation overriding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A No 10 spokesman said ministers believed the Salisbury Convention - which states the House of Lords should not vote down legislation to implement government manifesto commitments - should apply to the UK Internal Market Bill .
The spokesman added : `` We would expect the Lords to abide by the Salisbury Convention .
`` Guaranteeing the full economic benefit of leaving the EU to all parts of the United Kingdom and ensuring Northern Ireland 's businesses and producers enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK were clear Conservative manifesto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some peers have warned that the Bill - which passed its second reading in the Commons on Monday - will not get through the upper chamber in its current form .
1.16pm update : Hope for deal as Barnier and Frost tipped to compromise Brexit trade talks could end without `` war being declared '' and a free trade agreement struck between the two sides , a former Minister for Europe has claimed despite recent events further complicating the negotiations .
On Monday , the House of Commons voted on a controversial new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is currently in a transition period that keeps it bound to the EU 's rules until December 31 .
The two sides are trying to negotiate a new trade deal that would come into effect once this period ends , but talks have been characterised by perpetual deadlock .
As tensions are set to rise in the incoming days , former Europe Minister Denis MacShane revealed in a recent report for the London School of Economics ( LSE ) 's blog , how the Brexit negotiations could end `` without war being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU rules do not prevent member state governments from focusing aid on their own legitimate policy objectives including regional development which could help the so-called 'red wall ' seats in de-industrialised regions of the north and Midlands . ''
1.14pm update : `` It was always about sovereignty , '' says Redwood Brexit was never about trade , but rather UK sovereignty , and it is time Remainers recognised the fact , argued Mr Redwood .
He explained : `` I have always thought sovereignty mattered more .
I also think that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once we restore our full powers of self government .
`` I have set out at some length how we can be better off out .
`` I can no more guarantee that than Remain politicians can guarantee greater income if we stay in . ''
12.48pm update : `` Brexit deal is only law because Parliament says it is , '' points out Redwood The Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU is only law because of the Act of Parliament which makes it so , Brexiteer MP John Redwood has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular online diary , wrote : `` The Withdrawal Agreement is only the law because of the Act of Parliament that brings it into UK law .
The UK Parliament is therefore free to amend it as it sees fit .
`` There are those who still seem to think it would be bad faith for the UK to exercise its sovereign powers in this way , and claim it is a breach of international law to do so .
`` This Agreement between the UK and the EU is not some world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is an international Agreement where the two sides disagree about its meaning and each claim bad faith about the other . ''
Asked if the European Commission was in touch with the UK Government regarding the Internal Market Bill , a commission spokesman told a Brussels press briefing : `` We were very much in contact with the British authorities .
`` Vice president ( of the EC ) Maros Sefcovic even went to London extremely quickly in order to seek clarifications and make the views of the EU known on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadline which was set for the UK to withdraw the provisions from the draft Internal Market Bill .
`` This is what we expect from the United Kingdom and we have made our views extremely clear .
`` And we are not going to speculate on anything in the meantime .
`` We are waiting to see the developments in London on this issue . ''
Nevertheless , Mr Coveney urged his colleagues in Dublin not to panic at Boris Johnson 's latest move .
He said : `` Let 's wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I think there is certainly an awful lot of division within Westminster as to whether it is acceptable or not to do that .
`` We only saw the first round of debate on that yesterday and the first vote .
`` We need to ensure that we do n't obsess with what is happening in the House of Commons and instead we need to focus on how we can rebuild some trust in the relationship between the EU and the UK in a way that actually can provide , through negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides .
`` The big prize here is to get a deal on a future relationship , particularly on a trade agreement , that avoids tariffs and quotas being implemented on trade crossing the Irish sea which is worth about 80 billion euros a year . ''
Simon Coveney described the decision by the British Government to vote through controversial legislation designed to override key elements of the Brexit deal as `` pretty shocking '' .
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the `` deliberate strategy '' of the British Government damages its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill cleared its first Commons hurdle on Monday despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories .
Boris Johnson 's controversial plan to use domestic law to supersede elements of the Withdrawal Agreement he signed with Brussels passed its second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77 .
Mr Coveney said the `` unwelcome distraction '' has eroded trust on both sides of the negotiating teams in the search for a trade deal .
He added : `` For many people it 's pretty shocking that the British Government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaks international law .
`` I do n't ever remember a time that has happened before .
10.51am update : EU will 'bend over backwards ' for UK trade despite 'incredible ' threats Brexiteer economist Catherine McBride has argued the EU should be jumping at the opportunity to have a prosperous future relationship with the UK .
Economist Catherine McBride insisted the EU should be bending over backwards to trade with the UK .
While speaking to Jonathan Saxty on Brexit Watch , Ms McBride argued the UK is able to source most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other countries , potentially cheaper .
She claimed , for this reason , the EU should be excited at the prospect of still having a close relationship with the UK post-Brexit .
Investor sentiment in Germany rose unexpectedly in September , the ZEW economic research institute said on Tuesday , signalling confidence in a recovery from the coronavirus crisis despite headwinds from stalled Brexit talks and rising new infections .
The survey of investors ' economic sentiment rose to 77.4 from 71.5 points the previous month , confounding a forecast for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ZEW President Achim Wambach said : `` The ZEW Indicator has increased again , signalling that the experts continue to expect a noticeable recovery of the German economy .
`` However , the still negative outlook for the banking sector reveals fears of a rising number of loan defaults in the coming six months . ''
A separate gauge of current conditions rose to -66.2 from -81.3 points the previous month .
That compared with a consensus forecast of -72.0 points .
10.10am update : Donald Trump warned 'soft Brexit would kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's hopes of striking a trade deal with the US would be thwarted as a result of a soft Brexit US President Donald Trump warned , unearthed accounts reveal .
Last week , the Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi warned the UK that there will be `` absolutely no chance '' of a trade deal with the US passing Congress should the Government override the Brexit withdrawal agreement signed by the Prime Minister .
The Democrat said Brexit could not be allowed to `` imperil '' the Good Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland after years of sectarian unrest .
It comes after Mr Johnson unveiled plans to override key elements of last year 's Brexit deal with the EU regarding Northern Ireland checks .
In 2018 , Mr Trump told former Prime Minister Theresa May that a soft Brexit would have `` killed '' the chance of a trade deal with the US , in comments that hugely undermined her attempts to win support for her Chequers deal .
Emmaneul Macron could choose to cause significant disruption to the UK as payback for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert .
Political commentator James Forsyth warned the UK 's push for its Brexit Internal Market Bill could result in repercussions from EU member states .
While speaking on Spectator TV , Mr Forsyth claimed France 's President Emmanuel Macron could cause delays at Calais to prove a point .
As a retaliation move , Mr Macron could demand that all lorries entering to and from the UK are checked instead of checks based on intelligence .
9.25am update : `` We must protect ourselves , '' says Rees-Mogg The UK has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything which threatens the integrity of the UK , leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg has said after last night 's debate .
Mr Rees-Mogg , Tory MP for North East Somerset , tweeted : `` The UK must protect itself if the EU tries to break up the nation . ''
Boris Johnson 's plan to override parts of the withdrawal agreement signed with the European Union cleared its first hurdle in the House of Commons , but the Prime Minister is facing a growing Tory rebellion as ministers vow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendments .
MPs voted to give the Internal Market Bill , which Brussels has warned the UK to scrap by the end of this month , a second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77 .
Two Tory MPs - Sir Roger Gale and Andrew Percy - voted against the Bill , while 30 did not cast a vote at all .
The full list of abstenations were : Stuart Andrew , Crispin Blunt , Karen Bradley , Graham Brady , Rehman Chishti , Christopher Chope , Geoffrey Cox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liam Fox , George Freeman , Richard Graham , Stephen Hammond , Oliver Heald , James Heappey , Damian Hinds , Simon Hoare , Sajid Javid , Edward Leigh , Jack Lopresti , Tim Loughton , Theresa May , Bob Neill , Owen Paterson , Julian Smith , Ben Spencer , John Stevenson , Gary Streeter , Charles Walker , Jeremy Wright .
There are likely several reasons why a minister may not have been able to vote - for example , Graham Brady is chairing some of the committee stage so has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on a visit to South Korea .
Ireland 's teetering coalition government is on verge of imploding , with Taoiseach Micheal Martin in `` serious trouble '' and a general election in the shadow of Brexit a distinct possibility , a former top diplomat has said .
Such is the seriousness of the crisis , Ray Bassett , Ireland 's former ambassador to Canada , Jamaica and the Bahamas , believes former leader Leo Varadkar may even be tempted to pull the plug his Fine Gael party out of the three-party deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Greens , led by Eamon Ryan .
Meanwhile , if the country does go to the polls , he predicted Sinn Fein 's Mary Lou MacDonald would stand a good chance of becoming Ireland 's next Taoiseach - with Ireland likely to face a straight choice between her and Mr Varadkar .
Mr Bassett , who recently published his new book , Ireland and the EU Post Brexit , told Express.co.uk : `` I have no doubt but that Martin is in serious trouble . ''
8.39am update : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patel Ms Patel has also appeared to contradict Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis , who said in the Commons last week the Government 's legislation represented a breach of international law .
Speaking to Sky News ' Kay Burley , she insisted : `` We are absolutely not doing that . ''
8.27am update : Priti Patel issues dire warning to EU as she insists UK 'will NOT compromise ' on Brexit Priti Patel issued a dire warning to the European Union as she reiterated the UK `` will not compromise '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure a Brexit deal .
Home Secretary Priti Patel warned the European Union the Conservative Party will continue to act on the manifesto pledge to deliver Brexit despite the threat of a no deal .
Negotiations with Brussels have soured after the introduction of the Internal Market Bill in the Commons last week , a move the EU has claimed threatens the withdrawal agreement struck with the UK in January 2020 .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Ms Patel said : `` There are important points to make about the Internal Market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are taking as a Government .
8.22am update : `` This flies in the face of all British tradition '' Mr Mitchell said he backed large parts of the Bill , but would not back it unless it was amended , stating : `` To ask members of the parliamentary party to walk through the Lobbies quite deliberately voting to breach international law is something which I can not do .
`` And which is causing very considerable anxiety and worry on the backbenches .
`` We all want to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that flies in the face of all British tradition . ''
Former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell has said it would be `` unacceptable '' to breach international law with legislation to override the Brexit divorce deal .
Tory MP for Sutton Coldfield Andrew Mitchell hit out at clauses in the Government 's Internal Market Bill .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` The proposition that we should march through the Lobby as lawmakers and say that we are going to ignore and disavow a law that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law , that is completely unacceptable . ''
7.45am update : Boris Johnson making same mistake as Harold Macmillan in EU talks Boris Johnson is making the same mistake about the EU now as Harold Macmillan did about the European Community in the Sixties , a historian suggested in a throwback report .
British negotiators believe Downing Street ’ s plan to break international law may have helped reboot the trade talks by offering Brussels a reality check about the looming danger of a no deal scenario .
The publication of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which key parts of the withdrawal agreement agreed last year would be rewritten , has enraged the EU and prompted a fresh rebellion within the Conservative Party .
Brussels has set Prime Minister Boris Johnson a three-week deadline to ditch his plans or face financial and trade sanctions , with the clear suggestion that negotiations over a future relationship will fail unless the most contentious parts of the proposed legislation are removed .
7.41am update : Furious Boris Johnson rolls his eyes in fierce House of Commons spat with Ed Miliband Watch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson appeared to `` roll his eyes '' during a fierce clash in the House of Commons .
Mr Miliband criticised the Prime Minister and the UK Government for considering breaking `` international law '' during a House of Commons debate on the controversial Internal Market Bill tabled by the Government .
Critics of the Brexit legislation argue it undermines the UK 's standing on the world stage after an admission last week from Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that it would break the law in a `` specific and limited way '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill is necessary in order to uphold the UK 's sovereignty .
During his statement in the House of Commons , the former Labour Party leader stated `` I do n't know why he is rolling his eyes '' in regards to Boris Johnson .
7.39am update : EU explodes in angry response to Boris victory - 'Trying to blame us ! '
EU Vice President Katarina Barley has lashed out at Brexiteers after MPs backed Boris Johnson 's Internal Market Bill by a 77-person majority .
The EU is concerned the Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the withdrawal agreement which was signed off last year .
The UK considers the Bill to be a defence against any attempt in the future by the EU to blockade food to Northern Ireland or impose customs checks .
Ms Barley told BBC ’ s Newsnight Brexiteers are “ trying to blame the EU ” for issues relating to a trade deal .
The 46-page report , dated last week , says an essential IT system used by hauliers will not be tested publicly until the end of November , one month before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends .
Leading union Unite warned on Monday that Britain 's ports would be plunged into `` chaos and confusion '' in the new year unless customs systems and lorry parks are completed .
The union said lorry drivers feared the complex computer software to deal with customs would not be ready by December 31 , adding most of the planned lorry parks were still to be built .
The latest developments come as Boris Johnson 's controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels cleared its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some senior Tories .
The Government has admitted it is preparing for the `` reasonable worst case '' scenario ahead of Brexit as a leaked report warned of queues of 7,000 lorries in Kent and significant delays to cross into the EU .
A confidential document prepared by the Border and Protocol Delivery Group , and seen by The Guardian , also predicts thousands of passengers could have to wait an additional two hours for Eurostar trains .
However , a Cabinet Office spokeswoman said in a statement the Government was using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prediction .
She said : `` As a responsible government we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios , including the reasonable worst case .
`` This is not a forecast or prediction of what will happen but rather a stretching scenario .
It reflects a responsible government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities . ''

Boris Johnson slams EU on ‘unreasonable’ Brexit tariffs
Meanwhile it was revealed that Boris Johnson begged Tory colleagues to back his Internal Market Bill in a frantic late-night phone call yesterday - with one cabinet minister warning it had "no chance" of getting through the House of Lords in its current form. Writing in his online diary, Mr Redwood said: "I have always thought sovereignty mattered more. I also think that we can follow policies that increase our prosperity once we restore our full powers of self government. "I have set out at some length how we can be better off out. I can no more guarantee that than Remain politicians can guarantee greater income if we stay in.
Trending
"It will depend on how we use our freedoms and how the EU use theirs." Referring to past Brexit battles, not least that waged by businesswoman Gina Miller, Mr Redwood said: "The Remain politicians have used a variety of ploys and devices to try to delay, dilute or prevent our exit. "One of their first was the court case to prevent Ministers sending in our notice to quit without further Parliamentary processes, despite the clear referendum vote. "The Miller case produced a useful defence of Parliamentary sovereignty in the verdict. I had always urged Mrs May to hold a Parliamentary vote on a one clause Bill to speed us up and was not surprised by the Court decision, even though it was clearly a delaying tactic.
John Redwood referred to pro-Remain businesswoman Gina Miller in his latest diary entry
If implemented, the controversial legislation will give the Government power to override the section of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement known as the Northern Ireland protocol. The Bill was comfortably passed by MPs, by 340 votes to 263 - but the next stages will not be as straightforward. BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg tweeted: "PM had a call with Tory peers tonight to try to assuage their fears about the bill. "Bill sailed thro Commons today, but next week with amendments won't be so easy, and Lords are gearing up for a fight - one Cabinet minister admitted there is no chance of it getting past the red benches as it stands." Some Tory backbenchers are deeply uncomfortable because by the admission of Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, the Bill breaches international law. The European Union has demanded Mr Johnson withdraws the legislation by the end of the month.
Laura Kuenssberg's tweet
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
During last night's debate, Mr Johnson told the Commons the Bill was an "insurance policy" aimed at preventing the EU from interpreting aspects of the agreement in "absurd" ways. He added: "What we cannot tolerate now is a situation where our EU counterparts seriously believe they have the power to break up our country," he told MPs. "We cannot have a situation where the very boundaries of our country can be dictated to by a foreign power or international organisation." Mr Johnson also appeared to be irritated after being confronted by Labour's shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband, rolling his eyes as the party's former leader said: "I say to the Prime Minister while I have been part of many issues of contention across this dispatch box, I never thought respecting international law would be in my lifetime a matter of disagreement." (SCROLL DOWN FOR REGULAR UPDATES)
Chancellor Rishi Sunak called the controversial Internal Market Bill an 'insurance policy'
10.08pm update: House of Lords revolts on Agriculture Bill The Government has suffered a first defeat to its flagship agriculture legislation in the Lords with peers backing a move to ensure future industry funding is linked to environmental improvements. The cross-party amendment was supported by 258 votes to 208, majority 50. The defeat came during report stage in the upper chamber of the Agriculture Bill, which sets out new policy as the UK quits the EU-wide Common Agricultural Policy post-Brexit. 9.02pm update: Warning over destructive fishing methods in UK protected areas after Brexit Concerns have been raised over destructive practices such as fishing using electric shocks continuing in protected areas of the UK's seas after Brexit. The UK will leave the EU's Common Fisheries Policy at the end of the transition period on December 31, which will enable the country to set rules governing its offshore fishing waters. Fisheries minister Victoria Prentis told the Commons committee on the Fisheries Bill that the Government proposed to begin consulting on rules that would affect offshore marine protected areas after the end of the transition period. An investigation by the Blue Marine Foundation showed Dutch electric pulse and beam trawlers had been found fishing in the Haisborough and North Norfolk marine protected areas this year, along with a couple of UK vessels. Electric pulse fishing involves dragging electrodes over the seabed to shock the fish that live in the sediment and force them into the trawl net, and an EU ban is due to come into effect from July 1 2021, Blue Marine Foundation said. In the UK, the Government has said it will ban pulse fishing after Brexit. But with the consultation on rules that will govern areas such as pulse fishing and beam trawling not set to start until next year, Blue Marine Foundation said the destructive practices would continue after Brexit. 8.09pm update: Miliband blasts PM's 'half-baked' Brexit deal Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has blasted the Prime Minister's "half-baked" Brexit deal. Writing in the i newspaper, Mr Miliband said: " What Johnson is now telling us is that his flagship achievement, the deal he told us was a triumph, the deal he said was oven-ready, the deal on which he fought and won a general election is actually completely half-baked. "This is incompetence and failure of governance on a grand scale. "His approach puts getting a Brexit deal at risk, and it risks doing deep damage to our prosperity. "We need to strike vital trade deals with other countries around the world."
The Prime Minister leaves Downing Street on Tuesday
7.13pm update: UK offers fishing concessions to break deadlock in trade talks - EU sources Britain offered tentative concessions on fisheries in trade talks with the EU last week, it has emerged. Just as London was publicly threatening to breach the terms of its divorce deal with the bloc, negotiators made the offers in the meetings with Michel Barnier, according to two diplomatic sources. The sources, who did not attend last week's talks between the sides' chief negotiators but were briefed on them by the EU negotiating team, described the offer as a possible bid by London to overcome a key obstacle to a new trade deal from 2021. They said it also suggested London might still be open to clinching an agreement despite a crisis in Brexit talks over Britain's Internal Market bill which, if passed by parliament as proposed, would breach Britain's international legal obligations as well as the EU divorce treaty. The two EU sources said London had floated two ideas on fisheries which were a departure from Britain's position so far that it must take control of its territorial waters in the Channel from next year. One source said: "The UK definitely seems to be coming around on this, they seem to be moving cautiously towards some opening on fisheries in the technical talks." The second source reported a "tentative, modest" move on fisheries after Britain this summer pushed a more rigid line, which the EU has rejected. Asked to comment, a British government spokesperson did not address the main point directly but said: "Our position on fish is reasonable and straightforward." They added: "We want a simple, separate fisheries framework agreement which reflects our rights under international law and which provides for annual negotiations over access and sharing opportunities based on the scientific principle of zonal attachment." "This is a fairer, more modern and scientific approach that is already the basis for the EU's existing fisheries agreement with Norway and respects each party as an independent coastal state." 6.28pm update: Sunak calls Internal Market Bill an ‘insurance policy’ Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said Britain wants to strike a trade deal with the European Union but it is a tough negotiation and it is responsible to have a bill that breaches the Brexit treaty as an insurance policy. Boris Johnson has published a bill that he says is needed to counter "absurd" threats from Brussels as part of the trade talks. The EU has said the bill could collapse trade talks. The BBC quoted Mr Sunak as saying: "We want to get a deal, that is government's clear aim...but it’s a tough negotiation. “And I think it's responsible for us to take out an insurance policy.”
Mike Russell said dialogue between devolved administrations and the Government has gotten worse under Johnson
6.01pm update: Irish parliament closed over COVID-19 alert Ireland's cabinet members have been ordered to self-isolate and the country's parliament is set to be closed after the health minister showed signs of coronavirus. Stephen Donnelly started experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on Tuesday afternoon before being tested for the disease. The speaker of the house said “the cabinet must self-isolate” due to the “very serious” nature of the matter. The Dail, Ireland's parliament, will be suspended for a week. Sean O' Fearghail, the speaker of the lower house, told parliament: "Arising out of events today, the cabinet must now self- isolate. 5.08pm update: Don't use NI as a Brexit pawn, warns Paisley DUP local government spokesman Ian Paisley warned ministers to treat Northern Ireland with "sincerity" and not to use the country as a "pawn". He said: "I've absolutely no doubt about the sincerity of the people who have brought forward amendments from their part of the United Kingdom on how they want to see their part of the United Kingdom operate. "But I must say that I hope the Prime Minister is sincere in what he is bringing forward. I hope Northern Ireland is not going to be used as a pawn in this and I say that in all sincerity. "You can't afford to do that to the emotions of the people of my country. You can't kick them up and down, turn the volume up and turn the volume down and not expect a reaction. It's far too fraught with people's concerns about their economic wellbeing to do that. "And so I appeal to the Government, if they're doing this and they're implementing this Bill, implement it with the sincerity with which we are reading through these clauses and agreeing with the clauses. Do not use us as a pawn to extract some other general concession from the EU and then desert Northern Ireland again." He added: "I will say this - once bitten, twice shy. You can fool a person once, shame on you. But if you fool a person twice, shame on me and there will be no shame on the Ulster bench on this matter. We're warning the Government - treat us with sincerity as we are entitled to." 4.01pm update: COVID-19 testing centre closed 'to make way for post-Brexit lorry park' A coronavirus testing centre was closed to make way for a post-Brexit lorry park, it has been reported. Testing at a railway station car park in Kent was suspended earlier this month. KentOnline reported that a leaked letter from Kent County Council stated: "We have ... been notified that the Ebbsfleet testing centre has closed, as the site is required by HMRC for EU Exit." It is understood the car park serving Ebbsfleet International is being considered for use as a site to carry out customs checks of cross-Channel lorries after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31. COVID-19 testing at the site began in April but staff were told "out of the blue" earlier this month that the centre was closing, according to KentOnline. A Government spokesman said: "Regional testing sites were set up at great speed and selected for their immediate availability, security and access. "The regional testing site at Ebbsfleet has ceased operations and a new regional testing site is operating at Curtis Way, Rochester. The relocation will allow the network to continue operating as long as needed. "In July 2020, the Government committed to spending £470 million on new border infrastructure to support ports in building extra capacity to meet the new control requirements where there is space to do so, and, if necessary, to build additional inland sites across the country where checks can take place. "Final decisions on inland sites will not be made until we have established the extent of new infrastructure that will be delivered at ports." 3.09pm update: No trust between devolved administrations and UK Government, MPs told The UK Government has a hostility to devolution and there is now no trust between the administrations at Holyrood and Westminster, MPs have been told. Scotland's Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said the quality of dialogue has been poor and has "got significantly worse since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister". His comments came as he again raised concerns about the UK Government's Internal Market Bill, which passed its first hurdle in the House of Commons on Monday. Mr Russell told the Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union: "There is in my view a hostility to devolution in the current Government." He added: "We have been in such a difficult set of circumstances for so long that it would be difficult to find a way in which we could work constructively together, there is no trust in the relationship, absolutely none now." The SNP MSP said the Internal Market Bill as its stands could allow a US company to take legal action to "force its way" into Scotland's NHS and would also permit the UK Government to spend money directly in devolved areas.
The UK offered the EU fishing concessions in a bid to break the trade talks deadlock, sources claim
A coronavirus testing centre in Kent has been closed to make way for a post-Brexit lorry park
Laura O'Callaghan takes over the blog from Ciaran McGrath. 3pm update: Boris fires warning to House of Lords ordering peers NOT to meddle with his Brexit plan Number 10 has issued a stern warning to the House of Lords over any possible bid try and block Boris Johnson's Internal Market Bill as it makes its way through the Houses of Parliament. The controversial legislation overrides key elements of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, prompting fury in Brussels. A No 10 spokesman said ministers believed the Salisbury Convention - which states the House of Lords should not vote down legislation to implement government manifesto commitments - should apply to the UK Internal Market Bill. He added: "We would expect the Lords to abide by the Salisbury Convention. "Guaranteeing the full economic benefit of leaving the EU to all parts of the United Kingdom and ensuring Northern Ireland's businesses and producers enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK were clear Conservative manifesto commitments which this legislation delivers." 1.59pm update: Don't even think about it, Lords told Downing Street has issued a warning to peers not to try to block controversial legislation overriding key elements of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. A No 10 spokesman said ministers believed the Salisbury Convention - which states the House of Lords should not vote down legislation to implement government manifesto commitments - should apply to the UK Internal Market Bill. The spokesman added: "We would expect the Lords to abide by the Salisbury Convention. "Guaranteeing the full economic benefit of leaving the EU to all parts of the United Kingdom and ensuring Northern Ireland's businesses and producers enjoy unfettered access to the rest of the UK were clear Conservative manifesto commitments which this legislation delivers." Some peers have warned that the Bill - which passed its second reading in the Commons on Monday - will not get through the upper chamber in its current form. 1.16pm update: Hope for deal as Barnier and Frost tipped to compromise Brexit trade talks could end without "war being declared" and a free trade agreement struck between the two sides, a former Minister for Europe has claimed despite recent events further complicating the negotiations. On Monday, the House of Commons voted on a controversial new bill published by the Government. The UK is currently in a transition period that keeps it bound to the EU's rules until December 31. The two sides are trying to negotiate a new trade deal that would come into effect once this period ends, but talks have been characterised by perpetual deadlock. As tensions are set to rise in the incoming days, former Europe Minister Denis MacShane revealed in a recent report for the London School of Economics (LSE)'s blog, how the Brexit negotiations could end "without war being declared". He added: "EU rules do not prevent member state governments from focusing aid on their own legitimate policy objectives including regional development which could help the so-called 'red wall' seats in de-industrialised regions of the north and Midlands." 1.14pm update: 'It was always about sovereignty' - Redwood Brexit was never about trade, but rather UK sovereignty, and it is time Remainers recognised the fact, argued Mr Redwood. He explained: "I have always thought sovereignty mattered more. I also think that we can follow policies that increase our prosperity once we restore our full powers of self government. "I have set out at some length how we can be better off out. "I can no more guarantee that than Remain politicians can guarantee greater income if we stay in." 12.48pm update: 'Brexit deal is only law because Parliament says it is' - Redwood The Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU is only law because of the Act of Parliament which makes it so, Brexiteer MP John Redwood has said. Mr Redwood, in his regular online diary, wrote: "The Withdrawal Agreement is only the law because of the Act of Parliament that brings it into UK law. The UK Parliament is therefore free to amend it as it sees fit. "There are those who still seem to think it would be bad faith for the UK to exercise its sovereign powers in this way, and claim it is a breach of international law to do so. "This Agreement between the UK and the EU is not some world law enforced by some world court. "It is an international Agreement where the two sides disagree about its meaning and each claim bad faith about the other." 12.39pm update: 'We've made our views clear' - Commission Asked if the European Commission was in touch with the UK Government regarding the Internal Market Bill, a commission spokesman told a Brussels press briefing: "We were very much in contact with the British authorities. "Vice president (of the EC) Maros Sefcovic even went to London extremely quickly in order to seek clarifications and make the views of the EU known on this issue. "Which led to the deadline which was set for the UK to withdraw the provisions from the draft Internal Market Bill. "This is what we expect from the United Kingdom and we have made our views extremely clear. "And we are not going to speculate on anything in the meantime. "We are waiting to see the developments in London on this issue." 12.35pm update: Don't panic, Coveney tells colleagues Nevertheless, Mr Coveney urged his colleagues in Dublin not to panic at Boris Johnson's latest move. He said: "Let's wait and see what happens to this Bill because I think there is certainly an awful lot of division within Westminster as to whether it is acceptable or not to do that. "We only saw the first round of debate on that yesterday and the first vote. "We need to ensure that we don't obsess with what is happening in the House of Commons and instead we need to focus on how we can rebuild some trust in the relationship between the EU and the UK in a way that actually can provide, through negotiations, solutions to outstanding issues that concern both sides. "The big prize here is to get a deal on a future relationship, particularly on a trade agreement, that avoids tariffs and quotas being implemented on trade crossing the Irish sea which is worth about 80 billion euros a year."
Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney
12.30pm update: Coveney criticises 'shocking' UK Government legislation Simon Coveney described the decision by the British Government to vote through controversial legislation designed to override key elements of the Brexit deal as "pretty shocking". The Foreign Affairs Minister said the "deliberate strategy" of the British Government damages its reputation internationally. The UK Internal Market Bill cleared its first Commons hurdle on Monday despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories. Boris Johnson's controversial plan to use domestic law to supersede elements of the Withdrawal Agreement he signed with Brussels passed its second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77. Mr Coveney said the "unwelcome distraction" has eroded trust on both sides of the negotiating teams in the search for a trade deal. He added: "For many people it's pretty shocking that the British Government is voting through its parliament a Bill that breaks international law. "I don't ever remember a time that has happened before. 10.51am update: EU will 'bend over backwards' for UK trade despite 'incredible' threats Brexiteer economist Catherine McBride has argued the EU should be jumping at the opportunity to have a prosperous future relationship with the UK. Economist Catherine McBride insisted the EU should be bending over backwards to trade with the UK. While speaking to Jonathan Saxty on Brexit Watch, Ms McBride argued the UK is able to source most of what we get from the EU from other countries, potentially cheaper. She claimed, for this reason, the EU should be excited at the prospect of still having a close relationship with the UK post-Brexit. 10.26am update: German investor confidence rises despite Brexit worries Investor sentiment in Germany rose unexpectedly in September, the ZEW economic research institute said on Tuesday, signalling confidence in a recovery from the coronavirus crisis despite headwinds from stalled Brexit talks and rising new infections. The survey of investors' economic sentiment rose to 77.4 from 71.5 points the previous month, confounding a forecast for a fall to 69.8 in a Reuters poll. ZEW President Achim Wambach said: "The ZEW Indicator has increased again, signalling that the experts continue to expect a noticeable recovery of the German economy. "However, the still negative outlook for the banking sector reveals fears of a rising number of loan defaults in the coming six months." A separate gauge of current conditions rose to -66.2 from -81.3 points the previous month. That compared with a consensus forecast of -72.0 points. 10.10am update: Donald Trump warned 'soft Brexit would kill UK's chances of US trade Boris Johnson's hopes of striking a trade deal with the US would be thwarted as a result of a soft Brexit US President Donald Trump warned, unearthed accounts reveal. Last week, the Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi warned the UK that there will be "absolutely no chance" of a trade deal with the US passing Congress should the Government override the Brexit withdrawal agreement signed by the Prime Minister. The Democrat said Brexit could not be allowed to "imperil" the Good Friday Agreement – brokered to establish peace in Northern Ireland after years of sectarian unrest. It comes after Mr Johnson unveiled plans to override key elements of last year's Brexit deal with the EU regarding Northern Ireland checks. In 2018, Mr Trump told former Prime Minister Theresa May that a soft Brexit would have "killed" the chance of a trade deal with the US, in comments that hugely undermined her attempts to win support for her Chequers deal. 9.46am update: Macron's Brexit REVENGE: UK warned France to force huge disruption over EU exit bill fury Emmaneul Macron could choose to cause significant disruption to the UK as payback for the new Brexit Bill, according to an expert. Political commentator James Forsyth warned the UK's push for its Brexit Internal Market Bill could result in repercussions from EU member states. While speaking on Spectator TV, Mr Forsyth claimed France's President Emmanuel Macron could cause delays at Calais to prove a point. As a retaliation move, Mr Macron could demand that all lorries entering to and from the UK are checked instead of checks based on intelligence.
Jacob Rees-Mogg's tweet
9.25am update: 'We must protect ourselves' - Rees-Mogg The UK has no option but to take defend itself against anything which threatens the integrity of the UK, leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg has said after last night's debate. Mr Rees-Mogg, Tory MP for North East Somerset, tweeted: "The UK must protect itself if the EU tries to break up the nation." 9.10am update: Brexit WRECKERS - Uprising grows against Boris' EU masterplan - Tory rebels IN FULL Boris Johnson's plan to override parts of the withdrawal agreement signed with the European Union cleared its first hurdle in the House of Commons, but the Prime Minister is facing a growing Tory rebellion as ministers vow to vote for and push through crucial amendments. MPs voted to give the Internal Market Bill, which Brussels has warned the UK to scrap by the end of this month, a second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77. Two Tory MPs - Sir Roger Gale and Andrew Percy - voted against the Bill, while 30 did not cast a vote at all. The full list of abstenations were: Stuart Andrew, Crispin Blunt, Karen Bradley, Graham Brady, Rehman Chishti, Christopher Chope, Geoffrey Cox, Jackie Doyle-Price, Tobias Ellwood, Liam Fox, George Freeman, Richard Graham, Stephen Hammond, Oliver Heald, James Heappey, Damian Hinds, Simon Hoare, Sajid Javid, Edward Leigh, Jack Lopresti, Tim Loughton, Theresa May, Bob Neill, Owen Paterson, Julian Smith, Ben Spencer, John Stevenson, Gary Streeter, Charles Walker, Jeremy Wright. There are likely several reasons why a minister may not have been able to vote - for example, Graham Brady is chairing some of the committee stage so has to remain impartial, while Theresa May is on a visit to South Korea.
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar may be considering the viability of the coalition, said Mr Bassett
9.04am update: Ireland PANIC MODE - nervy Varadkar considers destroying Dublin's bumbling coalition Ireland's teetering coalition government is on verge of imploding, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin in "serious trouble" and a general election in the shadow of Brexit a distinct possibility, a former top diplomat has said. Such is the seriousness of the crisis, Ray Bassett, Ireland's former ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas, believes former leader Leo Varadkar may even be tempted to pull the plug his Fine Gael party out of the three-party deal with Mr Martin's Fianna Fail and the Greens, led by Eamon Ryan. Meanwhile, if the country does go to the polls, he predicted Sinn Fein's Mary Lou MacDonald would stand a good chance of becoming Ireland's next Taoiseach - with Ireland likely to face a straight choice between her and Mr Varadkar. Mr Bassett, who recently published his new book, Ireland and the EU Post Brexit, told Express.co.uk: "I have no doubt but that Martin is in serious trouble." 8.39am update: "We are NOT breaking the law," insists Patel Ms Patel has also appeared to contradict Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, who said in the Commons last week the Government's legislation represented a breach of international law. Speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley, she insisted: "We are absolutely not doing that." 8.27am update: Priti Patel issues dire warning to EU as she insists UK 'will NOT compromise' on Brexit Priti Patel issued a dire warning to the European Union as she reiterated the UK "will not compromise" on the integrity of the British internal market to secure a Brexit deal. Home Secretary Priti Patel warned the European Union the Conservative Party will continue to act on the manifesto pledge to deliver Brexit despite the threat of a no deal. Negotiations with Brussels have soured after the introduction of the Internal Market Bill in the Commons last week, a move the EU has claimed threatens the withdrawal agreement struck with the UK in January 2020. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Patel said: "There are important points to make about the Internal Market Bill but also about the approach that we are taking as a Government. 8.22am update: 'This flies in the face of all British tradition' Mr Mitchell said he backed large parts of the Bill, but would not back it unless it was amended, stating: "To ask members of the parliamentary party to walk through the Lobbies quite deliberately voting to breach international law is something which I cannot do. "And which is causing very considerable anxiety and worry on the backbenches. "We all want to help the Government with these negotiations, but to do that flies in the face of all British tradition." 8.19am update: Breaking international law "completely unacceptable", says Mitchell Former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell has said it would be "unacceptable" to breach international law with legislation to override the Brexit divorce deal. Tory MP for Sutton Coldfield Andrew Mitchell hit out at clauses in the Government's Internal Market Bill. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The proposition that we should march through the Lobby as lawmakers and say that we are going to ignore and disavow a law that we have passed, to do with the rule of law, that is completely unacceptable."
Brexit: Ignoring rule of law ‘unacceptable’ says Andrew Mitchell
8.05am update: Pound rises after Johnson's initial win Sterling rose to $1.2855 after a fall of 3.66 percent last week, after the Government's Internal Market Bill passed its first hurdle in the Commons. However, traders said the currency looks vulnerable as the EU warns Prime Minister Boris Johnson's bill would collapse trade talks and propel the United Kingdom towards a messy Brexit. Investors are now looking to central bank policy meetings in the United States on Wednesday and in Japan and Britain on Thursday. 7.53am update: Furious EU halts talks to THREATEN City of London's euro trade as negotiations get heated Furious EU leaders have threatened Brexit negotiations by choosing to delay their decision on whether the City of London should continue to deal with euro transactions. The EU’s decision could create risks for the clearing house trade in euros on the London Stock Exchange. Clearing houses are a mediator between buyers and sellers during trade. But UK and EU politicians have disputed clearing houses as cities including Paris want to use Brexit as a tool to argue over London’s influence on financial markets. 7.50am update: Two Tories voted against Government Two Conservative MPs rebelled to vote against giving the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill a second reading, according to the division list. They were Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) and Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole). Thirty Conservative MPs did not record a vote although this will be for a combination of reasons, including abstentions and MPs who have been excused from voting or paired with opposition MPs unable to vote. Among the 30 were former ministers Sajid Javid, Sir Bob Neill and Jeremy Wright, who had all indicated they could not support the Bill without changes.
Sir Roger Gale was one of two MPs who voted against the Government
7.45am update: Boris Johnson making same mistake as Harold Macmillan in EU talks Boris Johnson is making the same mistake with regards to the EU now as Harold Macmillan did in the 1960s, a historian suggested in a throwback report. British negotiators believe Downing Street’s plan to break international law may have helped reboot the trade talks by offering Brussels a reality check about the looming danger of a no-deal scenario. The publication of the internal market bill last week, under which key parts of the withdrawal agreement would be rewritten, has enraged the EU and prompted a fresh rebellion within the Conservative Party. Brussels has set Prime Minister Boris Johnson a three-week deadline to ditch his plans or face financial and trade sanctions, with the clear suggestion that negotiations over a future relationship will fail unless the most contentious parts of the proposed legislation are removed. 7.41am update: Furious Boris Johnson rolls his eyes in fierce House of Commons spat with Ed Miliband Watch the moment Ed Miliband lost it after Boris Johnson appeared to "roll his eyes" during a fierce clash in the House of Commons. Mr Miliband criticised the Prime Minister and the UK Government for considering breaking "international law" during a House of Commons debate on the controversial Internal Market Bill tabled by the Government. Critics of the Brexit legislation argue it undermines the UK's standing on the world stage after an admission last week from Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that it would break international law in a "specific and limited way". But the Prime Minister maintains the Bill is necessary in order to uphold the UK's sovereignty. During his statement in the House of Commons, the former Labour Party leader said about Mr Johnson: "I don't know why he is rolling his eyes!"
Labour's David Miliband presses Boris Johnson in the Commons
7.39am update: EU explodes in angry response to Boris victory - 'Trying to blame us!' EU Vice President Katarina Barley has lashed out at Brexiteers after MPs backed Boris Johnson's Internal Market Bill by a 77-person majority. The EU is concerned the Bill would give Britain the power to rewrite the withdrawal agreement which was signed off last year. The UK considers the Bill to be a defence against any attempt in the future by the EU to blockade food coming into Northern Ireland or impose customs checks. Ms Barley told BBC’s Newsnight that Brexiteers are “trying to blame the EU” for issues relating to a trade deal. 7.36am update: Union warns of "chaos and confusion" The 46-page report, dated last week, says an essential IT system used by hauliers will not be tested publicly until the end of November, one month before the UK's transition phase with Brussels ends. Leading union Unite warned on Monday that Britain's ports would be plunged into "chaos and confusion" in the new year unless customs systems and lorry parks are completed. The union said lorry drivers feared the complex computer software to deal with customs would not be ready by December 31, adding that most of the planned lorry parks have yet to be built. The latest developments come as Boris Johnson's controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels cleared its first Commons hurdle, despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories.


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--Matt Hancock shames Ashworth with exact COVID testing figures in Commons humiliation

The Health Secretary was confronted by Jonathan Ashworth after the Labour frontbencher tabled an urgent question in the Commons on the coronavirus testing shortages .
Mr Ashworth claimed Matt Hancock and his team had failed to deliver on the promised `` world-beating '' testing system and that instead of a `` whack-a-mole '' testing effort , the Government 's `` mullet is broken '' .
Labour 's shadow health secretary asked why the Government did not foresee a rise in infections .
He added : `` When schools reopen and people return to workplaces and social distancing becomes harder infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system was inevitable , so why did n't he use the summer to significantly expand NHS lab capacity and fix contact tracing ? ''
But the Labour MP was promptly shamed by Mr Hancock who proved the House the UK 's testing capacity is at record highs as he revealed yesterday 's whopping figures .
He said : `` The good news in responding to that is that capacity for testing is at a record high and he raised the issue about testing in the top 10 local authorities .
`` Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Speaker .
READ MORE : Hancock 's Moonshot testing plan dismantled by own task force adviser '' We processed yesterday 9,278 tests just in the pillar two so outside the NHS testing capacity in just those top 10 local authority areas .
`` Just yesterday , we processed 1,428 tests in his own local authority area .
`` So the good news is that capacity is at record levels and that record numbers of people are able to get tests .
`` I do n't deny that it is an enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service it 's inevitable that demand rises .
`` The challenge is to make sure that we priorities the tests that we have as a nation to those who most need them . ''
He added : `` He asks about the backlog , that 's now falling and is less than one day 's test processing capacity .
`` And he also asked about being able to have testing capacity so that we can re-enable the economy and we can get things going .
Ca n't see this Brexit poll ?
Click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As he well knows there is a huge effort to expand using the next generation technologies the tests that we need to reopen parts of the economy .
`` We will deliver on the challenges of today , I do n't deny those challenges but what I do is face the facts to deliver on those challenges rather than simply complaining . ''
The Health Secretary told MPs that the average distance travelled to a test site is now 5.8 miles .
He told the Commons : `` Everyone in this House knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of population than almost any other major nation and I can update the House that we have now carried out over 20 million tests for coronavirus in this country .
`` As we expand capacity further , we 're working around the clock to make sure everyone who needs a test can get a test .
DO N'T MISS : Internal email show Patrick Vallance ‘ told off ’ by Chris Whitty [ INSIGHT ] Priti Patel in fiery clash with BBC host over UK COVID tests capacity [ INTERVIEW ] Lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would YOU call police ?
[ POLL ] '' The vast majority of people who use our testing service get a test that is close to home and the average distance travelled to a test site is now just 5.8 miles , down from 6.4 miles last week . ''
Matt Hancock added that there are `` operational challenges '' with testing which the Government is `` working hard '' to fix .
He said : `` We 've seen a sharp rise in people coming forward for a test , including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout this pandemic we have prioritised testing according to need . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` I do not shirk from decisions about prioritisation .
They 're not always comfortable , but they are important .
`` The top priority is and always has been acute clinical care .
The next priority is social care , where we 're now sending over 100,000 tests a day because we 've all seen the risks this virus poses in care homes .
`` We 'll set out in full an updated prioritisation and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure our tests are used according to those priorities . ''

Matt Hancock reveals latest coronavirus testing figures
The Health Secretary was confronted by Jonathan Ashworth after the Labour frontbencher tabled an urgent question in the Commons on the coronavirus testing shortages. Mr Ashworth claimed Matt Hancock and his team had failed to deliver on the promised "world-beating" testing system and that instead of a "whack-a-mole" testing effort, the Government's "mullet is broken".
Trending
Labour's shadow health secretary asked why the Government did not foresee a rise in infections. He added: "When schools reopen and people return to workplaces and social distancing becomes harder infections rise. "So extra demand on the system was inevitable, so why didn't he use the summer to significantly expand NHS lab capacity and fix contact tracing?" But the Labour MP was promptly shamed by Mr Hancock who proved the House the UK's testing capacity is at record highs as he revealed yesterday's whopping figures. He said: "The good news in responding to that is that capacity for testing is at a record high and he raised the issue about testing in the top 10 local authorities. "Well, I've got the figures here, Mr Speaker. READ MORE: Hancock's Moonshot testing plan dismantled by own task force adviser
Matt Hancock clashed with Jonathan Ashworth over coronavirus testing shortages
Matt Hancock said coronavirus testing capacity is at a record high for the UK
"We processed yesterday 9,278 tests just in the pillar two so outside the NHS testing capacity in just those top 10 local authority areas. "Just yesterday, we processed 1,428 tests in his own local authority area. "So the good news is that capacity is at record levels and that record numbers of people are able to get tests. "I don't deny that it is an enormous challenge and when you have a free service it's inevitable that demand rises. "The challenge is to make sure that we priorities the tests that we have as a nation to those who most need them." He added: "He asks about the backlog, that's now falling and is less than one day's test processing capacity. "And he also asked about being able to have testing capacity so that we can re-enable the economy and we can get things going. Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Coronavirus antibody that 'blocks COVID-19' detailed by expert
"As he well knows there is a huge effort to expand using the next generation technologies the tests that we need to reopen parts of the economy. "We will deliver on the challenges of today, I don't deny those challenges but what I do is face the facts to deliver on those challenges rather than simply complaining." The Health Secretary told MPs that the average distance travelled to a test site is now 5.8 miles. He told the Commons: "Everyone in this House knows that we're doing more testing per head of population than almost any other major nation and I can update the House that we have now carried out over 20 million tests for coronavirus in this country. "As we expand capacity further, we're working around the clock to make sure everyone who needs a test can get a test. DON'T MISS:
Internal email show Patrick Vallance ‘told off’ by Chris Whitty [INSIGHT]
Priti Patel in fiery clash with BBC host over UK COVID tests capacity [INTERVIEW]
Lockdown POLL: After Priti Patel warning, would YOU call police? [POLL]


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--'More EU than British' DUP's Sammy Wilson furious as he brands Tory rebels 'EU agents'

Boris Johnson 's controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels has cleared its first Commons hurdle on Monday despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories .
MPs voted to give the UK Internal Market Bill a second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77 .
But as some Tory MPs obtained and two voted against the Bill , the DUP 's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson blasted those who attempted to thwart the Prime Minister 's Brexit efforts .
Speaking to TalkRADIO , Mr Wilson said : `` These agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past Prime Ministers or past Attorney Generals or law officers of half the crew that we have here in the House of Commons , they seem to have no ability to point the finger at the EU .
`` But when the Government takes upon itself legislation to defend the people of the United Kingdom and the internal market of the United Kingdom and to defend the Union , which is the United Kingdom , then they jump up and down .
`` And I ca n't understand this .
But it seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons that are more EU than British . ''
Two Tory MPs - Sir Roger Gale and Andrew Percy - voted against the Bill , while 30 did not cast a vote although some may have been `` paired '' with opposition MPs .
READ MORE : BBC 's Laura Kuenssberg warns PM to get ready for 'bigger ' Tory revolt The Government tally was bolstered by the support of seven DUP MPs .
The Prime Minister said the legislation was necessary to prevent the EU taking an `` extreme and unreasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland .
He said some in Brussels were now threatening to block UK agri-food exports to the EU and to insist on tariffs on all goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK .
However , some senior Conservatives warned they could not support the legislation in its present form after ministers admitted last week that it breached international law .
MPs will begin detailed line-by-line scrutiny of the Bill on Tuesday , with votes expected next week on amendments to the Northern Ireland provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't see this Brexit poll ?
Click here to open in your browser Sir Roger acknowledged he was in a `` tiny minority '' of Conservatives in voting against the Bill but predicted others could rebel when the Commons comes to consider the amendments which have been tabled .
`` I took a view that you fight this tooth and nail at every step .
Others have quite clearly decided they want to hold their fire .
There is much to play for yet , '' he told BBC2 's Newsnight .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the unusual step of opening the debate himself - said the `` protective '' measures were necessary because the EU was now trying to `` leverage '' the Northern Ireland protocol in the talks on a post-Brexit free trade deal .
He said Brussels negotiators were threatening to ban the sale of UK agri-food products anywhere in the EU , creating an `` instant and automatic '' prohibition on the movement of such goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland .
DO N'T MISS : Barnier WANTED Britain to leave EU all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oh dear Nicola !
Sturgeon ally admits major SNP Brexit defeat [ VIDEO ] Do n't put UK at risk !
William Hague issues desperate plea to Boris [ REACTION ]

Brexit: Sammy Wilson brands Tory rebels ‘more EU than British’
Boris Johnson's controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels has cleared its first Commons hurdle on Monday despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories. MPs voted to give the UK Internal Market Bill a second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77. But as some Tory MPs obtained and two voted against the Bill, the DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson blasted those who attempted to thwart the Prime Minister's Brexit efforts.
Trending
Speaking to TalkRADIO, Mr Wilson said: "These agents of the European Union, rather than past Prime Ministers or past Attorney Generals or law officers of half the crew that we have here in the House of Commons, they seem to have no ability to point the finger at the EU. "But when the Government takes upon itself legislation to defend the people of the United Kingdom and the internal market of the United Kingdom and to defend the Union, which is the United Kingdom, then they jump up and down. "And I can't understand this. But it seems that there are people in the House of Commons that are more EU than British." Two Tory MPs - Sir Roger Gale and Andrew Percy - voted against the Bill, while 30 did not cast a vote although some may have been "paired" with opposition MPs. READ MORE: BBC's Laura Kuenssberg warns PM to get ready for 'bigger' Tory revolt
Brexit news: DUP's Sammy Wilson brands Tory rebels 'agents of the European Union'
Brexit news: Boris Johnson's Bill cleared its first Commons hurdle despite deep misgivings
The Government tally was bolstered by the support of seven DUP MPs. The Prime Minister said the legislation was necessary to prevent the EU taking an "extreme and unreasonable" interpretation of the provisions in the Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland. He said some in Brussels were now threatening to block UK agri-food exports to the EU and to insist on tariffs on all goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. However, some senior Conservatives warned they could not support the legislation in its present form after ministers admitted last week that it breached international law. MPs will begin detailed line-by-line scrutiny of the Bill on Tuesday, with votes expected next week on amendments to the Northern Ireland provisions which some Tories may back. Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Priti Patel insists government won’t ‘compromise’ on Brexit
Sir Roger acknowledged he was in a "tiny minority" of Conservatives in voting against the Bill but predicted others could rebel when the Commons comes to consider the amendments which have been tabled. "I took a view that you fight this tooth and nail at every step. Others have quite clearly decided they want to hold their fire. There is much to play for yet," he told BBC2's Newsnight. In the Commons, Mr Johnson - who took the unusual step of opening the debate himself - said the "protective" measures were necessary because the EU was now trying to "leverage" the Northern Ireland protocol in the talks on a post-Brexit free trade deal. He said Brussels negotiators were threatening to ban the sale of UK agri-food products anywhere in the EU, creating an "instant and automatic" prohibition on the movement of such goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. DON'T MISS:
Barnier WANTED Britain to leave EU all along, claims ex-MEP [COMMENT]
Oh dear Nicola! Sturgeon ally admits major SNP Brexit defeat [VIDEO]
Don't put UK at risk! William Hague issues desperate plea to Boris [REACTION]


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--Brexit fishing betrayal: Brexiteer fears Boris could use fishing as last minute compromise

Think tank The Bruges Group 's Dr Niall McCrae argued Boris Johnson could be considering caving to the UK on fishing access in the Brexit talks with the EU .
During an interview with Express.co.uk , Dr McCrae noted that fishing rights acted as a symbol for those who wanted to cut ties with the EU .
However , he admitted that as it represents a small percent of the UK 's total GDP , the UK Brexit team may throw it in for the EU to ensure an overall prosperous Brexit deal .
Dr McCrae said : `` Fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our GDP .
`` I think fishing would be something the Government may be inclined to throw in as a last-minute compromise .
`` I think that would be a massive mistake . ''
Dr McCrae argued why he was against the Government considering this and the potential issues it could cause .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit breakthrough : EU should 'bend over backwards ' to trade with UK Ca n't see this Brexit poll above ?
Click here to open in your browser `` It would be a mistake for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing industry in Britain is quite minor these days is because of the EU .
`` The EU destroyed our fishing industry and that does n't mean we ca n't rebuild it .
`` There are many towns around the coast of the United Kingdom , faded towns , that have struggled with all kinds of social problems because the fishing industry died .
Ca n't see this Brexit poll ?
Click here to open in your browser

Brexit: Fisheries may be a 'last minute compromise' says expert
Think tank The Bruges Group's Dr Niall McCrae argued Boris Johnson could be considering caving to the UK on fishing access in the Brexit talks with the EU. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Dr McCrae noted that fishing rights acted as a symbol for those who wanted to cut ties with the EU. However, he admitted that as it represents a small percent of the UK's total GDP, the UK Brexit team may throw it in for the EU to ensure an overall prosperous Brexit deal.
Trending
Dr McCrae said: "Fishing is actually quite a small proportion of our GDP. "I think fishing would be something the Government may be inclined to throw in as a last-minute compromise. "I think that would be a massive mistake." Dr McCrae argued why he was against the Government considering this and the potential issues it could cause. DON'T MISS: Brexit breakthrough: EU should 'bend over backwards' to trade with UK
Brexit fishing betrayal: Brexiteer warns Boris will cave to EU and FAIL UK fishermen
Brexit fishing news: A frustrated Brexiteer warned Boris Johnson could sell out UK fishermen in hopes of securing a Brexit deal.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Can't see this Brexit poll above? Click here to open in your browser "It would be a mistake for two reasons. "The fact that the fishing industry in Britain is quite minor these days is because of the EU. "The EU destroyed our fishing industry and that doesn't mean we can't rebuild it. "There are many towns around the coast of the United Kingdom, faded towns, that have struggled with all kinds of social problems because the fishing industry died. Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
Brexit fishing news: Dr McCrae added he beleived Brexit was a great opportunity to help restore the strength of fishing towns across the UK.
Brexit: Expert on 'crucial' difference in travel after UK leaves EU
Brexit fishing news: Dr McCrae also noted that the UK fishing industry had the opportunity to thrive regardless of whether an EU trade deal was agreed.


thedailyexpress--2020-09-15--BBC's Laura Kuenssberg warns Boris to brace for 'bigger Tory rebellion' in House of Lords

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters .
Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights .
Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again .
Boris Johnson 's controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels has cleared its first Commons hurdle despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories .
MPs voted to give the UK Internal Market Bill a second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77 .
But BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg warned the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` bigger rebellion '' when the Bill reaches the House of Lords and goes back to the Commons for its third reading .
She told BBC Radio 4 's Today : `` There is a strong likelihood that the rebellion next week might be bigger around Bob Neill amendment that would be a pressure vow and perhaps an eventual concession for the Government .
`` And it 's heading for a red brick wall in the House of Lords .
`` The House of protests with big names including former Prime Ministers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary , expressing his concerns too .
`` It all gave a picture of genuine and distinct unhappiness among many of the Tory backbenchers including some ministers .
`` But the Government right now is adamant it will not back down creating a lot of noise , giving this impression of taking a hardcore stance against the EU .
`` Their card has been marked though and at the very least , there 's likely to be a lot of oxygen-sucking parliamentary going backwards and forwards over this Bill over the next few @ @ @

Boris Johnson facing Tory 'rebellion' warns Laura Kunessberg
Boris Johnson's controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels has cleared its first Commons hurdle despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories. MPs voted to give the UK Internal Market Bill a second reading by 340 to 263 - a Government majority of 77. But BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg warned the Prime Minister will be in for an even "bigger rebellion" when the Bill reaches the House of Lords and goes back to the Commons for its third reading.
Trending
She told BBC Radio 4's Today: "There is a strong likelihood that the rebellion next week might be bigger around Bob Neill amendment that would be a pressure vow and perhaps an eventual concession for the Government. "And it's heading for a red brick wall in the House of Lords. "The House of protests with big names including former Prime Ministers and this morning Lord Hague, former Foreign Secretary, expressing his concerns too. "It all gave a picture of genuine and distinct unhappiness among many of the Tory backbenchers including some ministers. "But the Government right now is adamant it will not back down creating a lot of noise, giving this impression of taking a hardcore stance against the EU. "Their card has been marked though and at the very least, there's likely to be a lot of oxygen-sucking parliamentary going backwards and forwards over this Bill over the next few weeks." READ MORE: Boris Johnson: Trump warned 'soft Brexit would kill UK-US trade deal'
BBC News: Laura Kuenssberg warns Boris Johnson will face 'bigger rebellion' on Bill next week
Brexit news: Boris Johnson's Bill cleared its first Commons hurdle despite warnings by senior Tories
Lord Hague warned even staunch Brexiteers were against the Bill which could see domestic UK law contradict international law, such as the Good Friday Agreement that saw the end of conflict in Northern Ireland. Lord Hague pointed referenced former Attorney General and ardent Brexiteer Geoffrey Cox, who has warned the Prime Minister “it is unconscionable that this country, justly famous for its regard for the rule of law around the world, should act in such a way”. The former Foreign Secretary agreed with the Northern Ireland Secretary in saying it would be "a serious foreign policy error to deliberately abrogate and international treaty". Hague said he relied on international law on a daily basis during his time in Westminster. Can't see this Brexit poll? Click here to open in your browser
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Priti Patel insists government won’t ‘compromise’ on Brexit
He cited the many treaties, conventions, and agreements the UK has made with other nations and how they are crucial in dealing with incidents such as prisoner release, as in the case of British citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, still held in Iran. International law, the Tory peer claimed, was crucial in ensuring a level playing field in international taxation, or confiscation of assets, or discriminatory exclusion from a domestic market. When China breaches international maritime law in the South China Sea, the UK is able to call Beijing out on its breach. The Conservative peer described how the UK could not lecture China on its breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration with its nefarious New Security Law if Britain in turn breached the Good Friday Agreement with the Internal Market Bill. DON'T MISS:
Brexit WRECKERS: Uprising against Boris masterplan - Tory rebels list [INSIGHT]
Macron Brexit REVENGE: UK warned France to force major disruption [ANALYSIS]
Boris Johnson braces for Tory revolt in Brexit Commons showdown [INTERVIEW]


thedailyexpress--2020-09-18--EU backs down: Barnier caves to Boris in N Ireland Brexit row after nuclear option threat

Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief haggler , told his UK counterpart Lord Frost the EU was not serious about preventing food shipments being sent to the province .
It comes after a “ useful ” week of informal talks between the two sides in Brussels as the post-Brexit negotiations reach a critical point .
Earlier in the week Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused the EU of being “ abusive ” negotiators in the wrangling over a free-trade agreement .
But Brussels diplomats have rowed back from the threat after it threatened to blow up the future relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiations said : “ Barnier has said there is no obstacle to listing and normal process will be followed.
” Previously the EU had suggested the UK could be prevented from exporting to the bloc unless the Government published its exact post-Brexit plans for food safety .
Lord Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s lead Brexit envoy , was in Brussels this week for crunch talks with his counterpart .
They dismissed fears the future relationship talks would collapse after a row over legislation published by Downing Street that allows ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government spokesman said : “ The UK ’ s negotiating team had useful informal discussions with the EU this week as we seek to reach an agreement by mid-October on our future relationship .
“ These covered a broad range of issues and some limited progress was made , but significant gaps remain in key areas , including fisheries and subsidies .
We will continue to work hard to bridge those gaps in talks next week , without compromising our fundamental position of being an independent country.
” But the row over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU chiefs demand legally-binding clauses to protect any future trade agreement from being breached .
The bloc is angry that Downing Street has considered ripping up the terms of the divorce deal signed by the Prime Minister less than a year ago .
Brussels sources yesterday indicated that the bloc ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier could table new “ governance ” rules to the future cross-Channel relationship .
He is understood to want extra guarantees that the UK Government can not break any deal agreed between the two sides .
His move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister ’ s Internal Market Bill , which ministers admit has the potential to put Britain at odds with international law .
EU officials refused to drop their opposition to the measure yesterday even though Mr Johnson caved in to Tory rebels by giving Parliament a say over any changes to Northern Ireland customs rules .
One diplomatic source said : “ If we want to make progress , we might need less content on a level-playing field but then you absolutely need a rocksolid governance system .
“ I think the developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its importance , and there is a broad feeling among member states that it is even more important .
”

Brexit: Barnier's 'decisive days ahead' remark analysed by expert
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief haggler, told his UK counterpart Lord Frost the EU was not serious about preventing food shipments being sent to the province. It comes after a “useful” week of informal talks between the two sides in Brussels as the post-Brexit negotiations reach a critical point. Earlier in the week Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused the EU of being “abusive” negotiators in the wrangling over a free-trade agreement.
Trending
But Brussels diplomats have rowed back from the threat after it threatened to blow up the future relationship talks. A UK source close to the negotiations said: “Barnier has said there is no obstacle to listing and normal process will be followed.” Previously the EU had suggested the UK could be prevented from exporting to the bloc unless the Government published its exact post-Brexit plans for food safety.
Michel Barnier is ready to back down in a row over food exports
Lord Frost, the Prime Minister’s lead Brexit envoy, was in Brussels this week for crunch talks with his counterpart. They dismissed fears the future relationship talks would collapse after a row over legislation published by Downing Street that allows ministers to overwrite the Withdrawal Agreement. A Government spokesman said: “The UK’s negotiating team had useful informal discussions with the EU this week as we seek to reach an agreement by mid-October on our future relationship.
“These covered a broad range of issues and some limited progress was made, but significant gaps remain in key areas, including fisheries and subsidies. We will continue to work hard to bridge those gaps in talks next week, without compromising our fundamental position of being an independent country.” But the row over the Government's Internal Market Bill has seen EU chiefs demand legally-binding clauses to protect any future trade agreement from being breached. The bloc is angry that Downing Street has considered ripping up the terms of the divorce deal signed by the Prime Minister less than a year ago.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Brussels sources yesterday indicated that the bloc’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier could table new “governance” rules to the future cross-Channel relationship. He is understood to want extra guarantees that the UK Government cannot break any deal agreed between the two sides. His move follows anger in Brussels at the Prime Minister’s Internal Market Bill, which ministers admit has the potential to put Britain at odds with international law.


thedailyexpress--2020-09-18--Brussels fury: EU plans to RAMP UP Brexit demands after Boris's threats sparks panic

Brussels sources said the bloc is now closely examining its “ governance ” position to ensure any future relationship pact with the UK is unbreakable .
Michel Barnier is said to be assessing a much stricter framework to enforce the terms of any agreement struck before the end of the year .
The move comes after the Prime Minister published legislation that would hand ministers the power to ignore EU customs checks and state aid rules in Northern Ireland .
Despite the provocation from London , European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen still believes a deal is possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ even accept less stringent level-playing field regulations if a stronger enforcement measure is found .
One diplomatic source said : “ If we want to make progress , we might need less content on a level-playing field but then you absolutely need a rocksolid governance system .
“ I think the developments of the last week have actually shown its importance , and there is a broad feeling among member states that it is even more important.
” The final governance structure will likely hold a series of mini deals , on trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one framework .
The bloc wants a cross-cutting mechanism to allow infringements to be punishable in different areas of the treaty from where any breach may happen .
Mrs von der Leyen today said the bloc ’ s legal dispute with Britain over a breach of the divorce deal will stay separate from the trade negotiations .
She said : “ I am still convinced it can be done . ''
European sources have welcomed suggestions by Downing Street that its Internal Market Bill could be watered down to quash a Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One EU diplomat said : “ We should not overreact .
“ We will continue negotiations because there are two separate tracks : one is the one which the UK has decided to violate , and the other is the future relationship.
” No 10 published a policy paper suggesting ministers would first exhaust dispute mechanisms within the Withdrawal Agreement before opting to overrule the treaty .

Brexit: No10 feels there has been 'movement' from EU says expert
Brussels sources said the bloc is now closely examining its “governance” position to ensure any future relationship pact with the UK is unbreakable. Michel Barnier is said to be assessing a much stricter framework to enforce the terms of any agreement struck before the end of the year. The move comes after the Prime Minister published legislation that would hand ministers the power to ignore EU customs checks and state aid rules in Northern Ireland.
Trending
Despite the provocation from London, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen still believes a deal is possible. EU diplomats have hinted the bloc could even accept less stringent level-playing field regulations if a stronger enforcement measure is found. One diplomatic source said: “If we want to make progress, we might need less content on a level-playing field but then you absolutely need a rocksolid governance system. “I think the developments of the last week have actually shown its importance, and there is a broad feeling among member states that it is even more important.”
Michel Barnier is expected to table tougher trade demands after UK threats to rip up Brexit deal
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
The final governance structure will likely hold a series of mini deals, on trade in goods, security and fisheries, in one framework. The bloc wants a cross-cutting mechanism to allow infringements to be punishable in different areas of the treaty from where any breach may happen. Mrs von der Leyen today said the bloc’s legal dispute with Britain over a breach of the divorce deal will stay separate from the trade negotiations. She said: “I am still convinced it can be done."
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
David Frost and Michel Barnier conducted more talks in Brussels this week
European sources have welcomed suggestions by Downing Street that its Internal Market Bill could be watered down to quash a Tory rebellion over plans to break international law. One EU diplomat said: “We should not overreact. “We will continue negotiations because there are two separate tracks: one is the one which the UK has decided to violate, and the other is the future relationship.” No 10 published a policy paper suggesting ministers would first exhaust dispute mechanisms within the Withdrawal Agreement before opting to overrule the treaty. MUST READ: EU can’t talk! Brexit has exposed EU’s double standards
Boris Johnson's Internal Market Bill has been met with fury in the EU
Brexit: 'Little' Scotland can do over bill warns Anand Menon


thedailyexpress--2020-09-17--‘Accept it, your party is finished here!’ Keir Starmer brutally attacked by SNP MP

Mr Chapman said : “ Why we can ’ t have someone who doesn ’ t have a vote in Scotland deciding on our future .
“ Sir Keir , please just accept your party is finished here .
# IndependentScotland.
” Ahead of his Scotland visit , Sir Keir insisted the country is “ deeply important ” to him and Labour .
Writing in The Scotsman , he said : “ I am in no doubt that we have a mountain to climb , both at the next UK general election and next year ’ s Holyrood elections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform Labour will enter those elections on .
“ Our priority will not be another divisive independence referendum – it will be properly funding our National Health Service , protecting jobs and investing in our children ’ s future .
“ Those are the priorities of the Scottish people , and they are my priorities as leader of the Labour party.
” During his trip to Edinburgh , Sir Keir said he was there to help `` unite and unify '' the party after Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard had several MSPs on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I ran the entire leadership campaign to become leader of the Labour Party on the argument that we needed to unite and unify our party , and that 's among the reasons I 'm here in Scotland today .
`` That 's why I 'm talking to colleagues in Scottish Labour , because what I want to see in Scotland is our party to pull together and to focus on the job in hand .
`` Which is what we need to do between now and next May in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Labour leader also said he wants to `` restore trust in Scotland in the Labour Party as a force for good and a force for change '' .
DO N'T MISS Sturgeon squirms when confronted over paradoxical COVID-19 demands [ VIDEO ] Shetland Islands independence could be dire for SNP [ INSIGHT ] Boris mocks 'convert ' Blackford as SNP MP explodes at 'power-grab ' [ ANALYSIS ] And Sir Keir dismissed calls for another referendum on Scottish independence .
He said : `` One of my frustrations is that in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got infection rates going back up again , we 've got Boris Johnson and his Government reopening Brexit , breaking international law and stirring up old divisions .
`` And you 've got the SNP talking about independence , when in my view we should all be talking about how we work together to defeat the virus .
`` I do n't think that now is the time for a further divisive referendum and that 's my message , that 's the argument we will be making between now and May . ''

Keir Starmer grilled on ‘changing his mind’ over Indyref2 remarks
SNP MP Douglas Chapman furiously urged Sir Keir to “accept” that his party is “finished” north of the border. His angry outburst comes as the Labour leader travelled to Scotland today.
Mr Chapman said: “Why we can’t have someone who doesn’t have a vote in Scotland deciding on our future. “Sir Keir, please just accept your party is finished here. #IndependentScotland.” Ahead of his Scotland visit, Sir Keir insisted the country is “deeply important” to him and Labour. Writing in The Scotsman, he said: “I am in no doubt that we have a mountain to climb, both at the next UK general election and next year’s Holyrood elections.
Sir Keir Starmer has been laid into by an SNP MP after the Labour leader visited Scotland.
SNP MP Douglas Chapman furiously urged Sir Keir to “accept” that his party is “finished” north of the border
“But I am confident of the platform Labour will enter those elections on. “Our priority will not be another divisive independence referendum – it will be properly funding our National Health Service, protecting jobs and investing in our children’s future. “Those are the priorities of the Scottish people, and they are my priorities as leader of the Labour party.” During his trip to Edinburgh, Sir Keir said he was there to help "unite and unify" the party after Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard had several MSPs on his front bench resign. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon erupts at Downing Street blame claims
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The Labour leader travelled to Scotland on Thursday
He said: "I ran the entire leadership campaign to become leader of the Labour Party on the argument that we needed to unite and unify our party, and that's among the reasons I'm here in Scotland today. "That's why I'm talking to colleagues in Scottish Labour, because what I want to see in Scotland is our party to pull together and to focus on the job in hand. "Which is what we need to do between now and next May in relation to the (Scottish) election." The Labour leader also said he wants to "restore trust in Scotland in the Labour Party as a force for good and a force for change". DON'T MISS
Sturgeon squirms when confronted over paradoxical COVID-19 demands [VIDEO]
Shetland Islands independence could be dire for SNP [INSIGHT]
Boris mocks 'convert' Blackford as SNP MP explodes at 'power-grab' [ANALYSIS]
Sir Keir said he was there to help "unite and unify" the party after Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard had several MSPs on his front bench resign
The Labour leader also said he wants to "restore trust in Scotland in the Labour Party as a force for good and a force for change"
And Sir Keir dismissed calls for another referendum on Scottish independence. He said: "One of my frustrations is that in the middle of a pandemic when we've got infection rates going back up again, we've got Boris Johnson and his Government reopening Brexit, breaking international law and stirring up old divisions. "And you've got the SNP talking about independence, when in my view we should all be talking about how we work together to defeat the virus. "I don't think that now is the time for a further divisive referendum and that's my message, that's the argument we will be making between now and May."
Trending