thedailyexpress--2020-09-07--Let EU fishermen in! Barnier lashes out at Boris as Brussels makes UK waters power grab

The Brussels diplomat hit out at his British counterpart for trying to secure a “ best of both worlds ” divorce from the bloc .
The Frenchman said : “ I remain worried ... the negotiations are difficult , because the British want the best of both worlds .
We did not go to bed , in the end the interests of the EU are respected .
“ There will be no agreement to the detriment of the single market.
” Mr Barnier insisted he would not agree to a free-trade agreement without a pact that secures access to Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Excluding European fishermen is not acceptable for us , ” the EU 's dealmaker fumed .
Speaking to French radio , Mr Barnier said the 27-member bloc must remain united until the end of the wrangling over a Brexit deal .
He said : “ There are people who do not wish us good , who want to destroy us , Mr Farage and his friends , we are not going to let it go .
“ The European Union is not a state , it is a community of 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This complexity is the price to pay for Europe to be united without being uniform.
” Mr Barnier is due to hold talks with Lord Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s Brexit envoy , in London later today .
The Frenchman insisted he would demand answers from Downing Street over reports the Government plans to use domestic legislation to overwrite the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol .
But the EU negotiator refused to comment whether the internal market bill , due to be published on Wednesday , could sink the Brexit talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fish ! '
Irish TD erupts at Boris Johnson

Michel Barnier: UK seeing ‘clear consequences of Brexit vote’
The Brussels diplomat hit out at his British counterpart for trying to secure a “best of both worlds” divorce from the bloc. The Frenchman said: “I remain worried ... the negotiations are difficult, because the British want the best of both worlds. We did not go to bed, in the end the interests of the EU are respected.
Trending
“There will be no agreement to the detriment of the single market.” Mr Barnier insisted he would not agree to a free-trade agreement without a pact that secures access to Britain’s fishing grounds for European vessels. “Excluding European fishermen is not acceptable for us,” the EU's dealmaker fumed.
Michel Barnier says he is worried for the fate of the post-brexit trade talks
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Speaking to French radio, Mr Barnier said the 27-member bloc must remain united until the end of the wrangling over a Brexit deal. He said: “There are people who do not wish us good, who want to destroy us, Mr Farage and his friends, we are not going to let it go. “The European Union is not a state, it is a community of 27 nations which have a national identity. “This complexity is the price to pay for Europe to be united without being uniform.”
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
Boris Johnson has given the EU 38 days to conclude a trade agreement
Mr Barnier is due to hold talks with Lord Frost, the Prime Minister’s Brexit envoy, in London later today. The Frenchman insisted he would demand answers from Downing Street over reports the Government plans to use domestic legislation to overwrite the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol. But the EU negotiator refused to comment whether the internal market bill, due to be published on Wednesday, could sink the Brexit talks. MUST READ:'Trading peace for fish!' Irish TD erupts at Boris Johnson
David Frost and Michel Barnier will meet in London for further talks this week
Laura Kuenssberg outlines Brexit similarities to September 2019


thedailyexpress--2020-09-08--Angela Merkel wades into Brexit row as Germany warns Britain MUST make concessions

The UK formally left the European Union back in January with the transition period in place until the end of the year .
Despite delays to trade talks due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic - both sides have warned a deal must be completed by October for it to be ratified in time before December 31 .
However , talks are currently in stalemate with neither side backing down .
And Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a fresh warning to the EU , insisting the UK would not be afraid of walking away from trade negotiations without a deal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a divorce deal between Britain and the EU can still be reached .
But they warned there is little time left and London must make concessions in the talks , according to Reuters .
The EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said negotiations on future relations were difficult .
But Mr Barnier declined to comment on reports Britain is planning to introduce legislation which could override parts of the withdrawal agreement .
It was reported today , ministers are planning new legislation which could override key parts of last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move could change Northern Ireland customs arrangements intended to prevent a return to checks at the border with the Republic of Ireland .
In response to reports , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` We are fully committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol and we have already taken many practical steps to do . ''
Ms Merkel ’ s claims come after Mr Johnson refused to prolong Brexit talks as diplomats expect negotiations to run past November .
The Prime Minister insisted a free trade agreement must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Council summit on October 15 .
In a statement , Mr Johnson said both sides are now entering a crucial phase of negotiations but stressed he is hoping for a deal .
He said : “ We are now entering the final phase of our negotiations with the EU .
DO N'T MISS Michel Barnier could 'walk out ' of crunch Brexit talks with Frost [ REVEAL ] Brexit news : UK using Ireland ’ s EU access to secure better terms [ INSIGHT ] They 're FINALLY getting it !
German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COMMENT ] “ The EU have been very clear about the timetable .
I am too .
“ There needs to be an agreement with our European friends by the time of the European Council on 15 October if it ’ s going to be in force by the end of the year .
“ So there is no sense in thinking about timelines that go beyond that point .
“ If we can ’ t agree by then , then I do not see that there will be a free trade agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept that and move on .
”

Brexit: Joe Biden may favour Germany over UK says expert
The UK formally left the European Union back in January with the transition period in place until the end of the year. Despite delays to trade talks due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic - both sides have warned a deal must be completed by October for it to be ratified in time before December 31. However, talks are currently in stalemate with neither side backing down.
Trending
And Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a fresh warning to the EU, insisting the UK would not be afraid of walking away from trade negotiations without a deal. Today, a German government spokesperson has said a divorce deal between Britain and the EU can still be reached. But they warned there is little time left and London must make concessions in the talks, according to Reuters. The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said negotiations on future relations were difficult.
Angela Merkel warns Britain must make concessions
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
But Mr Barnier declined to comment on reports Britain is planning to introduce legislation which could override parts of the withdrawal agreement. It was reported today, ministers are planning new legislation which could override key parts of last year’s withdrawal agreement. The move could change Northern Ireland customs arrangements intended to prevent a return to checks at the border with the Republic of Ireland. In response to reports, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "We are fully committed to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol and we have already taken many practical steps to do." READ MORE: Brexit revelation: Trade expert exposes Boris Johnson’s NI threat
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
Angela Merkel wades into Brexit discussions
Ms Merkel’s claims come after Mr Johnson refused to prolong Brexit talks as diplomats expect negotiations to run past November. The Prime Minister insisted a free trade agreement must be finalised in time for the crucial European Council summit on October 15. In a statement, Mr Johnson said both sides are now entering a crucial phase of negotiations but stressed he is hoping for a deal. He said: “We are now entering the final phase of our negotiations with the EU. DON'T MISS
Michel Barnier could 'walk out' of crunch Brexit talks with Frost [REVEAL]
Brexit news: UK using Ireland’s EU access to secure better terms [INSIGHT]
They're FINALLY getting it! German economist admits serious ‘concern' [COMMENT]
Economic loss per EU state in hard Brexit outcome
“The EU have been very clear about the timetable. I am too. “There needs to be an agreement with our European friends by the time of the European Council on 15 October if it’s going to be in force by the end of the year. “So there is no sense in thinking about timelines that go beyond that point. “If we can’t agree by then, then I do not see that there will be a free trade agreement between us, and we should both accept that and move on.”
Boris to end transition with or without deal


thedailyexpress--2020-09-08--EU shuts down Nicola Sturgeon plot after SNP alarm bells ring in no deal Brexit panic

Boris Johnson set a five-week deadline for talks on a free trade deal to reach an agreement or for both sides to accept there will be no deal when the current transition period ends at the end of the year .
But senior Scottish figures have reacted with dismay after it was reported the Government was set to table new legislation which could override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement which sealed the UK 's departure from the bloc in January .
Downing Street said the Government was proposing `` limited clarifications '' to the law to ensure ministers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement in the event of no deal .
Now the SNP led administration in Scotland are looking at their options with Europe amid fears Lord Frost and his negotiating team could walk away from talks without a deal .
Express.co.uk understands the Scottish Government could potentially seek `` warmer '' discussions with Brussels on their future relationship as fears of a no deal increase .
A Scottish Government source said “ the will of the Scottish people needs to be respected ” adding future relations with the EU were “ important ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Government were taking action to prepare for this worst-case scenario .
When asked about Scotland ’ s relationship with Brussels , Mr Russell told Express.co.uk that Holyrood seeks to have “ productive dialogue with all those with whom we work ” .
He stressed : “ We are sorry that it is so hard to do so at present with a UK Government that seems to want to dominate , not discuss .
“ A no deal outcome is in nobody ’ s interest.
” READ MORE : Tory plot launched to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU official close to the ongoing UK negotiations said they wo n't talk to Scotland until it actually wins independence from the UK .
“ We are negotiating with the UK government , ” the official added .
It comes as Lord Frost is due to hold another round of key negotiations in London with the EU 's chief negotiator , Michel Barnier , this week , as they look to find a solution to the remaining issues in order to have a deal readied for when the transition period comes to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shadows , Mr Russell is already leading a bid to keep Scotland linked with the EU through the UK Withdrawal from the European Union ( Continuity ) ( Scotland ) Bill , but academic experts have suggested the Bill will likely be shot down by Westminster .
DO N'T MISS : SNP civil war as Nicola Sturgeon attacked by OWN MP - division erupt [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon and Boris clash as she accuses PM of blocking ‘ democracy ’ [ LATEST ] Nicola Sturgeon gains support for Scottish indyref2 from Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost with Brexit and also includes provisions to ensure EU environmental principles and governance can continue in Scotland .
Part of this could see a new body called Environmental Standards Scotland set up to ensure compliance with environmental law .
Fergus Mutch , campaigner director of Eu+Me , a cross-party campaign to keep Scotland in the EU which is backed by the majority of Scotland ’ s political elite , said : “ The Prime Minister ’ s determination to haul the country so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Deal is as reckless as it is deeply troubling .
“ Let us be clear : under no circumstances would that be a 'good outcome ' .
“ A hard Brexit means economic catastrophe before we were in a global pandemic .
Now the consequences are unthinkable.
” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford had previously written to Boris Johnson to request an extension to the Brexit process earlier this summer .
Ms Sturgeon believes more time is required to complete negotiations and support businesses through recovery from the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government was now “ hurtling towards a disastrous Brexit outcome in the midst of a deep recession and global pandemic.
” He added : `` With talks with the EU due to resume tomorrow the UK has put itself in the position of being able to leave the transition period with one of two terrible outcomes - either a low deal or no deal .
Either will , without a shadow of a doubt , hit Scottish jobs and the Scottish economy very hard.
” He stressed Scotland ’ s interests are “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governance is mired in chaos and confusion '' .
He concluded : “ The Scottish Government remains of the firm belief that the people of Scotland have the right to choose their own future and is determined to make that happen.
” A UK government spokesman said : “ At all stages we have been clear that we want to achieve the best outcome for the whole of the UK .
“ We ’ ll continue to work with the Devolved Administrations to look to agree a modern system for supporting businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits all within the Union .
”

Nicola Sturgeon slammed by MSP for independence ‘obsession’
Boris Johnson set a five-week deadline for talks on a free trade deal to reach an agreement or for both sides to accept there will be no deal when the current transition period ends at the end of the year. But senior Scottish figures have reacted with dismay after it was reported the Government was set to table new legislation which could override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement which sealed the UK's departure from the bloc in January.
Trending
Downing Street said the Government was proposing "limited clarifications" to the law to ensure ministers can preserve the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in the event of no deal. Now the SNP led administration in Scotland are looking at their options with Europe amid fears Lord Frost and his negotiating team could walk away from talks without a deal. Express.co.uk understands the Scottish Government could potentially seek "warmer" discussions with Brussels on their future relationship as fears of a no deal increase. A Scottish Government source said “the will of the Scottish people needs to be respected” adding future relations with the EU were “important”.
Scotland could seek future ties with Europe
UK chief negotiator David Frost is meeting Michel Barnier this week
Constitution Secretary Michael Russell MSP said the Scottish Government were taking action to prepare for this worst-case scenario. When asked about Scotland’s relationship with Brussels, Mr Russell told Express.co.uk that Holyrood seeks to have “productive dialogue with all those with whom we work”. He stressed: “We are sorry that it is so hard to do so at present with a UK Government that seems to want to dominate, not discuss. “A no deal outcome is in nobody’s interest.” READ MORE: Tory plot launched to overthrow new SNP hate crime bill
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
Scotland could join the EU if it gains independence under IndyRef2
An EU official close to the ongoing UK negotiations said they won't talk to Scotland until it actually wins independence from the UK. “We are negotiating with the UK government,” the official added. It comes as Lord Frost is due to hold another round of key negotiations in London with the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, this week, as they look to find a solution to the remaining issues in order to have a deal readied for when the transition period comes to an end on December 31. But in the shadows, Mr Russell is already leading a bid to keep Scotland linked with the EU through the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill, but academic experts have suggested the Bill will likely be shot down by Westminster. DON'T MISS:
SNP civil war as Nicola Sturgeon attacked by OWN MP - division erupt [REVEAL]
Sturgeon and Boris clash as she accuses PM of blocking ‘democracy’ [LATEST]
Nicola Sturgeon gains support for Scottish indyref2 from Welsh [INSIGHT]
The Scottish Government have expressed anger over No 10s Brexit decisions
The Holyrood Bill could provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost with Brexit and also includes provisions to ensure EU environmental principles and governance can continue in Scotland. Part of this could see a new body called Environmental Standards Scotland set up to ensure compliance with environmental law. Fergus Mutch, campaigner director of Eu+Me, a cross-party campaign to keep Scotland in the EU which is backed by the majority of Scotland’s political elite, said: “The Prime Minister’s determination to haul the country so dangerously close to the precipice of a No Deal is as reckless as it is deeply troubling. “Let us be clear: under no circumstances would that be a 'good outcome'. “A hard Brexit means economic catastrophe before we were in a global pandemic. Now the consequences are unthinkable.”
EU officials said it would be open to discussions with an independent Scotland


thedailyexpress--2020-09-08--Brexit talks on the brink: Boris DEMANDS withdrawal agreement be re-written in EU showdown

According to Mr Johnson , the document leaves Northern Ireland isolated from the rest of the UK which was `` unforeseen '' when the settlement took place last year .
The news comes as the new round of trade discussions is set to start today in London .
The move has sparked outrage in Brussels , with the European Commission president , Ursula von der Leyen , saying the disagreement was a matter of `` trust '' .
Ms Von der Leyen warned that she would not do business with Britain in future if the UK did not comply with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Michel Barnier , the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator , who is set to arrive in London this morning , said abiding by the deal was a “ precondition ” for this week ’ s trade talks .
Critics of the Prime Minister argued that he is pushing for a “ no trade deal ” Brexit .
But David Frost , the UK 's chief negotiator , is set to tell Mr Barnier that the EU should come to terms with the “ reality ” that Britain is a sovereign state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time '' .
He added : `` We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground .
READ MORE : Trade talks with major ally BEGIN - Boris eyes up HUGE deal “ We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country .
“ As we have done from the beginning in public and in private , I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a free trade agreement based on those the EU has signed before with like-minded partners . ''
The UK 's chief negotiator said the UK had `` listened closely '' to what the bloc had to say and `` signalled flexibility ” .
However , he said : `` We have repeatedly made clear that key elements of our position derive from the fundamentals of being a sovereign state , and it 's time for the EU to fully recognise this reality . ''
DO N'T MISS : EU can maintain legal hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland [ INSIGHT ] Prince William heartbreak : Duke invoked EU law in bid to protect Kate [ REVEALED ] US election shock : Nancy Pelosi could become the next President [ UPDATES ] A Number 10 spokesman suggested that Mr Johsnon thought the initial agreement – negotiated by Theresa May – did not make sense and that the UK internal market would be `` compromised by unintended consequences '' if it was not rewritten .
The current legal situation is that , after December 31 , all goods passing from mainland Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks and tariffs .
Businesses in Northern Ireland would also have to complete customs forms for goods being shipped to the mainland , and mainland businesses selling goods in Northern Ireland could be subject to EU laws on state aid .
A senior Government source said some of the rules `` were not foreseen '' when the agreement was signed .
The source added : `` The protocol is contradictory in some respects – it talks about protecting the EU single market but also giving Northern Ireland unfettered access to the UK market @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Adam Fleming says Michel Barnier may 'walk out' of talks
Boris is expected to warn EU leaders that the current agreement would leave Northern Ireland unprotected. The Prime Minister will argue today that the UK-EU divorce deal must be amended.
Trending
According to Mr Johnson, the document leaves Northern Ireland isolated from the rest of the UK which was "unforeseen" when the settlement took place last year.
The news comes as the new round of trade discussions is set to start today in London.
The move has sparked outrage in Brussels, with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, saying the disagreement was a matter of "trust".
Ms Von der Leyen warned that she would not do business with Britain in future if the UK did not comply with the rules outlined by the Withdrawal Agreement. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, who is set to arrive in London this morning, said abiding by the deal was a “precondition” for this week’s trade talks.
Boris Johnson to demand rewritten withdrawal agreement in brutal warning
Critics of the Prime Minister argued that he is pushing for a “no trade deal” Brexit. But David Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, is set to tell Mr Barnier that the EU should come to terms with the “reality” that Britain is a sovereign state. Lord Frost will also "drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time". He added: "We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground. READ MORE: Trade talks with major ally BEGIN - Boris eyes up HUGE deal
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen
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
“We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country. “As we have done from the beginning in public and in private, I will reinforce our simple, reasonable request for a free trade agreement based on those the EU has signed before with like-minded partners." The UK's chief negotiator said the UK had "listened closely" to what the bloc had to say and "signalled flexibility”. However, he said: "We have repeatedly made clear that key elements of our position derive from the fundamentals of being a sovereign state, and it's time for the EU to fully recognise this reality." DON'T MISS:
EU can maintain legal hold on UK as Johnson seeks help from Ireland [INSIGHT]
Prince William heartbreak: Duke invoked EU law in bid to protect Kate [REVEALED]
US election shock: Nancy Pelosi could become the next President [UPDATES]
Brexit timeline
A Number 10 spokesman suggested that Mr Johsnon thought the initial agreement – negotiated by Theresa May – did not make sense and that the UK internal market would be "compromised by unintended consequences" if it was not rewritten. The current legal situation is that , after December 31, all goods passing from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland would be issued customs checks and tariffs. Businesses in Northern Ireland would also have to complete customs forms for goods being shipped to the mainland, and mainland businesses selling goods in Northern Ireland could be subject to EU laws on state aid.
A senior Government source said some of the rules "were not foreseen" when the agreement was signed.
The source added: "The protocol is contradictory in some respects – it talks about protecting the EU single market but also giving Northern Ireland unfettered access to the UK market. You can't have both.
David Frost, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator


thedailyexpress--2020-09-08--Labour civil war: McDonnell lashes out at 'plotters' hellbent on overthrowing party leader

The former Shadow Chancellor and MP for Hayes and Harlington made the remarks ahead of a Scottish Labour meeting in Holyrood .
Four MSPs from the party broke ranks last week to urge Mr Leonard to quit his position as leader .
Mr McDonnell and Mr Leonard have been partly blamed by the MSPs for Labour ’ s disastrous defeat in the 2019 general election .
Mr McDonnell , in a defence of the Scottish Labour leader , accused the four rebel MSPs of trying to “ to climb a few inches further up the greasy political pole ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in Scotland , where he said people were “ suffering , dying and losing their livelihoods ” .
Mr McDonnell labelled the MSPs as “ plotters ” who thought the pandemic was “ immaterial ” to them .
The former Shadow Chancellor also claimed Scottish voters would not forgive the MSPs for “ putting their own jobs and careers ahead of the jobs ” of workers threatened by the pandemic .
READ MORE : Scottish Labour leader Leonard humiliated as Starmer 's party now 'irrelevant ' in Edinburgh Ahead of the MSPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My advice is get real .
Get a sense of proportion .
“ Now is the time to put personal political career ambitions to one side and work together as a team to support Richard in making sure that the COVID pandemic is tackled effectively in Scotland and people 's income and jobs are protected . ''
Monday saw 145 new cases of coronavirus in Scotland .
SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently reintroduced lockdown measures in Glasgow and other areas due to the rising cases .
The former Shadow Chancellor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Mr Leonard ’ s party .
Scottish Labour ’ s justice spokesman James Kelly resigned from his position last week over fears the party leader would oversee a “ catastrophic result ” at next year 's Holyrood elections .
Jenny Marra , Daniel Johnston and Mark Griffin then joined Mr Kelly in calling for the leader to resign over election fears .
Mr Griffin , formerly the party ’ s social security spokesman , said to Mr Leonard : “ I do not have confidence in your ability , after three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around.
” DO N'T MISS Sturgeon forced to accept EU ’ s terms and common fisheries policy [ INSIGHT ] Nicola Sturgeon 's SIX major failures as Scotland 's First Minister [ ANALYSIS ] Scotland in danger of being ‘ left behind ’ with Sturgeon as SNP leader [ VIDEO ] But Mr Leonard has refused to step down , and insisted he will leader Scottish Labour into 2021 ’ s Holyrood elections .
He said yesterday Scottish Labour ’ s polling woes are “ part of a long-term trend ” , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their party polling in third and `` it still is in third place '' .
He added when asked if he would step down as leader : `` No , I ’ m not and I think that those people that have been calling this week for me to step down have underestimated both my resolve but also the mandate that I got . ''
The latest opinion poll by ComRes has Labour on 17 percent for the next Scottish elections to be held in May 2021 , a slight fall from @ @

Richard Leonard grilled on 'irrelevance' of Scottish Labour party
The former Shadow Chancellor and MP for Hayes and Harlington made the remarks ahead of a Scottish Labour meeting in Holyrood. Four MSPs from the party broke ranks last week to urge Mr Leonard to quit his position as leader. Mr McDonnell and Mr Leonard have been partly blamed by the MSPs for Labour’s disastrous defeat in the 2019 general election.
Trending
Mr McDonnell, in a defence of the Scottish Labour leader, accused the four rebel MSPs of trying to “to climb a few inches further up the greasy political pole”.
He also pointed to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Scotland, where he said people were “suffering, dying and losing their livelihoods”. Mr McDonnell labelled the MSPs as “plotters” who thought the pandemic was “immaterial” to them.
The former Shadow Chancellor also claimed Scottish voters would not forgive the MSPs for “putting their own jobs and careers ahead of the jobs” of workers threatened by the pandemic. READ MORE: Scottish Labour leader Leonard humiliated as Starmer's party now 'irrelevant' in Edinburgh
Labour news: John McDonnell has warned Scottish Labour MSPs to back their leader
Labour news: Richard Leonard has seen four Scottish Labour MSPs call for his resignation
Ahead of the MSPs meeting, the former frontbencher said: “My advice is get real. Get a sense of proportion. “Now is the time to put personal political career ambitions to one side and work together as a team to support Richard in making sure that the COVID pandemic is tackled effectively in Scotland and people's income and jobs are protected."
Monday saw 145 new cases of coronavirus in Scotland.
SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently reintroduced lockdown measures in Glasgow and other areas due to the rising cases.
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
Labour news: The MSPs believe Mr Leonard is walking the party to a 'catastrophic result'
Labour news: It comes after dismal polling for Scottish Labour for the 2021 Holyrood election
The former Shadow Chancellor’s warnings came after dismal poll performances from Mr Leonard’s party.
Scottish Labour’s justice spokesman James Kelly resigned from his position last week over fears the party leader would oversee a “catastrophic result” at next year's Holyrood elections.
Jenny Marra, Daniel Johnston and Mark Griffin then joined Mr Kelly in calling for the leader to resign over election fears.
Mr Griffin, formerly the party’s social security spokesman, said to Mr Leonard: “I do not have confidence in your ability, after three years in post, to turn the situation around.” DON'T MISS
Sturgeon forced to accept EU’s terms and common fisheries policy [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon's SIX major failures as Scotland's First Minister [ANALYSIS]
Scotland in danger of being ‘left behind’ with Sturgeon as SNP leader [VIDEO]
But Mr Leonard has refused to step down, and insisted he will leader Scottish Labour into 2021’s Holyrood elections.
He said yesterday Scottish Labour’s polling woes are “part of a long-term trend”, and pointed out he took over as leader with their party polling in third and "it still is in third place".
He added when asked if he would step down as leader: "No, I’m not and I think that those people that have been calling this week for me to step down have underestimated both my resolve but also the mandate that I got."
The latest opinion poll by ComRes has Labour on 17 percent for the next Scottish elections to be held in May 2021, a slight fall from 2016.
Labour news: John McDonnell said the MSPs should focus on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
Labour news: Nicola Sturgeon has recently started pushing for an independence referendum


thedailyexpress--2020-09-08--Brexit LIVE: Get real or we're off! Boris stuns EU with new deadline - just 5 WEEKS to go

`` If we can ’ t agree by then , then I do not see that there will be a free trade agreement between us , and we should both accept that and move on . ''
In a sensational development for the entire process , the UK is planning legislation which would effectively dump a crucial part of the original deal relating to Northern Ireland .
The internal market bill is set to published on Wednesday - and it will `` eliminate the legal force of parts of the withdrawal agreement '' in areas related to state aid and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has claimed .
Britain left the EU on January 31 but talks aimed at reaching a new trade deal before the end of the transition period on December 31 have so far hit snags on state aid rules and fishing .
Without a deal more than £750billion in trade between Britain and the EU could be thrown into uncertainty with rules over everything from car parts and medicines to fruit and data .
Michel Barnier , the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator , described the Northern Ireland protocol as being `` critical for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on the FT 's report specifically .
Charles Michel has said ‘ we will find a solution ’ to issues with the EU ’ s coronavirus recovery fund .
The staggering €1.82 trillion package has seen member states and MEPs confused about how to prevent misuse of the funds by corrupt states and governments .
Mr Michel said to Euronews : “ There is a link between the European budget and the funds devoted to the recovery and the rule of law .
`` And now we are going to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the operational implementation of that decision .
`` This wo n't be easy , as there are different interpretations on the table , but I 'm totally convinced that we 'll find a solution . ''
However , Spanish MEP Juan Fernando Lope Aguilar added : “ There has to be a link between access to European budgeting and European funds with full commitment with rule of law and the fight against corruption - which is obviously an issue in Bulgaria.
” Five children were found dead in a Solingen apartment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected of killing them , with the 27-year-old later found jumping in front of a train .
She has been taken to the hospital with injuries .
Jacek Krawczyk , group president at the European Economic and Social Committee , has withdrew his candidacy for overall president of the body over longstanding allegations of harassment .
On Monday , the group president resigned , and issued a statement which saw him “ strongly reject the charges ” against him .
He also accused outgoing president Luca Jahier , the outgoing EESC president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions that were `` contrary to the law . ''
Mr Jahier demanded Mr Krawczyk withdraw his candidacy in October last year .
David Frost has warned EU counterpart Michel Barnier progress must be made in crucial talks this week in order to strike a deal in time for the end of the Brexit transition period .
The UK 's chief Brexit negotiatior has called for `` more realism '' from Brussels as he said the two sides `` can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground '' in the deadlocked talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin the eighth round of talks in London on Tuesday .
The UK negotiator will say : `` Today , I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time .
`` We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground .
`` We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country . ''
`` If they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia , and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year . ''
10.20pm update : DUP comments on reports Brexit withdrawal deal could be superseded In a statement , the party said : `` We note the speculation that the Government will pursue fall-back measures under the Internal Market Bill to protect Northern Ireland 's interests should a deal not be agreed that mitigates the threat of the NI Protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the finer details and clauses relating to this , and will study them carefully .
`` We welcome them in broad terms in so far as they go , but the Government must continue to work to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by its signing up to the protocol . ''
9.49pm update : France lashes out as Boris issues new Brexit threat - 'British do n't seem to understand ' France has launched a furious attack against the UK following a fresh Brexit threat from Boris Johnson as talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) with the European Union edge closer to complete collapse .
The country 's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told radio station France Inter : `` The negotiating mandate has been validated by the 27 EU countries , on the conditions of relations , in particular , economic relations between the United Kingdom and Europe from January 1 next year .
`` This mandate is not linked to Michel Barnier .
It is linked to the commitment of 27 countries .
The British do not seem to understand that if they want access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect the rules of the common market .
`` If they want to negotiate a good agreement , we must not only talk about the subjects that interest them , but we must talk about the global subjects of the future relationship .
`` Right now , that ’ s not happening . ''
8pm update : Brexiteer declares victory over EU - 'Boris has outwitted and outmanoeuvred Barnier ! '
Boris Johnson has `` outwitted '' and `` outmanoeuvred '' the European Union in post-Brexit trade talks , a think tank chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group Robert Oulds insisted the Prime Minister has “ defeated ” the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier in a move that will pave the way for a “ fair and reasonable ” deal .
The Brexiteer said : “ Boris Johnson has outwitted and outmanoeuvred the EU .
“ He ’ s realised their weakness and Britain ’ s strength .
He has defeated Michel Barnier in the negotiations .
“ It seems like it ’ s going to be game , set and match to Britain.
” 6.34pm update : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposes INFURIATING reason UK still stuck in EU quagmire A prominent Brexiteer has exposed the infuriating reason the UK remains at loggerheads with the EU over their future relationship , as trade deal talks between the two sides once again threaten to boil over .
Theresa May had famously insisted `` no deal is better than a bad deal '' as she stood her ground in the early part of negotiations with the EU .
But Conservative Party MP Sir John Redwood said as soon as the former Prime Minister dropped this slogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` she left the UK unable to get any kind of decent deal '' .
He wrote in his latest blog post : `` Mrs May had the right approach and the right slogan when she first embarked on negotiations over the UK ’ s exit from the EU .
'No deal is better than a bad deal ' .
`` If she had stuck to that we would now either be completely out with no deal , or more likely out with a Free Trade Deal to protect EU tariff free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versa .
`` Once she dropped this important statement and revealed a continuous wish to give in to most demands the EU made she left the UK unable to get any kind of decent deal .
`` The EU perceived the UK as weak and willing to recreate many features of its membership without the votes or voice .
This was all much chronicled here as elsewhere , as delay followed concession and concession followed delay .
`` UK voters showed their massive disapproval in the European elections which should not have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and went on to confirm their clear wish to leave the EU with or without a Free Trade deal in the General election of 2019 . ''
5.55pm update : They 're FINALLY getting it !
German economist admits serious ‘ concern ’ over no deal Brexit Brexit fears have begun to take hold on the continent after officials from Europe 's strongest economy have admitted their `` concern '' over a no deal exit for the UK .
If the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier fails to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chamber of Industry and Commerce ( DIHK ) chief , Martin Wansleben , warned companies are now running out of time to make post-Brexit preparations .
Mr Wansleben also admitted progress needed to be made in order for a deal to then be ratified by the EU Parliament before the turn of the year .
He told the Funke-Media group : “ The German economy is very concerned that the Brexit negotiations on future economic relations are still not making progress .
“ Definitely , companies have to adjust to longer processing times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customs bureaucracy and double approval procedures for products .
`` The uncertainty among German companies is palpable - in a situation where they have already been shaken up by the corona crisis.
” 4.15pm update : Macron says he had 'very good exchange ' with Boris Emmanuel Macron has said he enjoyed a `` very good exchange '' with Boris Johnson on a number of topics , including Brexit .
Following a phone call with the Prime Minister , he tweeted : `` Very good exchange with @ BorisJohnson .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffickers .
`` We also discussed the consequences from the poisoning of Alexei Navalny , the situation in Lebanon and the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom . ''
3.20pm update : EU PANIC - Macron in urgent phone call with Boris to urge for resolution on Brexit row Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron have been forced into an urgent phone call to agree on the `` importance of making progress this month '' as a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and European Union edges closer to collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Prime Minister spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron earlier today .
`` They discussed the shared challenge of illegal small boat crossings from France to the UK .
The Prime Minister set out that the UK 's aim is to stop the smuggling operations and prevent boats arriving on our shores , and they agreed to work together in a spirit of co-operation to address the issue .
`` The Prime Minister and President Macron expressed their outrage at the attack on Alexei Navalny and reiterated that Russia must urgently explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novichock .
`` They also discussed UK-French co-operation on tackling coronavirus and on other international issues , including the crises in Libya and Lebanon and the Middle East peace process .
The Prime Minister offered his condolences for French casualties in Mali this weekend .
`` On the negotiations to reach a trade deal with the European Union , the Prime Minister and President Macron agreed on the importance of making progress this month and reaching a conclusion on talks quickly . ''
Brussels has threatened to walk away from Brexit trade talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border pact as a trade row broke out between the two sides .
In an furious outburst , top eurocrats signalled they were ready to quit the negotiations unless Boris Johnson univocally agreed to implement a series of checks on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said honouring the Withdrawal Agreement signed last year is a “ prerequisite ” for a free-trade agreement .
And Michel Barnier , her chief negotiator , was said to be ready to storm out of this week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is given sufficient promises by No10 over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol .
2.26pm update : 'Agreements must be kept ' !
MEP rages at Johnson Iratxe Garcia Perez , president of the Socialist and Democrats Group in the European Parliament , tweeted about the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement : `` The WA is simply not open for debate .
`` It beggars belief that Boris Johnson is considering going back on an agreement he himself negotiated not even a year ago , right in the midst of talks on the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it is running out .
Agreements must be kept . ''
Boris Johnson has made his intentions clear in a statement issued by Number 10 .
He said : `` The EU have been very clear about the timetable .
I am too .
`` There needs to be an agreement with our European friends by the time of the European Council on 15 October if it ’ s going to be in force by the end of the year .
`` So there is no sense in thinking about timelines that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's foreign minister said Dublin should not overreact to reports that Britain may seek to undermine its Brexit withdrawal agreement but warned that such a move would be a very serious breach of trust and fundamentally undermine ongoing talks .
London is reportedly planning new legislation to override parts of the agreement and create frictions in British-ruled Northern Ireland where special arrangements had been made to avoid a hard border with Ireland to the south that could be detrimental to a peace agreement .
Simon Coveney told national broadcaster RTE in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is there really a piece of legislation that 's going to emerge this week , which is contrary to the withdrawal agreement .
We 'll have to wait and see .
The Government remains committed to the Northern Ireland protocol , an official has insisted - but has no choice but to pass fresh legislation to prevent chaos further down the line .
The official said : `` The government is completely committed , as it always has been , to implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol in good faith . ''
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the prospect of legal confusion at the end of the year and potentially extremely damaging defaults , including tariffs on goods moving from GB to Northern Ireland .
`` We are making minor clarifications in extremely specific areas to ensure that , as we implement the protocol , we are doing so in a way that allows ministers to always uphold and protect the Good Friday peace agreement . ''
Germany is convinced that a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union can still be reached , but there is little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the talks , a German government spokesman said on Monday .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier earlier said that negotiations on future relations were difficult and declined to comment on a report Britain was planning legislation to override parts of the divorce deal .
The odds on a trade deal are changing in line with Donald Trump 's odds to win the election , Betfair has said .
On 23 August , a UK-US trade deal was 1/2 ( 67 percent implied probability ) and Trump to win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , the trade deal is 2/5 ( 71 percent ) and Trump to win is 11/10 ( 47 percent and as Trump 's chances improve by five percent , the chances of the trade deal being completed improve also by almost five percent .
A Betfair spokesman said : `` The market reflects that Trump is far more likely to complete a trade deal with the UK in 12 months than Joe Biden is . ''
Britain must honour its agreement on the withdrawal from the European Union if it wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with the 27-nation bloc , the President of the European Commission signaled on Monday .
Ursula von der Leyen was responding to a newspaper report on Sunday that the British government was planning legislation to override key parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement .
She tweeted : `` I trust the British government to implement the Withdrawal Agreement , an obligation under international law & prerequisite for any future partnership .
`` Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is essential to protect peace and stability on the island & integrity of the single market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outstanding disagreements with the European Union about the Northern Ireland protocol but is considering `` fall back options '' , a spokesman said on Monday after a report suggested ministers were considering undermining the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement .
The spokesman said : `` We will always reserve the right to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland and the UK 's internal market .
Our top priority is to preserve the huge gains from the peace process and the Belfast ( Good Friday ) Agreement , as well as protecting Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We are working hard to resolve outstanding issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol through the Joint Committee and will continue to approach these discussions in good faith .
As a responsible government , we are considering fall back options in the event this is not achieved to ensure the communities of Northern Ireland are protected . ''
BBC 's Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg suggested the UK could be on the verge of new Brexit concessions after she noted similarities in the language Boris Johnson adopted before signing the withdrawal agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and the European Union is reminiscent of the atmosphere between the two parties weeks before they agreed to a Brexit withdrawal agreement .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ramped up the pressure ahead of the eighth round of talks with Brussels , announcing an amendment to the Brexit bill on the clauses covering Northern Ireland .
Ms Kuenssberg noted the dejá vù could also manifest with additional concessions from the British Government in order to secure a trade deal .
Nicola Sturgeon has branded Boris Johnson 's Government `` charlatans '' amid reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the Brexit withdrawal agreement .
The Scottish First Minister said such a move would constitute a repudiation by the Government of a treaty `` freely negotiated by it '' and which was described as `` oven ready '' by Mr Johnson .
She warned this would `` significantly increase '' the likelihood of a no deal Brexit .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` The resulting damage to the economy will be entirely Tory inflicted .
What charlatans '' .
10.20am update : `` No deal still a good outcome , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumption of talks in London on Tuesday , Prime Minister Boris Jonson said that if there was to be an agreement it needed to be in place by the time of the next EU summit on October 15 , and that no-deal would still be a `` good outcome '' for the UK .
`` As a Government we are preparing , at our borders and at our ports , to be ready for it .
We will have full control over our laws , our rules , and our fishing waters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do trade deals with every country in the world .
And we will prosper mightily as a result . ''
His intervention , apparently designed to put pressure on the EU , came after the UK 's chief negotiator Lord Frost said at the weekend that he would not `` blink '' as the deadline for securing a deal grows closer .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there will not be shortages of drugs or medical equipment due to Brexit .
When asked on LBC if the health of the nation will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK leaves the EU , he said : `` We already have a deal , the question is whether we can land a long-term future trade agreement . ''
When asked directly if people will still get the drugs and medical equipment they need , Mr Hancock said : `` I am comfortable we have done the work that 's needed . ''
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said there would be `` catastrophic consequences '' should Westminster ministers override the Withdrawal Agreement .
After Steve Aiken , leader of the Ulster Unionist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ await the actual proposed legislation '' before making a judgment , Ms Long responded : `` Let 's not .
`` Let 's make it clear right now where we stand and the catastrophic consequences of such action now , while there is a chance of influencing how this unfolds , '' she tweeted .
`` At the very least , if they proceed , they ca n't claim the damage it will bring in its wake was not anticipated . ''
George Eustice did not confirm that no-deal was back on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union appeared to be in denial about the UK 's desire to become an independent country .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` The Prime Minister has been clear , we 're not after anything exceptional or special really . ''
`` We understand the EU 's position on these things but we do think an agreement along the lines of the agreement the EU has with Canada , a fairly standard but quite ambitious free trade agreement , is something worth doing and we stand ready to do that .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reluctant to engage on that basis and appear to be somewhat in denial about the fact that we do genuinely want to be an independent country so those negotiations have not been easy .
Responding to questions about whether Boris Johnson 's deal was not `` oven ready '' , something the Prime Minister has stated many times previously , George Eustice admitted that some `` finer points '' still needed to be resolved .
He said : `` The deal was always very clear , it had the Northern Ireland protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would prevent the need for any checks along the Northern Ireland border but there were also one or two finer points of detail that still had to be resolved .
`` Michael Gove is leading on that for us and they 've been working through some of these very technical issues .
`` All we 're really saying is that once that process is concluded there may still be one or two loose ends and we just need the ability to give people the certainty they need to legislate to give that clarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Government was not `` posturing '' or threatening the European Union , following reports that the Government is planning to propose a five-week deadline to accept new trade terms in the Brexit negotiations .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , Mr Eustice said that there may still be `` one or two loose ends '' once the process was concluded , but that the Government was still positive in seeking a `` fairly standard '' trade agreement .
He said : `` The Prime Minister has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a very clear mandate to leave that we would leave at the end of the transition period with or without a negotiated settlement .
`` We said that we would work night and day to try to get that Canada-style trade deal that we seek but if the European Union would n't offer that , that we would still leave on time and we would do that under the terms of the existing Withdrawal Agreement that we 've got .
`` It 's not posturing or a threat , this has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning . ''
8.48am update : Boris wants `` best of both worlds '' , claims Barnier The European Union 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday that negotiations on future relations were difficult and declined to comment on a report Britain was planning legislation to override parts of the divorce deal .
Mr Barnier told France Inter radio : `` We demand quite simply , and calmly , and until the end , that the political commitments in the text agreed by ( British Prime Minister ) Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' If implemented , Britain 's reported move could jeopardise the pact and cause frictions in Northern Ireland .
The agreement 's Northern Ireland protocol was important to ensuring there was no physical customs border between Ireland and the province of Northern Ireland , Barnier said .
It was also , he added , `` the condition of a unified and functioning economy on the island ( of Ireland ) as well as for respecting the integrity of the EU 's single market . ''
Mr Barnier said : `` I remain worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations , claiming Mr Johnson 's Government wanted `` the best of two worlds '' .
8.33am update : Feeling nervous , Leo ?
Varadkar and Martin TERRIFIED by no deal - 'Bet on Remain and LOST ! '
Ireland 's Taoiseach Micheal Martin and predecessor Leo Varadkar are `` extremely nervous '' at the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without a deal in place with talks set to resume this week , a former diplomat has said .
And Ray Bassett - who believes Dublin in the past had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Ireland 's troubles were summed up by the fiasco over Phil Hogan 's forced resignation as EU trade commissioner , agreeing with Mr Varadkar 's assessment it was now extremely unlikely the country would retain the influential portfolio once his successor is appointed .
UK negotiator David Frost and EU counterpart Michel Barnier are due to meet in London this week , with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calling it a `` moment of reckoning . ''
London 's FTSE 100 bounced from a near four-month low on Monday as the pound weakened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union without a trade agreement , while Primark-owner Associated British Foods jumped on issuing a strong forecast .
The export-heavy FTSE 100 , which generally moves in the opposite direction to the pound , was up 0.8 percent after ending Friday with its biggest two-day slide in nearly a month following a tech-led plunge on Wall Street .
Healthcare and financial firms were among the boosts to the FTSE 100 in early trading , while the domestically-focussed FTSE 250 rose for the first time in three sessions , up 0.7 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` devastating '' for Scotland , the SNP has said .
The party 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said in a statement : `` Boris Johnson 's reckless plans for the hardest of Brexits would be devastating for Scotland , causing lasting damage to Scottish jobs and the economy in the middle of a pandemic .
`` By threatening to undermine the UK 's international treaty obligations and impose a catastrophic no-deal Brexit on Scotland against our will , the Prime Minister is proving he can not be trusted and is underlining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent country .
`` Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process .
It is increasingly clear that the UK will now be leaving the EU with either a very bad deal or no deal at all - either of which would be a disaster for Scotland .
`` With the Tories hardening their Brexit plans and threatening Scotland with a power grab , it is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland 's economic interests and our place in Europe is to become an independent country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishermen in !
Barnier lashes out at Boris as Brussels makes UK waters power grab Michel Barnier has warned he is `` worried '' for the fate of the post-Brexit trade talks ahead of this week 's make-or-break negotiating round in London .
The Brussels diplomat hit out at his British counterpart for trying to secure a “ best of both worlds ” divorce from the bloc .
The Frenchman said : `` I remain worried .
The negotiations are difficult , because the British want the best of both worlds .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the end the interests of the EU are respected . ''
Approached about the reports , a Government spokeswoman said it was working to `` protect Northern Ireland 's place in our United Kingdom '' .
She said : `` We are working hard to resolve outstanding issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol through the Joint Committee and will continue to approach these discussions in good faith .
`` As a responsible Government , we are considering fall back options in the event this is not achieved to ensure the communities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Pulling plug on WA would effectively torpedo hopes of a deal , warn eurocrats AN EU diplomat suggested the UK would regret reneging commitments enshrined in the Withdrawal Agreement .
The official said : `` 'Pacta sunt servanda ' meaning 'agreements must be kept ' is a fundamental principle in international law .
`` If the UK chose not to respect its international obligations , it would undermine its international standing .
`` Who would want to agree trade deals with a country that does n't implement international treaties ? ''
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity , said : `` Without correct implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement , I can not imagine the EU would conclude a treaty with a country that does not abide by its treaty commitments . ''
7.45am update : `` Not so oven-ready after all , '' says Labour 's Ashworth Speaking to BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` Boris Johnson , I thought , told us he had an oven-ready deal .
And , he fought a general election telling us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests that he was misleading people in that general election .
`` And Parliament supported the Withdrawal Agreement earlier on this year .
He has made promises and signed a treaty around these arrangements for Northern Ireland , and he now seems to be backing out of that .
`` I think people will be very surprised that when he promised us an oven-ready deal , it now looks like he 's pushing us towards no deal at a time when we are in recession , at a time when many fear for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the furlough scheme is coming to an end .
`` We should be putting in place measures to grow our economy , not do further damage to our economy . ''
A senior British minister on Monday played down planned legislation that could override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement , saying the goal posts were not being changed but that some ambiguities needed to be tidied up .
Asked about a report in the Financial Times , Environment Secretary George Eustice said there moght be some minor legal ambiguities that need to be tidied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the UK was committed to the Northern Ireland protocol and that London was not moving the goal posts .

Brexit: Eustice addresses Withdrawal Agreement ‘changes’
Mr Johnson's statement comes after it was widely reported the UK was also ready to effectively bin the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement unless the EU comes up with an acceptable offer. The Prime Minister said: "The EU have been very clear about the timetable. I am too. "There needs to be an agreement with our European friends by the time of the European Council on 15 October if it’s going to be in force by the end of the year. So there is no sense in thinking about timelines that go beyond that point." THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Click HERE for your latest updates
Trending
"If we can’t agree by then, then I do not see that there will be a free trade agreement between us, and we should both accept that and move on." In a sensational development for the entire process, the UK is planning legislation which would effectively dump a crucial part of the original deal relating to Northern Ireland. The internal market bill is set to published on Wednesday - and it will "eliminate the legal force of parts of the withdrawal agreement" in areas related to state aid and Northern Ireland customs, the Financial Times has claimed. Britain left the EU on January 31 but talks aimed at reaching a new trade deal before the end of the transition period on December 31 have so far hit snags on state aid rules and fishing. Without a deal more than £750billion in trade between Britain and the EU could be thrown into uncertainty with rules over everything from car parts and medicines to fruit and data. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, described the Northern Ireland protocol as being "critical for single-market integrity" - while declining to comment on the FT's report specifically. [SCROLL DOWN FOR REGULAR UPDATES]
Boris Johnson's plan to rip up the Withdrawal Agreement will not impress Michel Barnier
7.43am update: THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED. Click HERE for your latest updates 6:45am update: McDonalds barred from EU diplomat neighbourhood Tervuren in Belgium has refused to issue a permit to allow a new McDonald’s to open in the tony neighbourhood beloved by diplomats and EU officials. The municipal council rejected the application on environmental grounds. 6:30am update: MEPs kick off over France hosting meeting MEPs from The Socialist and Democrats group have firmly stated next weeks plenary should not be held in Strasbourg. Group leader Iratxe García said: “By now it seems pretty obvious that holding the plenary in Strasbourg adds unnecessary health risks both for the city and for members and staff of the Parliament.” 5:00am update: Brexit talks on the brink: Boris DEMANDS withdrawal agreement be re-written in EU showdown Boris Johnson is expected to tell Brussel to rewrite the “contradictory” Withdrawal Agreement over fears it would leave Northern Ireland unprotected. It comes as the next round of trade talks starts between David Frost and Michel Barnier. The move has sparked outrage in Brussels, with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, saying the disagreement was a matter of "trust". 3:30am update: Emmanuel Macron crisis: Paris faces day of CHAOS as Yellow Vest protestors plan huge event Emmanuel Macron faces a huge Paris protest organised by Yellow Vests. Leader of the movement Jérôme Rodrigues called for “civil disobedience” during a video on YouTube. He said: “The ‘yellow vests’ have been constantly present in recent months, the fight continues. “We are returning to the values of November 17, 2018 and appealing to angry citizens.” Mr Rodrigues hinted he will be presented on the avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris on Saturday, September 12. 1:45am update: Michel confident of EU COVID-19 fund solution amid confusion Charles Michel has said ‘we will find a solution’ to issues with the EU’s coronavirus recovery fund. The staggering €1.82 trillion package has seen member states and MEPs confused about how to prevent misuse of the funds by corrupt states and governments. Mr Michel said to Euronews: “There is a link between the European budget and the funds devoted to the recovery and the rule of law. "And now we are going to work with the European Parliament and the member states towards the operational implementation of that decision. "This won't be easy, as there are different interpretations on the table, but I'm totally convinced that we'll find a solution." However, Spanish MEP Juan Fernando Lope Aguilar added: “There has to be a link between access to European budgeting and European funds with full commitment with rule of law and the fight against corruption - which is obviously an issue in Bulgaria.” 12:30am update: Five children found dead in German apartment Five children were found dead in a Solingen apartment on Thursday. Authorities said their mother was suspected of killing them, with the 27-year-old later found jumping in front of a train. She has been taken to the hospital with injuries.
Trending
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
11:30pm update: EU official withdraws presidential bid over harassment allegations Jacek Krawczyk, group president at the European Economic and Social Committee, has withdrew his candidacy for overall president of the body over longstanding allegations of harassment. On Monday, the group president resigned, and issued a statement which saw him “strongly reject the charges” against him. He also accused outgoing president Luca Jahier, the outgoing EESC president, of "political and even hostile" actions that were "contrary to the law." Mr Jahier demanded Mr Krawczyk withdraw his candidacy in October last year. Dylan Donnelly takes over reporting from Paul Withers 10.30pm update: Frost sends huge warning to Barnier ahead of crunch Brexit talks David Frost has warned EU counterpart Michel Barnier progress must be made in crucial talks this week in order to strike a deal in time for the end of the Brexit transition period. The UK's chief Brexit negotiatior has called for "more realism" from Brussels as he said the two sides "can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground" in the deadlocked talks. Mr Frost and Mr Barnier will begin the eighth round of talks in London on Tuesday. The UK negotiator will say: "Today, I will sit down with Michel Barnier and drive home our clear message that we must make progress this week if we are to reach an agreement in time. "We have now been talking for six months and can no longer afford to go over well-trodden ground. "We need to see more realism from the EU about our status as an independent country." "If they can't do that in the very limited time, we have left then we will be trading on terms like those the EU has with Australia, and we are ramping up our preparations for the end of the year." 10.20pm update: DUP comments on reports Brexit withdrawal deal could be superseded In a statement, the party said: "We note the speculation that the Government will pursue fall-back measures under the Internal Market Bill to protect Northern Ireland's interests should a deal not be agreed that mitigates the threat of the NI Protocol. "We will want to see the finer details and clauses relating to this, and will study them carefully. "We welcome them in broad terms in so far as they go, but the Government must continue to work to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by its signing up to the protocol."
Brexit news: David Frost has sent a warning to Michel Barnier ahead of the latest round of talks
9.49pm update: France lashes out as Boris issues new Brexit threat - 'British don't seem to understand' France has launched a furious attack against the UK following a fresh Brexit threat from Boris Johnson as talks over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union edge closer to complete collapse. The country's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told radio station France Inter: "The negotiating mandate has been validated by the 27 EU countries, on the conditions of relations, in particular, economic relations between the United Kingdom and Europe from January 1 next year. "This mandate is not linked to Michel Barnier. It is linked to the commitment of 27 countries. The British do not seem to understand that if they want access to the European market, they must respect the rules of the common market. "If they want to negotiate a good agreement, we must not only talk about the subjects that interest them, but we must talk about the global subjects of the future relationship. "Right now, that’s not happening." 8pm update: Brexiteer declares victory over EU - 'Boris has outwitted and outmanoeuvred Barnier!' Boris Johnson has "outwitted" and "outmanoeuvred" the European Union in post-Brexit trade talks, a think tank chief has declared. Director of the Bruges Group Robert Oulds insisted the Prime Minister has “defeated” the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier in a move that will pave the way for a “fair and reasonable” deal. The Brexiteer said: “Boris Johnson has outwitted and outmanoeuvred the EU. “He’s realised their weakness and Britain’s strength. He has defeated Michel Barnier in the negotiations. “It seems like it’s going to be game, set and match to Britain.”
6.34pm update: Theresa May was almost right! Brexiteer exposes INFURIATING reason UK still stuck in EU quagmire A prominent Brexiteer has exposed the infuriating reason the UK remains at loggerheads with the EU over their future relationship, as trade deal talks between the two sides once again threaten to boil over. Theresa May had famously insisted "no deal is better than a bad deal" as she stood her ground in the early part of negotiations with the EU. But Conservative Party MP Sir John Redwood said as soon as the former Prime Minister dropped this slogan and began to bow to EU demands, "she left the UK unable to get any kind of decent deal". He wrote in his latest blog post: "Mrs May had the right approach and the right slogan when she first embarked on negotiations over the UK’s exit from the EU. 'No deal is better than a bad deal'. "If she had stuck to that we would now either be completely out with no deal, or more likely out with a Free Trade Deal to protect EU tariff free entry to the UK market and vice versa. "Once she dropped this important statement and revealed a continuous wish to give in to most demands the EU made she left the UK unable to get any kind of decent deal. "The EU perceived the UK as weak and willing to recreate many features of its membership without the votes or voice. This was all much chronicled here as elsewhere, as delay followed concession and concession followed delay. "UK voters showed their massive disapproval in the European elections which should not have been needed had we simply left as planned, and went on to confirm their clear wish to leave the EU with or without a Free Trade deal in the General election of 2019." 5.55pm update: They're FINALLY getting it! German economist admits serious ‘concern’ over no deal Brexit Brexit fears have begun to take hold on the continent after officials from Europe's strongest economy have admitted their "concern" over a no deal exit for the UK. If the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier fails to come to an agreement with the UK, German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) chief, Martin Wansleben, warned companies are now running out of time to make post-Brexit preparations. Mr Wansleben also admitted progress needed to be made in order for a deal to then be ratified by the EU Parliament before the turn of the year. He told the Funke-Media group: “The German economy is very concerned that the Brexit negotiations on future economic relations are still not making progress. “Definitely, companies have to adjust to longer processing times at the borders as well as to customs bureaucracy and double approval procedures for products. "The uncertainty among German companies is palpable - in a situation where they have already been shaken up by the corona crisis.”
Brexit news: Theresa May had insisted 'no deal is better than a bad deal'
5pm update: Economists stick to Brexit forecast despite increasing no-deal fears Financial experts are sticking to their forecasts the UK and EU will agree some sort of post-Brexit trade deal, believing London is probably toughening its rhetoric in a bid to pressure Brussels into a compromise. Chris Graham, Europe Economist at Standard Chartered, said: "Rhetoric in past few days has been ramped up, but we don't think this materially changes the prospect of a deal being reached before the end of the year." He added his team are sticking to probabilities of a deal at 50 percent, no-deal at 30 percent and an extension of the talks to 20 percent. Petr Krpata, Chief EMEA FX and IR Strategist at ING, has predicted a 50-60 percent probability of a deal being agreed. He said: "Yes, the latest developments definitely increased the chance of a no-deal Brexit, but still no deal is not our base case." 4.47pm update: Philip Hammond warns Government against overriding Withdrawal Agreement The former Chancellor tweeted: "Let's be clear on two points: 1) Leaving without a deal would not be a 'good outcome for the UK'; nor would it be the outcome Boris and the Brexiteers promised." He added: "2) The UK is a rule-of-law state, and attempting to legislate domestically to override international law would be an incredibly dangerous step and bound to lead to conflict with the judiciary. It would also hugely damage our standing on the world stage."
Brxit news: Germany is worried about the impacts of a no deal Brexit
4.15pm update: Macron says he had 'very good exchange' with Boris Emmanuel Macron has said he enjoyed a "very good exchange" with Boris Johnson on a number of topics, including Brexit. Following a phone call with the Prime Minister, he tweeted: "Very good exchange with @BorisJohnson. "We are going to strengthen our co-operation against migrant traffickers. "We also discussed the consequences from the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, the situation in Lebanon and the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom." 3.20pm update: EU PANIC - Macron in urgent phone call with Boris to urge for resolution on Brexit row Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron have been forced into an urgent phone call to agree on the "importance of making progress this month" as a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and European Union edges closer to collapse. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron earlier today. "They discussed the shared challenge of illegal small boat crossings from France to the UK. The Prime Minister set out that the UK's aim is to stop the smuggling operations and prevent boats arriving on our shores, and they agreed to work together in a spirit of co-operation to address the issue. "The Prime Minister and President Macron expressed their outrage at the attack on Alexei Navalny and reiterated that Russia must urgently explain how the opposition leader was poisoned with novichock. "They also discussed UK-French co-operation on tackling coronavirus and on other international issues, including the crises in Libya and Lebanon and the Middle East peace process. The Prime Minister offered his condolences for French casualties in Mali this weekend. "On the negotiations to reach a trade deal with the European Union, the Prime Minister and President Macron agreed on the importance of making progress this month and reaching a conclusion on talks quickly."
Brexit news: Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron have held talks over the phone
Paul Withers taking over live reporting from Ciaran McGrath. 2.35pm update: Furious EU plans negotiation WALKOUT after Boris threat - 'UK's gone North Korea mode!' Brussels has threatened to walk away from Brexit trade talks if Downing Street rips up the Irish border pact as a trade row broke out between the two sides. In an furious outburst, top eurocrats signalled they were ready to quit the negotiations unless Boris Johnson univocally agreed to implement a series of checks on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said honouring the Withdrawal Agreement signed last year is a “prerequisite” for a free-trade agreement. And Michel Barnier, her chief negotiator, was said to be ready to storm out of this week’s crunch round of talks unless he is given sufficient promises by No10 over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. 2.26pm update: 'Agreements must be kept'! MEP rages at Johnson Iratxe Garcia Perez, president of the Socialist and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, tweeted about the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: "The WA is simply not open for debate. "It beggars belief that Boris Johnson is considering going back on an agreement he himself negotiated not even a year ago, right in the midst of talks on the future partnership. "All is about trust and it is running out. Agreements must be kept." 2.11pm update: Johnson statement sets clear deadline Boris Johnson has made his intentions clear in a statement issued by Number 10. He said: "The EU have been very clear about the timetable. I am too. "There needs to be an agreement with our European friends by the time of the European Council on 15 October if it’s going to be in force by the end of the year. "So there is no sense in thinking about timelines that go beyond that point."
Brexit: Withdrawal Agreement override backed by Sammy Wilson
2.10pm update: Don't overreact, Coveney tells nervous colleagues Ireland's foreign minister said Dublin should not overreact to reports that Britain may seek to undermine its Brexit withdrawal agreement but warned that such a move would be a very serious breach of trust and fundamentally undermine ongoing talks. London is reportedly planning new legislation to override parts of the agreement and create frictions in British-ruled Northern Ireland where special arrangements had been made to avoid a hard border with Ireland to the south that could be detrimental to a peace agreement. Simon Coveney told national broadcaster RTE in an interview: "Is this political gamesmanship or is there really a piece of legislation that's going to emerge this week, which is contrary to the withdrawal agreement. We'll have to wait and see. 1.04pm Government "remains committed to Northern Ireland protocol" The Government remains committed to the Northern Ireland protocol, an official has insisted - but has no choice but to pass fresh legislation to prevent chaos further down the line. The official said: "The government is completely committed, as it always has been, to implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol in good faith." "If we don't take these steps we face the prospect of legal confusion at the end of the year and potentially extremely damaging defaults, including tariffs on goods moving from GB to Northern Ireland. "We are making minor clarifications in extremely specific areas to ensure that, as we implement the protocol, we are doing so in a way that allows ministers to always uphold and protect the Good Friday peace agreement." 12.47pm update: Little time left, says German Government Germany is convinced that a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union can still be reached, but there is little time left and London must make concessions in the talks, a German government spokesman said on Monday. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier earlier said that negotiations on future relations were difficult and declined to comment on a report Britain was planning legislation to override parts of the divorce deal. 11.59am update: Trade deal odds improve as Trump re-election chances grow The odds on a trade deal are changing in line with Donald Trump's odds to win the election, Betfair has said. On 23 August, a UK-US trade deal was 1/2 (67 percent implied probability) and Trump to win the election was 11/8 (42 oercent). Now, the trade deal is 2/5 (71 percent) and Trump to win is 11/10 (47 percent and as Trump's chances improve by five percent, the chances of the trade deal being completed improve also by almost five percent. A Betfair spokesman said: "The market reflects that Trump is far more likely to complete a trade deal with the UK in 12 months than Joe Biden is." 11.11am update: EU chief Von der Leyen sounds warning to Boris Britain must honour its agreement on the withdrawal from the European Union if it wants to have a deal on any future relationship with the 27-nation bloc, the President of the European Commission signaled on Monday. Ursula von der Leyen was responding to a newspaper report on Sunday that the British government was planning legislation to override key parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement. She tweeted: "I trust the British government to implement the Withdrawal Agreement, an obligation under international law & prerequisite for any future partnership. "Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is essential to protect peace and stability on the island & integrity of the single market."
Ursula von der Leyen's tweet
10.48am update: Government "considering fall back options" Britain will work to resolve outstanding disagreements with the European Union about the Northern Ireland protocol but is considering "fall back options", a spokesman said on Monday after a report suggested ministers were considering undermining the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. The spokesman said: "We will always reserve the right to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland and the UK's internal market. Our top priority is to preserve the huge gains from the peace process and the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, as well as protecting Northern Ireland's place in our United Kingdom." "We are working hard to resolve outstanding issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol through the Joint Committee and will continue to approach these discussions in good faith. As a responsible government, we are considering fall back options in the event this is not achieved to ensure the communities of Northern Ireland are protected." 10.35am update: BBC's Laura Kuenssberg issues damning Brexit dejá vù warning in major trade-off prediction BBC's Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg suggested the UK could be on the verge of new Brexit concessions after she noted similarities in the language Boris Johnson adopted before signing the withdrawal agreement. Laura Kuenssberg suggested the tension between the UK and the European Union is reminiscent of the atmosphere between the two parties weeks before they agreed to a Brexit withdrawal agreement. Prime Minister Boris Johnson ramped up the pressure ahead of the eighth round of talks with Brussels, announcing an amendment to the Brexit bill on the clauses covering Northern Ireland. Ms Kuenssberg noted the dejá vù could also manifest with additional concessions from the British Government in order to secure a trade deal. 10.23am update: Nicola Sturgeon blows top after Brexit plan stuns EU - 'Tory Charlatans!' Nicola Sturgeon has branded Boris Johnson's Government "charlatans" amid reports the Prime Minister was planning to rip up the Brexit withdrawal agreement. The Scottish First Minister said such a move would constitute a repudiation by the Government of a treaty "freely negotiated by it" and which was described as "oven ready" by Mr Johnson. She warned this would "significantly increase" the likelihood of a no deal Brexit. Ms Sturgeon said: "The resulting damage to the economy will be entirely Tory inflicted. What charlatans". 10.20am update: "No deal still a good outcome," says Johnson In a statement ahead of the resumption of talks in London on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Jonson said that if there was to be an agreement it needed to be in place by the time of the next EU summit on October 15, and that no-deal would still be a "good outcome" for the UK. "As a Government we are preparing, at our borders and at our ports, to be ready for it. We will have full control over our laws, our rules, and our fishing waters. "We will have the freedom to do trade deals with every country in the world. And we will prosper mightily as a result." His intervention, apparently designed to put pressure on the EU, came after the UK's chief negotiator Lord Frost said at the weekend that he would not "blink" as the deadline for securing a deal grows closer. 9.51am update: No drug shortages, vows Hancock Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there will not be shortages of drugs or medical equipment due to Brexit. When asked on LBC if the health of the nation will be "detrimentally affected" by how the UK leaves the EU, he said: "We already have a deal, the question is whether we can land a long-term future trade agreement." When asked directly if people will still get the drugs and medical equipment they need, Mr Hancock said: "I am comfortable we have done the work that's needed."
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage
9.27am update: Throw "oven-ready" deal in the bin, says Farage Responding to the latest reports, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "The 'oven-ready' deal last year was not Brexit and we said so, I am pleased that we are tearing it up." 9.15am update: No customs checks, insists Eustice Mr Eustice did not comment specifically on whether Downing Street had predicted a 30-40 percent chance of securing a new deal. He added that although there would be no customs checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, there may be some administrative processes for goods transiting through.
Nigel Farage's tweet
9.38am update: Northern Ireland politician warns of "catastrophic consequences" Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said there would be "catastrophic consequences" should Westminster ministers override the Withdrawal Agreement. After Steve Aiken, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, called on people to "await the actual proposed legislation" before making a judgment, Ms Long responded: "Let's not. "Let's make it clear right now where we stand and the catastrophic consequences of such action now, while there is a chance of influencing how this unfolds," she tweeted. "At the very least, if they proceed, they can't claim the damage it will bring in its wake was not anticipated." 9.10am update: EU "in denial", says Eustice George Eustice did not confirm that no-deal was back on the table, and said that the European Union appeared to be in denial about the UK's desire to become an independent country. He told BBC Breakfast: "The Prime Minister has been clear, we're not after anything exceptional or special really." "We understand the EU's position on these things but we do think an agreement along the lines of the agreement the EU has with Canada, a fairly standard but quite ambitious free trade agreement, is something worth doing and we stand ready to do that. "You will have noticed the European Union have been reluctant to engage on that basis and appear to be somewhat in denial about the fact that we do genuinely want to be an independent country so those negotiations have not been easy. 8.59am update: Eustice quizzed on "oven ready" deal Responding to questions about whether Boris Johnson's deal was not "oven ready", something the Prime Minister has stated many times previously, George Eustice admitted that some "finer points" still needed to be resolved. He said: "The deal was always very clear, it had the Northern Ireland protocol, it set out the arrangements that would prevent the need for any checks along the Northern Ireland border but there were also one or two finer points of detail that still had to be resolved. "Michael Gove is leading on that for us and they've been working through some of these very technical issues. "All we're really saying is that once that process is concluded there may still be one or two loose ends and we just need the ability to give people the certainty they need to legislate to give that clarity - that's all this is about." 8.55am update: Government not posturing, insists Eustice Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Government was not "posturing" or threatening the European Union, following reports that the Government is planning to propose a five-week deadline to accept new trade terms in the Brexit negotiations. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Eustice said that there may still be "one or two loose ends" once the process was concluded, but that the Government was still positive in seeking a "fairly standard" trade agreement. He said: "The Prime Minister has been very clear since he was elected with a very clear mandate to leave that we would leave at the end of the transition period with or without a negotiated settlement. "We said that we would work night and day to try to get that Canada-style trade deal that we seek but if the European Union wouldn't offer that, that we would still leave on time and we would do that under the terms of the existing Withdrawal Agreement that we've got. "It's not posturing or a threat, this has been the reality of our position right from the beginning."
Environment Secretary George Eustice
8.48am update: Boris wants "best of both worlds", claims Barnier The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday that negotiations on future relations were difficult and declined to comment on a report Britain was planning legislation to override parts of the divorce deal. Mr Barnier told France Inter radio: "We demand quite simply, and calmly, and until the end, that the political commitments in the text agreed by (British Prime Minister) Boris Johnson be legally translated into this treaty." If implemented, Britain's reported move could jeopardise the pact and cause frictions in Northern Ireland. The agreement's Northern Ireland protocol was important to ensuring there was no physical customs border between Ireland and the province of Northern Ireland, Barnier said. It was also, he added, "the condition of a unified and functioning economy on the island (of Ireland) as well as for respecting the integrity of the EU's single market." Mr Barnier said: "I remain worried," Mr Barnier said of the negotiations, claiming Mr Johnson's Government wanted "the best of two worlds". 8.33am update: Feeling nervous, Leo? Varadkar and Martin TERRIFIED by no deal - 'Bet on Remain and LOST!' Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin and predecessor Leo Varadkar are "extremely nervous" at the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without a deal in place with talks set to resume this week, a former diplomat has said. And Ray Bassett - who believes Dublin in the past had "bet on Remain and lost" - said Ireland's troubles were summed up by the fiasco over Phil Hogan's forced resignation as EU trade commissioner, agreeing with Mr Varadkar's assessment it was now extremely unlikely the country would retain the influential portfolio once his successor is appointed. UK negotiator David Frost and EU counterpart Michel Barnier are due to meet in London this week, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calling it a "moment of reckoning." 8.15am update: Pound weakens on no-deal fears London's FTSE 100 bounced from a near four-month low on Monday as the pound weakened on growing prospects of the UK leaving the European Union without a trade agreement, while Primark-owner Associated British Foods jumped on issuing a strong forecast. The export-heavy FTSE 100, which generally moves in the opposite direction to the pound, was up 0.8 percent after ending Friday with its biggest two-day slide in nearly a month following a tech-led plunge on Wall Street. Healthcare and financial firms were among the boosts to the FTSE 100 in early trading, while the domestically-focussed FTSE 250 rose for the first time in three sessions, up 0.7 percent.
Michel Barnier has admitted he is "worried"
8.10am update: Blackford warns of dangers of "devastating" hard Brexit A "hard Brexit" would be "devastating" for Scotland, the SNP has said. The party's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said in a statement: "Boris Johnson's reckless plans for the hardest of Brexits would be devastating for Scotland, causing lasting damage to Scottish jobs and the economy in the middle of a pandemic. "By threatening to undermine the UK's international treaty obligations and impose a catastrophic no-deal Brexit on Scotland against our will, the Prime Minister is proving he cannot be trusted and is underlining the need for Scotland to become an independent country. "Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process. It is increasingly clear that the UK will now be leaving the EU with either a very bad deal or no deal at all - either of which would be a disaster for Scotland. "With the Tories hardening their Brexit plans and threatening Scotland with a power grab, it is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland's economic interests and our place in Europe is to become an independent country." 8.07am update: Let EU fishermen in! Barnier lashes out at Boris as Brussels makes UK waters power grab Michel Barnier has warned he is "worried" for the fate of the post-Brexit trade talks ahead of this week's make-or-break negotiating round in London. The Brussels diplomat hit out at his British counterpart for trying to secure a “best of both worlds” divorce from the bloc. The Frenchman said: "I remain worried. The negotiations are difficult, because the British want the best of both worlds. "We did not go to bed, in the end the interests of the EU are respected." 7.52am update: Government "considering fall back options", says spokeswoman Approached about the reports, a Government spokeswoman said it was working to "protect Northern Ireland's place in our United Kingdom". She said: "We are working hard to resolve outstanding issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol through the Joint Committee and will continue to approach these discussions in good faith. "As a responsible Government, we are considering fall back options in the event this is not achieved to ensure the communities of Northern Ireland are protected." 7.50am: Pulling plug on WA would effectively torpedo hopes of a deal, warn eurocrats AN EU diplomat suggested the UK would regret reneging commitments enshrined in the Withdrawal Agreement. The official said: "'Pacta sunt servanda' meaning 'agreements must be kept' is a fundamental principle in international law. "If the UK chose not to respect its international obligations, it would undermine its international standing. "Who would want to agree trade deals with a country that doesn't implement international treaties?" Another EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "Without correct implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, I cannot imagine the EU would conclude a treaty with a country that does not abide by its treaty commitments."
Brexit is 'moment of hope and opportunity' says Boris Johnson
7.45am update: "Not so oven-ready after all," says Labour's Ashworth Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Boris Johnson, I thought, told us he had an oven-ready deal. And, he fought a general election telling us he had an oven-ready deal, now suggests that he was misleading people in that general election. "And Parliament supported the Withdrawal Agreement earlier on this year. He has made promises and signed a treaty around these arrangements for Northern Ireland, and he now seems to be backing out of that. "I think people will be very surprised that when he promised us an oven-ready deal, it now looks like he's pushing us towards no deal at a time when we are in recession, at a time when many fear for their jobs, at a time when the furlough scheme is coming to an end. "We should be putting in place measures to grow our economy, not do further damage to our economy." 7.43am update: Eustice downplays Withdrawal Agreement claims A senior British minister on Monday played down planned legislation that could override the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, saying the goal posts were not being changed but that some ambiguities needed to be tidied up. Asked about a report in the Financial Times, Environment Secretary George Eustice said there moght be some minor legal ambiguities that need to be tidied up over the Northern Irish protocol. He said the UK was committed to the Northern Ireland protocol and that London was not moving the goal posts.
Katya Adler's tweet