thedailyexpress--2020-01-19--Boris sees massive post-election poll boost in stark warning to Labour

The surge in popularity post election is marked by the Conservatives having a massive 17-point advantage , according to the latest research by Opinium .
This is up from around 12 points at the election .
Some 42 per cent also said they thought Mr Johnson was performing better as PM than they had expected .
The recent poll showed the Tories were up on 47 percent support , while Labour had slipped three points to 30 percent .
The Lib Dems were also down three points to just nine percent of those polled giving their backing .
Some 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they had anticipated , compared to a third who thought he was meeting expectations or falling short of them .
The findings come as Labour descends into a bitter civil war as they try to find their next leader , and will act as a stark reminder that electing the wrong candidate could push the party even further behind the Conservative Party .
Jeremy Corbyn is due to step down and there are five Labour MPs standing to replace him .
In the first hustings , Rebecca Long-Bailey , Emily Thornberry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jess Phillips made their pitches to the membership .
Sir Keir said at the recent leadership election hustings in Liverpool `` we 've had far too much division '' , while Ms Phillips said the `` name-calling has been horrendous '' .
Party members in Liverpool questioned them on issues from Brexit to anti-Semitism .
READ MORE : Brexit breakthrough : Swedish minister concedes 'some deal can be done' It was the first in a series of events across the country before Jeremy Corbyn 's successor is elected on 4 April .
Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Richard Burgon , Ian Murray and Angela Rayner are also answering questions in a separate hustings .
The five leadership candidates all acknowledged that Labour had suffered from division and in-fighting .
Mrs Long-Bailey said : `` We have to be honest with ourselves that over the last four years we have n't been united as a party . ''
Brexit WARNING : Brussels CHASTISED by MEPs in last Parliament sitting [ VIDEO ] Brexit block : Could Brexit deal be blocked by House of Lords ?
[ ANALYSIS ] EU panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels [ INSIGHT ] Sir Keir said that the unity of the party `` has to be modelled from the top '' .
He said : `` Do n't trash the last Labour government , do n't trash the last four years . ''
Although all the candidates criticised the party 's record on anti-Semitism , Ms Phillips accused some others of `` keeping quiet '' on the issue .
She added : `` As somebody who was in the room , struggling for an independent system , lots and lots of meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't remember some of the people here being in that particular room or being in those particular fights . ''
Ms Nandy said a `` collective failure of leadership at the top of the party has let us all down ” .
While Mrs Long-Bailey , a Corbyn ally , said : `` We can never let that level of mistrust happen again . ''
Ms Thornberry said Labour `` must be critical of a far-right government of Israel '' but said that blaming Jews is `` where racism begins '' .

Meghan Markle debate compared to Brexit by Labour MP
The surge in popularity post election is marked by the Conservatives having a massive 17-point advantage, according to the latest research by Opinium. This is up from around 12 points at the election. Some 42 per cent also said they thought Mr Johnson was performing better as PM than they had expected.
The recent poll showed the Tories were up on 47 percent support, while Labour had slipped three points to 30 percent. The Lib Dems were also down three points to just nine percent of those polled giving their backing. Some 42 percent said Mr Johnson was doing better than they had anticipated, compared to a third who thought he was meeting expectations or falling short of them. The findings come as Labour descends into a bitter civil war as they try to find their next leader, and will act as a stark reminder that electing the wrong candidate could push the party even further behind the Conservative Party.
Boris Johnson with Ursula Von Der Leyen
Boris Johnson leaving Number Ten
Jeremy Corbyn is due to step down and there are five Labour MPs standing to replace him. In the first hustings, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Emily Thornberry, Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips made their pitches to the membership. Sir Keir said at the recent leadership election hustings in Liverpool "we've had far too much division", while Ms Phillips said the "name-calling has been horrendous". Party members in Liverpool questioned them on issues from Brexit to anti-Semitism. READ MORE: Brexit breakthrough: Swedish minister concedes 'some deal can be done'
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Boris Johnson's has seen a poll boost since the election
It was the first in a series of events across the country before Jeremy Corbyn's successor is elected on 4 April. Deputy leader candidates Rosena Allin-Khan, Dawn Butler, Richard Burgon, Ian Murray and Angela Rayner are also answering questions in a separate hustings. The five leadership candidates all acknowledged that Labour had suffered from division and in-fighting. Mrs Long-Bailey said: "We have to be honest with ourselves that over the last four years we haven't been united as a party." DON'T MISS Brexit WARNING: Brussels CHASTISED by MEPs in last Parliament sitting [VIDEO]
Brexit block: Could Brexit deal be blocked by House of Lords? [ANALYSIS]
EU panic: Worried Varadkar issues desperate plea to Brussels [INSIGHT]
The Labour leadership hustings
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-19--'Delivering for the north!' Lords move to York plan to pay back blue wave at election

Reports yesterday suggested York was the most favoured destination for Parliament ’ s second chamber , with Birmingham second on the list .
Disused land owned by the Government close to York railway station is understood to have been identified within Whitehall as a prime site for the new second chamber .
Mr Cleverly yesterday confirmed the proposal to uproot peers was being discussed by ministers .
“ What we are looking at is a whole range of options about making sure that every part of the UK feels properly connected to politics , ” he said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister stood up the day after the general election and said this is going to be the people ’ s government , he meant it and that meant connecting people with government and with politics because the referendum in 2016 wasn ’ t just about our relationship with the EU , it was about millions of people and their relationship with politics as a whole .
“ So we are looking at a whole range of ways of connecting people in places where we won representation for the first time in decades.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North , Mr Clevely said : “ We might , it is one of a range of things that we are looking into but fundamentally what this is about , it ’ s about demonstrating to people that we are going to do things differently.
” He added : “ We are going to be radical , we are going to get stuff done .
`` The Prime Minister is absolutely clear and this is very much the focus of the Government .
`` It is about delivering , it is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , north , south , east , west , England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
We are absolutely in delivery mode.
” Ministers will consider the future location of the Lords in a constitutional review to be launched in the spring .
The powers of role of the Supreme Court - which blocked the Prime Minister ’ s attempt to prorogue Parliament during the Brexit crisis - will also be considered in the review .
It could also consider a plan to have a partially-elected upper house dedicated at representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regions .
They are planning a competition to find a design for the new building that will maximise value for taxpayers ’ money .
Shifting the Lords is also seen in Whitehall as a potential way of saving taxpayers ’ money since fewer London-based peers will be expected to turn up to collect their £313 daily attendance allowance .
MPs could also hold some Commons debates in cities outside London as part of the plans to connect Parliament with the rest of the country .
Sunderland and Manchester have been suggested as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Lords move would mean more than 800 members of the upper house and their staff would be relocated .
It would also raise questions about the future use of the current Lords chamber at Westminster .
And fresh doubt could be cast on the planned £3.5billion renovation and refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster project .
Peers are currently expected to be temporarily accommodated in Westminster ’ s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre from the middle of the decade during the work while a new debating chamber is proposed for Whitehall to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses of Parliament are due to decamp from the Palace for around six years from 2025 .
But MPs may want to consider changing the plans if the Lords is to be permanently moved away from Westminster .
International Development Secretary Alok Sharma backed the idea of moving the Lords .

Jeremy Vine: House of Lords should be ‘closed down’ says caller
Reports yesterday suggested York was the most favoured destination for Parliament’s second chamber, with Birmingham second on the list. Disused land owned by the Government close to York railway station is understood to have been identified within Whitehall as a prime site for the new second chamber. Mr Cleverly yesterday confirmed the proposal to uproot peers was being discussed by ministers. “What we are looking at is a whole range of options about making sure that every part of the UK feels properly connected to politics,” he said in an interview with Sky News. “When the Prime Minister stood up the day after the general election and said this is going to be the people’s government, he meant it and that meant connecting people with government and with politics because the referendum in 2016 wasn’t just about our relationship with the EU, it was about millions of people and their relationship with politics as a whole. “So we are looking at a whole range of ways of connecting people in places where we won representation for the first time in decades.”
Asked about moving the Lords to the North, Mr Clevely said: “We might, it is one of a range of things that we are looking into but fundamentally what this is about, it’s about demonstrating to people that we are going to do things differently.” He added: “We are going to be radical, we are going to get stuff done. "The Prime Minister is absolutely clear and this is very much the focus of the Government. "It is about delivering, it is about delivering for the people of this country, north, south, east, west, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are absolutely in delivery mode.” Ministers will consider the future location of the Lords in a constitutional review to be launched in the spring. The powers of role of the Supreme Court - which blocked the Prime Minister’s attempt to prorogue Parliament during the Brexit crisis - will also be considered in the review.
Boris Johnson could move the House of Lords to the North of England
It could also consider a plan to have a partially-elected upper house dedicated at representing all four parts of the UK and the regions. They are planning a competition to find a design for the new building that will maximise value for taxpayers’ money. Shifting the Lords is also seen in Whitehall as a potential way of saving taxpayers’ money since fewer London-based peers will be expected to turn up to collect their £313 daily attendance allowance. MPs could also hold some Commons debates in cities outside London as part of the plans to connect Parliament with the rest of the country. Sunderland and Manchester have been suggested as possible venues for the away days. The Lords move would mean more than 800 members of the upper house and their staff would be relocated. It would also raise questions about the future use of the current Lords chamber at Westminster.
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And fresh doubt could be cast on the planned £3.5billion renovation and refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster project. Peers are currently expected to be temporarily accommodated in Westminster’s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre from the middle of the decade during the work while a new debating chamber is proposed for Whitehall to house MPs during the work. Both houses of Parliament are due to decamp from the Palace for around six years from 2025. But MPs may want to consider changing the plans if the Lords is to be permanently moved away from Westminster. International Development Secretary Alok Sharma backed the idea of moving the Lords.
Both houses of Parliament are due to decamp from the Palace for around six years


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Sturgeon blasted for living in 'echo chamber' amid fresh plot to stop independence quest

The former prime minister ’ s move comes as the governments of Westminster and Holyrood stare each other down on the issue of Indyref2 .
SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Ms Sturgeon insisted last month ’ s general election successes returned a mandate for the second referendum within six years .
Her stance has been rejected in London with the Government refusing to bow to demands for a re-run of the 2014 poll .
Mr Brown said it was time to talk openly with the people of Scotland and is set to launch a series of neighbourhood assemblies across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think-tank .
He said : “ Decisions in this country should not be made by dictates from the top , but from the ground up by hearing what people think and aspire to .
“ That ’ s why , over the course of the next few months , Our Scottish Future will be holding a series of neighbourhood assemblies with the aim of hearing from Scots of all political backgrounds , or none , on how they want the country to move forward .
“ For too long , we have listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plan with Let ’ s Talk Scotland is to sit down and talk openly and honestly with as many people as possible : Yes , No , Leave , Remain , from the central belt to the Highlands and Borders - not to seek out our differences but to find our common bonds . ''
He continued : “ I hope this process of listening and talking will reveal to us afresh the ties that bind us together in our communities , that were there all along but which have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled us apart .
“ And I hope that by discussing - and sharing - our hopes and fears for the future with each other , our local communities can offer up the ideas and a vision for the future that we can all back and can bring us back together .
“ Because Scotland must aspire to be , as a country , more united than we are today and championing a better way forward.
” Among the issues to be discussed are child poverty , climate change and the economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional future .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon savaged : SNP accused of IGNORING day job for Indyref2 The think-tank plans to use the ideas and views that emerge from the assemblies to lay out fresh proposals for all political parties ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections .
Mr Brown is also due to deliver a keynote speech in Westminster today in which he will call for the United Kingdom to change fundamentally to stop Scotland seeking independence .
He will warn “ cosmetic gestures ” by Boris Johnson will fail to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PR gestures ” such as suggestions of moving the House of Lords to York .
He will insist the UK needs to change fundamentally so Scotland “ does not abandon union ” and regions can feel respected in it .
Speaking at the Westminster event organised by the group Hope Not Hate later today , Mr Brown will say : “ The Conservatives are accepting the need for change but clearly can not contemplate the scale of change needed .
“ We must reboot and renew Britain or we risk losing it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention and region-by-region citizens assemblies to gauge public opinion so as to “ respond adequately to local needs ” .
Mr Brown will “ propose a Forum of the Nations and Regions to prevent post-Brexit centralisation of power in London ” .
DO N'T MISS Westminster must let GO – or the UK is FINISHED , says CARWYN JONES [ OPINION ] Why SNP could be heading for catastrophic election defeat [ ANALYSIS ] Scottish independence referendum : What is next for Nicola Sturgeon ?
[ FOCUS ] He will say this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second chamber to replace the House of Lords ” .
He will say : “ I will argue for a Council of the North and Council of the Midlands that bring together local authorities , Mayor and MPs and in the form of a Northern Exchequer board take powers from the Treasury over the allocation of regional resources - so that on vital issues , outlying regions and communities will no longer be governed simply by dictates from London second guessing what they want .
“ The demand for more power to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met by gimmicks or gestures given that the UK is a unitary state but a multinational country .
“ It is asymmetric with 83 percent of the votes at elections in England and that political , financial and administrative power has been over-concentrated in one city in the south .
”

Indyref2: Rumbles tells Sturgeon to 'listen to the voters'
The former prime minister’s move comes as the governments of Westminster and Holyrood stare each other down on the issue of Indyref2. SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Ms Sturgeon insisted last month’s general election successes returned a mandate for the second referendum within six years. Her stance has been rejected in London with the Government refusing to bow to demands for a re-run of the 2014 poll.
Scotland must aspire to be more united than we are today and championing a better way forward Gordon Brown
Mr Brown said it was time to talk openly with the people of Scotland and is set to launch a series of neighbourhood assemblies across Scotland organised by the Our Scottish Future think-tank. He said: “Decisions in this country should not be made by dictates from the top, but from the ground up by hearing what people think and aspire to. “That’s why, over the course of the next few months, Our Scottish Future will be holding a series of neighbourhood assemblies with the aim of hearing from Scots of all political backgrounds, or none, on how they want the country to move forward. “For too long, we have listened only to the echo chambers around us. The plan with Let’s Talk Scotland is to sit down and talk openly and honestly with as many people as possible: Yes, No, Leave, Remain, from the central belt to the Highlands and Borders - not to seek out our differences but to find our common bonds."
Gordon Brown and Nicola Sturgeon
He continued: “I hope this process of listening and talking will reveal to us afresh the ties that bind us together in our communities, that were there all along but which have been frayed by a national debate that has pulled us apart. “And I hope that by discussing - and sharing - our hopes and fears for the future with each other, our local communities can offer up the ideas and a vision for the future that we can all back and can bring us back together. “Because Scotland must aspire to be, as a country, more united than we are today and championing a better way forward.” Among the issues to be discussed are child poverty, climate change and the economy and what they mean for Scotland’s constitutional future. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon savaged: SNP accused of IGNORING day job for Indyref2
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Nicola Sturgeon insists last month's election result gave her a mandate to push for Indyref2
Gordon Brown has unveiled plans to keep Scotland in the United Kingdom
The think-tank plans to use the ideas and views that emerge from the assemblies to lay out fresh proposals for all political parties ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections. Mr Brown is also due to deliver a keynote speech in Westminster today in which he will call for the United Kingdom to change fundamentally to stop Scotland seeking independence. He will warn “cosmetic gestures” by Boris Johnson will fail to keep the country together and will attack “PR gestures” such as suggestions of moving the House of Lords to York. He will insist the UK needs to change fundamentally so Scotland “does not abandon union” and regions can feel respected in it.
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Speaking at the Westminster event organised by the group Hope Not Hate later today, Mr Brown will say: “The Conservatives are accepting the need for change but clearly cannot contemplate the scale of change needed. “We must reboot and renew Britain or we risk losing it.”Brown will call for a UK-wide constitutional convention and region-by-region citizens assemblies to gauge public opinion so as to “respond adequately to local needs”. Mr Brown will “propose a Forum of the Nations and Regions to prevent post-Brexit centralisation of power in London”. DON'T MISS
Westminster must let GO – or the UK is FINISHED, says CARWYN JONES[OPINION]
Why SNP could be heading for catastrophic election defeat[ANALYSIS]
Scottish independence referendum: What is next for Nicola Sturgeon?[FOCUS]
Results of a recent opinion poll on Scottish independence


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Labour crisis: Jess Phillips admits leadership campaign disaster - ‘I was awful’

The Birmingham Yardley MP condemned her own performance at the first regional hustings event in Liverpool on Saturday .
The backbench MP described the format of the event as “ ridiculous ” as each of the five candidates were given just 40 seconds to answer a question .
She admitted her responses “ fell flat ” .
Ms Phillips wrote in The Guardian : “ The hustings was awful .
I was awful because I was trying to hit a million different lines and messages in 40 seconds .
“ Some were my lines , some were other people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillips is fighting for the leadership of the party against the Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer , Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and backbench MP Lisa Nandy .
Ms Phillips , who has been an outspoken critic of Mr Corbyn , admitted she “ probably won ’ t win ” and is struggling to make it to the next round of the contest .
To be on the final ballot paper and face the Labour membership , each candidate must win the support either 33 constituency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affiliates , two of which must be unions .
Ms Phillips is yet to receive a single nomination from the 14 CLPs who have made a decision .
Sir Keir currently leads the way with 11 nominations and Ms Long-Bailey with three .
Ms Phillips said : “ I might not look the most like a Prime Minister in this race , because apparently looking like a prime minister is a thing .
“ I can not win that war , so I am going to stop fighting it .
“ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of people ask me to run to be the leader .
I am going to say what I think .
I am going to give honest answers .
“ I probably won ’ t win , but I am guessing that I might just inspire others to give it a go too.
” On Sunday the Birmingham Yardley MP once again got herself in a tangle over Labour ’ s position on Brexit .
Ms Phillips said she is not an “ uber Remainer ” but later added it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close off future options or alliances .
She told Sky ’ s Sophy Ridge On Sunday : “ I don ’ t think this is a conversation that ’ s even up for debate at the moment .
“ There ’ s no plan to have some sort of campaign to rejoin the European Union .
Jess Phillips wo n't rule out trying to rejoin EU as Labour leader [ VIDEO ] Jeremy Corbyn nominates John Bercow for House of Lords [ INSIGHT ] Keir Starmer : Why is Keir Starmer a Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EXPLAINER ]

Brexit: Jess Phillips says she doesn't 'close off' rejoining EU
The Birmingham Yardley MP condemned her own performance at the first regional hustings event in Liverpool on Saturday. The backbench MP described the format of the event as “ridiculous” as each of the five candidates were given just 40 seconds to answer a question. She admitted her responses “fell flat”. Ms Phillips wrote in The Guardian: “The hustings was awful. I was awful because I was trying to hit a million different lines and messages in 40 seconds.
“Some were my lines, some were other people’s and it fell flat.” Ms Phillips is fighting for the leadership of the party against the Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer, Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and backbench MP Lisa Nandy. Ms Phillips, who has been an outspoken critic of Mr Corbyn, admitted she “probably won’t win” and is struggling to make it to the next round of the contest. To be on the final ballot paper and face the Labour membership, each candidate must win the support either 33 constituency Labour parties (CLPs) or three affiliates, two of which must be unions.
Jess Phillips has admitted she is unlikely to win the Labour leadership contest
Jess Phillips has criticised her own performance at the hustings event in Liverpool
Ms Phillips is yet to receive a single nomination from the 14 CLPs who have made a decision. Sir Keir currently leads the way with 11 nominations and Ms Long-Bailey with three. Ms Phillips said: “I might not look the most like a Prime Minister in this race, because apparently looking like a prime minister is a thing.
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Rebecca Long-Bailey is a leading contender to replace Jeremy Corbyn
“I cannot win that war, so I am going to stop fighting it. “I am going to do the thing that made tens of thousands of people ask me to run to be the leader. I am going to say what I think. I am going to give honest answers. “I probably won’t win, but I am guessing that I might just inspire others to give it a go too.” On Sunday the Birmingham Yardley MP once again got herself in a tangle over Labour’s position on Brexit. READ MORE: BBC's Marr slams Corbyn's 'cheeky' peerage decision as Brexiteer snub
The latest YouGov poll has Sir Keir Starmer in the lead
The five candidates in the Labour leadership contest


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Irish election 2020: Varadkar is set to LOSE the Irish election he called – first poll

The Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Leo Varadkar admitted there was now a `` real risk , a real danger '' of Fine Gael losing power to Fianna Fáil , with a senior Fine Gael campaign source admitting the planned strikes by secondary teachers and childcare workers in the days leading up to the election on February 8 could further imperil the party 's chances of securing a historic third term .
A Behaviour and Attitudes poll for The Sunday Times put Fianna Fáil on 32 percent and Fine Gael on 20 percent .
Mr Varadkar , speaking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming election and said : `` I think the opinion poll demonstrates that there is a real risk , a real danger that we 'll have a Fianna Fáil-led government after the next election and I would hate to see that happen because it would mean the country falling backwards.
” Several Fine Gael TDs ( MPs ) fear seats could be lost across the country , potentially putting in danger the political careers of several high-profile ministers , including Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy , Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty , Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fine Gael TD spoke of the dire fortunes of his party in The Independent and said : “ It 's a fact , if you are on 20 percent and you 're in a three-seater you 're not going to get two seats.
” `` If that poll is true , you wo n't record two seats anywhere .
“ It would be worse than 2002 . ''
This is a reference to the disastrous election 18 years ago when Fine Gael won just 31 seats .
Referring to the proportional representation system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another TD said : `` On that figure , we do n't hold two seats in any constituency . ''
A third Fine Gael TD said : `` The boys live in the bubble in Leinster House , when you come out you meet the reality , you know .
“ The poll is a setback , but I am confident we 'll fight back .
READ MORE : Varadkar on the brink : ‘ Panic ’ sets in as rivals plot Leo ’ s downfall “ I believe the battles in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election and it will be closely fought.
” But Irish Labour leader Brendan Howlin poured cold water on the poll results and said it did not reflect Fine Gael 's `` missteps '' in the first week of campaigning .
He said : “ You have to be mindful of when this poll was taken .
“ It was taken before the election was called , at the height of the debacle Fine Gael made of the Black and Tan issue .

Ireland: Leo Varadkar announces February election
The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar admitted there was now a "real risk, a real danger" of Fine Gael losing power to Fianna Fáil, with a senior Fine Gael campaign source admitting the planned strikes by secondary teachers and childcare workers in the days leading up to the election on February 8 could further imperil the party's chances of securing a historic third term. A Behaviour and Attitudes poll for The Sunday Times put Fianna Fáil on 32 percent and Fine Gael on 20 percent. Mr Varadkar, speaking at Croke Park yesterday, expressed fears for the coming election and said: "I think the opinion poll demonstrates that there is a real risk, a real danger that we'll have a Fianna Fáil-led government after the next election and I would hate to see that happen because it would mean the country falling backwards.”
Several Fine Gael TDs (MPs) fear seats could be lost across the country, potentially putting in danger the political careers of several high-profile ministers, including Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty, Defence Minister Paul Kehoe and others. A Fine Gael TD spoke of the dire fortunes of his party in The Independent and said: “It's a fact, if you are on 20 percent and you're in a three-seater you're not going to get two seats.” "If that poll is true, you won't record two seats anywhere. “It would be worse than 2002."
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
This is a reference to the disastrous election 18 years ago when Fine Gael won just 31 seats. Referring to the proportional representation system of election in the republic of Ireland another TD said: "On that figure, we don't hold two seats in any constituency." A third Fine Gael TD said: "The boys live in the bubble in Leinster House, when you come out you meet the reality, you know. “The poll is a setback, but I am confident we'll fight back. READ MORE: Varadkar on the brink: ‘Panic’ sets in as rivals plot Leo’s downfall
Leo Varadkar and Ursula Von der Leyen
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Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin
“I believe the battles in the individual constituencies will determine the outcome of this election and it will be closely fought.” But Irish Labour leader Brendan Howlin poured cold water on the poll results and said it did not reflect Fine Gael's "missteps" in the first week of campaigning. He said: “You have to be mindful of when this poll was taken. “It was taken before the election was called, at the height of the debacle Fine Gael made of the Black and Tan issue.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin
Leo Varadkar's election hopes could be in crisis
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Brexit LIVE: Hundreds of EU companies rush to enter Britain as January 31 nears

The UK is set to leave the trade bloc on January 31 and according to the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) , there were a total of 1,441 company applicants to enter Britain between 2018 and 2019 .
Under the temporary permission regime , European companies will be allowed to operate in Britain after Brexit but they will eventually need to seek full authorisation to remain past a certain point .
The release of the data comes as the European Parliament 's Guy Verhofstadt insisted there would be a grace period for EU citizens who have not applied for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Verhofstadt told the BBC : `` What will happen for those people even after the grace period ?
`` Well there will be no automatic deportation .
“ After the grace period , they will have a possibility to apply , giving the grounds why it was not possible to do it within the normal procedures . ''
Boris Johnson 's withdrawal agreement will return to the House of Commons this week for the report stage of the debate .
The agreement passed through the House of Lords last week after receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to accept less access to the single market if it diverges from EU rules after Brexit .
Spokesman for the Commission , Eric Mamer said : `` We have had this conversation a number of times and we have made our position very clear .
`` There is a link between moving away from EU regulations and the degree of access that is possible into the single market .
`` That position has not changed .
I think both sides have expressed their positions very clearly and , hence , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were made this weekend . ''
Boris Johnson touted the UK as a potential business partner for the continent after Brexit .
The Prime Minister spoke at the first UK-Africa summit today , something he admitted was 'long overdue '' .
He did add , however , that Britain has `` no divine right '' to trade deal while also acknowledging the presence of China and Russia in the region .
10.40am update : Boris Johnson speaks at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London Speaking at the summit , the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put `` people before passports '' .
He added : `` Our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners , treating people the same , wherever they come from .
`` By putting people before passports we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world , wherever they may be . ''
10.27am update : Liam Fox urges Prime Minister to deal with US states Speaking from Geneva today , Mr Fox will warn the Prime Minister to deal with individual US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes a US-UK trade deal to be bogged down , according to The Daily Telegraph .
The former International Trade Secretary will insist Mr Johnson should look to deal with California , Texas , Florida and New York .
Brexit Party MEP for the West Midlands , Rupert Lowe issued a warning to Brussels as he stated Euroscepticism was growing .
He said : `` The EU ’ s attitude to Brexit Britain has only strengthened the resolve of Eurosceptics across the continent .
`` Make no mistake - the mood in Strasbourg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fury .
`` Who will be next ?
Poland ?
Hungary ?
Sweden ?
Banning national flags will not have helped ! ''
Ministers have restarted no-deal planning meetings in case negotiations over a post-Brexit trade deal collapse , Whitehall sources confirmed .
The Cabinet ’ s EU Exit Committee , chaired by Michael Gove , met last week to begin discussing preparations for the talks breaking down ahead of the end of the UK ’ s transition out of Brussels at the end of this year .
One minister present at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was held to consider what happens should Brussels “ fail to grasp we really are going at the end of the year.
” Pub giant , JD Wetherspoon will reduce the price of drinks originating from European countries .
Under the 'Let 's stay friends ' initiative , drinks from Germany France , Spain , Poland , Holand and Irelands will be reduced by 10 pence until February 29 .
UK house prices rose at the fastest rate on record for the period between December 13 and January 15 .
Director at Rightmove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election had provided a `` window stability '' for the housing market .
The average for houses coming onto the market rose by 2.3 percent , the biggest since the property website began its index in 2002 .
Mr Shipside said : `` The housing market dislikes uncertainty , and the unsettled political outlook over the last three and a half years since the EU referendum caused some potential home movers to hesitate .
There now seems to be a release of this pent-up demand , which suggests we are in store for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there may well be more twists and turns to come in the Brexit saga , there is now an opportunity for sellers to get their property on the market for a spring move unaffected by Brexit deadlines.
” According to the FCA , over 1,441 firms applied to use the temporary permission regime .
Moreover , 1,000 of those companies appear to be setting up an office for the first time , according to Bovill , a regulatory consultant which received the information from the FCA .
Michael Johnson , from Bovill said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without an existing UK branch that have applied for the temporary permission suggests there will be some movement of staff from these EU 27 firms into the UK . ''
The highest number of additions came from Irish financial firms with 228 .

Brexit: Lords vote to amend Withdrawal Agreement Bill
Boris Johnson's Government has been defeated for the first time since the general election last month, with the upper chamber voting in favour of a move to protect the rights of EU citizens in Britain after Brexit. Members of the Lords voted 270 to 229 in favour of a change put forward by the Liberal Democrats which would give eligible European Union citizens in the UK an automatic right to remain in the country after Brexit, rather than having to apply to the Government to do so. This would also ensure they are given physical proof of their right to remain, while the Government has said only that people will be given a "secure digital status" which links to their passport.
Last week, the European Parliament’s Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt claimed Britain had told him it was looking into the possibility of providing a physical document to EU citizen, but Mr Johnson’s spokesman denied any knowledge of this. Mr Johnson is now faced with the prospect of accepting the Lords’ amendment or risk getting into a standoff that could see the withdrawal agreement not passing through Parliament in time for the UK’s exit from the European Union at the end of the month. The Government then quickly suffered two further defeats when House of Lords members voted on further amendments. Peers voted by 241 to 205 - a majority of 36 - to remove the power of ministers to decide which courts should have the power to depart from judgments of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and by reference to what test. A third defeat then followed, as peers backed a move by Tory former lord chancellor Lord Mackay of Clashfern to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to depart from EU case law. Voting on this amendment was 206 to 186 - majority 20 - as peers warned against interference in the independence of the judiciary. This blog is now closed - click here for further Brexit updates.
Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson is under huge pressure to avoid another delay
Brexit LIVE: Simon Coveney issued a warning to the UK
January 21st - 7am update - EU plotting sanctions to ruin Boris' post-Brexit plans Brussels is plotting to block UK access to EU markets or impose crippling fines if Boris Johnson breaks the terms of any post-Brexit trade deal, diplomats have warned. Michel Barnier’s negotiating team told EU capitals Brussels is planning a stringent enforcement mechanism to ensure the UK respects the terms of the free-trade agreement. 10pm update: Boris urged to give Commons vote on Big Ben row – ‘You started it!’ Mark Francois tonight made a final attempt to make Big Ben bong for Brexit by urging Boris Johnson to trigger a Commons vote on the issue. The backbencher wrote to the Prime Minister to call for MPs to be given a free vote on the row this week. He said that MPs should be given a chance to overturn a decision by the House of Commons Commission that reactivating the bell in Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower was too costly to be justifiable. Downing Street officials said Mr Johnson had yet to receive the letter but indicated that the issue was a matter for parliamentary authorities rather than Number 10. 8.30pm update: Two more defeats for Government in the House of Lords The Government has suffred a further two defeats in the House of Lords as members continue to vote on amendments to Boris Johnson's Brexit Bill. Peers voted by 241 to 205 - a majority of 36 - 36, to remove the power of ministers to decide which courts should have the power to depart from judgments of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and by reference to what test. A third defeat then followed, as peers backed a move by Tory former lord chancellor Lord Mackay of Clashfern to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to depart from EU case law. Voting on this amendment was 206 to 186 - majority 20 - as peers warned against interference in the independence of the judiciary.
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Brexit LIVE: The row over whether Big Ben should bong for Brexit is continuing
7.10pm update: Pro-EU celebration ahead of Brexit raises £11,000 in three days A crowdfunding campaign to fly a huge pro-EU flag over the White Cliffs of Dover has raised more than £11,000 in three days. The campaign - whose target was just £5,500 to fund the 150sqm banner, has been set up by South East England MEP Antony Hook. The message on the flag will read: "We still love EU.” Mr Hook said: "The phenomenal success of this appeal demonstrates how passionately people in this country feel about sending a positive message to the EU." He added: "This banner is much bigger than leave or remain. “It is about communicating our appreciation for our nearest neighbours and our hope that we will continue to have the best possible relationship with them in the future." 5.47pm update: 'NO WAY!' Ireland sends UK furious Brexit warning amid plot to strong-arm Boris over trade European Union chiefs could use the Irish border in a bid to strong-arm Boris Johnson into signing up to close-knit post-Brexit relationship with Brussels, Ireland’s deputy prime minister today hinted. Simon Coveney, who is also Ireland's foreign secretary, insisted the bloc would keep a close eye on the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol as talks on the future free-trade agreement run in “parallel”. He told reporters in Brussels the EU will continue to offer “very strong support” for Dublin in the next phase of negotiations. Mr Coveney said: “We all know what is in that protocol and there is a lot of work to ensure that is in place in plenty of time. “Those structures need to be put in place in parallel with progressing the negotiations and discussions on the future relationship and future trade deal. “From an Irish perspective that is really important for obvious reasons.”
Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson's Government suffered a trio of defeats in the House of Lords
4.53pm update: Government defeated in House of Lords The Government has suffered a loss in the House of Lords over the right of EU citizens lawfully residing in the UK after Brexit to have physical proof of their status. The cross-party amendment, proposed by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oates, was backed by 270 peers compared to 229 voted against it. 4.50pm update: Pound falls following comments from Javid The pound has fallen on Monday after comments from Sajid Javid stoked fears about weak ties between Britain and the EU after Brexit. Sterling was down 0.1 percent against the US dollar to $1.2997 and was flat against the euro at 85.25 pence. The Chancellor told the Financial Times Britain would not commit to sticking to EU rules in post-Brexit trade talks. That is a threat to businesses that want to ease cross-border checks with the EU once the transition period ends in December 2020. RBC Capital Markets chief currency strategist Adam Cole said: "It's about the UK diverging from Europe, and that would necessarily result in limiting access to European markets. "Markets are taking that negatively." 4.45pm update: UK to publicly set out goals for trade talks with EU Britain will publicly set out its goals for its future partnership with the European Union. A spokesman for Boris Johnson said in response to questions about trade talks with the EU after Britain leaves the bloc on January 31: "We will set out in public what we want to achieve.”
Brexit: House of Lords vote against Withdrawal Agreement Bill
4.26pm update: Gordon Brown calls for Brexit powers to be transferred to UK’s regions and not Westminster Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for the powers of Brussels to be transferred to the UK's regions to stop the country breaking up after Brexit. The former Labour leader told an audience in Westminster how Boris Johnson's slogan of "getting Brexit done" was having the impact of "leaving Britain undone". He said: "When you think of Brexit getting done, it is leaving Britain undone and at the same time you are destabilising the relationships between the different interests of Irishness and Britishness, and putting at risk the whole of the United Kingdom. "The danger is we have Scotland first, England first, Wales first, and so on in the United Kingdom." "We have to rediscover, in my view, the value of empathy, not enmity, between nations. "We have to rediscover the importance of cooperation and not conflict." 4.17pm update: Stormont rejects Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal The devolved parliament in Belfast has rejected the Prime Minister’s EU withdrawal plan. The position was agreed without dissent following a near three-hour debate in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has been unable to speak without the authority of elected ministers during most of the Brexit process because of the three-year suspension of the devolved institutions. Sinn Fein deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill said: "We must work together with common cause to overcome the challenges that have been imposed on us by Brexit. "This Assembly has not given its consent to the British Government to legislate on our behalf." But this decision in Belfast will not impact on Mr Johnson’s plan to leave the EU on January 31.
Brexit LIVE: Gordon Brown wants Brexit powers to be transferred to UK’s regions and not Westminster
4.13pm update: Sturgeon details how support for businesses is being stepped up ahead of Brexit Nicola Sturgeon has revealed how support for businesses is being increased as the UK prepares to leave the EU on January 31. Scotland’s First Minister said she could "not wait for the confusion surrounding the UK Government's Brexit negotiations to clear" before acting. The Scottish Government has set the target of growing exports from a fifth of the country’s GDP to a quarter over a 10-year period. Ms Sturgeon revealed plans to expand the GlobalScot network from 600 to 2,000, significantly increasing the number of people making contacts and identifying opportunities for firms in the global market. The GlobalScot network in Europe will be doubled before the end of this year from 250 to 500. The FM Export Challenge, which allows businesses to get advice from existing exporters, will also be expanded. A trade specialist from Scottish Development International will also e allocated to each one of some 1,200 firms identified as being key in achieving the export target. 3.20pm update: Barclay insists ‘spirit of devolution’ has been respected The UK Government has insisted it respects "the spirit and the letter of the devolution settlement" as it proceeds with Brexit without consent from the devolved administrations. In letters sent to Scottish and Welsh ministers addressing their refusal to give legislative consent to Boris Johnson's Brexit deal, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Stephen Barclay said he recognised the "significant role" played by the legislative consent process. Earlier this month, Holyrood MSPs voted by 92 votes to 29 to reject the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill, while Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has urged assembly members to vote it down when it comes to the Senedd. Under the devolution agreement, legislative consent is required for issues affecting devolved policy areas. But in practice, the UK Government can still proceed against the will of the Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish administrations.
Brexit LIVE: Nicola Sturgeon explained how support for Scottish firms is being increased
Paul Withers taking over live reporting from Bill McLoughlin 2.36pm update: EU reveals negotiations will not begin until beginning of March European Commission spokesman, Eric Mamer revealed an institutional process will take place following the UK's departure from the EU. He said today: "The commission can adopt its proposal for the negotiation directives only once the UK has actually withdrawn from the EU. "But then there is still an institutional process for these to be adopted by the European Council. "This we know will take some time, which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can, but it will certainly not be before the end of February, beginning of March." 1.30pm update: "Panic in Brussels" Brexit Party MEP, Rupert Lowe has responded to instances from the EU over the UK's intention to diverge from the trade bloc's regulations. Mr Lowe said: "The panicked noises coming out of Brussels over our divergence from EU rules reinforce the strategy. "We should absolutely be looking to undercut them. EU central planning has created a bureaucratic monster. "An agile UK economy would take full advantage and reap the benefits!" Brussels has stated the UK would only have limited access to the single market if it intended to diverge from EU regulations. 1.15pm update: UK economy predicted to stabilise The International Monetary Fund (IMF), has predicted the UK will experience stronger growth than Germany, France and Japan. Over the next two years, the UK economy is expected to stabilise at 1.4 percent in 2020 and 1.4 in 2021. The forecast also predicts “an orderly exit from the European Union at the end of January”
Brexit: Johnson admits Britain has ‘no divine right’ to trade deal
12.43pm update: "Good news for the UK" Tory MP and Eurosceptic, John Redwood issues blunt attack on Germany and France. Following Mr Johnson's speech at the UK-Africa summit, Mr Redwood praised Britain for its ability to attract technological investment. He said: "Good news that the UK was third in the world after US and China for attracting tech investment last year with more than Germany and France combined. "We need to make more cities magnets for new tec to match London." 11.44am update: EU Commission issues threat to UK The Commission reiterated Britain would have to accept less access to the single market if it diverges from EU rules after Brexit. Spokesman for the Commission, Eric Mamer said: "We have had this conversation a number of times and we have made our position very clear. "There is a link between moving away from EU regulations and the degree of access that is possible into the single market. "That position has not changed. I think both sides have expressed their positions very clearly and, hence, I have nothing to add to the comments that were made this weekend." 10.52am update: "Global Britain after Brexit" Boris Johnson touted the UK as a potential business partner for the continent after Brexit. The Prime Minister spoke at the first UK-Africa summit today, something he admitted was 'long overdue". He did add, however, that Britain has "no divine right" to trade deal while also acknowledging the presence of China and Russia in the region.
Brexit LIVE: John Redwood
10.40am update: Boris Johnson speaks at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London Speaking at the summit, the Prime Minister insisted Britain's post-Brexit immigration system will put "people before passports". He added: "Our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners, treating people the same, wherever they come from. "By putting people before passports we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world, wherever they may be." 10.27am update: Liam Fox urges Prime Minister to deal with US states Speaking from Geneva today, Mr Fox will warn the Prime Minister to deal with individual US states if the issue of chlorinated chicken causes a US-UK trade deal to be bogged down, according to The Daily Telegraph. The former International Trade Secretary will insist Mr Johnson should look to deal with California, Texas, Florida and New York. 9.54am update: Eurosceptics growing Brexit Party MEP for the West Midlands, Rupert Lowe issued a warning to Brussels as he stated Euroscepticism was growing. He said: "The EU’s attitude to Brexit Britain has only strengthened the resolve of Eurosceptics across the continent. "Make no mistake - the mood in Strasbourg last week was one of defiance and fury. "Who will be next? Poland? Hungary? Sweden? Banning national flags will not have helped!" 9.17am update: Boris Johnson's secret no deal planning Ministers have restarted no-deal planning meetings in case negotiations over a post-Brexit trade deal collapse, Whitehall sources confirmed. The Cabinet’s EU Exit Committee, chaired by Michael Gove, met last week to begin discussing preparations for the talks breaking down ahead of the end of the UK’s transition out of Brussels at the end of this year. One minister present at the committee meeting on Thursday said the gathering was held to consider what happens should Brussels “fail to grasp we really are going at the end of the year.”
Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson to put people before passports
Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson's no deal planing
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Furious peers reject ‘completely ridiculous’ plan created by ‘weirdos’ to send them north

Boris Johnson has raised the possibility of permanently relocating the second chamber to the north of England and has told officials to get detailed work on the practicalities of such a move underway .
Senior Tories have said moving the Lords out of London would form part of a bid to “ reconnect ” with voters .
But peers were outraged by the suggestions which surfaced yesterday .
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean described the relocation as a “ completely ridiculous idea that would cost a fortune ” .
He said the proposals to send peers up the M1 could only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no clue ” about how Parliament operates .
The former Scottish Secretary said : “ I can only assume this is the first fruit of the weirdos that Dominic Cummings said he wanted to recruit to No 10 .
“ It ’ s ridiculous and it shows complete contempt for our constitution.
” MPs and peers are already due to move out of the Houses of Parliament for around six years in 2025 while a multi-billion pound restoration and refurbishment is carried out .
But Downing Street ’ s idea would see peers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the capital .
York has been mentioned and if chosen would become a centre of political power for the first time since the English Civil War , when it hosted the Council of the North .
Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat said the Government should spread “ real power ” across the country and urged them to deliver “ more than symbols ” .
READ MORE : Brexit-bashing Lords finally GIVE UP plotting to sabotage UK 's exit But Admiral Lord West said it would be “ madness ” to try to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former First Sea Lord said : “ The Lords are a key part of Parliament .
It ’ s not just an add-on where funny people sit around wearing ermine fur.
” Lord West served as Minister of Security under Gordon Brown ’ s premiership and was “ constantly in No 10 or Cobra committees ” , leaving little time for “ three-hour train rides ” .
He said : “ The thinking seems to be , ‘ Nobody likes those bunch of toffs , let ’ s send them up to York.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as a “ back of a fag packet ” idea that had not been given “ proper thought ” .
He said while there was a “ fair amount of will in Downing Street ” to deliver on the idea , there was doubt over “ whether the Lords would ever agree to such changes ” .
Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly confirmed the Government is looking at moving the Lords to York as one of a number of options so “ every part of the UK feels properly connected ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What we are looking at is a whole range of options about making sure every part of the UK feels properly connected from politics .
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson plans to move the House of Lords – send them up north [ FOCUS ] Boris Unleashed : Shock cities in the running to host House of Lords [ SPOTLIGHT ] How Jacob Rees-Mogg blocked plans to reform House of Lords [ ANALYSIS ] “ When the PM stood up the day after the election and said this is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
That meant connecting people with government and politics .
“ The referendum in 2016 wasn ’ t just about our relationship with the EU , it was about millions of people and their relationship with politics as a whole.
” When pressed to say if the move would happen , Mr Cleverly said : “ We might .
It ’ s one of a range of things that we are looking into .
“ But fundamentally what this is about is about demonstrating that we are going to do things differently @ @

Jeremy Vine: House of Lords should be ‘closed down’ says caller
Boris Johnson has raised the possibility of permanently relocating the second chamber to the north of England and has told officials to get detailed work on the practicalities of such a move underway. Senior Tories have said moving the Lords out of London would form part of a bid to “reconnect” with voters. But peers were outraged by the suggestions which surfaced yesterday.
It’s ridiculous and it shows complete contempt for our constitution Lord Forsyth of Drumlean
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean described the relocation as a “completely ridiculous idea that would cost a fortune”. He said the proposals to send peers up the M1 could only have come from “someone who has no clue” about how Parliament operates. The former Scottish Secretary said: “I can only assume this is the first fruit of the weirdos that Dominic Cummings said he wanted to recruit to No 10. “It’s ridiculous and it shows complete contempt for our constitution.”
The House of Lords could be relocated to York
MPs and peers are already due to move out of the Houses of Parliament for around six years in 2025 while a multi-billion pound restoration and refurbishment is carried out. But Downing Street’s idea would see peers permanently moved to a new purpose-built complex outside the capital. York has been mentioned and if chosen would become a centre of political power for the first time since the English Civil War, when it hosted the Council of the North. Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat said the Government should spread “real power” across the country and urged them to deliver “more than symbols”. READ MORE: Brexit-bashing Lords finally GIVE UP plotting to sabotage UK's exit
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York would become a centre of political power for the first time since the English Civil War
Admiral Lord West said it would be 'madness' to try to 'split Parliament in two'
But Admiral Lord West said it would be “madness” to try to “split Parliament in two”. The former First Sea Lord said: “The Lords are a key part of Parliament. It’s not just an add-on where funny people sit around wearing ermine fur.” Lord West served as Minister of Security under Gordon Brown’s premiership and was “constantly in No 10 or Cobra committees”, leaving little time for “three-hour train rides”. He said: “The thinking seems to be, ‘Nobody likes those bunch of toffs, let’s send them up to York.’”
Boris Johnson has called for detailed plans on moving the House of Lords to be prepared
A senior Conservative MP described it as a “back of a fag packet” idea that had not been given “proper thought”. He said while there was a “fair amount of will in Downing Street” to deliver on the idea, there was doubt over “whether the Lords would ever agree to such changes”. Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly confirmed the Government is looking at moving the Lords to York as one of a number of options so “every part of the UK feels properly connected” to politics. He told Sky News: “What we are looking at is a whole range of options about making sure every part of the UK feels properly connected from politics. DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson plans to move the House of Lords – send them up north[FOCUS]
Boris Unleashed: Shock cities in the running to host House of Lords[SPOTLIGHT]
How Jacob Rees-Mogg blocked plans to reform House of Lords [ANALYSIS]
Trending
“When the PM stood up the day after the election and said this is going to be the people’s government he meant it. That meant connecting people with government and politics. “The referendum in 2016 wasn’t just about our relationship with the EU, it was about millions of people and their relationship with politics as a whole.” When pressed to say if the move would happen, Mr Cleverly said: “We might. It’s one of a range of things that we are looking into. “But fundamentally what this is about is about demonstrating that we are going to do things differently.”
The British ConstitutionBritish Constitution


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Iran v EU: Brussels sent dire warning as Tehran lashes out over nuclear deal

Iran hit out after a dispute mechanism was triggered which formally accused the Islamic Republic of violating the terms of the landmark nuclear deal .
Britain , Germany and France pushed the button on the process which could lead to United Nations sanctions being reimposed on the hermit kingdom , after Iran stepped back from commitments under the accord .
Tehran lifted all limits on its production of enriched uranium , which can be used to make uranium atomic bombs .
World War 3 fears as Russia , Iran and China team up for alliance But Iran ’ s Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at the European signatories , insisting their claims it had violated the terms of the deal were “ unfounded ” .
Speaking at a televised press conference , Mr Mousavi said Iran continues to respect the terms , while warning the EU would end up “ empty handed ” after its move to activate the mechanism .
Mr Mousavi said : “ Tehran still remains in the deal .
The European powers ’ claims about Iran violating the deal are unfounded .
“ Whether Iran will further decrease its nuclear commitments will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s interests are secured under the deal .
”

Iran: Expert says tension with US 'has been there for decades'
Iran hit out after a dispute mechanism was triggered which formally accused the Islamic Republic of violating the terms of the landmark nuclear deal. Britain, Germany and France pushed the button on the process which could lead to United Nations sanctions being reimposed on the hermit kingdom, after Iran stepped back from commitments under the accord. Tehran lifted all limits on its production of enriched uranium, which can be used to make uranium atomic bombs.
But Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Monday hit out at the European signatories, insisting their claims it had violated the terms of the deal were “unfounded”. Speaking at a televised press conference, Mr Mousavi said Iran continues to respect the terms, while warning the EU would end up “empty handed” after its move to activate the mechanism. Mr Mousavi said: “Tehran still remains in the deal. The European powers’ claims about Iran violating the deal are unfounded. “Whether Iran will further decrease its nuclear commitments will depend on other parties and whether Iran’s interests are secured under the deal.”
Iran has hit out at the EU after powers triggered a dispute mechanism under the nuclear deal
Mr Mousavi said the claims made by Britain, Germany and France were 'unfounded'
He said the decision by the Europeans to use the mechanism “lacks legal value”. Even thought the EU had not stepped up to the mark, Iran remains ready to come to the table for talks, he said. Mr Mousavi said the “door to negotiations” remained open. READ MORE: Iran facing backlash from own subjects after 40 years of brutality
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Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi blasted the EU
Mr Mousavi said the EU would end up 'empty handed'
Boris Johnson has said the failing nuclear deal should be replaced with a 'Trump deal'
The Republican leader said he wanted a new deal that would cover nuclear issues, Iran’s ballistic missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East. Boris Johnson last week said a “Trump deal” could replace the nuclear agreement while France has called for broad talks to end a crisis with the US. Tensions between Washington and Tehran boiled over earlier this month when Mr Trump ordered the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s most powerful military commander.
US troops stationed in Iraq came under fire from Iran
Iran responded by pounding air bases in Iraq which housed American troops. The tit-for-tat assaults appeared to have died down after Mr Tump said no US personnel had been injured and claimed the Iranians were in retreat.
Donald Trump has engaged in a 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran since coming into office
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--Boris Johnson DEFEATED in the House of Lords as peers demand changes to Brexit bill

Mr Johnson was defeated in Parliament 's second chamber as peers backed amendments to the Government 's Withdrawal Agreement Bill .
In a close vote , the Lords demanded the EU citizens be given physical documentation of their right to live in the UK post-Brexit .
Peers voted for the amendment by 270 votes to 229 – a majority of 41 .
Those in favour of the change to the Government bill argue the decision was made to try and prevent `` another Windrush '' .
The House of Lords rejected ministers ’ claims the move would amount to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote was to amend Mr Johnson 's proposal to hand powers to British judges in lower courts to overturn rulings by the European Court of Justice after Brexit .
Peers voted 241 - 205 on this second cross-party amendment .
The latest votes will set the scene for further battles over Mr Johnson 's withdrawal bill when it returns to the House of Commons .
Those in favour of the first amendment argued the 3.6million EU residents in the UK fear victimisation without physical documents after Brexit .
The Home Office insisted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure .
It argued physical documents `` can get lost , stolen , damaged and tampered with '' .
JUST IN : Brexit belief : Northern city rewarded with economic growth The upper chamber of the House of Lords backed a cross-party amendment , tabled by Liberal Democrat Lord Oates .
He claimed without a physical document then EU citizens eligible to remain in the UK would be `` severely disadvantaged '' in dealings with landlords , airlines and other officials .
The Lord denied it was an attempt to challenge Brexit or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already passed through the Commons ahead of Brexit Day .
Afterwards , Lord Oates said : `` This amendment simply seeks to uphold the promise repeatedly made by Boris Johnson that the rights of EU citizens to remain in the UK would be automatically guaranteed .
‘ Remainiac ’ mocked over complaints on Brexit celebration in London [ LATEST ] Pound to euro exchange rate : Sterling could ‘ struggle ’ this week [ INSIGHT ] Spain warned to stop attempts to 'usurp ' UK control over Gibraltar [ UPDATE ] '' It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to meet the cut off deadline would be automatically criminalised and subject to deportation . ''
Tory peer Viscount Ridley warned the amendment could lead to the introduction of identity cards for EU citizens .
He said : `` That would seem to me to be a worrying development . ''
Home Office minister Baroness Williams of Trafford had warned the amendment could lead to `` ID card creep '' .
She said : `` I totally agree with my noble friend , the noble Viscount Ridley , and his point about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point . ''
`` The Government is adamant that we must avoid the situation where years down the line EU citizens who have built their lives here find themselves struggling to prove their rights and entitlements in the UK . ''
Mr Johnson 's second defeat came as peers voted against his plans to allow lower courts to overrule EU law .
It came after concerns were aired over the Prime Minister ’ s plan to rip up Theresa May ’ s previous commitment to transfer all EU law onto the domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be overturned by the Supreme Court , or the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland .
He had added the clause into the Withdrawal Agreement Bill following his decisive general election victory , to allow ministers the power to direct the courts on interpretation of EU law and to allow lower courts the power to overturn rulings of the ECJ .
His third defeat in the House of Lords swiftly followed the second as peers backed a move to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: House of Lords vote against Withdrawal Agreement Bill
Mr Johnson was defeated in Parliament's second chamber as peers backed amendments to the Government's Withdrawal Agreement Bill. In a close vote, the Lords demanded the EU citizens be given physical documentation of their right to live in the UK post-Brexit.
Peers voted for the amendment by 270 votes to 229 – a majority of 41. Those in favour of the change to the Government bill argue the decision was made to try and prevent "another Windrush". The House of Lords rejected ministers’ claims the move would amount to “ID card creep”. The second vote was to amend Mr Johnson's proposal to hand powers to British judges in lower courts to overturn rulings by the European Court of Justice after Brexit.
Boris Johnson has lost his first vote since the general election
The upper chamber backed the cross-party amendments
Peers voted 241 - 205 on this second cross-party amendment. The latest votes will set the scene for further battles over Mr Johnson's withdrawal bill when it returns to the House of Commons. Those in favour of the first amendment argued the 3.6million EU residents in the UK fear victimisation without physical documents after Brexit. The Home Office insisted a "digital-only" approach will be more secure. It argued physical documents "can get lost, stolen, damaged and tampered with". JUST IN: Brexit belief: Northern city rewarded with economic growth
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Lord Oates tabled the amendments
Brexit: Lords vote in favour of Withdrawal Bill amendment
Baroness Williams warned of a potential 'ID card creep'
Viscount Ridley claimed it could lead to a 'worrying development'
"It would remove the risk that those who failed to meet the cut off deadline would be automatically criminalised and subject to deportation." Tory peer Viscount Ridley warned the amendment could lead to the introduction of identity cards for EU citizens. He said: "That would seem to me to be a worrying development." Home Office minister Baroness Williams of Trafford had warned the amendment could lead to "ID card creep". She said: "I totally agree with my noble friend, the noble Viscount Ridley, and his point about ID card creep is also part of this point." "The Government is adamant that we must avoid the situation where years down the line EU citizens who have built their lives here find themselves struggling to prove their rights and entitlements in the UK."
Brexit Timeline
Mr Johnson's second defeat came as peers voted against his plans to allow lower courts to overrule EU law. It came after concerns were aired over the Prime Minister’s plan to rip up Theresa May’s previous commitment to transfer all EU law onto the domestic statue book, which meant it could only be overturned by the Supreme Court, or the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland. He had added the clause into the Withdrawal Agreement Bill following his decisive general election victory, to allow ministers the power to direct the courts on interpretation of EU law and to allow lower courts the power to overturn rulings of the ECJ. His third defeat in the House of Lords swiftly followed the second as peers backed a move to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to depart from EU case law.
The Conservative Party must overturn the decision next week


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Bercow could have peerage BLOCKED as Boris Johnson’s team point out glaring Corbyn error

However , Professor Vernon Bogdanor , of King ’ s College , London said , in theory , Mr Bercow could sidestep objections - by becoming a Labour member .
In one of his final acts as Labour leader , Mr Corbyn is putting Mr Bercow ’ s name forward for the House of Lords , according to widespread reports , with the party refusing to comment publicly on the rumours .
Such a move would be highly unconventional , because prior to being elevated to the role of Speaker , Mr Bercow had served as a Conservative MP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buckingham until standing down at the last general election .
Steve Swinford , the deputy political editor of The Times , tweeted : “ Could John Bercow could be denied a peerage after being nominated by Jeremy Corbyn ?
“ PM ’ s official spokesman says the long-standing convention is for the leader of the opposition to nominate members of *their* party.
” Prof Bogdanor , one of the country ’ s foremost experts on constitutional matters , said Mr Johnson would , therefore , be within his rights to block the appointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention is that a party leader can only nominate someone who will sit on that party ’ s benches in the Lords .
“ The only exception is that the PM is allowed to make appointments of a small number of distinguished public servants who will sit on the crossbenches eg the retiring Queen ’ s Private Secretary , the retiring Cabinet Secretary etc .
JUST IN : Brexit belief - Northern city rewarded with economic growth “ Every previous Speaker has sat on the crossbenches .
“ If Bercow is not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could veto the recommendation .
It is for him to recommend candidates to the Queen.
” If Mr Johnson voiced no objection , it would seem to clear the way for Mr Bercow ’ s appointment , Prof Bogdanor said .
He explained : “ All recommendations for peerages come to the Appointments Commission for scrutiny .
“ The Commission could in theory veto the nomination , but perhaps that is unlikely .
“ The Commission can really only veto appointments on grounds of impropriety , eg financial impropriety .
I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come into that category .
Mr Bercow has angered a number of prominent Brexiteers since the 2016 referendum with claims he had pushed a Remain agenda in the Commons .

Corbyn nominating Bercow for peerage is ‘cheeky’ says Marr
However, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, of King’s College, London said, in theory, Mr Bercow could sidestep objections - by becoming a Labour member. In one of his final acts as Labour leader, Mr Corbyn is putting Mr Bercow’s name forward for the House of Lords, according to widespread reports, with the party refusing to comment publicly on the rumours.
Such a move would be highly unconventional, because prior to being elevated to the role of Speaker, Mr Bercow had served as a Conservative MP, and continued to represent the constituency of Buckingham until standing down at the last general election. Steve Swinford, the deputy political editor of The Times, tweeted: “Could John Bercow could be denied a peerage after being nominated by Jeremy Corbyn? “PM’s official spokesman says the long-standing convention is for the leader of the opposition to nominate members of *their* party.”
John Bercow has been nominated for a peerage - by Jeremy Corbyn
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
Prof Bogdanor, one of the country’s foremost experts on constitutional matters, said Mr Johnson would, therefore, be within his rights to block the appointment. He told Express.co.uk: “The convention is that a party leader can only nominate someone who will sit on that party’s benches in the Lords. “The only exception is that the PM is allowed to make appointments of a small number of distinguished public servants who will sit on the crossbenches eg the retiring Queen’s Private Secretary, the retiring Cabinet Secretary etc. JUST IN: Brexit belief - Northern city rewarded with economic growth
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Bercow: MPs call for ex-Speaker to become Lord
“Every previous Speaker has sat on the crossbenches. “If Bercow is not to be a Labour peer, the PM could veto the recommendation. It is for him to recommend candidates to the Queen.” If Mr Johnson voiced no objection, it would seem to clear the way for Mr Bercow’s appointment, Prof Bogdanor said.
Britain's constitution explained
He explained: “All recommendations for peerages come to the Appointments Commission for scrutiny. “The Commission could in theory veto the nomination, but perhaps that is unlikely. “The Commission can really only veto appointments on grounds of impropriety, eg financial impropriety. I am not sure that Bercow’s nomination would come into that category. Mr Bercow has angered a number of prominent Brexiteers since the 2016 referendum with claims he had pushed a Remain agenda in the Commons.
Professor Vernon Bogdanor
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Boris Johnson to scrap British aid spending on foreign coal mines and power plants

His move is part of his Government ’ s environmental strategy which includes a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
Recent figures showed that the UK has been spending around £700million a year of foreign aid on fossil fuels over the last decade .
Mr Johnson made his announcement at a gathering of leaders and officials from 21 African countries in east London ’ s Docklands to discuss investment opportunities across the continent .
He told the summit that the UK had gone from being “ the most carbon heavy nation in Europe ” to a world-leader in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have almost entirely weaned ourselves off coal .
But there ’ s no point in the UK reducing the amount of coal we burn if we then trundle over to Africa and line our pockets by encouraging African states to use more of it , is there ?
” the Prime Minister said .
“ We all breathe the same air , we live beneath the same sky , and we all suffer when carbon emissions rise and the planet warms .
“ So from today , the British Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official development assistance , investment , export credit or trade promotion for thermal coal mining or coal power plants overseas .
“ To put it simply , not another penny of UK taxpayers ’ money will be directly invested in digging up coal or burning it for electricity .
“ Instead , we ’ re going to focus on supporting the transition to lower- and zero-carbon alternatives.
” He said the UK would help developing countries to “ extract and use oil and gas in the cleanest , greenest way possible ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wind and hydro energy sources .
He added : “ There ’ s a huge myth about this , people say that you have to choose between reducing emissions and raising economic growth .
Look at what happened here in the UK .
“ Actually we have cut CO2 by 42 per cent since 1990 and yet GDP has gone up 67 per cent .
“ And we stand ready to help you do the same .
Tackling the causes of climate change , while also delivering the power needed to unlock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what an incredible potential that is.
” Mr Johnson also promised to put `` people before passports '' in the Government ’ s overhaul of the immigration system .
`` Change is coming and our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners , treating people the same , wherever they come from , '' he told the UK-Africa Investment Summit .
`` By putting people before passports , we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world , wherever they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents of Rwanda , Ghana and Nigeria at the summit , and is due to have talks with the premiers of Egypt and Kenya at Downing Street tomorrow .

Mr Johnson made his announcement to a gathering of leaders and officials from 21 African countries
His move is part of his Government’s environmental strategy which includes a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Recent figures showed that the UK has been spending around £700million a year of foreign aid on fossil fuels over the last decade. Mr Johnson made his announcement at a gathering of leaders and officials from 21 African countries in east London’s Docklands to discuss investment opportunities across the continent.
He told the summit that the UK had gone from being “the most carbon heavy nation in Europe” to a world-leader in offshore wind power generation in a decade. “We have almost entirely weaned ourselves off coal. But there’s no point in the UK reducing the amount of coal we burn if we then trundle over to Africa and line our pockets by encouraging African states to use more of it, is there?” the Prime Minister said. “We all breathe the same air, we live beneath the same sky, and we all suffer when carbon emissions rise and the planet warms. “So from today, the British Government will no longer provide any new direct official development assistance, investment, export credit or trade promotion for thermal coal mining or coal power plants overseas.
“To put it simply, not another penny of UK taxpayers’ money will be directly invested in digging up coal or burning it for electricity. “Instead, we’re going to focus on supporting the transition to lower- and zero-carbon alternatives.” He said the UK would help developing countries to “extract and use oil and gas in the cleanest, greenest way possible” and “turbo-charge” the rise of solar, wind and hydro energy sources. He added: “There’s a huge myth about this, people say that you have to choose between reducing emissions and raising economic growth. Look at what happened here in the UK.
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“Actually we have cut CO2 by 42 per cent since 1990 and yet GDP has gone up 67 per cent. “And we stand ready to help you do the same. Tackling the causes of climate change, while also delivering the power needed to unlock the potential of all our people. And what an incredible potential that is.” Mr Johnson also promised to put "people before passports" in the Government’s overhaul of the immigration system. "Change is coming and our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners, treating people the same, wherever they come from," he told the UK-Africa Investment Summit. "By putting people before passports, we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world, wherever they may be." Mr Johnson met the presidents of Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria at the summit, and is due to have talks with the premiers of Egypt and Kenya at Downing Street tomorrow.


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--'Working class lad' Tory scolds Labour MP for inciting ‘class warfare’ in House of Commons

The Labour MP criticised the Government for tripling tuition fees in 2010 and argued thousands of people including herself now had student debt worth £50,000 as a result .
Ms Sultana asked how `` working class kids '' can be expected to take on such a colossal debt .
However , Mr Percy who described himself as a `` working class lad '' stated that statistics show more working class people have attended university following the increase in tuition fees .
Ms Sultana said : `` In 2010 like thousands of other young people I argued against the tripling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignored us and now I currently have £50,000 worth of student debt .
`` In the last year alone the interest added was £2,022 .
`` So I ask is it fair that working class kids who want an education are forced to take on this colossal debt while his Government is led by a man who went from the playing fields of Eton to a free education at Oxford University ? ''
READ MORE : Brexiteer Daniel Hannan 'couldn ’ t care less ' whether Big Ben bongs for The Conservative MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class lad who actually did go to university and voted against the tripling of tuition fees .
`` Can I urge my honourable friend to ignore the class warfare of the honourable lady opposite .
`` Is it not the case that the one thing I was wrong about in that vote in 2010 was that it would put working class kids off ?
`` The evidence is that it has had the exact opposite effect . ''
Later in the House of Commons John McDonnell appeared to admit even Labour MPs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Chancellor attempted to make his address to the Commons `` brief '' in order to allow new members of Parliament time to speak .
John McDonnell said : `` Thank you Mr Speaker , I appreciate that there are a large number of new members that will be wanting to speak today so I will be as brief as I possibly can . ''
Mr McDonnell was then jeered by some MPs .
DO N'T MISS Labour party membership SURGES ahead of deadline [ INSIGHT ] George Galloway lashes out at 'tailor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VIDEO ] Labour membership : Can you vote in Labour leadership contest ?
[ INSIGHT ]

Andrew Percy accuses Zarah Sultana of 'class warfare'
The Labour MP criticised the Government for tripling tuition fees in 2010 and argued thousands of people including herself now had student debt worth £50,000 as a result. Ms Sultana asked how "working class kids" can be expected to take on such a colossal debt. However, Mr Percy who described himself as a "working class lad" stated that statistics show more working class people have attended university following the increase in tuition fees.
Ms Sultana said: "In 2010 like thousands of other young people I argued against the tripling of tuition fees. "But the Government ignored us and now I currently have £50,000 worth of student debt. "In the last year alone the interest added was £2,022. "So I ask is it fair that working class kids who want an education are forced to take on this colossal debt while his Government is led by a man who went from the playing fields of Eton to a free education at Oxford University?" READ MORE: Brexiteer Daniel Hannan 'couldn’t care less' whether Big Ben bongs for
Andrew Percy slammed the Labour MP
Zarah Sultana revealed she has £50,000 of student debt
The Conservative MP hit back: "As a working class lad who actually did go to university and voted against the tripling of tuition fees. "Can I urge my honourable friend to ignore the class warfare of the honourable lady opposite. "Is it not the case that the one thing I was wrong about in that vote in 2010 was that it would put working class kids off? "The evidence is that it has had the exact opposite effect."
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John McDonnell addressed the House of Commons
John McDonnell laughs off heckles in House of Commons
Later in the House of Commons John McDonnell appeared to admit even Labour MPs are sick of listening to him. The Shadow Chancellor attempted to make his address to the Commons "brief" in order to allow new members of Parliament time to speak. John McDonnell said: "Thank you Mr Speaker, I appreciate that there are a large number of new members that will be wanting to speak today so I will be as brief as I possibly can." Mr McDonnell was then jeered by some MPs. DON'T MISS
Labour party membership SURGES ahead of deadline [INSIGHT]
George Galloway lashes out at 'tailor's dummy' Sir Keir Starmer [VIDEO]
Labour membership: Can you vote in Labour leadership contest? [INSIGHT]
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Brexit Day salvation: Boris urged to give Commons vote on Big Ben row – ‘You started it!’

He said that MPs should be given a chance to overturn a decision by the House of Commons Commission that reactivating the bell in Parliament ’ s Elizabeth Tower was too costly to be justifiable .
Downing Street officials said Mr Johnson had yet to receive the letter but indicated that the issue was a matter for parliamentary authorities rather than Number 10 .
Mr Francois , who has been leading a campaign to make the bell ring as the UK quits the EU at 11pm on January 31 , wrote : “ We now know that the estimates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cost of £500,000 to make Big Ben chime , was deliberately inflated .
“ Even using the commission ’ s own recent figures , including a two-week delay to the refurbishment work , the cost would now be £320,000 , a figure which we are already over 80 per cent of the way towards achieving.
” Mr Francois pointed out that an appeal on the GoFundMe website set up by the Stand Up 4 Brexit pressure group had raised more than £265,000 by last night .
He urged the Prime Minister to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started by last week appealing for people to “ bung a bob to make Big Ben bong.
” Mr Francois wrote : “ Bluntly , you started this , so I am calling upon you to help finish it .
“ You can do this by tabling a parliamentary motion to facilitate a free vote this week by MPs on whether or not Big Ben should chime for Brexit , at a cost of up to £320,000 with little or no likely cost to the taxpayer.
” He added : “ Big Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most iconic timepiece in the world , and it is not owned by the Government .
“ However , given its location at Westminster , MPs are effectively its guardians and therefore they should have the final say on whether or not it chimes to mark out historic departure from the EU , something I hope we can all agree we are never likely to repeat.
” Mr Francois signed off his letter by saying : “ As the clock is metaphorically ticking – but not yet chiming !
– I await @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Prime Minister ’ s officials announced that the Government will mark Brexit Day by flying Union flags around Parliament Square and triggering a light show in Whitehall including projecting a digital countdown clock onto the facade of Number 10 .
Mr Francois personally delivered his letter by hand to Number 10 last night .

Brexit: Francois fumes over ‘inflation’ of Big Ben chime costs
He said that MPs should be given a chance to overturn a decision by the House of Commons Commission that reactivating the bell in Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower was too costly to be justifiable. Downing Street officials said Mr Johnson had yet to receive the letter but indicated that the issue was a matter for parliamentary authorities rather than Number 10.
Mr Francois, who has been leading a campaign to make the bell ring as the UK quits the EU at 11pm on January 31, wrote: “We now know that the estimates of the House of Commons Commission, of a cost of £500,000 to make Big Ben chime, was deliberately inflated. “Even using the commission’s own recent figures, including a two-week delay to the refurbishment work, the cost would now be £320,000, a figure which we are already over 80 per cent of the way towards achieving.” Mr Francois pointed out that an appeal on the GoFundMe website set up by the Stand Up 4 Brexit pressure group had raised more than £265,000 by last night. He urged the Prime Minister to “finish” the job he had started by last week appealing for people to “bung a bob to make Big Ben bong.”
Mark Francois wants Big Ben to bong on January 31
Boris Johnson suggested bunging a bob to Big Ben bong
Mr Francois wrote: “Bluntly, you started this, so I am calling upon you to help finish it. “You can do this by tabling a parliamentary motion to facilitate a free vote this week by MPs on whether or not Big Ben should chime for Brexit, at a cost of up to £320,000 with little or no likely cost to the taxpayer.” He added: “Big Ben is the nation’s clock and the most iconic timepiece in the world, and it is not owned by the Government. “However, given its location at Westminster, MPs are effectively its guardians and therefore they should have the final say on whether or not it chimes to mark out historic departure from the EU, something I hope we can all agree we are never likely to repeat.”
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Brexit: Francois reveals he is 'confident' that Big Ben will bong