thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--UK will bounce back stronger together from Covid crisis, Boris Johnson says

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The PM used his lightning tour to boost the Union in a fightback against the SNP .
Speaking at RAF Lossiemouth , Moray , Mr Johnson said of the 313-year-old alliance : `` It 's very , very important to look at the way the whole of the UK can bounce back stronger together .
`` It 's not a remotely political point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the best way to do things and I think it 's a great thing for our country . ''
In Orkney , where he met local fishermen , he rejected calls for a second vote on independence , but instead `` pledged to be a Prime Minister for every corner of the United Kingdom '' .
He said the `` merits of the Union '' had been `` proved throughout this crisis '' , citing the Treasury 's support for 900,000 Scottish jobs .
He added NHS Scotland is to get an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in virus cases and Holyrood will receive at least £6.5billion extra this year .
Polls have shown a surge in support for independence and Nicola Sturgeon 's approval ratings , putting the SNP leader on course to win a majority in next May 's Holyrood election .

The PM used his lightning tour to boost the Union in a fightback against the SNP. Speaking at RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, Mr Johnson said of the 313-year-old alliance: "It's very, very important to look at the way the whole of the UK can bounce back stronger together. "It's not a remotely political point, I just happen to think that's the best way to do things and I think it's a great thing for our country."
In Orkney, where he met local fishermen, he rejected calls for a second vote on independence, but instead "pledged to be a Prime Minister for every corner of the United Kingdom".
He said the "merits of the Union" had been "proved throughout this crisis", citing the Treasury's support for 900,000 Scottish jobs.
He added NHS Scotland is to get an extra £250million to fight a winter surge in virus cases and Holyrood will receive at least £6.5billion extra this year.
Polls have shown a surge in support for independence and Nicola Sturgeon's approval ratings, putting the SNP leader on course to win a majority in next May's Holyrood election.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Boris Johnson 'optimistic' of Brexit deal by end of year despite deadlock on fishing

The Prime Minister admitted `` we simply ca n't compromise '' in certain issues , amid a deadlock over fishing rights and competition rules .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier had earlier accused Britain 's negotiating team of scuppering the chances of a deal by refusing to move closer to the EU 's position .
He claimed a trade deal is `` at this point unlikely '' .
But the PM 's chief negotiator David Frost insisted an agreement was still possible by the end of September .
The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Well , I think there 's every reason for us to be very optimistic about getting a deal .
`` I am very hopeful that we will get a deal .
`` But I think as our chief negotiator David Frost said there are some things that we simply ca n't compromise over .
`` People understand the arguments about the level playing field , about fisheries .
And there 's no point in leaving the EU if you remain in the pull of the EU and you are unable to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The EU also understands that .
Michel also understands that . ''
Mr Frost said differences on access to fishing waters remained `` substantial '' and said the lack of progress means no-deal preparations must be ramped up .
Mr Barnier described the UK 's position on fisheries as `` simply unacceptable '' .
Brussels has demanded status quo access to UK waters , which would essentially mean a continuation of the common fisheries policy .
Mr Johnson added : `` On fisheries , let 's be absolutely clear .
They 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are saying and I think they are thinking , 'My goodness , that 's quite a tall order . '
`` But actually it 's the right thing for the UK .
In the early 1970s we basically handed over control of our fisheries .
`` We gave up our fisheries in a way that permanently disadvantaged UK fishers .
Now is the time to change that back .
I am sure there 's a good deal . ''
Mr Frost said yesterday : `` We have always been clear that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating positions but expressions of the reality that we will be a fully independent country at the end of the transition period .
`` That is why we continue to look for a deal with , at its core , a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada .
That is , an agreement based on existing precedents .
`` We remain unclear why this is so difficult for the EU , but we will continue to negotiate with this in mind . ''
Mr Frost conceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the UK and EU mean talks will not be wrapped up this summer , and would likely now end in September .
Mr Barnier blamed the slow progress on Mr Frost , claiming the negotiator had `` not shown the same level of engagement and readiness to find solutions , respecting the EU 's fundamental principles and interests '' .
He added : `` The UK is effectively asking for near total exclusion of EU fishing vessels from UK waters - that is simply unacceptable .
`` The EU has always insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must include robust level playing field rules and an equitable agreement on fisheries .
`` This means that by its current refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition and to a balanced agreement on fisheries , the UK makes a trade deal , at this point , unlikely . ''
Former Tory minister Andrew Percy said : `` There is a deal there to be had if the EU wants it .
If we do n't get one , it will be the EU 's fault .
They just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that we have left .
`` It is sad to see them behaving this way.They are scared of Brexit .
`` There is good will on our side and there is still time for a deal .
They have got to understand that we have our red lines and they 've got to show good will by compromising and respecting the will of the British people and the vote we took . ''
Tory Brexiteer Andrew Bridgen said : `` David Frost has put consistency and rigour into our negotiations and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding concessions that could never be agreed by a sovereign and independent state .
`` The mandate of demands from the EU for a trade deal could not be agreed by any independent state .
If Mr Barnier made these demands of Japan , Canada and South Korea they would not do a trade deal with him .
`` Brussels wants permanent rights to our fish , but are the French offering us free wine in perpetuity ? ''
The PM was in Scotland yesterday , with his visit including trips to Stromness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains between the UK and EU on fisheries .
Mr Barnier has said : `` The UK is effectively seeking for near-total exclusion of fishing vessels from the UK 's water .
That is simply unacceptable . ''
Mr Frost said until the UK is able to control its fishing grounds `` then it will be difficult to reach an agreement '' .
Mr Barnier said : `` On the level playing field , the UK still refuses to commit to maintaining high standards in a meaningful way .
On state aid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaration , we have made no progress at all . ''
The UK wants its sovereignty to be respected .
Mr Frost said : `` When we began this intensified negotiating process a month or so ago , the Prime Minister set out the principles to [ European ] Commission president Ursula von der Leyen that were intrinsic to our status and future as an independent state . ''
He added : `` The big underlying difficulty is the fact [ the EU ] has n't yet recognised it needs to adapt its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to reach agreement . ''
However , there is hope that a deal can still be reached .
Mr Frost said : `` My assessment is that agreement can still be reached in September and that we should continue to negotiate with this aim in mind . ''

Brexit: EU 'reluctant' to do free trade deal with UK says Heaver
The Prime Minister admitted "we simply can't compromise" in certain issues, amid a deadlock over fishing rights and competition rules. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier had earlier accused Britain's negotiating team of scuppering the chances of a deal by refusing to move closer to the EU's position. He claimed a trade deal is "at this point unlikely". But the PM's chief negotiator David Frost insisted an agreement was still possible by the end of September.
The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a deal. Mr Johnson said yesterday: "Well, I think there's every reason for us to be very optimistic about getting a deal. "I am very hopeful that we will get a deal. "But I think as our chief negotiator David Frost said there are some things that we simply can't compromise over. "People understand the arguments about the level playing field, about fisheries. And there's no point in leaving the EU if you remain in the pull of the EU and you are unable to do things differently. Everybody understands that. "The EU also understands that. Michel also understands that." Mr Frost said differences on access to fishing waters remained "substantial" and said the lack of progress means no-deal preparations must be ramped up. Mr Barnier described the UK's position on fisheries as "simply unacceptable".
Boris Johnson holds a crab caught on the Carvela with Karl Adamson at Stromness Harbour
Brussels has demanded status quo access to UK waters, which would essentially mean a continuation of the common fisheries policy. Mr Johnson added: "On fisheries, let's be absolutely clear. They've looked at the full implications of what we are saying and I think they are thinking, 'My goodness, that's quite a tall order.' "But actually it's the right thing for the UK. In the early 1970s we basically handed over control of our fisheries. "We gave up our fisheries in a way that permanently disadvantaged UK fishers. Now is the time to change that back. I am sure there's a good deal." Mr Frost said yesterday: "We have always been clear that our principles in these areas are not simple negotiating positions but expressions of the reality that we will be a fully independent country at the end of the transition period. "That is why we continue to look for a deal with, at its core, a free trade agreement similar to the one the EU already has with Canada. That is, an agreement based on existing precedents. "We remain unclear why this is so difficult for the EU, but we will continue to negotiate with this in mind."
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Mr Frost conceded the "substantial areas of disagreement" between the UK and EU mean talks will not be wrapped up this summer, and would likely now end in September. Mr Barnier blamed the slow progress on Mr Frost, claiming the negotiator had "not shown the same level of engagement and readiness to find solutions, respecting the EU's fundamental principles and interests". He added: "The UK is effectively asking for near total exclusion of EU fishing vessels from UK waters - that is simply unacceptable. "The EU has always insisted that an economic partnership with the UK must include robust level playing field rules and an equitable agreement on fisheries. "This means that by its current refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition and to a balanced agreement on fisheries, the UK makes a trade deal, at this point, unlikely." Former Tory minister Andrew Percy said: "There is a deal there to be had if the EU wants it. If we don't get one, it will be the EU's fault. They just haven't come to terms with the fact that we have left.
The EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier
"It is sad to see them behaving this way.They are scared of Brexit. "There is good will on our side and there is still time for a deal. They have got to understand that we have our red lines and they've got to show good will by compromising and respecting the will of the British people and the vote we took." Tory Brexiteer Andrew Bridgen said: "David Frost has put consistency and rigour into our negotiations and it's quite right because the EU is demanding concessions that could never be agreed by a sovereign and independent state. "The mandate of demands from the EU for a trade deal could not be agreed by any independent state. If Mr Barnier made these demands of Japan, Canada and South Korea they would not do a trade deal with him. "Brussels wants permanent rights to our fish, but are the French offering us free wine in perpetuity?" The PM was in Scotland yesterday, with his visit including trips to Stromness Harbour and RAF Lossiemouth.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Brexit LIVE: Boris allows MAJOR compromise but Barnier STILL demands fishing power grab

Brexit talks concluded on Thursday leaving the EU 's chief negotiator frustrated at the lack of a deal .
Boris Johnson had set July as a possible deadline for a free trade agreement but despite that , the EU has still insisted the areas of divergence still remain .
The UK 's chief negotiator , David Frost has now conceded to work towards an overarching deal on all aspects of the UK 's interaciton with the bloc .
The UK had initially wanted a series of agreements covering difference areas of a free trade deal .
However , following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the year may now be unlikely .
While Mr Frost remained hopeful of a free trade agreement by September the EU hit out at the UK 's demand over fisheries .
Mr Barneir said : `` The UK is effectively asking for near total exclusion of EU fishing vessels from UK waters .
The negotiator also demanded any agreement on fisheries must not be at the risk of the EU 's fishing industry .
In response , Mr Frost said : “ It is unfortunately clear that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding on the principles underlying any agreement ’ that was set as an aim . ''
Former Conservative Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson has rubbished the EU 's claim that the current Brexit stalemate is down to the UK seeking to retain the benefits of the Common market without sticking to the rules .
In a debate on BBC Newsnight with the Fourth Vice-President of the EU Parliament , Lord Lawson hit back at the claim put forward .
He said : `` We want to be a self-governing country in a state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexiteer and Tory MP for Wokingham , Sir John Redwood has claimed the EU 's negotiator , Michel Barnier has been `` rattled '' .
During an interview on talkRADIO , he said : `` He did sound very rattled , did n't he ?
`` I hope the EU calm down .
We want to be friendly neighbours after all .
`` We are still happy to buy a lot of products that they 've been selling us for some time . ''
The telecommunciatiosn company has decided to list its towers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tower business , consists of 68,000 masts across nine countries .
Named Vantage Towers , the section of the company will be listed on Germany 's DAX stock market from next year .
After Brexit talks concluded yesterday , the Prime Minister has maintained his hope a deal will be struck before the end of the year .
He said : `` Well , I think there 's every reason for us to be very optimistic about getting a deal .
`` I am very hopeful that we will get a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief negotiator David Frost said there are some things that we simply ca n't compromise over . ''
The President of the EU Council has claimed `` significant divergences '' still remain .
He said : `` Michel Barnier confirm this morning that significant divergences remain .
`` An agreement between the EU and UK would indeed be the best outcome for both sides but the EU is prepared for all scenarios . ''
An EU Parliament official clashed with BBC Newsnight host , Kirsty Wark in a heated exchange on the programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fourth Vice-President of the European Parliament discussed Brexit negotiations .
The host claimed it was justified for the UK to want the European Court of Justice to be excluded from British judicial matters .
Although the EU has deemed a trade deal as unlikely , the Leader of the House of Commons , Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted an agreeement between the two should not be ruled out .
He said : `` We have seen this so often with the European Union , that things happen late in the process .
`` The EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late in the day .
`` Boris Johnson 's agreement in getting the withdrawal agreement negotiated in 100 days when everyone said it was completely impossible to change it , shows that things can happen right up to the last moment .
So I would n't lose hope . ''

Brexit: UK fishing demands 'unacceptable' says Michel Barnier
Brexit talks concluded on Thursday leaving the EU's chief negotiator frustrated at the lack of a deal. Boris Johnson had set July as a possible deadline for a free trade agreement but despite that, the EU has still insisted the areas of divergence still remain. The UK's chief negotiator, David Frost has now conceded to work towards an overarching deal on all aspects of the UK's interaciton with the bloc. The UK had initially wanted a series of agreements covering difference areas of a free trade deal. However, following the talks, Mr Barnier admitted a deal by the end of the year may now be unlikely.
Trending
While Mr Frost remained hopeful of a free trade agreement by September the EU hit out at the UK's demand over fisheries. Mr Barneir said: "The UK is effectively asking for near total exclusion of EU fishing vessels from UK waters. “That is simply unacceptable.” The negotiator also demanded any agreement on fisheries must not be at the risk of the EU's fishing industry. In response, Mr Frost said: “It is unfortunately clear that we will not reach in July the ‘early understanding on the principles underlying any agreement’ that was set as an aim." FOLLW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit Live: UK makes major concession in talks
7am update: BLOG CLOSED Live reporting for this blog has now closed 9pm update: Boris banking on Merkel to convince EU to drop ridiculous fishing demands to secure deal BRITISH negotiators believe Angela Merkel will now focus on Brexit to broker a free-trade agreement before the autumn. Express.co.uk has learnt that Downing Street thinks the German Chancellor has time to convince European Union leaders to break the deadlock now they’ve finished the bitter wrangling over the bloc’s coronavirus recovery package. 7.30pm update: EU ‘anxious’ over consequences of UK leaving and Boris has ‘more to gain’ by securing deal, expert claims Bories Johnson has “more to gain” by securing a deal with the EU as they remain “anxious” of the consequences of the UK leaving without one, an expert has claimed. Professor Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe claimed that “negotiations to date do not seem to have revealed much in the way of a desire to compromise on the part of either side.” It comes after the European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal looked "unlikely" and that the two sides remained at a stalemate following the conclusion of a recent round of talks yesterday.
The latest round of Brexit talks have reached a stalemate
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6pm update: Government is ‘putting safety of public at risk’ with lack of appropriate Brexit plan Lord Ricketts, a former National Security Advisor who advised the government between 2010-12 has written to Home Office minister James Brokenshire urging him to make arrangements for future policing and criminal justice cooperation after the end of the transition period. The independent crossbench peer said: “Compelling evidence has been laid before the committee and its predecessors about the significant consequences for law enforcement in the UK if there is no deal on policing and criminal justice cooperation. “This stands in stark contrast to the government’s optimism that they have plans for non-EU alternatives that can substitute effectively for the exceptional levels of cooperation the British law enforcement and justice communities currently enjoy with their colleagues in EU countries. “Without a deal, the loss of operational effectiveness for UK law enforcement agencies, including in Northern Ireland, will be profound, undermining modern intelligence-led policing and putting the safety of the public at risk. “We urge the government to address these issues as a matter of urgency.” 4.30pm update: Boris shoots down cross-party poll on setting up post-Brexit Scottish immigration system Boris Johnson has shot down cross-party calls to allow Scotland to set its own immigration policy. It comes amid a stark poll by the cross-party anti-Brexit group eu+me which asked Scots whether they would support setting up their own immigration system after Brexit, the first of their kind in the country. It revealed that 63.37 percent of Scots agreed on having the ability to make different choices to the rest of the UK. Nearly a fifth (19.97 percent) disagreed, 12.92 percent neither agreed nor disagreed and 3.75 percent said they did not know, according to the poll. But when removing the "don't knows" and no preferences, 83 percent agreed while 17 percent disagreed. The poll of 1,127 Scots people took place between June 9 and 16. 3:15pm update: Sterling up against Euro as Brexit talks now focus for markets The pound edged up against the euro today, little moved by better-than-expected economic data whilst the the single currency eased some of its recent gains. Euro-sterling was at 90.89 pence per euro, with the pound up around 0.2 percent. UBS strategist Gaétan Peroux wrote in a note to clients: "In the past week, sterling has been somewhat caught in the middle between an appreciating euro and a depreciating dollar. "As attention moves from the EU Recovery Fund possibly toward the ongoing Brexit talks we see potential for sterling to rally on positive sentiment around those discussions," he said. 2.37pm update: Brexit poll In today's poll, Express.co.uk asks: "Should Boris Johnson compromise on red lines or should he accept a hard exit? Follow this link to vote.
Brexit: Barnier 'will not do well' from bullying says Francois
1.34pm update: "Complete Nonsense!" Former Conservative Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson has rubbished the EU's claim that the current Brexit stalemate is down to the UK seeking to retain the benefits of the Common market without sticking to the rules. In a debate on BBC Newsnight with the Fourth Vice-President of the EU Parliament, Lord Lawson hit back at the claim put forward. He said: "We want to be a self-governing country in a state of great friendship with the Europeans." 12.39pm update: Michel Barnier is "rattled" Brexiteer and Tory MP for Wokingham, Sir John Redwood has claimed the EU's negotiator, Michel Barnier has been "rattled". During an interview on talkRADIO, he said: "He did sound very rattled, didn't he? "I hope the EU calm down. We want to be friendly neighbours after all. "We are still happy to buy a lot of products that they've been selling us for some time."
Brexit timeline
10.36am update: Vodafone picks Frankfurt over London The telecommunciatiosn company has decided to list its towers company in Germany rather than London. The tower business, consists of 68,000 masts across nine countries. Named Vantage Towers, the section of the company will be listed on Germany's DAX stock market from next year. 9.55am update: Boris Johnson "optimistic" over deal After Brexit talks concluded yesterday, the Prime Minister has maintained his hope a deal will be struck before the end of the year. He said: "Well, I think there's every reason for us to be very optimistic about getting a deal. "I am very hopeful that we will get a deal. "But I think as our chief negotiator David Frost said there are some things that we simply can't compromise over."
Brexit: Katarina Barley says the UK must 'stick to the rules' of EU
9.17am update: Charles Michel releases statement following Brexit talks The President of the EU Council has claimed "significant divergences" still remain. He said: "Michel Barnier confirm this morning that significant divergences remain. "An agreement between the EU and UK would indeed be the best outcome for both sides but the EU is prepared for all scenarios." 8.57am update: BBC Newsnight clash An EU Parliament official clashed with BBC Newsnight host, Kirsty Wark in a heated exchange on the programme last night. Katarina Barley, the Fourth Vice-President of the European Parliament discussed Brexit negotiations. The host claimed it was justified for the UK to want the European Court of Justice to be excluded from British judicial matters.
EU-UK negotiations
8.21am update: Brexit deal still possible Although the EU has deemed a trade deal as unlikely, the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted an agreeement between the two should not be ruled out. He said: "We have seen this so often with the European Union, that things happen late in the process. "The EU is an absolute master of doing things late in the day. "Boris Johnson's agreement in getting the withdrawal agreement negotiated in 100 days when everyone said it was completely impossible to change it, shows that things can happen right up to the last moment. So I wouldn't lose hope."
Brexit live: Michel Barnier


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Patel vows to face down UK’s enemies with tough laws in stark warning to Russia and China

The Cabinet minister warned Russia and China new powers are being drawn up that will curb their increasingly hostile activities .
Hardline sanctions will be imposed on spies and their governments .
New laws will also stop hostile countries interfering with British businesses as well as buying them up .
She told the Daily Express : “ Security is what we are about , protecting our people , our country , our state.
” Ms Patel revealed her plans days after a report by parliament ’ s Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) warned that Britain has “ underestimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too long and is “ 'clearly a target for Russian disinformation ” .
The Home Secretary said the report , based on evidence given two years ago , was out of date and the position was a “ world away ” from the one it set out .
“ When it comes to our adversaries we are much stronger than we were four or five years ago .
I think it is really important for your readers to know that.
” The ISC report into Russian meddling said the government was `` playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate action '' to deal with the threat from Moscow .
It said London had been turned into a “ laundromat ” to clean up dirty money , fuelling a boom in lawyers and estate agents who were “ enablers ” , some knowingly .
Moscow has targeted the UK with disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks , MPs said .
The ISC , former spy chiefs and Scotland Yard ’ s Dame Cressida Dick , have all called for laws to be overhauled .
Reforms were signalled in the Queen ’ s speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Patel said she is drawing up plans to impose tougher sanctions on spies and the states they work for in a new bill .
“ Espionage is really important because it is around the way foreign nations operate .
“ But also in terms of sanctions against them , very clear powers targeted against them but also their governments and their countries too because clearly this is all linked .
“ You can ’ t erode at a marginal level .
You have got to have a plethora of effective sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patel said the way the intelligence and security agencies now work with each other is “ fundamentally different ” to the position when the ISC report was written .
“ It ’ s much more integrated , ” she said .
“ Our agencies are interoperable in terms of skills , intelligence , not just in the UK but internationally as well where we work with our partners.
” New laws will also tackle hostile activities against British companies , including a crackdown on intellectual property theft .
China has infuriated the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designs and new technology , then sell the final goods on at a much cheaper price than the business behind the ideas .
Ms Patel said : “ We are doing much more on national security , foreign agent registration , much more on companies as well , protecting our intellectual property , protecting businesses from some of the pernicious behaviour that could come in from third party countries - buying up our companies as well .
“ We are completely geared up for them.
” She added : “ The world is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all sorts of actions even through COVID .
We have seen an increase in cyber attacks.
” “ I ’ m at the forefront of everything that goes on in government on hostile state activity , ” she said .
“ So I will speak very proudly about the work that our security and intelligence agencies and services do because I see it , I feel it , I experience it every single day.
” It comes as the UK accused Russia of launching a `` projectile with the characteristics of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is the first time the Ministry of Defence has publicly condemned Russian activity of this sort .
The US also slammed the action , describing the event as a test of an anti-satellite weapon .
The head of the UK 's space directorate , Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth , said : `` We are concerned by the manner in which Russia tested one of its satellites by launching a projectile with the characteristics of a weapon .

Priti Patel outlines 'firmer and fairer' immigration bill
The Cabinet minister warned Russia and China new powers are being drawn up that will curb their increasingly hostile activities. Hardline sanctions will be imposed on spies and their governments. New laws will also stop hostile countries interfering with British businesses as well as buying them up. She told the Daily Express: “Security is what we are about, protecting our people, our country, our state.”
Ms Patel revealed her plans days after a report by parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) warned that Britain has “underestimated” the threat posed by Moscow for too long and is “'clearly a target for Russian disinformation”. The Home Secretary said the report, based on evidence given two years ago, was out of date and the position was a “world away” from the one it set out. “We’ve moved on,” she said. “When it comes to our adversaries we are much stronger than we were four or five years ago. I think it is really important for your readers to know that.” The ISC report into Russian meddling said the government was "playing catch-up" and needed to take "immediate action" to deal with the threat from Moscow. It said London had been turned into a “laundromat” to clean up dirty money, fuelling a boom in lawyers and estate agents who were “enablers”, some knowingly. Moscow has targeted the UK with disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks, MPs said.
Priti Patel warned Russia and China new powers are being drawn up
The ISC, former spy chiefs and Scotland Yard’s Dame Cressida Dick, have all called for laws to be overhauled. Reforms were signalled in the Queen’s speech setting out the blueprint for new laws. Ms Patel said she is drawing up plans to impose tougher sanctions on spies and the states they work for in a new bill. “Espionage is really important because it is around the way foreign nations operate. “But also in terms of sanctions against them, very clear powers targeted against them but also their governments and their countries too because clearly this is all linked. “You can’t erode at a marginal level. You have got to have a plethora of effective sanctions and tools that are deployed.” Ms Patel said the way the intelligence and security agencies now work with each other is “fundamentally different” to the position when the ISC report was written.
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“It’s much more integrated,” she said. “Our agencies are interoperable in terms of skills, intelligence, not just in the UK but internationally as well where we work with our partners.” New laws will also tackle hostile activities against British companies, including a crackdown on intellectual property theft. China has infuriated the West by allowing its firms to copy product designs and new technology, then sell the final goods on at a much cheaper price than the business behind the ideas. Ms Patel said: “We are doing much more on national security, foreign agent registration, much more on companies as well, protecting our intellectual property, protecting businesses from some of the pernicious behaviour that could come in from third party countries - buying up our companies as well. “We are completely geared up for them.” She added: “The world is changing. We have seen China responsible for all sorts of actions even through COVID. We have seen an increase in cyber attacks.”
Ms Patel praised the UK’s intelligence and security agencies. “I’m at the forefront of everything that goes on in government on hostile state activity,” she said. “So I will speak very proudly about the work that our security and intelligence agencies and services do because I see it, I feel it, I experience it every single day.” It comes as the UK accused Russia of launching a "projectile with the characteristics of a weapon" during a satellite test. It is the first time the Ministry of Defence has publicly condemned Russian activity of this sort. The US also slammed the action, describing the event as a test of an anti-satellite weapon. The head of the UK's space directorate, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth, said: "We are concerned by the manner in which Russia tested one of its satellites by launching a projectile with the characteristics of a weapon.
A Russian military satellite is launched in May


thedailyexpress--2020-07-25--BBC on brink as 'out of touch' broadcaster warned it has just ONE WEEK to save its future

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In a move which sparked outrage , the corporation announced last year it was scrapping the free licence for most over-75s .
On August 1 , they will be required to pay £157.50 a year for their TV licence .
Despite pleas for the BBC to reconsider , the corporation has so far refused to back down on its decision .
With now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced , the BBC has been told it must reverse the charge 's planned implementation or risk putting its future in doubt .
Former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey has warned the broadcaster could be mortally wounded , with public support for the corporation deteriorating following the introduction of the fee .
The Conservative MP , and founder of the influential Blue Collar Conservatism group , has accused the BBC of being `` out of touch '' with its decision to scrap the perk for older pensioners .
She told Express.co.uk : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the BBC and it does do the right thing and continues to support the over-75s .
`` Life always had a strange way of unravelling and if they do n't reverse their decision , it might be interesting to see where the public move to in their opinion of the BBC . ''
Demanding the corporation maintain its commitment to public service broadcasting , she added : `` I think the best thing that you could do to keep the public on board is to actually be a public service broadcaster and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who pay £5billion a year for the service . ''
Last week Ms McVey 's Blue Collar Conservatives organised a letter sent to BBC Director-General Tony Hall criticising the plans to end the free TV licences .
Signed by 66 Tory MPs , the letter said : `` When millions of elderly Britons have been asked to stay at home during the global COVID-19 crisis , the timing of this announcement could not have been worse .
READ MORE : Pensioners to step up efforts as rally outside Downing Street next week

BBC licence fee for over-75s ‘under review’ says Lord Hill
In a move which sparked outrage, the corporation announced last year it was scrapping the free licence for most over-75s. On August 1, they will be required to pay £157.50 a year for their TV licence.
Despite pleas for the BBC to reconsider, the corporation has so far refused to back down on its decision. With now just seven days until the fee is introduced, the BBC has been told it must reverse the charge's planned implementation or risk putting its future in doubt. Former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey has warned the broadcaster could be mortally wounded, with public support for the corporation deteriorating following the introduction of the fee. The Conservative MP, and founder of the influential Blue Collar Conservatism group, has accused the BBC of being "out of touch" with its decision to scrap the perk for older pensioners. She told Express.co.uk: "I hope common sense kicks in to the BBC and it does do the right thing and continues to support the over-75s. "Life always had a strange way of unravelling and if they don't reverse their decision, it might be interesting to see where the public move to in their opinion of the BBC." Demanding the corporation maintain its commitment to public service broadcasting, she added: "I think the best thing that you could do to keep the public on board is to actually be a public service broadcaster and look after the people in this country who pay £5billion a year for the service." Last week Ms McVey's Blue Collar Conservatives organised a letter sent to BBC Director-General Tony Hall criticising the plans to end the free TV licences. Signed by 66 Tory MPs, the letter said: "When millions of elderly Britons have been asked to stay at home during the global COVID-19 crisis, the timing of this announcement could not have been worse. READ MORE: Pensioners to step up efforts as rally outside Downing Street next week
The BBC has been warned the public's support for the broadcaster could shift
Esther McVey has called for the BBC to use 'common sense'
"Frankly, it is a kick in the teeth for millions of over-75s who have had a torrid time in lockdown." The campaign group Silver Voices also criticised the BBC's decision, accusing the broadcaster of "living very dangerously". The group has called on all over-60s to take "direct action" by cancelling their direct debits for the licence fee payment and settle fees only by cheque in order to disrupt the payments system. They warned many over-75s will simply refuse to pay the licence at all. Warning of the unintended consequences, Dennis Reed, Director of Silver Voices, said: "Many younger people will probably adopt the same tactics in protest at the way older people have been treated and paying the licence will no longer have the consent of the public." He added: "There is little natural empathy for the BBC from the Netflix generation, so where will be their support in the coming round of negotiations on the future of the licence system? READ MORE: BBC licence fee: MPs demand Lineker's salary cut instead
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BBC Director-General Tony Hall has been told the broadcaster looks 'out of touch'
more than 60 MPs signed the letter to the BBC's Tony Hall
"Most Silver Voices members naturally support a national public broadcaster, but the BBC is skating on very thin ice if it continues to take older people for granted and scraps an important welfare benefit." In June 2019, the BBC announced its decision to end free TV licences from June 2020. It then postponed the introduction of the payment until August 1 due to the coronavirus outbreak. From next month, only over-75s who receive Pensions Credit will be entitled to a free licence. Free TV licences for older pensioners were first introduced by the Labour Government in 2001. DON'T MISS:
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Bringing in licence fee for over 75s is ludicrous, says ANDREA JENKYNS [COMMENT]
BBC crisis as Boris pushes ahead with decriminalising TV licence fee [WARNING]
Timeline of the development of over-75s licence fee payments
As part of the BBC's Royal Charter renewal in 2015, the corporation agreed to take on full responsibility for funding the perk from 2020. Earlier this month, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden described feeling "let down" by the BBC over its decision to abandon the commitment to free TV licences. He said: “I very much regret the decision that the BBC has taken. “We gave the settlement to the BBC back in 2015.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said he feels 'let down' by the BBC
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-07-25--Boris banking on Merkel to convince EU to drop ridiculous fishing demands to secure deal

Downing Street thinks the German Chancellor has time to convince European Union leaders to break the deadlock now they ’ ve finished the bitter wrangling over the bloc ’ s coronavirus recovery package .
David Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s chief negotiator with Brussels , wants member states to hand his EU counterpart Michel Barnier some “ meaningful guidance ” on a way forward to end the impasse .
A senior UK source close to the negotiations said : “ We believe it is eminently possible to find an agreement in September .
“ It is definitely possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states will become more engaged in this process in Brussels and get them moving forwards politicaly .
“ The German presidency , obviously , should pay more attention to whats going on , which I think has got to be helpful.
” Talks broke up in London on Thursday with the EU still demanding status quo access to Britain ’ s fishing grounds and a regulatory level-playing field , with a role for the European Court of Justice .
At a news conference , Mr Barnier accused British negotiators of scuppering chances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bloc ’ s hardline positions .
But No10 officials believe it is the EU that has refused to engage on a series fisheries proposals put forward since the two sides agreed to intensify the negotiations .
While the British team wants to discuss potential stocks and quota shares , the EU has not “ put enough meat on the bone ” and is stalling the talks by refusing to reconsider their opening gambit .
It is understood Mr Barnier is waiting for EU leaders to make a political intervention because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight hardline fishing nations to soften his stance .
British negotiators think Mrs Merkel and the remaining 18 member states could help force through a change amid fears talks will collapse without an agreement .
The two sides are expected to start a “ text-based ” negotiation when they reconvene next week in London before the summer break .
The next official round of talks are scheduled for mid-August , with further options for sessions in September and October .
MUST READ : Tory peer dismantles EU claim as he insists UK will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure an agreement by September , whereas EU leaders are preparing to rubber-stamp the pact at their October European Council summit .
Political leaders are expected to step in at the final moments to add the finishing touches to the draft legal texts prepared by the negotiation teams .
Mr Barnier on Friday morning told senior EU diplomats the final agreement would likely be a “ low quality deal ” but still contain zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade .
DO N'T MISS How Boris Johnson ‘ sold out Falklands ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laura Kuenssberg 's confession over David Dimbleby 's Brexit vow [ INSIGHT ] 'Barnier is rattled ! '
Redwood exposes EU after Boris defies Brussels [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Michel Barnier is ‘rattled’ by UK demands says Redwood
Downing Street thinks the German Chancellor has time to convince European Union leaders to break the deadlock now they’ve finished the bitter wrangling over the bloc’s coronavirus recovery package. David Frost, the Prime Minister’s chief negotiator with Brussels, wants member states to hand his EU counterpart Michel Barnier some “meaningful guidance” on a way forward to end the impasse. A senior UK source close to the negotiations said: “We believe it is eminently possible to find an agreement in September.
Trending
“It is definitely possible now with the MFF wrapped up member states will become more engaged in this process in Brussels and get them moving forwards politicaly. “The German presidency, obviously, should pay more attention to whats going on, which I think has got to be helpful.” Talks broke up in London on Thursday with the EU still demanding status quo access to Britain’s fishing grounds and a regulatory level-playing field, with a role for the European Court of Justice. At a news conference, Mr Barnier accused British negotiators of scuppering chances of a deal by refusing to move towards the bloc’s hardline positions.
British negotiators believe Angela Merkel will step in to broker Brexit compromise
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is the head of the EU's rotating presidency
But No10 officials believe it is the EU that has refused to engage on a series fisheries proposals put forward since the two sides agreed to intensify the negotiations. While the British team wants to discuss potential stocks and quota shares, the EU has not “put enough meat on the bone” and is stalling the talks by refusing to reconsider their opening gambit. It is understood Mr Barnier is waiting for EU leaders to make a political intervention because of the fierce opposition from the bloc’s eight hardline fishing nations to soften his stance.
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David Frost is the UK's chief negotiator with the EU
British negotiators think Mrs Merkel and the remaining 18 member states could help force through a change amid fears talks will collapse without an agreement. The two sides are expected to start a “text-based” negotiation when they reconvene next week in London before the summer break. The next official round of talks are scheduled for mid-August, with further options for sessions in September and October. MUST READ: Tory peer dismantles EU claim as he insists UK will thrive on WTO exit
Michel Barnier is the EU's lead Brexit envoy
Mr Frost wants to secure an agreement by September, whereas EU leaders are preparing to rubber-stamp the pact at their October European Council summit. Political leaders are expected to step in at the final moments to add the finishing touches to the draft legal texts prepared by the negotiation teams. Mr Barnier on Friday morning told senior EU diplomats the final agreement would likely be a “low quality deal” but still contain zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade. DON'T MISS
How Boris Johnson ‘sold out Falklands’ in savage fishing row [REPORT]
Laura Kuenssberg's confession over David Dimbleby's Brexit vow [INSIGHT]
'Barnier is rattled!' Redwood exposes EU after Boris defies Brussels [VIDEO]
Brexit: UK fishing demands 'unacceptable' says Michel Barnier


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Scotland faces economic uncertainty after crunch talks despite Boris pledging £1.9bn

Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes met Westminster ’ s Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay today in a bid to obtain more fiscal powers to be able to set taxes and raise revenue .
It comes after Ms Forbes repeatedly asked Westminster for the ability to borrow up to £500 million more to deal with the impact of coronavirus and expressed concerns for the future of the economy .
The Scottish Government 's overall budget for the 2020-21 financial year currently stands at more than £52 billion , up from an earlier estimate of £49.25 billion .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £500 million “ black hole ” in funding from Westminster .
Scottish councils have also already started to feel the pressure and are begging Holyrood for more cash - hinting to locals they may have to pay more in council tax .
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ( COSLA ) which represents Scottish councils said a change in the law was required to address council deficits and avoid significant tax rises .
COSLA said £739m of additional funding would be needed to help prop up Scottish councils .
A COSLA paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Given the initial forecasts from Local Authorities it would require a Council Tax increase in 2021/22 in excess of 50 percent.
” Mr Barclay , however , turned down the calls today for greater fiscal powers but did pledge £1.9 billion of COVID-19 funding from Westminster .
Steve Barclay said the uplift , as part of a £3.7 billion package of funding which has been handed to the devolved nations , was in response to a request from the Scottish Government .
READ MORE : SNP proposes new hate crime law that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ms Forbes welcomed the new funding stressing it provided Holyrood with “ additional certainty.
” But she added : “ If we are to meet the challenges of coronavirus we also require additional fiscal flexibility , and it is disappointing the UK Government failed to agree to this today .
`` The powers we and the other devolved governments seek are reasonable , straightforward and would not cost the UK Government a penny .
`` At the moment , for example , I ca n't take money from the capital budget , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of COVID-19 , and use it for revenue .
DO N'T MISS : Boris Johnson shoots down campaign for Scotland immigration system [ JUST IN ] Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP 's plans for schools [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon : PM to stress 'sheer might ' of Union [ REVEAL ] “ Yet it is revenue that pays for our health services and schools , supports businesses and keeps our transport systems running .
“ Unlike other countries across the world , we can not respond quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us overly-dependent on policy decisions made by the UK Government . ''
But , Mr Barclay said that Holyrood ministers had claimed £1.9 billion extra would be needed this year to ensure they could meet the demands of dealing with coronavirus .
Mr Barclay said : `` What the Scottish Government said is they wanted greater flexibility to be able to deal with some of the uncertainty of the pressures from COVID and they gave us an estimate as to what that cost would be .
`` We 've listened to that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been done before , which is giving that in-year clarity as to the additional COVID funding for the rest of the year . ''
He stressed that £6.5 billion has been invested in Scotland since the beginning of the pandemic to aid the response and he questioned how Scotland would borrow the extra funding it seeks .
He said : `` It 's difficult to see even what currency the Scottish Government would be borrowing under .
`` The UK , through pooling its resources , is able to borrow at low @ @ @

Jackson Carlaw slams ‘petty’ SNP after economic statement
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes met Westminster’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay today in a bid to obtain more fiscal powers to be able to set taxes and raise revenue. It comes after Ms Forbes repeatedly asked Westminster for the ability to borrow up to £500 million more to deal with the impact of coronavirus and expressed concerns for the future of the economy.
Trending
The Scottish Government's overall budget for the 2020-21 financial year currently stands at more than £52 billion, up from an earlier estimate of £49.25 billion. But the SNP led government has claimed there was a £500 million “black hole” in funding from Westminster. Scottish councils have also already started to feel the pressure and are begging Holyrood for more cash - hinting to locals they may have to pay more in council tax. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) which represents Scottish councils said a change in the law was required to address council deficits and avoid significant tax rises.
Kate Forbes still isn't happy despite £1.9 billion of funding being pledged
GDP fell 22.3 percent recently due to COVID-19
COSLA said £739m of additional funding would be needed to help prop up Scottish councils. A COSLA paper, seen by Express.co.uk, added: “Given the initial forecasts from Local Authorities it would require a Council Tax increase in 2021/22 in excess of 50 percent.” Mr Barclay, however, turned down the calls today for greater fiscal powers but did pledge £1.9 billion of COVID-19 funding from Westminster. Steve Barclay said the uplift, as part of a £3.7 billion package of funding which has been handed to the devolved nations, was in response to a request from the Scottish Government. READ MORE: SNP proposes new hate crime law that could target 'religious views'
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Stephen Barclay has awarded £1.9 billion to Holyrood
Speaking this evening, Ms Forbes welcomed the new funding stressing it provided Holyrood with “additional certainty.” But she added: “If we are to meet the challenges of coronavirus we also require additional fiscal flexibility, and it is disappointing the UK Government failed to agree to this today. "The powers we and the other devolved governments seek are reasonable, straightforward and would not cost the UK Government a penny. "At the moment, for example, I can't take money from the capital budget, which we have been unable to spend because of COVID-19, and use it for revenue. DON'T MISS:
Boris Johnson shoots down campaign for Scotland immigration system [JUST IN]
Huge Holyrood row erupts over SNP's plans for schools [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson takes on Sturgeon: PM to stress 'sheer might' of Union [REVEAL]
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has asked for more powers from Westminster
“Yet it is revenue that pays for our health services and schools, supports businesses and keeps our transport systems running. “Unlike other countries across the world, we cannot respond quickly to emerging needs by borrowing, leaving us overly-dependent on policy decisions made by the UK Government." But, Mr Barclay said that Holyrood ministers had claimed £1.9 billion extra would be needed this year to ensure they could meet the demands of dealing with coronavirus. Mr Barclay said: "What the Scottish Government said is they wanted greater flexibility to be able to deal with some of the uncertainty of the pressures from COVID and they gave us an estimate as to what that cost would be.
Stephen Barclay met Kate Forbes today
"We've listened to that and we've responded with something that's not been done before, which is giving that in-year clarity as to the additional COVID funding for the rest of the year." He stressed that £6.5 billion has been invested in Scotland since the beginning of the pandemic to aid the response and he questioned how Scotland would borrow the extra funding it seeks. He said: "It's difficult to see even what currency the Scottish Government would be borrowing under. "The UK, through pooling its resources, is able to borrow at low interest rates.
Rishi Sunak has rejected calls to extend the furlough scheme


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Boris ordered NOT to compromise with EU and accept no deal - 'End this nonsense now'

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Brexit talks between the UK ’ s chief negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier remain on the brink after the latest round of discussions in London broke down yet again without a breakthrough .
Outstanding issues over trade , fisheries and governance remain huge obstacles , with less than five months to go until the formal end of the Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michel Barnier attempted to pile the pressure on the UK by admitting a trade deal now looked `` unlikely '' .
Mr Frost refused to concede any ground and said `` considerable gaps remain ” but was confident an `` agreement can still be reached in September '' .
A poll of more than 7,000 Express.co.uk readers has found the overwhelming majority believe the UK should continue to play hardball and should not compromise with the EU in order to reach a trade deal .
The survey conducted on Friday , July 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readers “ Should Boris compromise on red lines to secure deal or should he accept hard exit ?
”

Brexit: ‘Still significant gaps’ after trade talks says David Frost
Brexit talks between the UK’s chief negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier remain on the brink after the latest round of discussions in London broke down yet again without a breakthrough. Outstanding issues over trade, fisheries and governance remain huge obstacles, with less than five months to go until the formal end of the Brexit transition period.
Trending
Following the discussions, Michel Barnier attempted to pile the pressure on the UK by admitting a trade deal now looked "unlikely". Mr Frost refused to concede any ground and said "considerable gaps remain” but was confident an "agreement can still be reached in September". A poll of more than 7,000 Express.co.uk readers has found the overwhelming majority believe the UK should continue to play hardball and should not compromise with the EU in order to reach a trade deal. The survey conducted on Friday, July 24 between 1.59pm and 9pm asked 7,776 Express.co.uk readers “Should Boris compromise on red lines to secure deal or should he accept hard exit?”
Boris Johnson should not compromise with the EU, according to a poll
Brexit talks between David Frost and Michel Barnier ended without an agreement on Thursday
A huge 97 percent (7,489) of people said Boris Johnson should stick to his red lines and accept a hard exit. Just two percent (249) thought the Prime Minister should compromise in order to cut a deal with the bloc. Meanwhile, one percent (34) remained unsure and voted 'don’t know'. A number of Express.co.uk readers heaped praise on Boris Johnson for his current stance and some insisted the UK should end the fiasco now without a deal.
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Boris Johnson has been told to stick to his red lines on Brexit
One user said: “Barnier and the EU have never had any intention of agreeing any deal. Total capitulation is all they want. “Our biggest mistake was going along with the whole charade. Just walk away now and shut off the money flow.” A second reader wrote: “Stick to the red lines. Let's leave WTO and be free.” READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: Boris predicts date we'll be 'way past' crisis
David Frost is confident a deal can be reached by September
A timeline of Brexit talks until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--EU ‘anxious’ over consequences of UK leaving and Boris has ‘more to gain’, claims expert

Professor Anand Menon , director of the UK in a Changing Europe claimed “ negotiations to date do not seem to have revealed much in the way of a desire to compromise on the part of either side ” .
It comes after the European Union 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal looked `` unlikely '' and that the two sides remained at a stalemate following the conclusion of a recent round of talks yesterday .
Mr Barnier said that several obstacles remain in the way of a successful outcome including the ‘ level playing field ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's chief negotiator , also confirmed there was a continued impasse .
But Professor Menon stressed there were reasons to take the negative remarks from the two sides “ with a pinch of salt ” .
He added : “ The EU is keen that negotiations succeed – if only because they are anxious to minimise the economic consequences of Britain leaving .
“ On the British side , the incentive to come to some kind of agreement is , if anything , even greater .
“ Politically , the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal than from not signing one .
“ If you think back to last autumn , he was hailed as some sort of latter day Messiah for agreeing to essentially the same deal with the EU that Mrs. May had rejected out of hand.
” Professor Menon stressed if Mr Johnson signed an agreement now then it would all but guarantee a “ hero ’ s welcome ” for him .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson shoots down campaign for Scotland immigration system He claimed if the Prime Minister managed to reach a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man who achieved the “ seemingly impossible not once , but twice ” .
Professor Menon added of a deal being reached : “ In so doing will spare businesses already dreading the impact of Brexit the added problems implied by tariffs and quotas .
“ And of course both sides are consequent of the broader political implications.
” Turning to a no deal , the director of UK in a Changing Europe stressed relations between the UK and the 27 EU nations would descend into “ a cycle of recrimination and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new deal as each side would “ blame each other for failure ” .
DO N'T MISS : UK banking on Merkel to convince EU to drop fishing demands [ REVEAL ] Brexit withdrawal farce is the reason we must get out now !
COMMENT [ OPINION ] Brexit POLL : Should Boris compromise on red lines or accept hard exit ?
[ POLL ] He added : “ Under such circumstances , even limited cooperation with European states on matters ranging from China to Iran would become far more difficult .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not least with China , this is hardly a preferred outcome anywhere.
” Concluding , the professor claimed that a deal is “ clearly possible ” saying there were ways around the level playing field that would allow the EU to retaliate in response to any drop in British standards .
Meanwhile , fishing waters could be resolved by allowing the EU to have access to UK fishing waters with a “ smaller quota ” .

Brexit: ‘Thin deal’ will be made in Autumn predicts expert
Professor Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe claimed “negotiations to date do not seem to have revealed much in the way of a desire to compromise on the part of either side”. It comes after the European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a deal looked "unlikely" and that the two sides remained at a stalemate following the conclusion of a recent round of talks yesterday.
Trending
Mr Barnier said that several obstacles remain in the way of a successful outcome including the ‘level playing field’ and fishing rights. David Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, also confirmed there was a continued impasse. But Professor Menon stressed there were reasons to take the negative remarks from the two sides “with a pinch of salt”. He added: “The EU is keen that negotiations succeed – if only because they are anxious to minimise the economic consequences of Britain leaving.
Professor Menon claims that a deal could be reached
The latest round of Brexit talks have reached a stalemate
“On the British side, the incentive to come to some kind of agreement is, if anything, even greater. “Politically, the Prime Minister has more to gain from signing a deal than from not signing one. “If you think back to last autumn, he was hailed as some sort of latter day Messiah for agreeing to essentially the same deal with the EU that Mrs. May had rejected out of hand.” Professor Menon stressed if Mr Johnson signed an agreement now then it would all but guarantee a “hero’s welcome” for him. READ MORE: Boris Johnson shoots down campaign for Scotland immigration system
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Boris would be hailed as a 'hero' if he signs off on a deal, it is claimed
He claimed if the Prime Minister managed to reach a deal, he would be known as the man who achieved the “seemingly impossible not once, but twice”. Professor Menon added of a deal being reached: “In so doing will spare businesses already dreading the impact of Brexit the added problems implied by tariffs and quotas. “And of course both sides are consequent of the broader political implications.” Turning to a no deal, the director of UK in a Changing Europe stressed relations between the UK and the 27 EU nations would descend into “a cycle of recrimination and counter-recrimination” in the event of a new deal as each side would “blame each other for failure”. DON'T MISS:
UK banking on Merkel to convince EU to drop fishing demands [REVEAL]
Brexit withdrawal farce is the reason we must get out now! COMMENT [OPINION]
Brexit POLL: Should Boris compromise on red lines or accept hard exit? [POLL]
Professor Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe (pictured right)
He added: “Under such circumstances, even limited cooperation with European states on matters ranging from China to Iran would become far more difficult. “At a time of growing international tensions, not least with China, this is hardly a preferred outcome anywhere.” Concluding, the professor claimed that a deal is “clearly possible” saying there were ways around the level playing field that would allow the EU to retaliate in response to any drop in British standards. Meanwhile, fishing waters could be resolved by allowing the EU to have access to UK fishing waters with a “smaller quota”.
A deal is hoped to be reached by September


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--'Getting Brexit done!' Boris hailed after successful first year as PM – ‘EU on the ROPES!’

Express.co.uk readers voted in our poll on whether Mr Johnson has done a good job after his first year in Number 10 .
Some 77 percent of respondents said yes , while just 22 percent replied no and one percent did not know .
Commenting on the poll , many readers backed the Prime Minister ’ s tough stance with the EU .
One said : “ Appointing David Frost was a master stroke for Boris in dealing with Brexit and considering what he has had to put up with , nearly dying from the virus , having a baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paralysed the world , he is doing pretty good .
“ Get Brexit over the line without giving up our fishing grounds and laws and you will get my vote .
“ As for immigration , still much to do so Priti get on with it !
” Another wrote : “ So far so good .
Just get us out on a clean break Boris.
” A third commented : “ Boris has the EU on the ropes , and that 's good enough for me.
” Another gave Mr Johnson top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has followed the instruction of the people in 2016 to leave the EU .
“ If he continues and does not bow to pressure what more can you ask .
READ MORE : Boris Johnson 'optimistic ' of Brexit deal by end of year Mr Johnson has had to deal with Brexit as well as the coronavirus crisis during his first year in office on top of the birth of his son Wilfred and his fight for his life against COVID-19 in intensive care Marking one year in the top job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got Brexit done '' and was making progress on his promise to `` level up '' the country before coronavirus struck But another was more critical of the Prime Minister , commenting : “ I ’ d like to say yes , but I think he has been too soft , too relaxed .
“ He needs to sort out policing which has been taken over by virtue signalling university management graduates.
” Mr Johnson has had to deal with Brexit as well as the coronavirus crisis during his first year in office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son Wilfred and his fight for his life against COVID-19 in intensive care .
Marking one year in the top job , the Prime Minister said he had `` got Brexit done '' and was making progress on his promise to `` level up '' the country before coronavirus struck .

Boris Johnson reflects on his first year as Prime Minister
Express.co.uk readers voted in our poll on whether Mr Johnson has done a good job after his first year in Number 10. Some 77 percent of respondents said yes, while just 22 percent replied no and one percent did not know.
Commenting on the poll, many readers backed the Prime Minister’s tough stance with the EU. One said: “Appointing David Frost was a master stroke for Boris in dealing with Brexit and considering what he has had to put up with, nearly dying from the virus, having a baby, coping with COVID-19 pandemic which has paralysed the world, he is doing pretty good. “Get Brexit over the line without giving up our fishing grounds and laws and you will get my vote. “As for immigration, still much to do so Priti get on with it!”
Readers voted in our poll on whether Mr Johnson has done a good job after his first year in No 10
Some 77 percent of respondents said yes, while just 22 percent replied no and one percent did not know
Another wrote: “So far so good. Just get us out on a clean break Boris.” A third commented: “Boris has the EU on the ropes, and that's good enough for me.” Another gave Mr Johnson top marks, saying: “Being fair he has followed the instruction of the people in 2016 to leave the EU. “If he continues and does not bow to pressure what more can you ask. READ MORE: Boris Johnson 'optimistic' of Brexit deal by end of year
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Mr Johnson has had to deal with Brexit as well as the coronavirus crisis during his first year in office on top of the birth of his son Wilfred and his fight for his life against COVID-19 in intensive care
Marking one year in the top job, the Prime Minister said he had "got Brexit done" and was making progress on his promise to "level up" the country before coronavirus struck
But another was more critical of the Prime Minister, commenting: “I’d like to say yes, but I think he has been too soft, too relaxed. “He needs to sort out policing which has been taken over by virtue signalling university management graduates.” Mr Johnson has had to deal with Brexit as well as the coronavirus crisis during his first year in office on top of the birth of his son Wilfred and his fight for his life against COVID-19 in intensive care. Marking one year in the top job, the Prime Minister said he had "got Brexit done" and was making progress on his promise to "level up" the country before coronavirus struck.
Mr Johnson added the country must show the same spirit in tackling the deadly outbreak to "build back better"
He added the country must show the same spirit in tackling the deadly outbreak to "build back better". Mr Johnson said: "It is one year since I stood on the steps of Downing Street and made a promise to the British people. "That this government would get Brexit done and then unite and level up the country. "We got Brexit done and made great progress on delivering on those priorities.
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--SNP proposes new hate crime law that could target those expressing ‘religious views’

The Hate Crime and Public Order ( Scotland ) Bill introduced by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf looks to extend the law on ‘ hate crime ’ covering particular characteristics , including religion , sexual orientation and transgender identity .
If the law is passed by Holyrood , it means that words or behaviour considered to be “ abusive ” and “ likely ” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence .
However , James Kelly MSP , who spearheaded the repeal of a previous controversial hate crime law said he had “ significant concerns ” about the wording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed under the proposals , `` a crime will be committed if an individual behaves in a 'threatening , abusive or insulting manner ' or if they communicate 'threatening , abusive or insulting material ' - whether they have intended to 'stir-up hatred ' or not '' .
The wording , Mr Kelly claims , could mean people can be prosecuted for expressing religious views .
He added in a letter to Holyrood ’ s Justice Committee : `` Under these proposals , a person can be criminalised for behaviour which another person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it or not , which sets an alarming legal precedent and differs from law in England and Wales under the UK Racial and Religious Hatred Act ( 2006 ) - where intent is required .
`` The terminology within these proposals is concerning , especially around the use of 'insulting ' - which is subjective and could cause serious legal confusion.
” Mr Kelly referred to the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act which was introduced in 2012 and made it a criminal offence for football fans to discriminate against certain traits such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or region at matches .
However , it was scrapped in 2018 following severe concerns over freedom of speech and claims that it unfairly targeted Scottish football fans .
He added : `` The vague language used evokes memories of the now-repealed Football Act , where the ambiguity of provisions could have led to the criminalisation of legitimate expressions of culture and opinion .
READ MORE : Ian Blackford furiously lashes out at 'democracy denier ' Boris '' Proposals pertaining to the criminalisation of 'insulting behaviour ' suggests a misguided revival of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I fear the government has not learned any lessons from the failures of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act .
“ The current drafting lacks legal clarity and could lead to a misguided revival of the unworkable 2012 Act.
” Amanda Millar , president of the Law Society of Scotland , said : `` We have significant reservations regarding a number of the Bill 's provisions and the lack of clarity , which could in effect lead to restrictions in freedom of expression , one of the foundations of a democratic society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoots down campaign for Scotland immigration system [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon slammed by watchdog : Data comparisons incorrect [ JUST IN ] Sturgeon under pressure from own MP to push forward with IndyRef2 [ INSIGHT ] '' We have real concerns that certain behaviour , views expressed or even an actor 's performance , which might well be deemed insulting or offensive , could result in a criminal conviction under the terms of the Bill as currently drafted .
`` Having full and proper debate in the Scottish Parliament will be essential in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work as intended .
`` It needs to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained to protect those in society who are most vulnerable to prejudice while preserving the right to comment or debate on matters .
It must also instil confidence in our criminal justice system . ''
However , Mr Yousaf said the bill would strike the right balance between respecting freedom of speech and tackling hate speech .

Hate crime: Expert raises concerns over proposed law in Scotland
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill introduced by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf looks to extend the law on ‘hate crime’ covering particular characteristics, including religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. If the law is passed by Holyrood, it means that words or behaviour considered to be “abusive” and “likely” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence.
Trending
However, James Kelly MSP, who spearheaded the repeal of a previous controversial hate crime law said he had “significant concerns” about the wording. Scottish Labour’s justice spokesman claimed under the proposals, "a crime will be committed if an individual behaves in a 'threatening, abusive or insulting manner' or if they communicate 'threatening, abusive or insulting material' - whether they have intended to 'stir-up hatred' or not". The wording, Mr Kelly claims, could mean people can be prosecuted for expressing religious views. He added in a letter to Holyrood’s Justice Committee: "Under these proposals, a person can be criminalised for behaviour which another person finds insulting, whether they have meant it or not, which sets an alarming legal precedent and differs from law in England and Wales under the UK Racial and Religious Hatred Act (2006) - where intent is required.
Concerns have been raised about a new hate crime bill
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf introduced the bill
"The terminology within these proposals is concerning, especially around the use of 'insulting' - which is subjective and could cause serious legal confusion.” Mr Kelly referred to the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act which was introduced in 2012 and made it a criminal offence for football fans to discriminate against certain traits such as religion, ethnic identity, class, or region at matches. However, it was scrapped in 2018 following severe concerns over freedom of speech and claims that it unfairly targeted Scottish football fans. He added: "The vague language used evokes memories of the now-repealed Football Act, where the ambiguity of provisions could have led to the criminalisation of legitimate expressions of culture and opinion. READ MORE: Ian Blackford furiously lashes out at 'democracy denier' Boris
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Nicola Sturgeon during the defeat of the Football racism bill
"Proposals pertaining to the criminalisation of 'insulting behaviour' suggests a misguided revival of the unworkable Offensive Behaviour at Football Act. “I fear the government has not learned any lessons from the failures of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act. “The current drafting lacks legal clarity and could lead to a misguided revival of the unworkable 2012 Act.” Amanda Millar, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "We have significant reservations regarding a number of the Bill's provisions and the lack of clarity, which could in effect lead to restrictions in freedom of expression, one of the foundations of a democratic society. DON'T MISS:
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Stand Up to Racism protest
"We have real concerns that certain behaviour, views expressed or even an actor's performance, which might well be deemed insulting or offensive, could result in a criminal conviction under the terms of the Bill as currently drafted. "Having full and proper debate in the Scottish Parliament will be essential in ensuring that new hate crime law can work as intended. "It needs to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained to protect those in society who are most vulnerable to prejudice while preserving the right to comment or debate on matters. It must also instil confidence in our criminal justice system." However, Mr Yousaf said the bill would strike the right balance between respecting freedom of speech and tackling hate speech.
It is feared that the changes could affect religious opinion


thedailyexpress--2020-07-24--Brexit POLL: Should Boris compromise on red lines for deal or should he accept hard exit?

THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS The latest round of negotiations wrapped up in London on Thursday without any breakthrough in sight .
The lack of movement on either side means a hard exit from the transition period with the bloc on December 31 is now looking more and more likely .
As they concluded this week 's meetings , Michel Barnier and David Frost aired mixed messages over the likelihood of a deal being secured .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator said a deal looked `` unlikely '' and the two sides remained at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's chief negotiator , also confirmed there was a continued impasse .
However , he struck a more optimistic tone in his media appearance following the intensified discussions .
Offering hope , Mr Frost said an `` agreement can still be reached in September '' but called for the EU to recognise it was in discussions with an `` independent state '' .
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday , Mr Barnier warned the `` time for answers is quickly running out '' .
Brussels ' Brexit frontman told reporters how fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues at the negotiating table .
He said : `` By its current refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition , and to a balanced agreement on fisheries , the UK makes a trade agreement at this point unlikely . ''
The first is the UK 's refusal to bow to the bloc 's demand for `` level playing field '' rules for workers and the environment .
The second point of conflict is fishing rights , which Brexiteers have warned remains at the heart of the Brexit cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's position on fisheries was `` simply unacceptable '' .
He said : `` The UK is effectively seeking for near-total exclusion of fishing vessels from the UK 's water . ''
But a senior UK Government source said , while the UK would have the `` right to control the economic exploitation '' of its fishing grounds after the transition period , talk of exclusion was incorrect .
The source continued : `` That does n't necessarily require the exclusion of EU trawlers from our waters .

Brexit: Michel Barnier is ‘rattled’ by UK demands says Redwood
THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS The latest round of negotiations wrapped up in London on Thursday without any breakthrough in sight. The lack of movement on either side means a hard exit from the transition period with the bloc on December 31 is now looking more and more likely.
Trending
As they concluded this week's meetings, Michel Barnier and David Frost aired mixed messages over the likelihood of a deal being secured. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said a deal looked "unlikely" and the two sides remained at a stalemate. Mr Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, also confirmed there was a continued impasse. However, he struck a more optimistic tone in his media appearance following the intensified discussions.
Should Boris compromise on red lines to secure deal or should he accept hard exit?
Barnier arrives for Brexit trade talks
Offering hope, Mr Frost said an "agreement can still be reached in September" but called for the EU to recognise it was in discussions with an "independent state". Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mr Barnier warned the "time for answers is quickly running out". Brussels' Brexit frontman told reporters how fishing rights remains one of the most contentious issues at the negotiating table. He said: "By its current refusal to commit to the condition of open and fair competition, and to a balanced agreement on fisheries, the UK makes a trade agreement at this point unlikely." READ MORE: Laura Kuenssberg's confession over David Dimbleby's Brexit vow
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The UK's chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost
The first is the UK's refusal to bow to the bloc's demand for "level playing field" rules for workers and the environment. The second point of conflict is fishing rights, which Brexiteers have warned remains at the heart of the Brexit cause. Mr Barnier told reporters the UK's position on fisheries was "simply unacceptable".
Barnier gives a thumbs up
He said: "The UK is effectively seeking for near-total exclusion of fishing vessels from the UK's water." But a senior UK Government source said, while the UK would have the "right to control the economic exploitation" of its fishing grounds after the transition period, talk of exclusion was incorrect. The source continued: "That doesn't necessarily require the exclusion of EU trawlers from our waters.
Michel Barnier blasted the UK for the lack of progress


thedailyexpress--2020-07-28--SNP faces mounting pressure as failure to keep coronavirus promises laid bare in new data

Scottish Government data showed that over half of all deaths came from residential homes .
The figures , released by the National Records of Scotland , also showed just 65 percent of workers were tested for coronavirus last week .
This was despite a Scottish Government pledge by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman in May saying they would test every worker once a week .
At the same time , it has also emerged Scotland 's care watchdog was warned more than 170 times about staff shortages at care homes amid the coronavirus crisis .
Figures show between April 3 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to inform the Care Inspectorate of staff shortages , 179 notifications were issued .
Freedom of Information requests obtained by Disclosure revealed 30 red warnings were sent between these dates , indicating an insufficient number of staff to properly meet residents ' needs .
Care homes issued 149 amber alerts in the same period , indicating resources were stretched and staffing levels were close to affecting the quality of care .
The National Records of Scotland also revealed that between March 16 and July 19 there were 2,365 ( 54 percent ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than average .
COVID-19 was the underlying cause in 1,873 ( 79 percent ) of these excess deaths .
Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard has now called on the Health Secretary to focus efforts on expanding testing , as well as launching its own consultation on a plan for a National Care Service .
READ MORE : Boris sends Sturgeon into a panic with vow to rally Cabinet Mr Leonard said : `` Scotland 's care homes , and those who live and work in them , have been on the front line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that the Health Secretary fails to understand the urgency of getting this testing carried out and fails to demonstrate the Scottish Government 's appreciation of these workers , who put themselves in harm 's way to care for others .
`` In addition , Jeane Freeman must provide the financial support to ensure that any care staff who take the test face no financial penalties .
“ There is no time to lose .
DO N'T MISS : Ruth Davidson admits Unionists should ’ ve ‘ put the boot in ’ [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Sturgeon urged to fly Commonwealth flag [ REVEAL ] SNP attacked for selling masks including 'Yes ' face covering [ INSIGHT ] '' After this pandemic , we must re-shape Scotland 's care service so that care receivers and workers are protected and empowered .
`` The time has come for a National Care Service ; the people of Scotland deserve no less . ''
Monica Lennon MSP , Scottish Labour ’ s health spokeswoman , said that the Scottish Health Secretary was being secretive .
She said : “ The continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and the number of deaths at a care home level means that families continue to be left in the dark .
“ The least that should be provided is clear information about the prevalence of the virus and the suspected death rates in each care home .
“ Withholding this information across the board as a blanket policy is completely unacceptable , and it should be made public .
“ Fears over this secrecy only highlights the wider concerns about accountability in care and the need for a national care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Scottish Government spokesman , said : `` We have significantly expanded the care home testing programme including the launch of the Social Care Portal and mobile testing units .
The latest published figures show that more than 34,000 tests were carried out in the week commencing 10 July .

Nicola Sturgeon slammed over testing care homes by Carlaw
Scottish Government data showed that over half of all deaths came from residential homes. The figures, released by the National Records of Scotland, also showed just 65 percent of workers were tested for coronavirus last week.
Trending
This was despite a Scottish Government pledge by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman in May saying they would test every worker once a week. At the same time, it has also emerged Scotland's care watchdog was warned more than 170 times about staff shortages at care homes amid the coronavirus crisis. Figures show between April 3 and June 17, when care homes were required to inform the Care Inspectorate of staff shortages, 179 notifications were issued. Freedom of Information requests obtained by Disclosure revealed 30 red warnings were sent between these dates, indicating an insufficient number of staff to properly meet residents' needs.
Calls have been made for the release of Scottish Government care home testing data
Jeane Freeman previously gave evidence to MSPs
Care homes issued 149 amber alerts in the same period, indicating resources were stretched and staffing levels were close to affecting the quality of care. The National Records of Scotland also revealed that between March 16 and July 19 there were 2,365 (54 percent) more deaths in Scotland's care homes than average. COVID-19 was the underlying cause in 1,873 (79 percent) of these excess deaths. Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard has now called on the Health Secretary to focus efforts on expanding testing, as well as launching its own consultation on a plan for a National Care Service. READ MORE: Boris sends Sturgeon into a panic with vow to rally Cabinet
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Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman
Mr Leonard said: "Scotland's care homes, and those who live and work in them, have been on the front line of this pandemic. "It is clear that the Health Secretary fails to understand the urgency of getting this testing carried out and fails to demonstrate the Scottish Government's appreciation of these workers, who put themselves in harm's way to care for others. "In addition, Jeane Freeman must provide the financial support to ensure that any care staff who take the test face no financial penalties. “There is no time to lose. DON'T MISS:
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Scottish Labour are calling for a National Care Service
"After this pandemic, we must re-shape Scotland's care service so that care receivers and workers are protected and empowered. "The time has come for a National Care Service; the people of Scotland deserve no less." Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, said that the Scottish Health Secretary was being secretive. She said: “The continued refusal to provide details on the level of the virus and the number of deaths at a care home level means that families continue to be left in the dark.
Strict care regimes are now in place across British care homes
“The least that should be provided is clear information about the prevalence of the virus and the suspected death rates in each care home. “Withholding this information across the board as a blanket policy is completely unacceptable, and it should be made public. “Fears over this secrecy only highlights the wider concerns about accountability in care and the need for a national care service.” In response to the concerns, a Scottish Government spokesman, said: "We have significantly expanded the care home testing programme including the launch of the Social Care Portal and mobile testing units. The latest published figures show that more than 34,000 tests were carried out in the week commencing 10 July.
A care home in Glasgow