thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Brexit GAMBLE: Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan - but Brussels hits out

David Frost handed over a “ draft legal text ” to EU counterpart Michel Barnier during a private dinner in Brussels on Tuesday night .
Government sources said the dossier covers the areas where both sides “ already have agreement ” .The basic text is understood to focus on eliminating most tariffs and quotas after Britain ’ s post-Brexit transition from the bloc expires in December .
But the offer was rebuffed by Mr Barnier , who insisted progress would first have to be made in the more contentious area – such as the so-called “ level-playing field ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds .
British officials are frustrated with the Frenchman ’ s refusal to discuss the free-trade agreement without making progress in “ parallel ” on each section of the future relationship .
The bloc wants to limit progress in the areas Britain deems more important for the post-Brexit pact .
Mr Frost warned Mr Barnier the EU ’ s insistence on finding solutions for the most difficult issues first was increasing the chances of no deal .
The Prime Minister ’ s Brexit envoy said time is running out to complete the required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The document , marked confidential , remains a closely guarded secret with its contents only made available to the European Commission ’ s negotiating team .
Diplomats from member states have already urged Mr Barnier to hand over the draft text so they can review it for potential compromises .
European capitals are expected to make an offical request when they meet to review this week 's trade talks in Brussels .
But first the Brussels bureaucrat must seek permission from British negotiators to do so .
The seventh round of negotiations broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in the effort to secure a deal by the end of next month .
European officials have rejected a British offer to negotiate a post-Brexit asylum pact to allow the return of undocumented migrants back to the EU .
Brussels also sparked fury by pushing to limit British truckers ’ access to the single market .
DO N'T MISS Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure [ INSIGHT ] 'Future of UK hangs in balance - THIS is what Boris must do ' [ COMMENT ] Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on UK-EU trade talks ?
[ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: Government issues advice on transition out of the EU
David Frost handed over a “draft legal text” to EU counterpart Michel Barnier during a private dinner in Brussels on Tuesday night. Government sources said the dossier covers the areas where both sides “already have agreement”.The basic text is understood to focus on eliminating most tariffs and quotas after Britain’s post-Brexit transition from the bloc expires in December.
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But the offer was rebuffed by Mr Barnier, who insisted progress would first have to be made in the more contentious area – such as the so-called “level-playing field” and future access to Britain’s fishing grounds. British officials are frustrated with the Frenchman’s refusal to discuss the free-trade agreement without making progress in “parallel” on each section of the future relationship. The bloc wants to limit progress in the areas Britain deems more important for the post-Brexit pact.
Britain has tabled a new draft free-trade agreement to unlock Brexit talks
David Frost is the UK's chief negotiator with the EU
Mr Frost warned Mr Barnier the EU’s insistence on finding solutions for the most difficult issues first was increasing the chances of no deal. The Prime Minister’s Brexit envoy said time is running out to complete the required legal texts before their autumn deadline. The document, marked confidential, remains a closely guarded secret with its contents only made available to the European Commission’s negotiating team.
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Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Diplomats from member states have already urged Mr Barnier to hand over the draft text so they can review it for potential compromises. European capitals are expected to make an offical request when they meet to review this week's trade talks in Brussels. But first the Brussels bureaucrat must seek permission from British negotiators to do so. MUST READ: Brexit news: Brussels rejects UK bid to secure asylum pact
Michel Barnier and David Frost during a recent round of talks in London
Brexit: EU is ‘scared of no deal’ insists political expert


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Barnier wants 'TOTAL HUMILIATION for UK' Brexiteers praise Frost for 'holding nerve'

Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe heaped praise on Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit negotiator David Frost for refusing to budge to Mr Barnier ’ s demands , which has edged the UK closer to a no deal exit from the bloc .
But he warned : “ Barnier wants total humiliation for our country , anything less than that and he wo n't be happy .
“ Frost seems to be holding his nerve .
Good on him , ” in a Twitter post .
Brexit Party former MEP Martin Daubney told the EU the UK would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s Brexit Groundhog Day again , as Barnier admits ‘ no progress whatsoever ’ has been made on fisheries ‘ & the level playing field ’ isn ’ t going away .
“ Translation : he isn ’ t getting his own way , and the U.K. isn ’ t being bullied .
Let ’ s go WTO !
” It comes as Mr Frost accused the EU of making post-Brexit negotiations `` unnecessarily difficult '' and warned `` time is short for both sides '' , as talks threatened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round of Brexit talks in Brussels , Mr Frost said he believes a trade deal is still possible but warned `` there has been little progress '' after seven rounds of talks .
He warned the Brussels bloc the EU would not back down on fishing and state aid regulations , despite its demands .
Meanwhile , a senior negotiating official hit back at the EU 's accusation of time-wasting in the post-Brexit negotiations , accusing the bloc 's position of having `` frozen '' progress .
They said : `` The process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we must accept their position on state aid and fisheries before we can talk about anything else .
READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : No deal INEVITABLE as EU refuses to accept UK wo n't budge '' Obviously we 're not going to do that .
So it 's frozen .
`` That does n't seem to us to be sensible .
We should be talking about the many other areas , some of which are productive , some of which are more difficult , but we are ready to talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's slowing it down . ''
Ex-Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib tweeted : “ As  @ DavidGHFrost says a deal is still possible but only if the UK gives up its claim to be sovereign .
DO N'T MISS Eurozone crisis : Brussels on alert as devastating growth update [ FIGURES ] POLL : Which red lines should Boris compromise on to secure a deal ?
[ POLL ] Brexit fisheries row as EU increased fish caught in UK waters [ INSIGHT ] Speaking after two days of talks in Brussels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” at the lack of progress during negotiations .
He said : “ Those who were hoping for negotiations to move swiftly forward this week will have bee disappointed and unfortunately I too am frankly disappointed and concerned and surprised as well .
`` Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards .
“ Given the short time left , what I said in London in July remains true .
Today at this stage , an agreement between the UK and the European Union seems unlikely @

Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe heaped praise on Boris Johnson’s Brexit negotiator David Frost for refusing to budge to Mr Barnier’s demands, which has edged the UK closer to a no deal exit from the bloc. But he warned: “Barnier wants total humiliation for our country, anything less than that and he won't be happy.
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“Frost seems to be holding his nerve. Good on him,” in a Twitter post. Brexit Party former MEP Martin Daubney told the EU the UK would not be “bullied”. He tweeted: “It’s Brexit Groundhog Day again, as Barnier admits ‘no progress whatsoever’ has been made on fisheries ‘& the level playing field’ isn’t going away. “Translation: he isn’t getting his own way, and the U.K. isn’t being bullied. Let’s go WTO!” It comes as Mr Frost accused the EU of making post-Brexit negotiations "unnecessarily difficult" and warned "time is short for both sides", as talks threatened to stall.
Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has been accused of trying to humiliate the UK
Michel Barnier said he was disappointed at the lack of progress
Speaking after the latest round of Brexit talks in Brussels, Mr Frost said he believes a trade deal is still possible but warned "there has been little progress" after seven rounds of talks. He warned the Brussels bloc the EU would not back down on fishing and state aid regulations, despite its demands. Meanwhile, a senior negotiating official hit back at the EU's accusation of time-wasting in the post-Brexit negotiations, accusing the bloc's position of having "frozen" progress. They said: "The process block now is the EU's insistence that we must accept their position on state aid and fisheries before we can talk about anything else. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: No deal INEVITABLE as EU refuses to accept UK won't budge
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David Frost was praised for holding his nerve during Brexit talks
David Frost has refused to budge on the UK's red lines
Rupert Lowe said Michel Barnier wanted to humiliate the EU
Speaking after two days of talks in Brussels, Mr Barnier said he was “disappointed” at the lack of progress during negotiations. He said: “Those who were hoping for negotiations to move swiftly forward this week will have bee disappointed and unfortunately I too am frankly disappointed and concerned and surprised as well. "Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards. “Given the short time left, what I said in London in July remains true. Today at this stage, an agreement between the UK and the European Union seems unlikely.
Brexit timeline revealed
"I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time." But UK commentator Darren Grimes hit back saying he was “delighted” Mr Barnier was “disappointed”. He tweeted: “I’m delighted to learn that Barnier is “disappointed” by the lack of progress in the Brexit talks – on level playing field and fisheries.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Brexit POLL: Which red lines should Boris compromise on to secure a deal with the EU?

David Frost , the UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , travelled to Brussels this week for the seventh round of post-Brexit trade talks with the EU .
But after three days of talks , the two sides failed to break the deadlock as Boris Johnson refuses to waiver on the UK ’ s red lines .
What red lines do you think Boris Johnson should compromise on to ensure a deal is reached by October ?
Britain has vowed to stand firm on its red lines , which include greater sovereignty over UK fishing waters , ending free movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands for a level playing field and to continue under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice ( ECJ ) .
But the EU is furious with the UK team for refusing to compromise on its demands .
Speaking on Friday , Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief negotiator , said the deal remains out of reach because of disagreements over access to Britain ’ s fishing grounds and the so-called “ level-playing field ” .
The EU chief said : “ We have very little time left to conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter into effect on January 1 , 2021 – in four months and 10 days .
“ We still have a few months left to find an agreement to find agreement on all issues under discussion to consolidate the text.
” Mr Barnier accused the British of refusing to “ move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months ” .
As a result , Express.co.uk is asking its readers what red line you would prefer Britain compromises on , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposing strict trade demands on the UK , in a bid to dissuade other member states from quitting in the future .
JUST IN : Furious Barnier blames UK for Brexit deadlock But if another country does decide to leave the EU , do you think they would sign up to the trade demands placed on UK by Brussels ?
Or are the conditions being put forward too tough for any other states to entertain ?
The next round of Brexit trade talks will resume in London on the week commencing September 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agree a deal , as both the UK and EU need its respective Parliament to ratify an agreement in October , to ensure they can implement the changes from the start of 2021 .
Mr Johnson is determined a deal will be struck by his deadline of the end of September , but what do you think - will the the UK secure a deal with the EU next month ?
DO N'T MISS : Pound to euro exchange rate : Pound sees boost amid Brexit 'pessimism ' [ ANALYSIS ] Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward major new plan [ DETAILS ] Brexit LIVE : No deal INEVITABLE as EU refuses to accept UK wo n't budge [ BLOG ] Moreover , if the UK does agree a deal in time do you think British voters should have a say on its contents , in a final Brexit referendum ?
The EU transition period will formally end on December 31 , the final hurdle in Britain ’ s bid to quit the bloc .
From 2021 , the UK will be a sovereign nation unshackled from EU rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the landmark Brexit referendum .
As Britain prepares for this historic moment , Express.co.uk wants to know who you think has done the most to secure Britain ’ s independence from the EU ?
Do you think David Cameron played an instrumental role for granting the 2016 vote , or Nigel Farage for spending years campaigning for the referendum to be hold .
Or do you consider Boris Johnson to have made the most gains in ensuring the UK quits the bloc , or David Frost for his crucial role in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU done the most to turn British voters away from the bloc ?
As the UK severs all ties with the EU , Britain will no longer be part of the Schengen zone , which allows members to travel between European countries without a visa .

Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
David Frost, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, travelled to Brussels this week for the seventh round of post-Brexit trade talks with the EU. But after three days of talks, the two sides failed to break the deadlock as Boris Johnson refuses to waiver on the UK’s red lines. In one of a number of questions to Express.co.uk readers, we are also asking which red lines you think Boris Johnson should compromise on to ensure a deal is reached by October?
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Britain has vowed to stand firm on its red lines, which include greater sovereignty over UK fishing waters, ending free movement, and rejecting the EU’s demands for a level playing field and to continue under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). But the EU is furious with the UK team for refusing to compromise on its demands. Speaking on Friday, Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, said the deal remains out of reach because of disagreements over access to Britain’s fishing grounds and the so-called “level-playing field”. The EU chief said: “We have very little time left to conclude the negotiations to ensure an agreement can enter into effect on January 1, 2021 – in four months and 10 days. CAN'T SEE THE POLL BELOW? CLICK HERE TO OPEN IN YOUR BROWSER
“We still have a few months left to find an agreement to find agreement on all issues under discussion to consolidate the text.” Mr Barnier accused the British of refusing to “move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months”. As a result, Express.co.uk is asking its readers what red line you would prefer Britain compromises on, if any. Brussels has been accused of imposing strict trade demands on the UK, in a bid to dissuade other member states from quitting in the future. JUST IN: Furious Barnier blames UK for Brexit deadlock
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Brexit POLL: Would any other sovereign nation sign up to trade demands placed on UK by EU?
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has put forward a number of red lines
But if another country does decide to leave the EU, do you think they would sign up to the trade demands placed on UK by Brussels? Or are the conditions being put forward too tough for any other states to entertain? The next round of Brexit trade talks will resume in London on the week commencing September 7. The two sides have just weeks to agree a deal, as both the UK and EU need its respective Parliament to ratify an agreement in October, to ensure they can implement the changes from the start of 2021. Mr Johnson is determined a deal will be struck by his deadline of the end of September, but what do you think - will the the UK secure a deal with the EU next month? DON'T MISS:
Pound to euro exchange rate: Pound sees boost amid Brexit 'pessimism' [ANALYSIS]
Brexit GAMBLE: Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan [DETAILS]
Brexit LIVE: No deal INEVITABLE as EU refuses to accept UK won't budge [BLOG]
Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Moreover, if the UK does agree a deal in time do you think British voters should have a say on its contents, in a final Brexit referendum? The EU transition period will formally end on December 31, the final hurdle in Britain’s bid to quit the bloc. From 2021, the UK will be a sovereign nation unshackled from EU rules and regulations, more than four years after the landmark Brexit referendum. As Britain prepares for this historic moment, Express.co.uk wants to know who you think has done the most to secure Britain’s independence from the EU?
EU countries most reliant on UK fishing waters
Do you think David Cameron played an instrumental role for granting the 2016 vote, or Nigel Farage for spending years campaigning for the referendum to be hold. Or do you consider Boris Johnson to have made the most gains in ensuring the UK quits the bloc, or David Frost for his crucial role in the current negotiations. Alternatively, has the EU done the most to turn British voters away from the bloc? As the UK severs all ties with the EU, Britain will no longer be part of the Schengen zone, which allows members to travel between European countries without a visa.
David Frost travelled to Brussels this week for the seventh round of talks


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Furious Barnier blames UK for Brexit deadlock - EU chief warns deal on brink of collapse

Michel Barnier hit out at the UK after confirming the latest round of Brexit trade talks had concluded without any significant breakthrough on a future deal .
Mr Barnier insisted the European Union continued to be clear about its position as he warned the UK the bloc 's stance remained unchanged since 2017 .
The EU chief negotiator claimed the UK negotiating team had shown `` no willingness '' to take on Brussels 's priorities despite Boris Johnson pledging to speed up talks in order to secure a deal by December 2020 .
Mr Barnier added : `` Too often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were going backwards more than forwards `` Given the short time left , what I said in London in July remains true .
Today at this stage , an agreement between the UK and the European Union seems unlikely .
`` I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time . ''
Updating the press about the current state of the negotiations , the French diplomat said : `` Boris Johnson told us in June that he wished to speed up the negotiating process during the summer .
JUST IN : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Brexit stalemate - Frost stands firm on fishing '' But this week , once again , as in the July round , the British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance to the European Union .
`` This despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months in terms of taking on board and working with the three red lines Boris Johnsons set out in June , mainly on the European Court of Justice , UK legislative autonomy and on fisheries .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British partners any willingness to take on board the EU 's priorities . ''
Mr Barnier continued : `` There is nothing surprising whatsoever about the EU 's priorities because they have not changed since 2017 .
READ MORE : Brexit GAMBLE : Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan - but Brussels hits out '' We invite you to have a look again at the conclusions of the European Council resolutions , at the European Parliament , we have said repeatedly since 2017 what our priorities for a fair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He continued : `` We have two months left to find an agreement on all the issues under discussion , to consolidate the text and finalise all the technical annexes which are far from negligible and then have legal experts verify and validate the text in all the languages .
`` This is a long , complex task .
Any delay beyond the end of October would entail a serious risk as to the successful outcome of this process . ''
Micheal Martin ’ s ‘ united Ireland-lite ’ tactic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setback : EU not 'significantly worried ' at prospect of no deal [ INSIGHT ] Pound to euro exchange rate : GBP plummets amid ongoing Brexit talks [ FORECAST ]

Brexit: Barnier claims EU position has ‘not changed since 2017’
Michel Barnier hit out at the UK after confirming the latest round of Brexit trade talks had concluded without any significant breakthrough on a future deal. Mr Barnier insisted the European Union continued to be clear about its position as he warned the UK the bloc's stance remained unchanged since 2017. The EU chief negotiator claimed the UK negotiating team had shown "no willingness" to take on Brussels's priorities despite Boris Johnson pledging to speed up talks in order to secure a deal by December 2020.
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Mr Barnier added: "Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards "Given the short time left, what I said in London in July remains true. Today at this stage, an agreement between the UK and the European Union seems unlikely. "I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time." Updating the press about the current state of the negotiations, the French diplomat said: "Boris Johnson told us in June that he wished to speed up the negotiating process during the summer. JUST IN: Nothing has changed! Barnier blows top at Brexit stalemate - Frost stands firm on fishing
Michel Barnier claimed it is the UK's fault if no progress has been made
Michel Barnier insisted the EU's position has remained unchanged since 2017
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"But this week, once again, as in the July round, the British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance to the European Union. "This despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months in terms of taking on board and working with the three red lines Boris Johnsons set out in June, mainly on the European Court of Justice, UK legislative autonomy and on fisheries. "We still haven't seen from our British partners any willingness to take on board the EU's priorities." Mr Barnier continued: "There is nothing surprising whatsoever about the EU's priorities because they have not changed since 2017. READ MORE: Brexit GAMBLE: Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan - but Brussels hits out
Michel Barnier: UK seeing ‘clear consequences of Brexit vote’
Brexit talks could conclude without a trade deal, Barnier warned
"We invite you to have a look again at the conclusions of the European Council resolutions, at the European Parliament, we have said repeatedly since 2017 what our priorities for a fair and balanced deal with the UK would be." He continued: "We have two months left to find an agreement on all the issues under discussion, to consolidate the text and finalise all the technical annexes which are far from negligible and then have legal experts verify and validate the text in all the languages. "This is a long, complex task. Any delay beyond the end of October would entail a serious risk as to the successful outcome of this process." DON'T MISS Micheal Martin’s ‘united Ireland-lite’ tactic to stop Sinn Fein [ANALYSIS]
Brexit setback: EU not 'significantly worried' at prospect of no deal [INSIGHT]
Pound to euro exchange rate: GBP plummets amid ongoing Brexit talks [FORECAST]
Brexit talks are scheduled to end in December 2020


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Brexit LIVE: No deal INEVITABLE as EU makes two huge demands - Frost refuses to blink

Speaking after a breakfast with Mr Barnier in Brussles this morning , he said : `` We have had useful discussions this week but there has been little progress .
“ The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy , but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation , including on legal texts .
`` This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress .
There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding between negotiators , there is a lot of detail to work through .
Time is short for both sides . ''
Mr Barnier was equally as pessimistic about progress , saying : `` I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time .
`` Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards . ''
More than four years after Britons voted to unshackle itself from the EU , and after tortuous divorce talks , the two sides are negotiating on all aspects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security to transport , from 2021 onwards .
But differences over fishing quotas and guarantees of fair competition have so far stood in the way of a deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s government has refused to be bound by EU state aid rules , environmental standards or labour laws , saying the essence of Brexit was to let Britain decide alone on its own regulations .
It comes after the EU earlier this week mocked the UK saying the nation “ desperately needs this deal ” ahead of the transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
An EU source told politics news site , Politco.eu : “ If the clock is ticking , reality will start to sink in in London .
“ The UK might not always have behaved rationally in its negotiations with Brussels , but surely the pandemic and the lack of trade alternatives must lead to some reason in London . ''
Meanwhile , The Times reported Britain had tabled a draft-trade agreement with the EU during a dinner earlier this week , which has been deemed “ desperate ” by Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure George Soros , the billionaire known as the man who `` broke the Bank of England '' , secretly backed a campaign to thwart Brexit , unearthed reports reveal .
12.45pm update : Which red lines should Boris compromise on to secure a deal with the EU ?
Brexit talks with the EU remain deadlocked despite months of talks with a number of tough decisions facing the UK 's Brexit negotiators - as well as Britons themselves .
Express.co.uk is asking you what red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise on to ensure a deal is reached by October ?
VOTE HERE Following the latest round of Brexit talks , former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib tweeted : `` As  @ DavidGHFrost says a deal is still possible but only if the UK gives up its claim to be sovereign .
`` For goodness sake stop this national humiliation and cease negotiations . ''
Britain blamed the EU for holding up Brexit talks on Friday , with a senior British negotiating official pointing to the EU 's insistence that state aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks can move on .
The official said : `` The process block now is the EU 's insistence that we must accept their position on state aid and fisheries before we can talk about anything else .
`` We are ready to talk about everything .
It 's not us that 's slowing it down . ''
UK commentator Darren Grimes posted : `` I ’ m delighted to learn that Barnier is “ disappointed ” by the lack of progress in the Brexit talks – on level playing field and fisheries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for once , are refusing to allow them to place us over a barrel and tan our bums . ''
Michel Barnier said the UK and EU negotiators have made `` no progress whatsoever '' on the issue of fisheries .
He said : `` We hear the British Government 's concern about maintaining its sovereignty and its regulatory autonomy and we respect that , clearly .
But no international agreement was ever reached without the parties agreeing to common rules - no international agreement .
`` And I can predict , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case of trade agreements between the UK and other partners in the future such as the United States , Japan and Australia .
`` Apart from the question of a level playing field there are still many other areas where progress is needed and for example , obviously fisheries where we have made no progress whatsoever on the issues that matter . ''
Mr Barnier added that other areas where more progress is needed include law enforcement `` where we still struggle to agree on the necessary guarantees to protect citizens ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He continued : `` And also mobility and social security co-ordination where our positions are also driven far apart . ''
The UK 's chief negotiator said when he EU accepts this reality in all areas of the negotiations , it wil be much easier to make progress .
He said it was clear a deal would not be easy to achieve .
Mr Frost said the EU was still insisting fisheries and state aid rules be agreed before any substantive work can be done in any other areas of negotiation .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy , but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation , including on legal texts .
This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress .
`` There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and , even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators , there is a lot of detail to work through .
Time is short for both sides .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ field is a non-negotiable condition to grant the UK access to the EU market .
He said the need for a level playing field was not going away even if the UK wanted a low-quality agreement on goods and services only .
Mr Barnier said he was disappointed at the lack of progress made in the latest talks .
He said : `` Those who were hoping for negotiations to move swiftly forward this week will have bee disappointed And unfortunately I too am frankly disappointed and concerned , and susprised as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union and this despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months . ''
8.49am update : Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure on fishing talks A deep row erupted last night over high-level talks on fishing rights after Brexit with Westminster snubbing requests by senior Scottish ministers to take part in discussions .
Fergus Ewing MSP , Scotland ’ s Rural Economy Secretary said he had seen repeated requests from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations on fishing denied .
Mr Ewing warned the UK Government denying Holyrood in negotiations would be detrimental .
He added : “ We have requested that we be fully involved , our officials have been to some extent .
“ The risk is that unless they are to the fuller extent , that we would normally enjoy in the annual round of negotiations in Brussels and also the vital negotiations with Norway , Faroes and Iceland , then there is the risk that decisions are taken without Scotland ’ s position being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leading to a potential detriment to Scotland.
” Sterling touched an intra-week low on Thursday but held above $ 1.31 .
The pound traded at $ 1.3139 , up 0.2 percent on the day , recovering from a four-day low of $ 1.3062 hit in early trade but still far from Tuesday 's eight-month high of $ 1.3276 .
Against the euro , sterling was at 90.12 pence , up 0.3 percent .
8.05am update : Frost stuns EU by putting forward major new plan - but Brussels hits out Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-Brexit free-trade agreement in a bid to break the deadlock with the European Union .
David Frost handed over a “ draft legal text ” to EU counterpart Michel Barnier during a private dinner in Brussels on Tuesday night .
Government sources said the dossier covers the areas where both sides “ already have agreement ” .The basic text is understood to focus on eliminating most tariffs and quotas after Britain ’ s post-Brexit transition from the bloc expires in December .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator is expected to deliver a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 10am this morning .
David Frost will also make a statement at some point this morning .

Michel Barnier: UK seeing ‘clear consequences of Brexit vote’
Boris Johnson's chief negotiator David Frost said it was clear a deal would "not be easy to achieve" as he hit out at the EU for making it "unnecessarily difficult to make progress". Mr Frost refused to budge when the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier demanded the UK accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy before any other progress can be made.
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Speaking after a breakfast with Mr Barnier in Brussles this morning, he said: "We have had useful discussions this week but there has been little progress. “The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy, but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts. "This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress. There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and, even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators, there is a lot of detail to work through. Time is short for both sides." Mr Barnier was equally as pessimistic about progress, saying: "I simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time. "Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards."
Michel Barnier and David Frost will meet for breakfast today
More than four years after Britons voted to unshackle itself from the EU, and after tortuous divorce talks, the two sides are negotiating on all aspects of their future ties, from trade to security to transport, from 2021 onwards. But differences over fishing quotas and guarantees of fair competition have so far stood in the way of a deal. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has refused to be bound by EU state aid rules, environmental standards or labour laws, saying the essence of Brexit was to let Britain decide alone on its own regulations. It comes after the EU earlier this week mocked the UK saying the nation “desperately needs this deal” ahead of the transition period which expires at the end of this year. An EU source told politics news site, Politco.eu: “If the clock is ticking, reality will start to sink in in London. “The UK might not always have behaved rationally in its negotiations with Brussels, but surely the pandemic and the lack of trade alternatives must lead to some reason in London." Meanwhile, The Times reported Britain had tabled a draft-trade agreement with the EU during a dinner earlier this week, which has been deemed “desperate” by Brussels. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES READ MORE: Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure
Brexit timeline revealed
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8.42pm update: Remainers threaten to SUE Boris after fears of Russian interference in Brexit vote Boris Johnson has been ordered to answer questions involving Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum - or face being sued. Remain supporting MPs have threatened the action if the Prime Minister fails to answer questions and implement certain essential steps to protect future elections. The MPs say any refusal to do so would infringe law protected under Article 3 of the European Conventions on Human Rights. They claim they are being denied the right under the convention by the Government's failure to investigate foreign state interference in the UK's democratic process. Secondly, they are accusing his refusal to answer questions as failing "to have a legal framework which provides the conditions to ensure the free expression of the people in the choice of the legislature". 7pm update: Barnier's no deal Brexit alarm exposed as Frost refuses to 'beg' Brussels in crunch talks Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice has warned the chances of a trade deal with the EU is "diminishing all the time". Speaking to talkRADIO, he said: "Barnier always seems to be disappointed every week at the end of these negotiations. "I think that's encouraging because it sounds like David Frost and his team have held firm and held to our red lines. "You and I know this is going to go to the eleventh hour. "I still think the likelihood of a deal is diminishing all the time. "My expectation is a partial deal that allows both sides to claim that they've held on to their key red lines. "At this time of economic crisis it's absolutely vital that we don't concede regulatory alignment and we don't concede having to beg Brussels for any form of state aid. "The Government is going to have to invest in and protect our key industries and businesses in an extraordinary way that we've never envisaged before."
Brexit talks have reached a stalemate
5.56pm update: UK stocks end week lower as Brexit woes add to economic fears The FTSE 100 has ended the week lower amid new concern over whether the UK can avoid a hard exit from the EU by the end of this year. The British bluechip index closed 0.2 percent lower and lost 1.4 percent over the week, while the FTSE 250 index inched higher for the day and lost 0.9 percent for the week. The UK and EU have yet again bemoaned the lack of progress being made following the latest round of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal, with chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier blaming each other for the stalemate. Increasing fears over a hard Brexit are adding to anxiety for markets already reeling from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 5.09pm update: Pound sinks as Brexit talks again end in stalemate The pound has fallen more than one percent against the US dollar following the latest stalemate in Brexit talks. The rising US currency pushed sterling down 1.2 percent to a one-week low of $1.3059. It was also down 0.4 percent against the euro at 90.12 pence. Jane Foley, senior strategist at Rabobank, said: "The latest round of talks on a trade deal between the UK and the EU have drawn to a close with no breakthrough agreement in sight. "Unless this status quo alters in the weeks ahead, EUR/GBP is likely to be pushed higher. "We see risk of a move in EUR/GBP to 0.92 on a two to three month view if a compromise on trade with the EU remains elusive."
Brexit: Michel Barnier ‘concerned’ after negotiations with UK
4.25pm update: Barnier savaged for being 'disingenuous’ after blaming UK on stuttering Brexit talks Michel Barnier has been brutally attacked and branded "disingenuous" after the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator once again lashed out at UK counterparts following yet another failed round of trade talks. Speaking at a press conference following the latest round of talks, he said: "Why should we agree to the UK Government being able to create competitive distortions directed against our companies? "The need for level playing field isn't going to go away, even if UK continues to insist on a low quality agreement. "It's a non-negotiable pre-condition to grant access to our market." But the comments from the EU's chief Brexit negotiator have been brutally torn apart by Dominic Walsh, a Research Fellow working for the Britain in the World project at the Policy Exchange think tank. Responding to the statement, he tweeted: "This "low quality agreement" line from Barnier is disingenuous. 3.40pm update: He just doesn't get it! Deluded Barnier STILL thinks we'll fold on fishing - UK hits out EU negotiator Michel Barnier is holding up talks over a free-trade agreement by cherrypicking the meaning of Brexit, British sources have claimed. The Brussels bureaucrat has accused the UK of trying to secure a best of both worlds Brexit with “single market-like benefits” but has ignored his own attempts to keep the country tied to EU rules. His intransigence has blocked progress on the post-Brexit future relationship between Britain and the EU, according to a senior UK negotiating official. Mr Barnier is still asking the UK to remain tied to the bloc’s state aid rules and for continued access to Britain’s fishing grounds. The UK official said: “As Michel Barnier said, and often says, Brexit means Brexit, and that is correct. “The EU doesn’t apply that to these two policies, where the position is that we have fisheries arrangements very much like of the Common Fisheries Policy and we are expected to define a state aid policy that looks very much like the one the EU has. “In those areas they don’t seem to apply that principle like everywhere else and that is the frustration.”
Little progress has been made in Brexit talks
Paul Withers taking over live reporting from Rebecca Perring. 2.45pm update: Boris urged to 'get a grip' Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves urged Boris Johnson to "get a grip" and "rapidly accelerate talks" when he returns from his holiday in Scotland, with the disruption of a disorderly exit threatening to compound the economic fallout of coronavirus. The Labour MP said: "Last December the Prime Minister told the country he had an 'oven ready' deal and in June he claimed it could be delivered by the end of July. "The failure to make more progress in August only adds to the uncertainty for industries from freight to farming." 2.12pm update: Barnier wants 'TOTAL HUMILIATION for UK' Michel Barnier wants "total humiliation for the UK" Brexiteers have raged, as they praised David Frost for "holding his nerve" against the EU's chief negotiator during the latest round of Brexit talks. ormer Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe heaped praise on Boris Johnson’s Brexit negotiator David Frost for refusing to budge to Mr Barnier’s demands, which has edged the UK closer to a no deal exit from the bloc. But he warned: “Barnier wants total humiliation for our country, anything less than that and he won't be happy “Frost seems to be holding his nerve. Good on him,” in a Twitter post.
No progress has been made on fishing in Brexit talks
1.11pm update: George Soros' secret plan to THWART Brexit unmasked George Soros, the billionaire known as the man who "broke the Bank of England", secretly backed a campaign to thwart Brexit, unearthed reports reveal. 12.45pm update: Which red lines should Boris compromise on to secure a deal with the EU? Brexit talks with the EU remain deadlocked despite months of talks with a number of tough decisions facing the UK's Brexit negotiators - as well as Britons themselves. Express.co.uk is asking you what red lines do you think Boris Johnson should compromise on to ensure a deal is reached by October? VOTE HERE
12.15pm update: 'Stop this humiliation' Brexiteers rage Following the latest round of Brexit talks, former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib tweeted: "As @DavidGHFrost says a deal is still possible but only if the UK gives up its claim to be sovereign. "For goodness sake stop this national humiliation and cease negotiations."
Michel Barnier has been accused of trying to "humiliate" the UK
11.33am update: UK blames EU for hold ups Britain blamed the EU for holding up Brexit talks on Friday, with a senior British negotiating official pointing to the EU's insistence that state aid and fisheries policy must be agreed before talks can move on. The official said: "The process block now is the EU's insistence that we must accept their position on state aid and fisheries before we can talk about anything else. "We are ready to talk about everything. It's not us that's slowing it down." 11.01am update: Brexiteers react to Brexit talks UK commentator Darren Grimes posted: "I’m delighted to learn that Barnier is “disappointed” by the lack of progress in the Brexit talks – on level playing field and fisheries. It means that our negotiators, for once, are refusing to allow them to place us over a barrel and tan our bums." 10.44am update: No progress on fishing Michel Barnier said the UK and EU negotiators have made "no progress whatsoever" on the issue of fisheries. He said: "We hear the British Government's concern about maintaining its sovereignty and its regulatory autonomy and we respect that, clearly. But no international agreement was ever reached without the parties agreeing to common rules - no international agreement. "And I can predict, with absolute certainty, this will also be the case of trade agreements between the UK and other partners in the future such as the United States, Japan and Australia. "Apart from the question of a level playing field there are still many other areas where progress is needed and for example, obviously fisheries where we have made no progress whatsoever on the issues that matter." Mr Barnier added that other areas where more progress is needed include law enforcement "where we still struggle to agree on the necessary guarantees to protect citizens' fundamental rights and personal data". He continued: "And also mobility and social security co-ordination where our positions are also driven far apart."
Michel Barnier is expected to hold a press conference at about 10am
Boris Johnson has been urged to get a grip on Brexit
10.30am update: David Frost hits out at EU The UK's chief negotiator said when he EU accepts this reality in all areas of the negotiations, it wil be much easier to make progress. He said it was clear a deal would not be easy to achieve. Mr Frost said the EU was still insisting fisheries and state aid rules be agreed before any substantive work can be done in any other areas of negotiation. He said: "The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy, but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts. This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress. "There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and, even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators, there is a lot of detail to work through. Time is short for both sides." 10.26am update: Barnier refues to budge Michel Barnier said a level playing field is a non-negotiable condition to grant the UK access to the EU market. He said the need for a level playing field was not going away even if the UK wanted a low-quality agreement on goods and services only. Mr Barnier said he was disappointed at the lack of progress made in the latest talks. He said: "Those who were hoping for negotiations to move swiftly forward this week will have bee disappointed And unfortunately I too am frankly disappointed and concerned, and susprised as well. "The British negotiators have not shown any real willingness to move forward on issues of fundamental importance for the European Union and this despite the flexibility which we have shown over recent months." 8.49am update: Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure on fishing talks A deep row erupted last night over high-level talks on fishing rights after Brexit with Westminster snubbing requests by senior Scottish ministers to take part in discussions. Fergus Ewing MSP, Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary said he had seen repeated requests from the Scottish Government to participate in international negotiations on fishing denied. Mr Ewing warned the UK Government denying Holyrood in negotiations would be detrimental. He added: “We have requested that we be fully involved, our officials have been to some extent. “The risk is that unless they are to the fuller extent, that we would normally enjoy in the annual round of negotiations in Brussels and also the vital negotiations with Norway, Faroes and Iceland, then there is the risk that decisions are taken without Scotland’s position being fully set out, expanded and advocated, leading to a potential detriment to Scotland.”
Britain is said to have tabled a draft-trade agreement with the EU during a dinner earlier this week
Differences over fishing quotas and guarantees of fair competition have so far stood in the way of a Brexit deal


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Sturgeon stopped in her tracks: Blow for SNP as MAJORITY think independence a distraction

The latest research by YouGov found that 52 percent of Scots believed that Scottish independence distracts from other important issues that should get more attention .
Left-wing think-tank Scottish Fabians commissioned the poll , with national manager Katherine Sangster saying : “ The message to the SNP from this polling is clear : the majority of the Scottish people see independence as a distraction.
” YouGov questioned a total of 1,134 people across Scotland between July 28 and 30 for the research .
It further revealed that 76 percent want the Scottish and UK governments to work together on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 percent said the Holyrood and Westminster work well together .
Meanwhile , 46 percent of voters want the decision on any future referendum to be made jointly between the Scottish and UK governments .
But 42 percent believe that the decision should lie solely with the Scottish government .
Ms Sangster said : “ While some polls have asked how people might vote should there be another referendum , this clearly shows that most Scots don ’ t see this as a priority .
“ What people want is governments to focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they want to see more cooperation between Westminster and Holyrood .
“ Scotland ’ s politicians from all parties should focus their energy and resources on making devolution work so that we can address the many serious challenges that the country is facing.
” The poll further found that two thirds ( 63 percent ) of voters were unlikely to vote for a party with a different view on the constitutions from themselves .
READ MORE : Sturgeon blasted for 'failing tourism industry ' after anti-English row erupts Only nine percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a different view .
When it came to the Scottish National Party , more than one in five of those who voted SNP in 2019 agree independence is a distraction , while women , in particular , are much less likely than men to see independence as an important issue ( 32 percent compared with 42 percent ) .
The poll also raised concerns about Scottish Labour ’ s politics as recent polls revealed unfavourable scores for current leader Richard Leonard .
Ms Sangster , added : “ The message for Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain unequivocal on its pro-UK stance whilst setting out policies that will make a difference to the lives of Scots .
DO N'T MISS : Furious Westminster MPs turn on own party with internal rift [ REVEAL ] Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert [ INSIGHT ] Scotland ’ s health secretary under fire for management of NHS [ LATEST ]

Scotland: Michael Heaver analyses 'bombshell' independence poll
The latest research by YouGov found that 52 percent of Scots believed that Scottish independence distracts from other important issues that should get more attention. Left-wing think-tank Scottish Fabians commissioned the poll, with national manager Katherine Sangster saying: “The message to the SNP from this polling is clear: the majority of the Scottish people see independence as a distraction.”
Trending
YouGov questioned a total of 1,134 people across Scotland between July 28 and 30 for the research. It further revealed that 76 percent want the Scottish and UK governments to work together on the issues that impact their lives whilst only 8 percent said the Holyrood and Westminster work well together. Meanwhile, 46 percent of voters want the decision on any future referendum to be made jointly between the Scottish and UK governments. But 42 percent believe that the decision should lie solely with the Scottish government.
The poll was undertaken by YouGov
Scots are urging the First Minister to focus on other priorities
Ms Sangster said: “While some polls have asked how people might vote should there be another referendum, this clearly shows that most Scots don’t see this as a priority. “What people want is governments to focus on the issues that impact their lives, and they want to see more cooperation between Westminster and Holyrood. “Scotland’s politicians from all parties should focus their energy and resources on making devolution work so that we can address the many serious challenges that the country is facing.” The poll further found that two thirds (63 percent) of voters were unlikely to vote for a party with a different view on the constitutions from themselves. READ MORE: Sturgeon blasted for 'failing tourism industry' after anti-English row erupts
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It is a stark contrast to a Panelbase poll yesterday
Only nine percent are likely to vote for a party with a different view. When it came to the Scottish National Party, more than one in five of those who voted SNP in 2019 agree independence is a distraction, while women, in particular, are much less likely than men to see independence as an important issue (32 percent compared with 42 percent). The poll also raised concerns about Scottish Labour’s politics as recent polls revealed unfavourable scores for current leader Richard Leonard. Ms Sangster, added: “The message for Scottish Labour is also clear – it must remain unequivocal on its pro-UK stance whilst setting out policies that will make a difference to the lives of Scots. DON'T MISS:
Furious Westminster MPs turn on own party with internal rift [REVEAL]
Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert [INSIGHT]
Scotland’s health secretary under fire for management of NHS [LATEST]
A recent independence rally


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Sturgeon blasted for 'failing tourism industry' - English terrified to travel to Scotland

The email , sent to Mr Mundell by a Borders tourism business , outlined the guest 's concerns about their booked holiday in Scotland .
The email said : “ Just checking if everything is OK as per our last email and everything looks OK for our stay especially with Nicola Sturgeon threatening to quarantine us 'nasty ' English people.
” The First Minister has said she would not rule out forcing people coming to Scotland from England , Wales and Northern Ireland to face isolation measures .
Ms Sturgeon said she would consider doing so `` if it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added : `` We have to be on our guard against cases coming into Scotland from elsewhere '' .
However , Mr Mundell described the email along with a collection of other correspondence from angry business as “ grim ” stressing there was “ no doubt in my mind ” that the Scottish Government had “ badly failed ” the tourism industry .
Mr Mundell added : “ There is no doubt in my mind that the failure of the First Minister and other senior figures in the Scottish Government to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to English visitors has badly failed the tourism industry and has once again put politics ahead of people ’ s lives.
” Scotland ’ s tourism quango VisitScotland had been told by the Scottish Government last month to airbrush any mention of the “ North of England ” out of a VisitScotland tourism campaign .
VisitScotland launched the £3million marketing initiative on July 15 on the day Scotland ’ s tourism industry reopened , welcoming visitors back to the area .
READ MORE : Furious Westminster MPs turn on own party with internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be “ extended to target the North of England from July 24 '' in their first draft , which was filed to government officials days prior to the scheme ’ s launch .
But the Scottish government told VisitScotland the “ preference is to continue the marketing focus on staycations in Scotland , with a mind to targeting the full UK market when levels of the virus in other parts of the UK are sufficiently low ” .
Mr Mundell continued : “ One individual business that has been in touch with me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one tourism business but with have been inundated with angry calls , many turning into cancellations due to the alienation created from Holyrood and the messages on many border roads like the A1 telling visitors to stay away .
“ The Scottish government should reflect on how much tourism is UK based .
DO N'T MISS : Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert [ REVEAL ] Scotland ’ s health secretary under fire for management of NHS [ INSIGHT ] Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on the front line of the north south divide being created.
” Mr Mundell asked the chiefs of VisitScotland , who were giving evidence to the committee whether they were “ embarrassed by the growing percent that Scotland is not seen as a welcoming place to millions of customers who are often the only lifeline for much of the tourism industry ?
” Riddell Graham , director of Industry and Destination Development at VisitScotland , said that it would have been “ nonsensical ” to have spent money attracting tourists to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ The classic example would be why would we promote Scotland in North America when they have got huge problems there with the virus .
`` I think specific references to England I don ’ t think was the case , it was simply ‘ can you put it on pause the activity that you were planning until such a time that it is safe to do so ’ . ''
He stressed the Scottish welcome was as “ strong as ever ” adding : “ Inevitably you will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the rest and I don ’ t think that the media coverage was representative in any way of the welcome that Scots are providing visitors from all over the world and particularly those from England .
`` I ’ m always embarrassed at things like that because I think it does nothing to support the well-being of the industry but I think it was a minority view and one that I think is not representative of the rest of the country.
” Ms Sturgeon has made clear that there was not `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recently added : `` I do n't have a single anti-English fibre in my being .
`` I come from partly English stock , my grandmother was English , and I lead a party that is full of English people . ''
A Scottish Government spokesman said : `` The priority is to continue to suppress the virus and mitigate any further instances of clusters .
“ For that reason , the preference is to continue the marketing focus on staycations in Scotland , with a mind to targeting the full UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parts of the UK are sufficiently low . ''
A spokesperson for Nicola Sturgoen added to Express.co.uk tonight : “ Oliver Mundell ’ s attempts to politicise a deadly pandemic are utterly beneath contempt .
Protecting public health and trying to save lives is the absolute priority , and nothing should be allowed to get in the way of that .
”

Scotland is ‘not a welcoming place’ claims Oliver Mundell
The First Minister has been accused of "badly failing" Scotland's tourism industry, with one Tory MSP sharing emails received from English people worried of traveling north of the border. Oliver Mundell MSP, the Scottish Conservative’s tourism spokesman, read out an email from a concerned English person to Holyrood’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee.
Trending
The email, sent to Mr Mundell by a Borders tourism business, outlined the guest's concerns about their booked holiday in Scotland. The email said: “Just checking if everything is OK as per our last email and everything looks OK for our stay especially with Nicola Sturgeon threatening to quarantine us 'nasty' English people.” The First Minister has said she would not rule out forcing people coming to Scotland from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to face isolation measures. Ms Sturgeon said she would consider doing so "if it is required from a public health perspective" and added: "We have to be on our guard against cases coming into Scotland from elsewhere".
Oliver Mundell spoke out today
Nicola Sturgeon reopened tourism last month
However, Mr Mundell described the email along with a collection of other correspondence from angry business as “grim” stressing there was “no doubt in my mind” that the Scottish Government had “badly failed” the tourism industry. Mr Mundell added: “There is no doubt in my mind that the failure of the First Minister and other senior figures in the Scottish Government to shut down the perception that Scotland is closed to English visitors has badly failed the tourism industry and has once again put politics ahead of people’s lives.” Scotland’s tourism quango VisitScotland had been told by the Scottish Government last month to airbrush any mention of the “North of England” out of a VisitScotland tourism campaign. VisitScotland launched the £3million marketing initiative on July 15 on the day Scotland’s tourism industry reopened, welcoming visitors back to the area. READ MORE: Furious Westminster MPs turn on own party with internal rift
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Riddell Graham, director of Industry and Destination Development at VisitScotland
The quango said the campaign would be “extended to target the North of England from July 24" in their first draft, which was filed to government officials days prior to the scheme’s launch. But the Scottish government told VisitScotland the “preference is to continue the marketing focus on staycations in Scotland, with a mind to targeting the full UK market when levels of the virus in other parts of the UK are sufficiently low”. Mr Mundell continued: “One individual business that has been in touch with me in recent weeks said ‘we are just one tourism business but with have been inundated with angry calls, many turning into cancellations due to the alienation created from Holyrood and the messages on many border roads like the A1 telling visitors to stay away. “The Scottish government should reflect on how much tourism is UK based. DON'T MISS:
Gloating Sturgeon celebrates skyrocketing poll as PM on alert [REVEAL]
Scotland’s health secretary under fire for management of NHS [INSIGHT]
Scotland angers Boris after key Brexit plan snubbed [LATEST]
English tourists have been asked to not come to Scotland
“My own border business is on the front line of the north south divide being created.” Mr Mundell asked the chiefs of VisitScotland, who were giving evidence to the committee whether they were “embarrassed by the growing percent that Scotland is not seen as a welcoming place to millions of customers who are often the only lifeline for much of the tourism industry?” Riddell Graham, director of Industry and Destination Development at VisitScotland, said that it would have been “nonsensical” to have spent money attracting tourists to a place with “particular issues”. He added: “The classic example would be why would we promote Scotland in North America when they have got huge problems there with the virus.
Mr Mundell made the comments at a Scottish Government committee today


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Ireland government in danger of COLLAPSE after huge crisis - resignations rock Dublin

And social media users took the opportunity to call for the collapse of the administration .
The new rules - agreed 24 hours earlier - prohibit indoor gatherings of more than six people , with roughly 80 having attended the event at the County Galway Station House Hotel .
Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary tendered his resignation after details emerged , while Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin has also withdrawn the party whip from Paul Daly , Aidan Davitt and Niall Blaney .
Deputy leader and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar , Mr Martin 's predecessor as Taoiseach , has likewise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party 's senators : Jerry Buttimer , Paddy Burke and John Cummins .
Mr Buttimer has also resigned from his post as Leas-Chathaoirleach , deputy chairman of the Senate , Ireland 's equivalent of the House of Lords .
Additionally , Phil Hogan , currently serving as Ireland 's European Commissioner for Agricultural Affairs , has also faced severe criticism , with Mr Martin demanding he apologise .
Mr Martin , who assumed office in June , has had a difficult start to his tenure , and Mr Calleary had only been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barry Cowen , who was likewise forced to resign after details of an historic drink-driving offence emerged .
The coalition between Fine Gael , Fianna Fail and the Greens is scheduled to see Mr Varadkar return to the post of Taoiseach in 2022 - but some Twitter users suggested it might not last that long .
JUST IN : Kim Jong-un health fears : Leader weak as sister lined up as 'successor Mary-Lou McDonald , leader of Sinn Fein , in opposition even though it secured the highest percentage of first preference votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I have spoken with the Taoiseach .
He has refused my request to recall the Dail .
`` He is wrong .
The government is increasingly chaotic , confused , with no direction .
They must be held to account . ''
Mr Varadkar tweeted : `` The event organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society should not have happened .
`` I understand how extremely difficult the restrictions have been for people and the enormous sacrifices we have all made .
`` Funerals , christenings , weddings , family holidays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foregone to protect each other and the most vulnerable .
As representatives we should lead by example . ''
Speaking on RTE , Mr Martin said he `` fully understands '' the anger many felt .

Ireland: Micheál Martin ‘tightens’ coronavirus restrictions
And social media users took the opportunity to call for the collapse of the administration. The new rules - agreed 24 hours earlier - prohibit indoor gatherings of more than six people, with roughly 80 having attended the event at the County Galway Station House Hotel.
Trending
Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary tendered his resignation after details emerged, while Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin has also withdrawn the party whip from Paul Daly, Aidan Davitt and Niall Blaney. Deputy leader and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar, Mr Martin's predecessor as Taoiseach, has likewise withdrawn the whip from three of his party's senators: Jerry Buttimer, Paddy Burke and John Cummins. Mr Buttimer has also resigned from his post as Leas-Chathaoirleach, deputy chairman of the Senate, Ireland's equivalent of the House of Lords.
The coalition fronted by Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar is under pressure
Micheal Martin speaking to RTE
Additionally, Phil Hogan, currently serving as Ireland's European Commissioner for Agricultural Affairs, has also faced severe criticism, with Mr Martin demanding he apologise. Mr Martin, who assumed office in June, has had a difficult start to his tenure, and Mr Calleary had only been in the job 37 days, having replaced Barry Cowen, who was likewise forced to resign after details of an historic drink-driving offence emerged. The coalition between Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens is scheduled to see Mr Varadkar return to the post of Taoiseach in 2022 - but some Twitter users suggested it might not last that long. JUST IN: Kim Jong-un health fears: Leader weak as sister lined up as 'successor
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European Commissioner Phil Hogan
Dara Calleary has resigned as Agriculture Minister
Twitter users have suggested the coalition's days may be numbered
Mary-Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein, in opposition even though it secured the highest percentage of first preference votes in February's general election, commented: "I have spoken with the Taoiseach. He has refused my request to recall the Dail. "He is wrong. The government is increasingly chaotic, confused, with no direction. They must be held to account." Mr Varadkar tweeted: "The event organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society should not have happened.
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein's leader
Mary Lou McDonad's tweet
"I understand how extremely difficult the restrictions have been for people and the enormous sacrifices we have all made. "Funerals, christenings, weddings, family holidays and other really important family occasions have been foregone to protect each other and the most vulnerable. As representatives we should lead by example." Speaking on RTE, Mr Martin said he "fully understands" the anger many felt.
Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has withdrawn the whip from three senators


thedailyexpress--2020-08-22--Sturgeon's dream facing ruin as Gove launches plot to work with Labour to thwart IndyRef2

It comes after support for Scottish independence reached 55 percent earlier this month whilst polling puts the SNP on course for a majority at next year 's Scottish Parliament elections .
Mr Galloway , the Alliance for Unity party leader , was understood to have approached Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard asking for an electoral understanding when standing for Holyrood and had discussions with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove .
But speaking today , Mr Leonard declined the offer stressing that Scottish Labour can manage alone in next years ’ Holyrood ’ s elections .
Mr Leonard said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not interested in going into any electoral pacts '' and stressed , `` We will fight next year 's election as an independent , distinctive Scottish Labour Party on our own manifesto . ''
Mr Galloway hinted on social media this week of the possibility of allowing thousands of Scots living elsewhere in Britain to have a say in any second independence referendum following a potential pact with the Tories .
He added on Twitter : “ I ’ ll tell you this if there ’ s to be a second IndyRef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK must have a vote ” “ If UK ex-pats can vote in general elections from Spain then an existential question like Separatism must be answered by all Scots.
” Mr Gove replied : “ Interesting question ” hinting at the prospect that the UK government could accept a second referendum would have to take place .
Express.co.uk understands the Cabinet Office minister had also met privately with figures from other parties , including former First Labour Minister of Scotland Jack McConnell , to discuss support for the Union .
But SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ scared ” of the growing movement on Scottish independence .
Keth Brown , deputy leader of the SNP , added : “ The SNP continue to demand the people of Scotland get to choose our future in another independence referendum rather than having an untrustworthy Tory Government - who we did n't vote for - imposing damaging policies like Brexit on us . ''
Responding to Mr Gove ’ s Tweet , Deputy FM John Swinney claims Westminster is `` accepting the reality '' that there will have to be a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This move and this talk is essentially an indication of an acceptance of the reality that we 're now facing .
DO N'T MISS : Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure [ REVEAL ] Blow for SNP as MAJORITY think independence a distraction [ INSIGHT ] Furious Westminster MPs turn on own party with internal rift [ LATEST ] '' That support for Scottish independence is demonstrating itself at a strong , consistent Yes position and majority support for Yes which is now emerging in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think what we 're now seeing is the UK Government accepting that there will have to be a referendum on independence , and that 's a welcome position for them to take and it 's a democratic position for them to take . ''
He continued : `` We had a referendum in 2014 in which people took the view that this was a well-organised referendum , with the correct franchise in which the people who are eligible to vote here in Scotland were able to do so .

Indyref2: Expert says Conservatives launching 'charm offensive'
Express.co.uk understands Michael Gove has been holding private meetings with rival politicians on the issue. Meanwhile, George Galloway has openly approached rival Scottish political parties to form a pact.
Trending
It comes after support for Scottish independence reached 55 percent earlier this month whilst polling puts the SNP on course for a majority at next year's Scottish Parliament elections. Mr Galloway, the Alliance for Unity party leader, was understood to have approached Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard asking for an electoral understanding when standing for Holyrood and had discussions with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove. But speaking today, Mr Leonard declined the offer stressing that Scottish Labour can manage alone in next years’ Holyrood’s elections. Mr Leonard said he had "made clear that the Labour Party is not interested in going into any electoral pacts" and stressed, "We will fight next year's election as an independent, distinctive Scottish Labour Party on our own manifesto."
Michael Gove is forming alliances with other parties
Michael Gove hinted about IndyRef2
Mr Galloway hinted on social media this week of the possibility of allowing thousands of Scots living elsewhere in Britain to have a say in any second independence referendum following a potential pact with the Tories. He added on Twitter: “I’ll tell you this if there’s to be a second IndyRef, then 795,000 Scots living elsewhere in the UK must have a vote” “If UK ex-pats can vote in general elections from Spain then an existential question like Separatism must be answered by all Scots.” Mr Gove replied: “Interesting question” hinting at the prospect that the UK government could accept a second referendum would have to take place. READ MORE: Scotland coronavirus panic: Perthshire sees huge surge in cases
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Boris Johnson visited Scotland last month
Express.co.uk understands the Cabinet Office minister had also met privately with figures from other parties, including former First Labour Minister of Scotland Jack McConnell, to discuss support for the Union. But SNP sources told this website the opposition were “scared” of the growing movement on Scottish independence. Keth Brown, deputy leader of the SNP, added: “The SNP continue to demand the people of Scotland get to choose our future in another independence referendum rather than having an untrustworthy Tory Government - who we didn't vote for - imposing damaging policies like Brexit on us." Responding to Mr Gove’s Tweet, Deputy FM John Swinney claims Westminster is "accepting the reality" that there will have to be a second referendum on independence. Mr Swinney added: "This move and this talk is essentially an indication of an acceptance of the reality that we're now facing. DON'T MISS:
Brexit row erupts between No10 and Scotland as SNP ramps up pressure [REVEAL]
Blow for SNP as MAJORITY think independence a distraction [INSIGHT]
Furious Westminster MPs turn on own party with internal rift [LATEST]
George Galloway has been approaching other political parties
"That support for Scottish independence is demonstrating itself at a strong, consistent Yes position and majority support for Yes which is now emerging in a number of polls. "So I think what we're now seeing is the UK Government accepting that there will have to be a referendum on independence, and that's a welcome position for them to take and it's a democratic position for them to take." He continued: "We had a referendum in 2014 in which people took the view that this was a well-organised referendum, with the correct franchise in which the people who are eligible to vote here in Scotland were able to do so.
Richard Leonard declined the offer


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Barnier's no deal Brexit alarm exposed as Frost refuses to 'beg' Brussels in crunch talks

EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned agreeing a deal before the deadline currently `` seems unlikely '' , as he suggested Britain is `` wasting valuable time '' .
His UK counterpart David Frost also warned `` there has been little progress '' after the conclusion of the seventh round of talks on Friday .
Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice has said the chances of a trade deal with the EU is `` diminishing all the time '' .
Speaking to talkRADIO , Mr Tice said : `` Barnier always seems to be disappointed every week at the end of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging because it sounds like David Frost and his team have held firm and held to our red lines .
`` You and I know this is going to go to the eleventh hour .
`` I still think the likelihood of a deal is diminishing all the time .
READ MORE : EU PANIC : ‘ Deeply flawed ’ Brussels system exposed in TWO key points '' My expectation is a partial deal that allows both sides to claim that they 've held on to their key red lines .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely vital that we do n't concede regulatory alignment and we do n't concede having to beg Brussels for any form of state aid .
`` The Government is going to have to invest in and protect our key industries and businesses in an extraordinary way that we 've never envisaged before . ''
Both sides accept time is running out to broker a deal before the transition period comes to a close at the end of the year , which would see UK firms facing high tariffs for trade .
Mr Frost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be struck , but he accused the EU of ruling out `` any further substantive work '' unless the UK accepts the bloc 's state aid rules and fisheries policy .
He added : `` This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress . ''
A senior negotiating official for the UK insisted `` it 's not us that 's slowing it down '' , and ruled out accepting Mr Barnier 's position : `` Obviously we 're not going to do that .
So it 's frozen . ''
After a breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close of the talks in Brussels , Mr Barnier was equally as pessimistic about progress .
Barnier wants 'humiliation for UK ! '
Brexiteers praise Frost 's reaction [ INSIGHT ] George Soros ' secret plan to THWART Brexit unmasked : 'Not too late ! '
[ ANALYSIS ] POLL : Which red lines should Boris compromise on to secure a deal ?
[ POLL ]

Brexit: David Frost ‘holding firm’ on negotiations says Tice
EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned agreeing a deal before the deadline currently "seems unlikely", as he suggested Britain is "wasting valuable time". His UK counterpart David Frost also warned "there has been little progress" after the conclusion of the seventh round of talks on Friday. Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice has said the chances of a trade deal with the EU is "diminishing all the time".
Trending
Speaking to talkRADIO, Mr Tice said: "Barnier always seems to be disappointed every week at the end of these negotiations. "I think that's encouraging because it sounds like David Frost and his team have held firm and held to our red lines. "You and I know this is going to go to the eleventh hour. "I still think the likelihood of a deal is diminishing all the time. READ MORE: EU PANIC: ‘Deeply flawed’ Brussels system exposed in TWO key points
Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU are approaching deadlock
EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned agreeing a deal before the deadline currently "seems unlikely"
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"My expectation is a partial deal that allows both sides to claim that they've held on to their key red lines. "At this time of economic crisis it's absolutely vital that we don't concede regulatory alignment and we don't concede having to beg Brussels for any form of state aid. "The Government is going to have to invest in and protect our key industries and businesses in an extraordinary way that we've never envisaged before." Both sides accept time is running out to broker a deal before the transition period comes to a close at the end of the year, which would see UK firms facing high tariffs for trade.
Richard Tice said the chances of a deal are "diminishing"
Michel Barnier: UK seeing ‘clear consequences of Brexit vote’
Mr Frost said he believes an agreement can still be struck, but he accused the EU of ruling out "any further substantive work" unless the UK accepts the bloc's state aid rules and fisheries policy. He added: "This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress." A senior negotiating official for the UK insisted "it's not us that's slowing it down", and ruled out accepting Mr Barnier's position: "Obviously we're not going to do that. So it's frozen." After a breakfast meeting between the top negotiators at the close of the talks in Brussels, Mr Barnier was equally as pessimistic about progress. DON'T MISS Barnier wants 'humiliation for UK!' Brexiteers praise Frost's reaction [INSIGHT]
George Soros' secret plan to THWART Brexit unmasked: 'Not too late!' [ANALYSIS]
POLL: Which red lines should Boris compromise on to secure a deal? [POLL]
Boris Johnson on Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Barnier wants 'total humiliation for UK!' Brexiteers praise Frost for 'holding his nerve'


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Brexit deal: What are the sticking points? End of trade talks leave deal 'unlikely'

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Another round of Brexit trade talks has ended in London , and a trade deal between the UK and the EU is looking like more and more of an impossibility .
Negotiators have been frank about the diminishing likelihood that the two sides will meet eye to eye and agree on a trade deal before the end of the transition period .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday after a week-long round of talks that , on some subjects , there had been “ no progress whatsoever on the issues that matter ” .
He said : “ Too often this week , it felt as if we were going backwards more than forward .
Given the short time left ... today at this stage an agreement between the UK and the European Union seems unlikely .
I still do not understand why we are wasting valuable time . ''
David Frost , the UK ’ s chief negotiator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ agreement is still possible ” but that “ it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve ” .
The UK is due to end its transition period at the end of 2020 .

Brexit: David Frost ‘holding firm’ on negotiations says Tice
Another round of Brexit trade talks has ended in London, and a trade deal between the UK and the EU is looking like more and more of an impossibility. Negotiators have been frank about the diminishing likelihood that the two sides will meet eye to eye and agree on a trade deal before the end of the transition period.
Trending
A visibly annoyed Michel Barnier told reporters on Friday after a week-long round of talks that, on some subjects, there had been “no progress whatsoever on the issues that matter”. He said: “Too often this week, it felt as if we were going backwards more than forward. Given the short time left ... today at this stage an agreement between the UK and the European Union seems unlikely. I still do not understand why we are wasting valuable time." David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, said in a written statement he believed “agreement is still possible” but that “it is clear that it will not be easy to achieve”. The UK is due to end its transition period at the end of 2020.
Brexit talks: No deal is now looking highly likely
Brexit trade talks: Michel Barnier and David Frost have met again this week
READ MORE Brexit Party's Richard Tice suggest taxing those working from home What are the sticking points? According to Mr Frost and Mr Barnier, there had been progress on energy co-operation, participation in union programmes and anti-money laundering, but no progress has been made on fisheries and state aid. Mr Frost also said the EU's demand for a level-playing field - one of the other sticking points in negotiations - was "a non-negotiable pre-condition to grant access to our market of 450 million citizens". A level-playing field is a trade policy term for a set of common rules and standards that prevent businesses in one country undercutting their rivals and gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in other countries.
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Brexit trade talks: Michel Barnier has expressed fatigue at the UK's unwillingness to move
The EU has been insistent there should be level-playing field for workers' rights, environmental protection, taxation and state aid. The UK also wants to retain access to the single market, without paying to membership fee or signing up to its rules. Mr Barnier has previously said there would be no trade deal if the UK carried on with its refusal to make concessions on certain aspects of a deal. Mr Frost said: “The EU is still insisting not only that we must accept continuity with EU state aid and fisheries policy, but also that this must be agreed before any further substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts. DON'T MISS
Brexit key dates: Every date left as clock ticks down - TIMELINE [INSIGHT]
No deal Brexit benefits: The five ways a no deal could be good [REPORT]
Brexit divorce bill: How much is UK paying EU in 2020? [ANALYSIS]
READ MORE David Frost preparing new tactics to broker Brexit trade pact with EU “This makes it unnecessarily difficult to make progress. There are other significant areas which remain to be resolved and even where there is a broad understanding between negotiators, there is a lot of detail to work through. Time is short for both sides.” Mr Barnier has said that the UK will have a difficult time negotiating a deal with any other trade bloc if it doesn't make any concessions. He said: “No international agreement was ever reached without the parties agreeing to common rules, and I can predict with absolute certainty this will also be the case of trade agreements between the UK and other partners in the future such as the United States, Japan, and Australia." He continued: “Apart from the question of a level playing field, there are still many other areas where progress is needed.
Brexit trade talks: A no deal is looming closer


thedailyexpress--2020-08-21--Ireland chaos: EU agriculture chief Hogan told to apologise by Taoiseach over COVID breach

And the European Commission has been forced to defend Mr Hogan after the news broke and he found himself under mounting pressure .
Dara Calleary , Ireland 's Agriculture Minister , has already resigned in the wake of the furore over the exclusive dinner , held at the County Galway Station House Hotel less than 24 hours after Mr Martin 's Government agreed new rules banning indoor gatherings of more than six people .
Mr Hogan , a member of the Fine Gael party who serves as EU Agriculture Commissioner , has insisted he `` complied fully '' with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader and Taoiseach Mr Martin was unimpressed .
Speaking to broadcaster RTE , Mr Martin said Mr Hogan should offer a `` more meaningful response '' to the public anger .
He added : `` He should apologise .
`` I think he should be far more fulsome in his response to this . ''
Mr Martin declared himself to be `` deeply annoyed and upset '' by what happened .
He said : `` I did n't expect it in any shape or form .
JUST IN : Ireland government in danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be one rule for people in office . ''
Writing on Twitter , Mr Hogan said : `` I attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner on Wednesday on the clear understanding that the organisers and the hotel concerned had been assured [ by the Irish Hotels ’ Federation ] that the arrangements put in place would be in compliance with the government ’ s guidelines .
`` Prior to the event , I had complied fully with the government ’ s quarantine requirements , having been in Ireland since late July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Boris and Varadkar set to clash over UK-Ireland customs [ LATEST ] Varadkar humiliation : How Irish PM sparked Twitter outrage [ UPDATE ] Varadkar shamed : Plot to keep lame-duck PM in power condemned [ LATEST ] He subsequently told RTE he `` apologised for any distress caused by my attendance '' .
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said it is `` very clear '' that the event held in Galway was not in line with public health guidance .
Dr Glynn said : `` There 's a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's not misplaced .
But what I will also say , from my perspective as a clinician , is that the virus could n't care less about anger and in fact it 's only waiting for an opportunity for anger or complacency or any other emotion that will trip us up as a community and stop us adhering to the public health advice .
`` I know that there will be people today who throw their hands up , but I 'm asking them not to .
`` Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their community as a whole , I 'm asking them to do it for themselves and their families because the virus does n't care about outside events . ''
European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant said that by self-isolating on his return to Ireland for the summer , Mr Hogan demonstrated how seriously he takes Covid 19 rules and regulations .
She said : `` Upon his return from Brussels to Ireland for the summer holidays , he had self-isolated for 14 days in accordance with the local regulations in Ireland .

Micheal Martin calls on Phil Hogan to apologise for Galway event
And the European Commission has been forced to defend Mr Hogan after the news broke and he found himself under mounting pressure. Dara Calleary, Ireland's Agriculture Minister, has already resigned in the wake of the furore over the exclusive dinner, held at the County Galway Station House Hotel less than 24 hours after Mr Martin's Government agreed new rules banning indoor gatherings of more than six people.
Trending
Mr Hogan, a member of the Fine Gael party who serves as EU Agriculture Commissioner, has insisted he "complied fully" with the Government's regulations - but Fianna Fail leader and Taoiseach Mr Martin was unimpressed. Speaking to broadcaster RTE, Mr Martin said Mr Hogan should offer a "more meaningful response" to the public anger. He added: "He should apologise.
Phil Hogan subsequently said he "apologised for any offence caused"
Micheal Martin, Ireland's Taoiseach
I think he should be far more fulsome in his response to this Micheal Martin
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"I think he should be far more fulsome in his response to this." Mr Martin declared himself to be "deeply annoyed and upset" by what happened. He said: "I didn't expect it in any shape or form. JUST IN: Ireland government in danger of COLLAPSE after huge crisis
Leo Varadkar removed the whip from three senators
"There will not be one rule for people in office." Writing on Twitter, Mr Hogan said: "I attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner on Wednesday on the clear understanding that the organisers and the hotel concerned had been assured [by the Irish Hotels’ Federation] that the arrangements put in place would be in compliance with the government’s guidelines. "Prior to the event, I had complied fully with the government’s quarantine requirements, having been in Ireland since late July." DON'T MISS
Brexit fury: Boris and Varadkar set to clash over UK-Ireland customs [LATEST]
Varadkar humiliation: How Irish PM sparked Twitter outrage [UPDATE]
Varadkar shamed: Plot to keep lame-duck PM in power condemned [LATEST]
Dara Calleary resigned in the wake of the furore
Leo Varadkar's tweet
He subsequently told RTE he "apologised for any distress caused by my attendance". Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said it is "very clear" that the event held in Galway was not in line with public health guidance. Dr Glynn said: "There's a very justifiable and understandable anger in Ireland today. "It's not misplaced. But what I will also say, from my perspective as a clinician, is that the virus couldn't care less about anger and in fact it's only waiting for an opportunity for anger or complacency or any other emotion that will trip us up as a community and stop us adhering to the public health advice.
Coronavirus cases worldwide
"I know that there will be people today who throw their hands up, but I'm asking them not to. "Even if they don't want to do it for their community as a whole, I'm asking them to do it for themselves and their families because the virus doesn't care about outside events." European Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant said that by self-isolating on his return to Ireland for the summer, Mr Hogan demonstrated how seriously he takes Covid 19 rules and regulations. She said: "Upon his return from Brussels to Ireland for the summer holidays, he had self-isolated for 14 days in accordance with the local regulations in Ireland.
Barry Cowen, Mr Calleary's predecessor as Agriculture Minister, was also forced to resign