thedailyexpress--2020-10-24--Brexit breakthrough as trade talks could enter crucial new phase next week

Officials say the negotiators from both sides are aiming to strike a last-minute trade deal to avoid a no-deal Brexit outcome .
An EU official said : “ They ’ re negotiating intensively over the weekend .
Just two weeks remain before it would be impossible to get a deal in place by the end of the transition period in December .
Both teams have informally agreed to stand down their media operations during the weekend talks signalling the talks are being taken seriously .
If the negotiations are deemed to be successful , a formal “ tunnel ” could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is believed during the “ tunnel ” phase a handful of negotiators will be work in secrecy to hammer out a deal .
All documents are left unpublished , press reaction or comment is off-limits and the EU27 ambassadors are not informed of the progress .
READ MORE : Brexit deal could be reached if these THREE issues are overcome Brexit negotiations came to an end earlier this month as the deadline for talks came and went without a deal being agreed upon .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proved futile .
Mr Johnson was coerced back into the negotiating table by Mr Barnier who tried to patch-up the relationship between the two sides .
On Wednesday , Mr Barnier told the European Parliament that “ an agreement is within reach if we are on both sides prepared to work constructively and in a spirit of compromise ” .
DO N'T MISS Brexit trade deal : Emmanuel Macron warns fishermen of smaller catches [ INSIGHT ] Brexit fury : Theresa May ’ s 'strategic error affecting talks today ' [ COMMENT ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-passport gates [ REVEAL ] A Downing Street spokesperson added : “ It is clear that significant gaps remain between our positions in the most difficult areas , but we are ready , with the EU , to see if it is possible to bridge them in intensive talks.
” This week French Europe minister Clement Beaune lashed out at the UK claiming if Britain wanted a no deal they would not have extended the deadline .
He told French television : “ We thought the end of October was the final deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few more days to give the negotiations a chance , but we need to know quickly .

Brexit: Securing trade deal is 'vital' for Ireland says McGrath
On Thursday, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier arrived in London for urgent talks in one last attempt for a deal as the transition period looms closer.
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Officials say the negotiators from both sides are aiming to strike a last-minute trade deal to avoid a no-deal Brexit outcome. An EU official said: “They’re negotiating intensively over the weekend. “Let’s see after that.” Just two weeks remain before it would be impossible to get a deal in place by the end of the transition period in December.
Brexit trade talks could enter crucial phase
Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
Both teams have informally agreed to stand down their media operations during the weekend talks signalling the talks are being taken seriously. If the negotiations are deemed to be successful, a formal “tunnel” could be declared as early as next week. It is believed during the “tunnel” phase a handful of negotiators will be work in secrecy to hammer out a deal. All documents are left unpublished, press reaction or comment is off-limits and the EU27 ambassadors are not informed of the progress. READ MORE: Brexit deal could be reached if these THREE issues are overcome
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UK Brexit negotiator David Frost
Brexit negotiations came to an end earlier this month as the deadline for talks came and went without a deal being agreed upon. Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the EU an extra 24 hours but the extension proved futile. Mr Johnson was coerced back into the negotiating table by Mr Barnier who tried to patch-up the relationship between the two sides. On Wednesday, Mr Barnier told the European Parliament that “an agreement is within reach if we are on both sides prepared to work constructively and in a spirit of compromise”. DON'T MISS
Brexit trade deal: Emmanuel Macron warns fishermen of smaller catches [INSIGHT]
Brexit fury: Theresa May’s 'strategic error affecting talks today' [COMMENT]
Now EU tries to ban Britons from e-passport gates [REVEAL]
Economic loss per EU state in no deal Brexit
A Downing Street spokesperson added: “It is clear that significant gaps remain between our positions in the most difficult areas, but we are ready, with the EU, to see if it is possible to bridge them in intensive talks.” This week French Europe minister Clement Beaune lashed out at the UK claiming if Britain wanted a no deal they would not have extended the deadline. He told French television: “We thought the end of October was the final deadline. “We are giving ourselves a few more days to give the negotiations a chance, but we need to know quickly.
The UK left the EU back in January


thedailyexpress--2020-10-24--Sadiq Khan rejects Boris Johnson's TfL bailout plan - 'You lied plain and simple!'

The Labour mayor used an explosive op-ed to hit out at Boris Johnson after he said Mr Khan had “ effectively bankrupted ” the capital ’ s public transport system .
The Prime Minister ’ s scathing review of the mayor ’ s performance came during this week ’ s PMQs amid an ongoing row over a second coronavirus funding package for TfL .
Mr Khan slammed the Government ’ s conditions attached to the bailout , warning they would “ hit Londoners with a triple whammy of higher costs ” .
The Mayor said ministers want TfL to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North and South Circular roads in 12 months ' time .
This would mean the zone would cover an extra four million Londoners .
The Government was also said to want to increase TfL fares by well above the inflation rate , and double down on demands to remove free travel for under-18s .
And a further proposal by ministers is to introduce a new council tax charge in London , regardless of whether residents use public transport , according to the mayor .
Writing in the Labour List , Mr Khan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plain and simple , in the House of Commons this week when he said Transport for London ( TfL ) only needed emergency national funding now due to actions I had taken prior to the pandemic .
“ The truth is that before the coronavirus I was fixing the financial mess at TfL that I ’ d inherited from Boris Johnson when he was mayor .
“ Over the course of four years , I had reduced TfL ’ s deficit by 71 percent and increased cash reserves by 13 percent.
” READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host pulls London mayor apart in fiery row He said the offer “ failed to address the dramatic fall in fares income due to COVID-19.
” Mr Khan has said London ’ s entire economy will be put at risk if another massive cash injection is not secured for TfL .
The mayor who took over from Mr Johnson in City Hall in 2016 accused the Government of `` ill-advised and draconian '' plans in return for a second bailout .
Speaking during PMQs on Wednesday , Mr Johnson told the Commons : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively bankrupted TfL before coronavirus had even hit and left a massive black hole in its finances .
`` Any need to make up that deficit is entirely down to him , it is entirely his responsibility .
`` Any expansion of the congestion charge or any other measure taken to improve the finances of TfL are entirely the responsibility of the bankrupt current Labour Mayor of London . ''

Sadiq Khan: Government should ‘nationalise TfL’ claims Tice
The Labour mayor used an explosive op-ed to hit out at Boris Johnson after he said Mr Khan had “effectively bankrupted” the capital’s public transport system. The Prime Minister’s scathing review of the mayor’s performance came during this week’s PMQs amid an ongoing row over a second coronavirus funding package for TfL.
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Mr Khan slammed the Government’s conditions attached to the bailout, warning they would “hit Londoners with a triple whammy of higher costs”. The Mayor said ministers want TfL to expand the £15 Congestion Charge Zone to the North and South Circular roads in 12 months' time. This would mean the zone would cover an extra four million Londoners. The Government was also said to want to increase TfL fares by well above the inflation rate, and double down on demands to remove free travel for under-18s.
Sadiq Khan accused the PM of trying to hit Londoners with a 'triple whammy' of cost
Sadiq Khan is seeking a second massive bailout for TfL from the Government
And a further proposal by ministers is to introduce a new council tax charge in London, regardless of whether residents use public transport, according to the mayor. Writing in the Labour List, Mr Khan said: “The Prime Minister lied, plain and simple, in the House of Commons this week when he said Transport for London (TfL) only needed emergency national funding now due to actions I had taken prior to the pandemic. “The truth is that before the coronavirus I was fixing the financial mess at TfL that I’d inherited from Boris Johnson when he was mayor. “Over the course of four years, I had reduced TfL’s deficit by 71 percent and increased cash reserves by 13 percent.” READ MORE: Sadiq Khan squirms as BBC host pulls London mayor apart in fiery row
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Mr Khan accused the PM of attaching 'vindictive' conditions to the package
Sadiq Khan accused the PM of lying 'plain and simple
Mr Khan was elected London Mayor in May 2016
He said the offer “failed to address the dramatic fall in fares income due to COVID-19.” Mr Khan has said London’s entire economy will be put at risk if another massive cash injection is not secured for TfL. The mayor who took over from Mr Johnson in City Hall in 2016 accused the Government of "ill-advised and draconian" plans in return for a second bailout.
Sadiq Khan grilled by host on 'losing control' of TFL
Speaking during PMQs on Wednesday, Mr Johnson told the Commons: "The current Mayor of London had effectively bankrupted TfL before coronavirus had even hit and left a massive black hole in its finances. "Any need to make up that deficit is entirely down to him, it is entirely his responsibility. "Any expansion of the congestion charge or any other measure taken to improve the finances of TfL are entirely the responsibility of the bankrupt current Labour Mayor of London."


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--Macron facing REVOLT: President desperate to 'save face' after humiliation on fisheries

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Emmanuel Macron will give in to the UK 's fisheries demands at the final moment of the Brexit talks , according to a leading EU expert .
Catherine Barnard , who serves as professor of European law at Cambridge University , suggested Mr Macron knows he has to back down over the deadlocked fisheries dispute .
However , she claimed the French President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early , '' which is why `` this deal will go up to the wire '' as Mr Macron scrambles to save face .
Speaking to Sky News , Professor Barnard said the French President is concerned about protests on the streets of France if he gives up fisheries too early .
She explained : `` It 's important to remember it 's not just the UK that has politics .
`` The French President is acutely aware there are important elections in Calais next year , and of course it is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
`` He ca n't be seen to be conceding too much too early , otherwise it creates domestic problems at home .
`` That is why this deal will go up to the wire . ''
JUST IN : Brexit LIVE : Fishermen threaten 'absolute chaos ’ over trade deal

Brexit: Macron 'cannot be seen to concede too early' says expert
Emmanuel Macron will give in to the UK's fisheries demands at the final moment of the Brexit talks, according to a leading EU expert. Catherine Barnard, who serves as professor of European law at Cambridge University, suggested Mr Macron knows he has to back down over the deadlocked fisheries dispute. However, she claimed the French President "can't concede too much too early," which is why "this deal will go up to the wire" as Mr Macron scrambles to save face.
Trending
Speaking to Sky News, Professor Barnard said the French President is concerned about protests on the streets of France if he gives up fisheries too early. She explained: "It's important to remember it's not just the UK that has politics. "The French President is acutely aware there are important elections in Calais next year, and of course it is the Calais fishermen who he is most worried about. "He can't be seen to be conceding too much too early, otherwise it creates domestic problems at home. "That is why this deal will go up to the wire." JUST IN: Brexit LIVE: Fishermen threaten 'absolute chaos’ over trade deal
Macron will surrender to the UK's fisheries at the final moment of the Brexit talks
Macron will back down to Boris Johnson's fisheries demands at the last possible moment in the Brexit talks
She added the final crunch date for a deal to be agreed is mid-November. Professor Barnard explained: "On balance there probably will be a deal but there is scope for things to go wrong or things just to go wrong. "We always knew the crunch point would be the first couple weeks in November. "Neither side wanted a deal too early, because then there would be time for it to be unpicked.
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Donald Trump felt Theresa May was a 'loser' says expert
Macron's tough line on fishing rights is seen as one of the last remaining obstacles to an agreement
Barnard, who serves as professor of European Law at Cambridge University, suggested that Mr Macron knows he has to back down


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--BBC's Andrew Marr savages Labour's 'absurd' lockdown rules in Wales as party revolt erupts

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The BBC 's Andrew Marr savaged Labour 's Vaughan Gething as the Welsh health minister struggled to defend the bizarre lockdown rules .
Wales , which is run by Labour , has imposed a 17-day 'firebreak lockdown ' to crack down on a coronavirus spike in the country .
As part of the lockdown rules , supermarkets have been banned from selling non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightbulbs , kettles and baby clothes being covered up in plastic sheets .
This policy has sparked a fierce revolt among Welsh residents , prompting the largest petition ever submitted to the Welsh Parliament , the Senedd , with nearly 50,000 signatures .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has admitted that the ban on the non-essential items will be reviewed after the weekend .
The BBC 's Andrew Marr took Mr Gething to task over the `` hugely unpopular '' and `` absurd '' policy .
He grilled the Welsh health minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be hugely unpopular across Wales .
`` By tomorrow morning , you will have to tear it up and start again , wo n't you ? ''
JUST IN : NHS COVID-19 app has fixed 'worrying ' messages sent to iPhone , Android

Wales: Vaughan Gething grilled by Marr over national lockdown
The BBC's Andrew Marr savaged Labour's Vaughan Gething as the Welsh health minister struggled to defend the bizarre lockdown rules. Wales, which is run by Labour, has imposed a 17-day 'firebreak lockdown' to crack down on a coronavirus spike in the country. As part of the lockdown rules, supermarkets have been banned from selling non-essential items, leading to shelves full of lightbulbs, kettles and baby clothes being covered up in plastic sheets.
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This policy has sparked a fierce revolt among Welsh residents, prompting the largest petition ever submitted to the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, with nearly 50,000 signatures. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has admitted that the ban on the non-essential items will be reviewed after the weekend. The BBC's Andrew Marr took Mr Gething to task over the "hugely unpopular" and "absurd" policy. He grilled the Welsh health minister, asking: "This policy is proving to be hugely unpopular across Wales. "By tomorrow morning, you will have to tear it up and start again, won't you?" JUST IN: NHS COVID-19 app has fixed 'worrying' messages sent to iPhone, Android
The BBC's Andrew Marr savaged Labour's Vaughan Gething
This policy has sparked a fierce revolt among Welsh residents, prompting the largest petition ever submitted to the Welsh Parliament
Mr Gething responded: "No, we are reviewing with supermarkets tomorrow the clarity of the policy because there has been different applications in different parts of Wales. "We recognise this is hard for lots of people but we are in a week where we have had 61 deaths here in Wales. "A month ago, there was only six deaths in Wales, so coronavirus is taking off and we are seeing more people lose their lives. "We need people to stay at home and follow the firebreak because we need to break chains of transmission and make sure we don't see our NHS overwhelmed."
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Wales, which is run by Labour, has imposed a 17-day 'firebreak lockdown'
Wales: Man rips barriers blocking 'non-essential items' in shop
The Welsh Conservative leader Paul Davies had earlier called for the Senedd to be recalled for an urgent debate on the matter


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--'R rate is same!' Sky host stumps Labour MP as she dismantles claim Germany is beating UK

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Britons ' mental health must be taken into account when coronavirus restrictions are imposed on the country , Sky News ' Sophy Ridge has said .
The host was confronting Labour 's Shadow Mental Health Minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan over her insistence the Test and Trace system had failed the UK .
Ms Ridge pointed to Germany as an example of somewhere where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still facing a rise in cases .
Dr Allin-Khan claimed it would have been `` so much easier '' for people to see their families if the NHS ' Test and Trace was operating successfuly .
However , Ms Ridge interjected : `` I understand why your criticism is of test , trace and isolate , but even if you look at somewhere like Germany , for example , who 's test , trace and isolate system has been praised .
`` Their R rate is about the same as ours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't blame the whole thing on test , trace and isolate .
`` Do we not need to have a wider conversation about the impact that restrictions are having on people 's mental health ? ''
READ MORE : 'Rolling our eyes ! '
Scotland health chief squirms as BBC host attacks

Rosena Allin-Khan shut down by host over test and trace criticism
Britons' mental health must be taken into account when coronavirus restrictions are imposed on the country, Sky News' Sophy Ridge has said. The host was confronting Labour's Shadow Mental Health Minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan over her insistence the Test and Trace system had failed the UK. Ms Ridge pointed to Germany as an example of somewhere where the system was lauded but the country is still facing a rise in cases.
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Dr Allin-Khan claimed it would have been "so much easier" for people to see their families if the NHS' Test and Trace was operating successfuly. However, Ms Ridge interjected: "I understand why your criticism is of test, trace and isolate, but even if you look at somewhere like Germany, for example, who's test, trace and isolate system has been praised. "Their R rate is about the same as ours, cases are going up. You can't blame the whole thing on test, trace and isolate. "Do we not need to have a wider conversation about the impact that restrictions are having on people's mental health?" READ MORE: 'Rolling our eyes!' Scotland health chief squirms as BBC host attacks
'R rate is same!' Sky host stumps Labour MP as she dismantles claim Germany is beating UK
Dr Allin-Khan claimed it would have been "so much easier" for people to see their families.
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The Labour MP agreed: "You're absolutely correct. There are people in some parts of the country who've pretty much been in lockdown since March. "This Government haven't managed to get on top of the virus during that time. which is why we're calling for a short two to three week circuit breaker to get on top of the virus. "It would drive the R number down and give the Government a chance to fix the test, trace and isolate system. "We want to work with the Government to make this happen, it's in all of our interests."
'You can't blame the whole thing on test, trace and isolate.'
Germany: Expert says COVID-19 case rise is 'very serious'
GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS STATS LIVE


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--Brexit LIVE: French fishermen warn of 'absolute chaos’ as they turn on Macron over deal

Brexit trade talks are expected to resume today between Lord Frost and the EU ’ s negotiator Michel Barnier after the UK blamed Brussels ’ stubbornness for putting a “ de facto end ” to negotiations earlier this month .
And now in a surprising twist , fishermen have turned on the Fresh President over his hardline stance as they fear Boris Johnson will absolutely walk away with no deal unless the EU backs down on its demands .
Mr Macron is understood to be the driving force behind the EU ’ s rigid fishing demands while Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid and level playing field demands .
However , French fishermen believe such demands will come at a cost as talks between the UK and Brussels resume today .
With Boris Johnson indicating he is prepared for the UK to walk away at the end of transition period on December 31 with no deal , French fishermen fear losing access to British fishing waters entirely .
Dimitri Rogoff , of the Normandy Regional Fisheries Committee , said : “ If it ’ s a no deal , it will be absolute chaos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boats going to sea as we will not be able to fish in British waters.
” Sophie Leroy , who owns four boats , also told The Sun on Sunday : “ If there is a no deal , we will not let a single British fish land in our French ports .
“ We are not going to sacrifice our companies and let the British market their seafood here.
” DO N'T MISS Do you think Boris was ever ready to follow through no-deal ?
[ POLL ] Brexit deal could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ INSIGHT ] Macron crisis : French President scrambles to 'save face ' over Brexit [ VIDEO ] Emmanuel Macron wants to “ save face ” with the French public but will cave oh his hardline fisheries stance at the last moment , an expert has claimed .
Speaking to Sky News Catherine Barnard , who serves as professor of European Law at Cambridge University , said : `` The French President is acutely aware there are important elections in Calais next year , and of course it is the Calais fishermen who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ca n't be seen to be conceding too much too early , otherwise it creates domestic problems at home .
`` That is why this deal will go up to the wire . ''
10.50am update : Brexit trade talks with the EU extended this week No 10 has confirmed trade talks with the EU will continue until Wednesday , although the EU believes more negotiations could be scheduled in Brussels on Thursday , according to the BBC .
Mr Barnier arrived in London last Thursday and talks are also expected today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of he in danger of Brexit betrayal unless he makes EU trade deal change Bruges Group think tank director Robert Oulds argued Boris Johnson needed to completely discard the Northern Ireland protocol , which makes the UK devolved nation essentially “ run by the European Union ” .
He added : “ There would be a border , so to speak , running down the Irish Sea .
`` It is not in the interest of the United Kingdom or the economic interest of Northern Ireland either .
Mr Oulds called on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Northern Ireland and make sure it remains an integral part of the United Kingdom ” .
9.05am update : Emmanuel Macron could still play hardball on fisheries despite calls to for him to cave Bruno Cautrès , a political analyst at think tank Cevipof argued “ symbolically ” the issue of fishing in trade talks is huge for the French President who doesn ’ t want to look like he is abandoning French fishermen in favour of the Capital .
However , Mr Macron is facing mounting pressure from other EU leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop his hardline stance in order to break the deadlock in UK trade talks Mr Cautrès told the Sunday Telegraph : “ It would be very difficult for Macron to veto a deal if France found itself isolated in the EU .
“ This issue is particularly important for France but not for all member-states.
” 8.30am update : Household items could cost more if UK leaves with no deal Import costs for everyday items could rise by around a third in the event of a no deal Brexit , a leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wells , chief executive of the organisation previously known as the Freight Transport Association , urged the Government to keep working towards a trade agreement with the EU as he warned a no deal scenario could drive inflation up as a result of the rise in prices for imported goods .
In a letter to the Sunday Times , he said : `` Everyday household items we import will become more expensive under World Trade Organisation tariffs , some by 30 percent or more .
`` This will make the household shopping basket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early part of 2021 when we rely on imports for much of our fresh food . ''
8am update : Withdrawal Agreement means UK to have WORSE EU trade terms than Australia - new report A new report has claimed the UK will have worse trading terms with the EU than Australia in the event of a no deal Brexit .
Boris ’ plan to trade with the Brussels bloc on “ Australia rules ” under World Trade Organisation terms if a deal is not reached may already be doomed a report by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It concludes the legal guarantees the Government has already given to Brussels in the controversial withdrawal agreement mean that Mr Johnson ’ s fall-back option can not be secured without a radical overhaul of past commitments .
The report The 'Australia deal ’ : Another Impossible Dream , underlines the damaging impact of the WA and associated Northern Ireland Protocol ( NIP ) signed into law a year ago .

Brexit: Barclay says deal must reflect importance of fisheries
Brexit trade talks resumed today between Lord Frost and the EU’s negotiator Michel Barnier after the UK blamed Brussels’ stubbornness for putting a “de facto end” to negotiations earlier this month. In a surprising twist, fishermen have turned on the Fresh President Emmanuel Macron over his hardline stance as they fear Boris Johnson will absolutely walk away with no deal unless the EU backs down on its demands. However, Mr Varadkar today said: "It's by no means guaranteed but I think on the balance of probabilities it will be possible to agree a free-trade agreement with the UK which means there will be no quotas and no tariffs."
Trending
The news will be a huge boost to Mr Macron who is facing mounting anger at home over France's access to UK waters. Mr Macron is understood to be the driving force behind the EU’s rigid fishing demands while Germany’s Angela Merkel has stubborn stuck behind state aid and level playing field demands. However, French fishermen believe such demands will come at a cost as talks between the UK and Brussels resume today. With Boris Johnson indicating he is prepared for the UK to walk away at the end of transition period on December 31 with no deal, French fishermen fear losing access to British fishing waters entirely. Dimitri Rogoff, of the Normandy Regional Fisheries Committee, said: “If it’s a no deal, it will be absolute chaos.
Emmanuel Macron has been warned of ‘absolute chaos’ if he does not cave on his fishing demands
Michel Barnier arriving to London on Thursday as Brexit trade talks resume
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FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES 10.13pm update: Brexit talks 'on knife edge' over French fishermen plot to blockade access to EU waters French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to scupper any Brexit deal that “sacrifices” French fishermen, as he continues to stand in the way of Brexit talks reaching a breakthrough. He is said to be concerned that 20 percent of French fishermen risk losing their jobs if quotas are drastically reduced if the EU does not have the same access to UK waters after the transition period. French fishermen have threatened to blockade boats carrying Britain’s catch in response, as most of the fish and seafood caught by British fishermen is exported, three-quarters of it to the EU. Clément Beaune, Mr Macron's Europe minister, tweeted: “One single objective: to defend and protect the interests of fishermen. We’re fighting… for French fishing.” Scottish sea farm boss Jamie McMillan has warned “it could go either way” for his company, which exports live shellfish to Europe, as staff anxiously await to see the terms of any trade deal agreed by David Frost and Michel Barnier. He said if traffic en route to Europe via the Channel Tunnel is brought to a halt by a blockade it would mean his shellfish would arrive in the continent dead – and be of no use to any of his customers. 9.10pm update: Brexit breakthrough: Trade minister vows farming standards 'will not drop' with deal The Tory MP used an op-ed published this weekend to “set the record straight on the debate around food standards” following concerns the UK could be flooded with imports of unsafe products under new trade deals. US President Donald Trump hailed Brexit as a “beautiful thing” for the people of Britain and said he wanted to strike a hefty trade pact with London. His assertion led to widespread fears chlorine-rinsed chicken and hormone-injected beef – both permitted on the US market - could soon land on supermarket shelves across Britain. US ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson defended the controversial food treatments and urged the British to embrace American farming methods. Mr Hands said it was “simply wrong” to suggest the UK’s high food standards would be undermined in deals it signs with countries after the Brexit transition period has ended.
Fishing rights has remained a major sticking point in UK and EU trade talks
7.31pm update: Vengeful Brussels 'insisted' on banning UK from trade talks in 'desire to punish the UK' Nicolas Bay also believes the EU is vengeful because Prime Minister Boris Johnson has exposed its weakness by forcing a renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement last year - despite Brussels previously saying this would not happen in any circumstances. Mr Bay, a member of the right-wing National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen, took aim at the European Commission in a fiery speech in the European Parliament on Wednesday in which he urged Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier to strike a deal which would preserve access to UK waters for French fishermen. He later told Express.co.uk: "The desire to punish the UK and prevent it from reaching a 'tidy' Brexit is clear. "The simple prohibition on your country to negotiate trade agreements before the final exit from the EU is proof of this: these agreements could very well have been negotiated beforehand, waiting to be implemented. "But Brussels insisted on banning it, in order to deprive London of all visibility and to be in a position of strength. "Is this the behaviour of a worthy partner?" 5.37pm update: Who would be worse off without a Brexit trade deal - the EU or the UK? Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered the bloc a final-chance lifeline after previously vowing to walk away from negotiations over a fishing stalemate. But do you think Boris Johnson was ever truly ready to follow through with no-deal Brexit threat? Vote in Express.co.uk's poll. 3.33pm update: Halloween Brexit showdown: Breakthrough may happen in DAYS - urgent update issued The EU’s Brexit chief has also agreed to stage a second round of intensified wrangling over an EU-UK trade agreement in Brussels immediately after talks break up in the Capital. British officials, led by Lord Frost, the Prime Minister’s lead negotiator, will travel to Belgium to further accelerate the process on Thursday. Both sides have been locked in weekend talks over a draft legal text after Mr Barnier dropped his demands for British concessions before finally putting pen to paper on the Brexit deal. European diplomatic sources have claimed parts of the agreement, such as police cooperation and transport ties, “shouldn’t be that difficult to finalise” in the coming days. An EU official said: “Negotiations will continue in London until Wednesday before moving to Brussels on Thursday.”
12.15am update: Boris Johnson could hold off on no deal Brexit decision until after US election result If renewed trade talks with the EU go south, Boris Johnson may hold off on his threat to walk away until after the US election result. Ivan Rogers, who was the UK’s permanent representative in Brussels from 2013 to 2017, says officials in Europe believe Mr Johnson is much more likely to adopt a no deal Brexit approach if Donald Trump is re-elected. Speaking to the Observer Mr Rogers added: "Several very senior sources in capitals have told me they believe Johnson will await clarity on the presidential election result before finally deciding whether to jump to ‘no deal’ with the EU. "He may also conclude that this is just too risky with Biden heading for the White House, and hence live with some highly suboptimal for Johnson skinny free-trade agreement.” 11.30am update: Macron desperate to "save face" with French population Emmanuel Macron wants to “save face” with the French public but will cave oh his hardline fisheries stance at the last moment, an expert has claimed. Speaking to Sky News Catherine Barnard, who serves as professor of European Law at Cambridge University, said: "The French President is acutely aware there are important elections in Calais next year, and of course it is the Calais fishermen who he is most worried about. "He can't be seen to be conceding too much too early, otherwise it creates domestic problems at home. "That is why this deal will go up to the wire." 10.50am update: Brexit trade talks with the EU extended this week No 10 has confirmed trade talks with the EU will continue until Wednesday, although the EU believes more negotiations could be scheduled in Brussels on Thursday, according to the BBC. Mr Barnier arrived in London last Thursday and talks are also expected today.
Lord Frost preparing for Brexit talks with the EU's Michel Barnier in London
9.30am update: Boris Johnson warned of he in danger of Brexit betrayal unless he makes EU trade deal change Bruges Group think tank director Robert Oulds argued Boris Johnson needed to completely discard the Northern Ireland protocol, which makes the UK devolved nation essentially “run by the European Union”. He added: “There would be a border, so to speak, running down the Irish Sea. "It is not in the interest of the United Kingdom or the economic interest of Northern Ireland either. Mr Oulds called on the Prime Minister “to honour his pledge to Northern Ireland and make sure it remains an integral part of the United Kingdom”. 9.05am update: Emmanuel Macron could still play hardball on fisheries despite calls to for him to cave Bruno Cautrès, a political analyst at think tank Cevipof argued “symbolically” the issue of fishing in trade talks is huge for the French President who doesn’t want to look like he is abandoning French fishermen in favour of the Capital. However, Mr Macron is facing mounting pressure from other EU leaders such as Germany’s Angela Merkel to drop his hardline stance in order to break the deadlock in UK trade talks Mr Cautrès told the Sunday Telegraph: “It would be very difficult for Macron to veto a deal if France found itself isolated in the EU. “This issue is particularly important for France but not for all member-states.”
8.30am update: Household items could cost more if UK leaves with no deal Import costs for everyday items could rise by around a third in the event of a no deal Brexit, a leading UK business group has warned. David Wells, chief executive of the organisation previously known as the Freight Transport Association, urged the Government to keep working towards a trade agreement with the EU as he warned a no deal scenario could drive inflation up as a result of the rise in prices for imported goods. In a letter to the Sunday Times, he said: "Everyday household items we import will become more expensive under World Trade Organisation tariffs, some by 30 percent or more. "This will make the household shopping basket much more expensive, particularly in the early part of 2021 when we rely on imports for much of our fresh food."
Emmanuel Macron has demanded EU fishermen has the same access to UK waters as before Brexit
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thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--Barnier under pressure to strike Brexit deal as EU27 finally realise UK market IS valuable

Speaking to the Sunday Express , the Hungarian ambassador to the UK Dr Ferenc Kumin made it clear that his country also wants the EU to push for a security and immigration control deal with Britain as a priority .
Previously , the EU strategy has been to play down its need for a trade deal claiming that Britain will be hurt more by a no deal outcome .
The position was summed up last week by French President Emmanuel Macron who claimed that the UK had “ much more to lose ” from failing to secure a trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that capitals in Europe are beginning to fear the consequences of a no deal on their economies already hit badly by the coronavirus pandemic .
He said : “ We all have a lot to lose on both sides .
It ’ s also the interest of the EU , sometimes it feels like we forget this , to have an agreement.
” He highlighted the impact on car makers who produce around 400,000 vehicles a year in Hungary for big producers including Mercedes-Benz , Suzuki , Audi , BMW , Skoda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford , Chevrolet , Citroen , Peugeot , Renault and Opel , many of which end up in the British market .
He said : “ We are the producers of many , many automotive products , cars , premium cars which are well considered here in the UK market .
We do not want to have any hit to this industry because that will hit immediately the Hungarian economy as a whole .
“ This is just one example but we want to keep the flow of those goods to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and talks ongoing this weekend , Dr Kumin said he remained optimistic that a deal can still be reached but noted that member states have little influence on the outcome now .
He said : “ Of course we see the difficulties .
When it comes to fishery , it ’ s not something that Hungary can directly comment but we try to understand the positions of both sides .
We just hope that there is enough wisdom on both sides of the negotiation table to eventually find a solution.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hungary and the Visegrad 4 Eastern European countries including Poland , the Czech Republic and Slovakia want to see a security deal which continues cooperation on tackling illegal migration .
The hungarian ambassador has been in talks with senior Tory MPs including former security minister Sir John Hayes , chairman of the powerful Common Sense group which is pushing for tougher measures to tackle illegal migration .
Dr Kumin has had to postpone a tour of the facilities used to tackle the illegal crossings from France over the Channel but pointed out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his own country .
He said : “ We look to the UK as an indispensable international security and defence partner for Hungary and the whole of Europe , including in the strict control of migration flows which so often act as a proxy for insidious criminal activity and trafficking .
“ We are confident that this dialogue bilaterally will be as strong or stronger as the UK leaves the EU .
We are in many ways the front line ourselves in this , and value hugely the policy and intelligence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the UK out of the EU , divisions over illegal migration was fuelling organised crime .
“ We see a division in European politics , roughly by left and right .
The problem is that if you are in any sense supportive or present a kind of invitation to the illegal migration then you feed the human traffickers .
We see the emergence of human trafficking as the most important branch of organised crime .
At least in our region.
” He said that Britain should not be in a situation where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he claimed that some charities and non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) may be working with human traffickers to help illegal migrants come in .
The European Court of Justice has also forced Hungary to drop its “ transition areas ” for holding illegal migrants which were a key measure in protecting the Schengen area in Europe .
He also noted that it is a major security issue with terrorists coming in on the illegal crossings .
“ The security issue has always been around .
Take for instance the fact that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could identify that two of the perpetrators of that terrorist attack came illegally across Hungary .
“ It has always been a reason why the Hungarian government has said take a look at the security .
This is a basic function of the state .
”

Brexit: Michael Gove says EU trade talks have 'effectively ended'
Speaking to the Sunday Express, the Hungarian ambassador to the UK Dr Ferenc Kumin made it clear that his country also wants the EU to push for a security and immigration control deal with Britain as a priority. Previously, the EU strategy has been to play down its need for a trade deal claiming that Britain will be hurt more by a no deal outcome. The position was summed up last week by French President Emmanuel Macron who claimed that the UK had “much more to lose” from failing to secure a trade deal.
But Dr Kumin’s comments show that capitals in Europe are beginning to fear the consequences of a no deal on their economies already hit badly by the coronavirus pandemic. He said: “We all have a lot to lose on both sides. It’s also the interest of the EU, sometimes it feels like we forget this, to have an agreement.” He highlighted the impact on car makers who produce around 400,000 vehicles a year in Hungary for big producers including Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Audi, BMW, Skoda, SEAT, Volkswagen, Fiat, Ford, Chevrolet, Citroen, Peugeot, Renault and Opel, many of which end up in the British market. He said: “We are the producers of many, many automotive products, cars, premium cars which are well considered here in the UK market. We do not want to have any hit to this industry because that will hit immediately the Hungarian economy as a whole. “This is just one example but we want to keep the flow of those goods to the UK market.”
Michel Barnier is under huge pressure to secure a trade deal
With Michel Barnier back in the UK and talks ongoing this weekend, Dr Kumin said he remained optimistic that a deal can still be reached but noted that member states have little influence on the outcome now. He said: “Of course we see the difficulties. When it comes to fishery, it’s not something that Hungary can directly comment but we try to understand the positions of both sides. We just hope that there is enough wisdom on both sides of the negotiation table to eventually find a solution.” Dr Kumin also made it clear that Hungary and the Visegrad 4 Eastern European countries including Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia want to see a security deal which continues cooperation on tackling illegal migration. The hungarian ambassador has been in talks with senior Tory MPs including former security minister Sir John Hayes, chairman of the powerful Common Sense group which is pushing for tougher measures to tackle illegal migration.
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Dr Kumin has had to postpone a tour of the facilities used to tackle the illegal crossings from France over the Channel but pointed out that the problem often starts on the border of his own country. He said: “We look to the UK as an indispensable international security and defence partner for Hungary and the whole of Europe, including in the strict control of migration flows which so often act as a proxy for insidious criminal activity and trafficking. “We are confident that this dialogue bilaterally will be as strong or stronger as the UK leaves the EU. We are in many ways the front line ourselves in this, and value hugely the policy and intelligence of this country.” He also warned that with the UK out of the EU, divisions over illegal migration was fuelling organised crime. “We see a division in European politics, roughly by left and right. The problem is that if you are in any sense supportive or present a kind of invitation to the illegal migration then you feed the human traffickers. We see the emergence of human trafficking as the most important branch of organised crime. At least in our region.”
Trade talks are ongoing this weekend
He said that Britain should not be in a situation where people coming from France were claiming asylum and he claimed that some charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) may be working with human traffickers to help illegal migrants come in. The European Court of Justice has also forced Hungary to drop its “transition areas” for holding illegal migrants which were a key measure in protecting the Schengen area in Europe. He also noted that it is a major security issue with terrorists coming in on the illegal crossings. “The security issue has always been around. Take for instance the fact that when the Paris bombing took place, we could identify that two of the perpetrators of that terrorist attack came illegally across Hungary. “It has always been a reason why the Hungarian government has said take a look at the security. This is a basic function of the state.”
Human traffickers could help illegal migrants enter the UK post-Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--SNP hopes dashed: Ex-Bank of England chief brilliantly dismantles Sturgeon's 'costly' plot

Mervyn King took apart SNP claims about its plans for independence for Scotland , claiming Nicola Sturgeon would be forced to impose drastic tax rises across Scotland .
The former Bank of England governor told BBC Any Questions that the EU would frown upon Scotland for its soaring economic deficit .
This followed claims from a senior SNP figure and MSP Fiona Hyslop , who revealed plans to rejoin the EU .
Ms Hyslop told BBC host Chris Mason that the SNP wanted Scotland to rejoin the EU after breaking away from the rest of the UK .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Scotland is inside the EU .
`` They understand Scotland 's situation , and we think that 's the best prospect for Scotland .
It would an economic advantage as well . ''
She denied claims that the SNP would seek to join the euro currency , instead arguing to have an independent Scottish currency .
JUST IN : SNP shamed : Sturgeon savaged for 'appalling ' independence plot Ms Hyslop added : `` We have a currency .
It is called Sterling .
We will then move as fast as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to have the central bank and financial regulation .
`` This is essential .
We can not go down with Britain and allow ourselves to be cut off from the biggest market in the world .
`` We want to be part of that family of cooperation , rather than stepping away from it . ''
However Lord King disputed these claims after Chris Mason inquired about the `` economic viability '' of an independent Scotland .

Scotland adopting new currency will be 'very costly' says expert
Mervyn King took apart SNP claims about its plans for independence for Scotland, claiming Nicola Sturgeon would be forced to impose drastic tax rises across Scotland. The former Bank of England governor told BBC Any Questions that the EU would frown upon Scotland for its soaring economic deficit. This followed claims from a senior SNP figure and MSP Fiona Hyslop, who revealed plans to rejoin the EU.
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Ms Hyslop told BBC host Chris Mason that the SNP wanted Scotland to rejoin the EU after breaking away from the rest of the UK. She said: "We think the best future for Scotland is inside the EU. "They understand Scotland's situation, and we think that's the best prospect for Scotland. It would an economic advantage as well." She denied claims that the SNP would seek to join the euro currency, instead arguing to have an independent Scottish currency. JUST IN: SNP shamed: Sturgeon savaged for 'appalling' independence plot
Lord King claims Nicola Sturgeon would be forced to impose drastic tax rises across Scotland
Mervyn King dismantled the SNP's hopes for independence
Ms Hyslop added: "We have a currency. It is called Sterling. We will then move as fast as we can to set up our own currency, to have the central bank and financial regulation. "This is essential. We cannot go down with Britain and allow ourselves to be cut off from the biggest market in the world. "We want to be part of that family of cooperation, rather than stepping away from it." However Lord King disputed these claims after Chris Mason inquired about the "economic viability" of an independent Scotland.
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The former Bank of England governor told BBC Any Questions that the EU would frown upon Scotland
Michael Gove accuses SNP’s Wishart of ‘inappropriate’ comment
A senior SNP figure and MSP Fiona Hyslop, who laid out plans to rejoin the EU.


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--POLL: Who would be worse off without a Brexit trade deal - the EU or the UK?

The EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said both sides had a `` common responsibility '' to strike a deal as he returned to London this week .
He added both sides needed to find a compromise on issues including fishing arrangements as neither side has so far been willing to back down .
He said : `` I think we have a huge common responsibility .
Every day counts . ''
However , Number 10 warned `` significant gaps '' remain between the two sides , so it was `` entirely possible that negotiations will not succeed '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barclay added a deal must respect UK sovereignty .
When asked if there would be a trade deal , Mr Barclay told Sky News : `` I hope so .
`` But that deal needs to reflect that fact that we 're leaving the EU , we will regain control of our fisheries - it was a key issue for many of your viewers during the Brexit debate and it is important that the deal reflects that . ''
READ MORE : Get ready for Singapore-on-Tyne !
Truss sends warning to EU Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from talks , he may not follow through with his no-deal Brexit threat .
The new talks are now aiming to be completed by mid-November ahead of the transition period ending on December 31 .
What do you think : if a Brexit deal is not completed by mid-November should Boris Johnson walk away for good ?
Mr Johnson previously promised a deal would be reached by mid-October in order to allow time for ratification .
However , there was no breakthrough on fishing rights , the governance of any deal and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't see the poll below ?
Click here This is aimed at preventing unfair competition , including state subsidies .
French President Emmanuel Macron has also proved to be a huge sticking point as he wants France to keep the same access in UK waters it has now .
European fishermen catch more than 90 percent of Channel cod , with France claiming 84 percent of this haul .
Mr Barnier said fishing is one of the EU ’ s top priorities , as the bloc is pushing for any future deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s common fisheries policy .
DO N'T MISS BBC host explodes at minister over 'waste of money ' Test and Trace [ VIDEO ] 'Nigel 's getting ready ! '
Brexit Party will RETURN to take on Boris [ REVEALED ] Pound to euro exchange rate : GBP unchanged despite new Brexit talks [ FINANCE ] However , the UK wants long-term fishing rights to come under a system called “ zonal attachment ” .
The EU has been worried over this proposal as it would dramatically cut the European catch .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to compromise in order to agree a deal with the UK .
Do you think Michel Barnier is strong enough to convince Emmanuel Macron to drop his hardline fishing demands ?
The UK also sent a subtle warning to the EU this week that it could thrive with no deal .
Trade Secretary Liz Truss announced the `` dawn of a new era of free trade '' as she reached a trade agreement with Japan 's Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi when they both signed the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` How fitting it is to be in the Land of the Rising Sun to welcome in the dawn of a new era of free trade . ''
She later added the deal was a `` landmark moment for Britain '' .
She said : `` It shows what we can do as an independent trading nation , as we secure modern and bespoke provisions in areas like tech and services that are critical to the future of our country and the reshaping of our economy .
`` Trade is a powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care about .

Brexit: Barclay says deal must reflect importance of fisheries
Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered the bloc a final-chance lifeline after previously vowing to walk away from negotiations over a fishing stalemate. But do you think Boris Johnson was ever truly ready to follow through with no-deal Brexit threat?
Trending
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said both sides had a "common responsibility" to strike a deal as he returned to London last week. He added both sides needed to find a compromise on issues including fishing arrangements as neither side has so far been willing to back down. He said: "I think we have a huge common responsibility. Every day counts." However, Number 10 warned "significant gaps" remain between the two sides, so it was "entirely possible that negotiations will not succeed". Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Barclay added a deal must respect UK sovereignty. When asked if there would be a trade deal, Mr Barclay told Sky News: "I hope so. "But that deal needs to reflect that fact that we're leaving the EU, we will regain control of our fisheries - it was a key issue for many of your viewers during the Brexit debate and it is important that the deal reflects that." READ MORE: Get ready for Singapore-on-Tyne! Truss sends warning to EU
POLL: If Brexit deal is not completed by mid-November should Boris walk away for good?
Despite Mr Johnson's threats to walk away from talks, he may not follow through with his no-deal Brexit threat. The new talks are now aiming to be completed by mid-November ahead of the transition period ending on December 31. What do you think: if a Brexit deal is not completed by mid-November should Boris Johnson walk away for good? Mr Johnson previously promised a deal would be reached by mid-October in order to allow time for ratification. However, there was no breakthrough on fishing rights, the governance of any deal and the "level playing field". Can't see the poll below? Click here
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Michel Barnier returned to London for another round of trade talks last week
This is aimed at preventing unfair competition, including state subsidies. French President Emmanuel Macron has also proved to be a huge sticking point as he wants France to keep the same access in UK waters it has now. European fishermen catch more than 90 percent of Channel cod, with France claiming 84 percent of this haul. Mr Barnier said fishing is one of the EU’s top priorities, as the bloc is pushing for any future deal with the UK to uphold the bloc’s common fisheries policy. DON'T MISS
BBC host explodes at minister over 'waste of money' Test and Trace [VIDEO]
'Nigel's getting ready!' Brexit Party will RETURN to take on Boris [REVEALED]
Pound to euro exchange rate: GBP unchanged despite new Brexit talks [FINANCE]
Brexit POLL: Boris Johnson previously warned the UK would walk away from talks
However, the UK wants long-term fishing rights to come under a system called “zonal attachment”. The EU has been worried over this proposal as it would dramatically cut the European catch. But Mr Barnier knows he must force France to compromise in order to agree a deal with the UK. Do you think Michel Barnier is strong enough to convince Emmanuel Macron to drop his hardline fishing demands? The UK also sent a subtle warning to the EU last week that it could thrive with no deal. Trade Secretary Liz Truss announced the "dawn of a new era of free trade" as she reached a trade agreement with Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi when they both signed the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Brexit POLL: Fishing has remained a huge sticking point in trade talks
Brexit POLL: Mr Barnier said both sides needed to find a compromise
Ms Truss said after the signing ceremony: "How fitting it is to be in the Land of the Rising Sun to welcome in the dawn of a new era of free trade." She later added the deal was a "landmark moment for Britain". She said: "It shows what we can do as an independent trading nation, as we secure modern and bespoke provisions in areas like tech and services that are critical to the future of our country and the reshaping of our economy. "Trade is a powerful way to deliver the things people really care about.
Brexit POLL: Brexiteers are clear they believe the UK will thrive with no deal
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--British Army of part-timers: Defence chiefs forced to desperately fill frontline gaps

The situation is so dire that reservists now fill slots at deputy commander level at two divisions and several regional brigades .
A reservist has even been appointed to command Edinburgh Castle .
Major General Alastair Bruce , a journalist , spends weekdays in Scotland supervising a staff of 30 .
The Armed Forces are currently 8.5 percent short of the personnel needed to carry out all duties effectively .
But the situation is particularly acute in the Army , which has 78,880 soldiers - almost 4,000 short of its 82,500 target - of which 75,210 are trained .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced down to 75,000 in a forthcoming defence review .
To try to fill the shortfall , 4,160 reservists have been drafted in to operate in full-time roles .
Although fully integrated , they do not receive free medical care or dental assistance unless they sign up for operations .
In 2012 , then-defence secretary Philip Hammond announced the transformation from Territorial Army to Army Reserve , admitting more integration would be needed to cut costs .
But even under the One Army policy , regular and reservists maintained separate budgets and targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to drop , Army Reserve is to be completely incorporated , allowing Ministry of Defence bosses to offer a single personnel figure which applies to both elements .
are In the latest quarterly statistics , the strength of the British Army is listed at 116,800 when regular and reservist figures are combined .
On paper , the Army Reserve is 30,000-strong , meeting targets set for 2020 .
In reality , however , some are not trained and around 12,000 failed to honour their contractual obligations to show up for weekend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,000 already committed to regular forces , this potentially leaves a fully available reservist force of just 15,000 .
Major General Jonathan Shaw , a former Parachute Regiment officer who wrote Britain In A Perilous World , criticised the integration .
He said : `` What we are seeing is smoke and mirrors .
The MoD is pretending to have a reserve when the reality is that our reserve force is increasingly being used in the front line . ''

British Army provide update as they work through pandemic
The situation is so dire that reservists now fill slots at deputy commander level at two divisions and several regional brigades. A reservist has even been appointed to command Edinburgh Castle. Major General Alastair Bruce, a journalist, spends weekdays in Scotland supervising a staff of 30.
The Armed Forces are currently 8.5 percent short of the personnel needed to carry out all duties effectively. But the situation is particularly acute in the Army, which has 78,880 soldiers - almost 4,000 short of its 82,500 target - of which 75,210 are trained. Sources say that the overall figure may be reduced down to 75,000 in a forthcoming defence review. To try to fill the shortfall, 4,160 reservists have been drafted in to operate in full-time roles. Although fully integrated, they do not receive free medical care or dental assistance unless they sign up for operations. In 2012, then-defence secretary Philip Hammond announced the transformation from Territorial Army to Army Reserve, admitting more integration would be needed to cut costs. But even under the One Army policy, regular and reservists maintained separate budgets and targets. Now, as regular Army figures continue to drop, Army Reserve is to be completely incorporated, allowing Ministry of Defence bosses to offer a single personnel figure which applies to both elements. are In the latest quarterly statistics, the strength of the British Army is listed at 116,800 when regular and reservist figures are combined.
Defence chiefs forced to desperately fill frontline gaps
On paper, the Army Reserve is 30,000-strong, meeting targets set for 2020
On paper, the Army Reserve is 30,000-strong, meeting targets set for 2020. In reality, however, some are not trained and around 12,000 failed to honour their contractual obligations to show up for weekend and annual exercises last year. With the 4,000 already committed to regular forces, this potentially leaves a fully available reservist force of just 15,000. Major General Jonathan Shaw, a former Parachute Regiment officer who wrote Britain In A Perilous World, criticised the integration. He said: "What we are seeing is smoke and mirrors. The MoD is pretending to have a reserve when the reality is that our reserve force is increasingly being used in the front line."


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--Labour accused of imposing 'left-wing socialist' experiment in Wales with 'crazy' lockdown

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Brandon Lewis told BBC 's Andrew Marr that Welsh Labour 's lockdown policies have turned Wales into a `` test-bed for left-wing socialist authority coming out with these crazy outcomes '' .
The Northern Ireland Secretary criticised Labour 's handling of the pandemic amid a growing revolt in Wales against the extreme measures .
Wales , which is run by Labour , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stem a coronavirus spike in the country .
As part of the lockdown rules , supermarkets have been banned from selling non-essential items , which has seen shelves full of lightbulbs , kettles and baby clothes covered up in plastic sheets .
Speaking to the BBC , Mr Lewis criticised previous guest Vaughan Gething , who is the Welsh Labour health minister in charge of the country 's lockdown policy .
Mr Marr asked whether `` people 's ability or willingness to follow the rules '' was behind the potential reduction in self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory cabinet minister responded : `` We have to follow the science .
To make sure what we are doing is keeping people safe and protecting our NHS . ''
JUST IN : BBC 's Andrew Marr rips into Labour after imposing 'absurd ' lockdown

Wales lockdown branded a 'left wing socialist test' by Lewis
Brandon Lewis told BBC's Andrew Marr that Welsh Labour's lockdown policies have turned Wales into a "test-bed for left-wing socialist authority coming out with these crazy outcomes". The Northern Ireland Secretary criticised Labour's handling of the pandemic amid a growing revolt in Wales against the extreme measures. Wales, which is run by Labour, has imposed a 17-day 'firebreak lockdown' to stem a coronavirus spike in the country.
Trending
As part of the lockdown rules, supermarkets have been banned from selling non-essential items, which has seen shelves full of lightbulbs, kettles and baby clothes covered up in plastic sheets. Speaking to the BBC, Mr Lewis criticised previous guest Vaughan Gething, who is the Welsh Labour health minister in charge of the country's lockdown policy. Mr Marr asked whether "people's ability or willingness to follow the rules" was behind the potential reduction in self-isolation from the current 14 days. The Tory cabinet minister responded: "We have to follow the science. To make sure what we are doing is keeping people safe and protecting our NHS." JUST IN: BBC's Andrew Marr rips into Labour after imposing 'absurd' lockdown
Brandon Lewis warns Labour is running a 'left-wing socialist' experiment in Wales
Marr claimed the ban on non-essential supermarket items as 'absurd'
Mr Lewis added: "Ultimately it's about the self-responsibility we have to follow the guidelines, because the actions we take as individuals affects our family, our friends, our communities and through that our NHS. "We have to be logical. One of the challenges we are seeing in Wales, clearly highlighted, is that it has become a test bed for left-wing socialist authority coming out with these crazy outcomes. "We have to make sure we don't have that more widely across the country." Andrew Marr had called out Mr Gething earlier in the programme, describing the ban on non-essential supermarket items as "absurd".
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Wales: Vaughan Gething grilled by Marr over national lockdown
The policy has sparked a fierce revolt among Welsh residents
The BBC host brought up the response from the Welsh retail consortium, which claimed the supermarket ban had "restricted the flow of movement, impacted social distancing and increased risk and harm to our colleagues and customers". The policy has sparked a fierce revolt among Welsh residents, triggering the largest petition ever submitted to the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, with nearly 50,000 signatures. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has admitted that the ban on the non-essential items will be reviewed after the weekend. DON'T MISS: Macron crisis: French President scrambles to 'save face' over Brexit [INSIGHT]
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Ridge calls out Boris for Brexit BLUFF after talks 'magically restart' [INTERVIEW]
The Northern Ireland Secretary ripped into Labour's handling of the pandemic


thedailyexpress--2020-10-26--Brexit talks 'on knife edge' over French fishermen plot to blockade access to EU waters

French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to scupper any Brexit deal that “ sacrifices ” French fishermen , as he continues to stand in the way of Brexit talks reaching a breakthrough .
He is said to be concerned that 20 percent of French fishermen risk losing their jobs if quotas are drastically reduced if the EU does not have the same access to UK waters after the transition period .
French fishermen have also threatened to blockade lorries carrying Britain ’ s catch , as most of the fish and seafood caught by British fishermen is exported , with three-quarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clément Beaune , Mr Macron 's Europe minister , tweeted : “ One single objective : to defend and protect the interests of fishermen .
We ’ re fighting… for French fishing.
” Scottish sea farm boss Jamie McMillan has warned “ it could go either way ” for his company , which exports live shellfish to Europe , as staff anxiously await to see the terms of any trade deal agreed by David Frost and Michel Barnier .
He said if traffic en route to Europe via the Channel Tunnel is brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would mean his shellfish would arrive in the continent dead – and be of no use to any of his customers .
Mr McMillan , the managing director of Loch Fyne Seafarms on the west coast of Scotland , said an attempt at a blockade by European fishermen could be “ the final nail in the coffin ” for his business .
He told Express.co.uk : “ It ’ s on a knife edge - it could go either way .
“ There ’ s possibly going to be customs delays .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get what they want out of this deal then I believe there won ’ t be any access to Europe .
“ The French and Spanish fishermen will blockade access into Europe if they don ’ t get what they want .
“ Nobody wants to buy dead shellfish , do they ?
“ It ’ s high-end premium products that we export – live langoustines , lobsters , brown crabs – we need the fastest possible route into Europe and the only way is through the tunnel .
“ If there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of years ago when there were immigrants trying to get through the tunnel and there were huge delays , it could mean we miss the transport in France and our goods arrive 24 hours later.
” Mr McMillan said even a short upset in the flow of goods from Britain into mainland Europe could have devastating consequences for firms .
READ MORE : Vengeful Brussels banning trade talks in 'to punish UK' He explained that despite him building up a good rapport with his long-term customers on the continent , they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company if he fails to deliver .
He said : “ Our buyers will just buy elsewhere from other European countries .
“ They could source their shellfish elsewhere if there is going to be any problems with sourcing product from the UK .
“ You ’ re not going to be loyal to somebody if they don ’ t ’ deliver your goods in time , are you ?
” DO N'T MISS Macron crisis : French President scrambles to 'save face ' over Brexit [ INSIGHT ] Boris Johnson could make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ANALYSIS ] Brexit LIVE : Fishermen threaten 'absolute chaos ’ over trade deal [ BLOG ] Mr McMillan said if Loch Fyne Seafarms and other exports in the area are hit hard by a possible blockade by angry EU fishermen it will hit fishing villages hard .
The company which employs 22 people is based in the picturesque village of Tarbert in the heart of the Mull of Kintyre .
He said if his and neighbouring firms go under due to chaos at the border it would mean the village would be stripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced to a tourism outpost .
The farm boss explained : “ We live in a small rural community in which fishing jobs are vital for the local economy .
“ It ’ s a small fishing village , only 1,500 people live here , and we are wholly dependent on fishing here .
“ If there is no fishing here it would just become a holiday village with no locals no young men and women coming through into the job.
” Lord Frost and Mr Barnier ’ s teams continued post-Brexit trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach a free trade deal with just weeks to go until the deadline .
Ireland ’ s deputy prime minister , or Tanaiste , Leo Varakdar , said he believes there will be some sort of a deal between Brussels and the UK .
Speaking to RTE Radio on Sunday , he said : `` It 's by no means guaranteed but I think on the balance of probabilities it will be possible to agree a free-trade agreement with the UK which means there will be no quotas and no tariffs .
@

Brexit: UK will 'not take control of Jersey's waters' says Senator
French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to scupper any Brexit deal that “sacrifices” French fishermen, as he continues to stand in the way of Brexit talks reaching a breakthrough. He is said to be concerned that 20 percent of French fishermen risk losing their jobs if quotas are drastically reduced if the EU does not have the same access to UK waters after the transition period. French fishermen have also threatened to blockade lorries carrying Britain’s catch, as most of the fish and seafood caught by British fishermen is exported, with three-quarters of it going to the EU.
Trending
Clément Beaune, Mr Macron's Europe minister, tweeted: “One single objective: to defend and protect the interests of fishermen. We’re fighting… for French fishing.” Scottish sea farm boss Jamie McMillan has warned “it could go either way” for his company, which exports live shellfish to Europe, as staff anxiously await to see the terms of any trade deal agreed by David Frost and Michel Barnier. He said if traffic en route to Europe via the Channel Tunnel is brought to a halt by a blockade it would mean his shellfish would arrive in the continent dead – and be of no use to any of his customers.
Brexit warning: UK fish exporters will go under if French fishermen stage a blockade
Mr McMillan, the managing director of Loch Fyne Seafarms on the west coast of Scotland, said an attempt at a blockade by European fishermen could be “the final nail in the coffin” for his business. He told Express.co.uk: “It’s on a knife edge - it could go either way. “There’s possibly going to be customs delays. If the French and Spanish fishermen don’t get what they want out of this deal then I believe there won’t be any access to Europe. “The French and Spanish fishermen will blockade access into Europe if they don’t get what they want.
Delays to the transport of live shellfish will cause firms to go under, Jamie McMillan said
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“Nobody wants to buy dead shellfish, do they? “It’s high-end premium products that we export – live langoustines, lobsters, brown crabs – we need the fastest possible route into Europe and the only way is through the tunnel. “If there are any problems like there was a couple of years ago when there were immigrants trying to get through the tunnel and there were huge delays, it could mean we miss the transport in France and our goods arrive 24 hours later.” Mr McMillan said even a short upset in the flow of goods from Britain into mainland Europe could have devastating consequences for firms. READ MORE: Vengeful Brussels banning trade talks in 'to punish UK'
Jamie McMillan said if EU fishermen don't get what they want he fears they will stage a mass blockade in the Channel
He explained that despite him building up a good rapport with his long-term customers on the continent, they would not think twice about switching to another company if he fails to deliver. He said: “Our buyers will just buy elsewhere from other European countries. “They could source their shellfish elsewhere if there is going to be any problems with sourcing product from the UK. “You’re not going to be loyal to somebody if they don’t’ deliver your goods in time, are you?”
DON'T MISS
Macron crisis: French President scrambles to 'save face' over Brexit [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson could make concessions on fishing to reach deal [ANALYSIS]
Brexit LIVE: Fishermen threaten 'absolute chaos’ over trade deal [BLOG]
The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier
Loch Fyne Seafarms in Scotland exports live shellfish to the EU
Mr McMillan said if Loch Fyne Seafarms and other exports in the area are hit hard by a possible blockade by angry EU fishermen it will hit fishing villages hard. The company which employs 22 people is based in the picturesque village of Tarbert in the heart of the Mull of Kintyre. He said if his and neighbouring firms go under due to chaos at the border it would mean the village would be stripped of its rich fishing heritage overnight and reduced to a tourism outpost.
Brexit: Gove exposes EU plan to ‘propose blockade inside UK’
The farm boss explained: “We live in a small rural community in which fishing jobs are vital for the local economy. “It’s a small fishing village, only 1,500 people live here, and we are wholly dependent on fishing here. “If there is no fishing here it would just become a holiday village with no locals no young men and women coming through into the job.”
Tarbert is a fishing village in the heart of the Mull of Kintyre


thedailyexpress--2020-10-26--SNP hopes dashed: Ex-Bank of England chief brilliantly dismantles Sturgeon's 'costly' plot


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--Brexit LIVE: Dublin says there WILL be UK deal in fishing bombshell 'NO quotas OR tariffs'

Brexit trade talks resumed today between Lord Frost and the EU ’ s negotiator Michel Barnier after the UK blamed Brussels ’ stubbornness for putting a “ de facto end ” to negotiations earlier this month .
In a surprising twist , fishermen have turned on the Fresh President Emmanuel Macron over his hardline stance as they fear Boris Johnson will absolutely walk away with no deal unless the EU backs down on its demands .
However , Mr Varadkar today said : `` It 's by no means guaranteed but I think on the balance of probabilities it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the UK which means there will be no quotas and no tariffs . ''
The news will be a huge boost to Mr Macron who is facing mounting anger at home over France 's access to UK waters .
Mr Macron is understood to be the driving force behind the EU ’ s rigid fishing demands while Germany ’ s Angela Merkel has stubborn stuck behind state aid and level playing field demands .
However , French fishermen believe such demands will come at a cost as talks between the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating he is prepared for the UK to walk away at the end of transition period on December 31 with no deal , French fishermen fear losing access to British fishing waters entirely .
Dimitri Rogoff , of the Normandy Regional Fisheries Committee , said : “ If it ’ s a no deal , it will be absolute chaos .
“ We will have to stop our boats going to sea as we will not be able to fish in British waters.
” Sophie Leroy , who owns four boats , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there is a no deal , we will not let a single British fish land in our French ports .
“ We are not going to sacrifice our companies and let the British market their seafood here.
” DO N'T MISS Do you think Boris was ever ready to follow through no-deal ?
[ POLL ] Brexit deal could be reached if these THREE issues are overcome [ INSIGHT ] Macron crisis : French President scrambles to 'save face ' over Brexit [ VIDEO ] 10.13pm update : Brexit talks 'on knife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockade access to EU waters French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to scupper any Brexit deal that “ sacrifices ” French fishermen , as he continues to stand in the way of Brexit talks reaching a breakthrough .
He is said to be concerned that 20 percent of French fishermen risk losing their jobs if quotas are drastically reduced if the EU does not have the same access to UK waters after the transition period .
French fishermen have threatened to blockade boats carrying Britain ’ s catch in response , as most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishermen is exported , three-quarters of it to the EU .
Clément Beaune , Mr Macron 's Europe minister , tweeted : “ One single objective : to defend and protect the interests of fishermen .
We ’ re fighting… for French fishing.
” Scottish sea farm boss Jamie McMillan has warned “ it could go either way ” for his company , which exports live shellfish to Europe , as staff anxiously await to see the terms of any trade deal agreed by David Frost and Michel Barnier .
He said if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Channel Tunnel is brought to a halt by a blockade it would mean his shellfish would arrive in the continent dead – and be of no use to any of his customers .
9.10pm update : Brexit breakthrough : Trade minister vows farming standards 'will not drop ' with deal The Tory MP used an op-ed published this weekend to “ set the record straight on the debate around food standards ” following concerns the UK could be flooded with imports of unsafe products under new trade deals .
US President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for the people of Britain and said he wanted to strike a hefty trade pact with London .
His assertion led to widespread fears chlorine-rinsed chicken and hormone-injected beef – both permitted on the US market - could soon land on supermarket shelves across Britain .
US ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson defended the controversial food treatments and urged the British to embrace American farming methods .
Mr Hands said it was “ simply wrong ” to suggest the UK ’ s high food standards would be undermined in deals it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period has ended .
7.31pm update : Vengeful Brussels 'insisted ' on banning UK from trade talks in 'desire to punish the UK ' Nicolas Bay also believes the EU is vengeful because Prime Minister Boris Johnson has exposed its weakness by forcing a renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement last year - despite Brussels previously saying this would not happen in any circumstances .
Mr Bay , a member of the right-wing National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen , took aim at the European Commission in a fiery speech in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier to strike a deal which would preserve access to UK waters for French fishermen .
He later told Express.co.uk : `` The desire to punish the UK and prevent it from reaching a 'tidy ' Brexit is clear .
`` The simple prohibition on your country to negotiate trade agreements before the final exit from the EU is proof of this : these agreements could very well have been negotiated beforehand , waiting to be implemented .
`` But Brussels insisted on banning it , in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in a position of strength .
`` Is this the behaviour of a worthy partner ? ''
5.37pm update : Who would be worse off without a Brexit trade deal - the EU or the UK ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered the bloc a final-chance lifeline after previously vowing to walk away from negotiations over a fishing stalemate .
But do you think Boris Johnson was ever truly ready to follow through with no-deal Brexit threat ?
The EU ’ s Brexit chief has also agreed to stage a second round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement in Brussels immediately after talks break up in the Capital .
British officials , led by Lord Frost , the Prime Minister ’ s lead negotiator , will travel to Belgium to further accelerate the process on Thursday .
Both sides have been locked in weekend talks over a draft legal text after Mr Barnier dropped his demands for British concessions before finally putting pen to paper on the Brexit deal .
European diplomatic sources have claimed parts of the agreement , such as police cooperation and transport ties , “ shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the coming days .
An EU official said : “ Negotiations will continue in London until Wednesday before moving to Brussels on Thursday.
” 12.15am update : Boris Johnson could hold off on no deal Brexit decision until after US election result If renewed trade talks with the EU go south , Boris Johnson may hold off on his threat to walk away until after the US election result .
Ivan Rogers , who was the UK ’ s permanent representative in Brussels from 2013 to 2017 , says officials in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to adopt a no deal Brexit approach if Donald Trump is re-elected .
Speaking to the Observer Mr Rogers added : `` Several very senior sources in capitals have told me they believe Johnson will await clarity on the presidential election result before finally deciding whether to jump to ‘ no deal ’ with the EU .
`` He may also conclude that this is just too risky with Biden heading for the White House , and hence live with some highly suboptimal for Johnson skinny free-trade agreement.
” Emmanuel Macron wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French public but will cave oh his hardline fisheries stance at the last moment , an expert has claimed .
Speaking to Sky News Catherine Barnard , who serves as professor of European Law at Cambridge University , said : `` The French President is acutely aware there are important elections in Calais next year , and of course it is the Calais fishermen who he is most worried about .
`` He ca n't be seen to be conceding too much too early , otherwise it creates domestic problems at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go up to the wire . ''
10.50am update : Brexit trade talks with the EU extended this week No 10 has confirmed trade talks with the EU will continue until Wednesday , although the EU believes more negotiations could be scheduled in Brussels on Thursday , according to the BBC .
Mr Barnier arrived in London last Thursday and talks are also expected today .
8.30am update : Household items could cost more if UK leaves with no deal Import costs for everyday items could rise by around a third in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leading UK business group has warned .
David Wells , chief executive of the organisation previously known as the Freight Transport Association , urged the Government to keep working towards a trade agreement with the EU as he warned a no deal scenario could drive inflation up as a result of the rise in prices for imported goods .
In a letter to the Sunday Times , he said : `` Everyday household items we import will become more expensive under World Trade Organisation tariffs , some by 30 percent or more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping basket much more expensive , particularly in the early part of 2021 when we rely on imports for much of our fresh food . ''
8am update : Withdrawal Agreement means UK to have WORSE EU trade terms than Australia - new report A new report has claimed the UK will have worse trading terms with the EU than Australia in the event of a no deal Brexit .
Boris ’ plan to trade with the Brussels bloc on “ Australia rules ” under World Trade Organisation terms if a deal is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report by the Centre for Brexit Policy has claimed .
It concludes the legal guarantees the Government has already given to Brussels in the controversial withdrawal agreement mean that Mr Johnson ’ s fall-back option can not be secured without a radical overhaul of past commitments .
The report The 'Australia deal ’ : Another Impossible Dream , underlines the damaging impact of the WA and associated Northern Ireland Protocol ( NIP ) signed into law a year ago .


thedailyexpress--2020-10-25--Free School meals vote: Will there be second vote on free school meals?

Last week the Government voted against Labour motion calling for the extension of free meals during the holidays until Easter 2021 .
The Commons vote saw a majority of more than 60 , with just five Tory MPs breaking ranks to vote with the opposition .
The news was met with anger from public figures , school leaders and the general public at a time when many are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic .
England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is leading the calls for action , with a petition created by him receiving more than 800,000 signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning for free school meals during this year ’ s summer holidays .
His petition states : “ Government should support vulnerable children & # endchildfoodpoverty by implementing 3 recommendations from the National Food Strategy to expand access to Free School Meals , provide meals & activities during holidays to stop holiday hunger & increase the value of and expand the Healthy Start scheme ” .
• Tories stick to guns over 'no brainer ' free school meals decision Now Prime Minister Boris Johnson is struggling to subdue a growing Tory backbench rebellion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a U-turn on free school meals .
A series of senior Conservatives have warned they could vote against the Government if there is fresh Commons division on extending free meals in England during the school holidays .
And today Sir Bernard Jenkin , Conservative chair of the influential Commons liaison committee , said the government had “ misunderstood the mood of the country ” when it came to the topic of free school meals .
Sir Bernard told Sky News : “ I think we have to admit that we have misunderstood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ The public want to see the government taking a national lead on this and I think the government will probably have to think again on that , particularly if there ’ s going to be more votes in the House of Commons .
“ I think when you have got the chairman of the education select committee [ Robert Halfon ] not supporting the government on this – and he ’ s a Conservative – I think the government has to listen to the Conservative party.
” However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis insisting ministers were providing support to families struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Lewis insisted the Government had the `` right position '' , increasing Universal Credit and providing £63 million to local authorities to help people in their communities at a time of hardship .
He said : `` I know this is a very emotive issue .
It is a sensitive issue .
It is something that affects families in my constituency as well as round the country . ''
`` What we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with child poverty at the core , putting the structure in place that means even in school holidays children can get access to the food that they need . ''
DO N'T MISS Naga Munchetty slams Ben Bradley over free school meals [ VIDEO ] Are free school meals ending ?
[ EXPLAINED ] Free school meals : Where can your child get a free school meal ?
[ INSIGHT ] • Martin Lewis hits back as free food post causes stir 'Seriously ? '
Will there be second vote on free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Keir Starmer said his party would push for another vote if there is no change of action before Christmas .
Sir Keir tweeted : “ Labour will force another vote on free school meals if the Government does not change course before the Christmas break .
“ It 's not too late to do the right thing.
” Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood said he regretted voting with the Government last week and extending free school meals offered a `` practical vehicle '' for providing support to families .
He told Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here to use , it would be churlish not to consider and I do hope that that 's where we 'll end up.
” Rashford 's petition has reached the number of signatures required for Parliament to consider it for a debate .
And the Manchester forward ’ s campaign does not end there , as he is now using his Twitter account to share businesses who have offered free school meals for children this October half term .
Dozens of hospitality venues have shown they “ stand with Rashford , not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping families during the school holidays .
Rashford said he was “ blown away ” by the offers of support , and has been retweeting businesses offering free meals , sharing the location of each venue .
He tweeted : “ Selflessness , kindness , togetherness , this is the England I know .
“ Add # ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets so I can track them .
I will share as many as I can .
”

Ben Bradley defends government decision on free school meals
Last week the Government voted against Labour motion calling for the extension of free meals during the holidays until Easter 2021. The Commons vote saw a majority of more than 60, with just five Tory MPs breaking ranks to vote with the opposition.
Trending
The news was met with anger from public figures, school leaders and the general public at a time when many are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is leading the calls for action, with a petition created by him receiving more than 800,000 signatures. Rashford was awarded an MBE for campaigning for free school meals during this year’s summer holidays. His petition states: “Government should support vulnerable children & #endchildfoodpoverty by implementing 3 recommendations from the National Food Strategy to expand access to Free School Meals, provide meals & activities during holidays to stop holiday hunger & increase the value of and expand the Healthy Start scheme”. Read More: Free school meals: Should Boris U-turn and fund holiday food for kids?
Free School meals vote: Will there be second vote on free school meals?
READ MORE Adil Ray shut down by Tobias Elwood on GMB Now Prime Minister Boris Johnson is struggling to subdue a growing Tory backbench rebellion, with ministers continuing to resist demands for a U-turn on free school meals. A series of senior Conservatives have warned they could vote against the Government if there is fresh Commons division on extending free meals in England during the school holidays. And today Sir Bernard Jenkin, Conservative chair of the influential Commons liaison committee, said the government had “misunderstood the mood of the country” when it came to the topic of free school meals. Sir Bernard told Sky News: “I think we have to admit that we have misunderstood the mood of the country here.” He added: “The public want to see the government taking a national lead on this and I think the government will probably have to think again on that, particularly if there’s going to be more votes in the House of Commons.
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Free School meals vote: Last week the Government voted against Labour motion calling for the extension of free meals during the holidays until Easter 2021
“I think when you have got the chairman of the education select committee [Robert Halfon] not supporting the government on this – and he’s a Conservative – I think the government has to listen to the Conservative party.” However, others have defended the vote, with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis insisting ministers were providing support to families struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Lewis insisted the Government had the "right position", increasing Universal Credit and providing £63 million to local authorities to help people in their communities at a time of hardship. He said: "I know this is a very emotive issue. It is a sensitive issue. It is something that affects families in my constituency as well as round the country." "What we are looking to do is ensure that we deal with child poverty at the core, putting the structure in place that means even in school holidays children can get access to the food that they need." DON'T MISS
Naga Munchetty slams Ben Bradley over free school meals [VIDEO]
Are free school meals ending? [EXPLAINED]
Free school meals: Where can your child get a free school meal? [INSIGHT]
READ MORE Martin Lewis hits back as free food post causes stir 'Seriously?' Will there be second vote on free school meals? Today, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party would push for another vote if there is no change of action before Christmas. Sir Keir tweeted: “Labour will force another vote on free school meals if the Government does not change course before the Christmas break. “It's not too late to do the right thing.”
Free School meals vote: Today, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party would push for another vote
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood said he regretted voting with the Government last week and extending free school meals offered a "practical vehicle" for providing support to families. He told Times Radio: ”If there is popularity here to use, it would be churlish not to consider and I do hope that that's where we'll end up.” Rashford's petition has reached the number of signatures required for Parliament to consider it for a debate. And the Manchester forward’s campaign does not end there, as he is now using his Twitter account to share businesses who have offered free school meals for children this October half term.
Free School meals vote: Dozens of businesses have offered free school meals for children
Dozens of hospitality venues have shown they “stand with Rashford, not the 322 (MPs)”, by helping families during the school holidays. Rashford said he was “blown away” by the offers of support, and has been retweeting businesses offering free meals, sharing the location of each venue. He tweeted: “Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know. “Add #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets so I can track them. I will share as many as I can.”