thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Brexit HIJACKED! Fury as EU tries to stall UK trade talks for MONTHS – Just leave on WTO!

They warned that the bloc would not even consider its own proposals until Britain leaves on January 31 .
The EU 's lackadaisical timeline provoked widespread dismay and is likely to frustrate Boris Johnson who said Britain wants trade talks to start the morning after Brexit and to be concluded by the end of 2020 .
Re-igniting the Brexit trade row European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said : `` The commission can adopt its proposal for the negotiation directives only once the UK has actually withdrawn from the EU .
`` This we know will take some time , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start negotiations as quickly as we can , but it will certainly not be before the end of February , beginning of March.
” Mr Mamer claimed the move was not a deliberate attempt to delay Brexit .
He explained : `` This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process .
“ This is simply the nature of the institutional process and the consultations that need to take place before the negotiation directives can be formally adopted . ''
Tory MPs were not impressed by the stalling tactic from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blasted the EU for dragging its heels .
“ I am totally mystified by the EU and I still think there are some people over there who still think we are not leaving on January 31 .
“ They have known for some time that we are leaving so it is laughable that they do not yet have any plan - except to delay .
“ Boris Johnson has made it clear that if negotiations are not completed by the end of the year then we will leave on WTO terms.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t know whether this delay is a reflection of the famed inefficiency of the EU or just their bureaucracy , but this will not please France , Germany , or Holland whose economies are dependent on the huge UK market for their exports.
” And Tory MP Philip Davies added : “ The EU have always prioritised political game playing over the economic well-being of their members and this is a prime example .
“ That is one of the reasons why we are well shut of them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to that conclusion over time.
” But Irish Deputy PM Simon Coveney refused to blame the EU , and said that Britain had been given plenty of time to sort out a plan .
He said : `` To put the blame on the EU Commission for the state of affairs seems to me to be beside the point .
Quite clearly the UK has been in control of the calendar . ''
The remarks threaten to open the growing rift between Britain and the EU over a future trading relationship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ursula von der Leyen said it would be `` impossible '' to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020 calling Mr Johnson ’ s deadline `` very tight '' .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said Britain is ready to begin trade negotiations with the EU immediately .
“ We are clear what we want to achieve , ” he said .
“ The EU is obviously going through a process of deciding what its position will be going into these discussions .
We are ready to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to leave the EU at 11pm on January 31 , with a host of parties planned across the country .
We will then enter into a standstill transition period which will come to an end in December .
During that period the UK and EU will try to hammer out the terms of their future relationship .
Mr Johnson has ruled out any extension to the transition period and believes a complete trade deal can be agreed by the end of the year .
He is expected to set out his goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public announcement early next month .
The PM will also unveil his blueprint for Britain ’ s much-vaunted blockbuster trade deal with America and its trading relationship with the rest of the world .
A No.10 source said : `` We will set out in public what we want to achieve.
” The delay with the EU leaves open the option of the UK beginning trade talks with the US before negotiations begin with Brussels .

Brexit: ‘In everyone’s interest’ to get trade deals done says MP
They warned that the bloc would not even consider its own proposals until Britain leaves on January 31. The EU's lackadaisical timeline provoked widespread dismay and is likely to frustrate Boris Johnson who said Britain wants trade talks to start the morning after Brexit and to be concluded by the end of 2020.
Re-igniting the Brexit trade row European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said: "The commission can adopt its proposal for the negotiation directives only once the UK has actually withdrawn from the EU. "This we know will take some time, which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can, but it will certainly not be before the end of February, beginning of March.” Mr Mamer claimed the move was not a deliberate attempt to delay Brexit. He explained: "This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process.
Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Mr Johnson has ruled out any extension to the transition period
“This is simply the nature of the institutional process and the consultations that need to take place before the negotiation directives can be formally adopted." Tory MPs were not impressed by the stalling tactic from Brussels. Brexiteer Peter Bone, below, blasted the EU for dragging its heels. “I am totally mystified by the EU and I still think there are some people over there who still think we are not leaving on January 31. “They have known for some time that we are leaving so it is laughable that they do not yet have any plan - except to delay. “Boris Johnson has made it clear that if negotiations are not completed by the end of the year then we will leave on WTO terms.” Fellow Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said: “I don’t know whether this delay is a reflection of the famed inefficiency of the EU or just their bureaucracy, but this will not please France, Germany, or Holland whose economies are dependent on the huge UK market for their exports.”
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Brexiteer Peter Bone blasted the EU for dragging its heels
And Tory MP Philip Davies added: “The EU have always prioritised political game playing over the economic well-being of their members and this is a prime example. “That is one of the reasons why we are well shut of them, and why other countries will almost certainly come to that conclusion over time.” But Irish Deputy PM Simon Coveney refused to blame the EU, and said that Britain had been given plenty of time to sort out a plan. He said: "To put the blame on the EU Commission for the state of affairs seems to me to be beside the point. Quite clearly the UK has been in control of the calendar." The remarks threaten to open the growing rift between Britain and the EU over a future trading relationship.
Earlier this month new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "impossible" to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020 calling Mr Johnson’s deadline "very tight". The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Britain is ready to begin trade negotiations with the EU immediately. “We are clear what we want to achieve,” he said. “The EU is obviously going through a process of deciding what its position will be going into these discussions. We are ready to start negotiating from February 1.” Britain is set to leave the EU at 11pm on January 31, with a host of parties planned across the country. We will then enter into a standstill transition period which will come to an end in December. During that period the UK and EU will try to hammer out the terms of their future relationship.
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Mr Johnson has ruled out any extension to the transition period and believes a complete trade deal can be agreed by the end of the year. He is expected to set out his goals for a future partnership with bloc in a public announcement early next month. The PM will also unveil his blueprint for Britain’s much-vaunted blockbuster trade deal with America and its trading relationship with the rest of the world. A No.10 source said: "We will set out in public what we want to achieve.” The delay with the EU leaves open the option of the UK beginning trade talks with the US before negotiations begin with Brussels.


thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--John McDonnell admits even LABOUR is sick of listening to him as he's mocked in Parliament

The Shadow Chancellor attempted to make his address to the Commons `` brief '' in order to allow new members of Parliament time to speak .
However , some Conservative MPs still found time to jeer the Labour MP .
Mr McDonnell did laugh off the heckles and continued to finish his address to the Parliament .
John McDonnell said : `` Thank you Mr Speaker , I appreciate that there are a large number of new members that will be wanting to speak today so I will be as brief as I possibly can . ''
Mr McDonnell was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Chancellor saw the funny side of the heckling and chuckled .
He then said : `` I thought that would be appreciated on all sides . ''
READ MORE : John McDonnell hit by Twitter backlash following message to Johnson His comments appeared to be an admission that even his own party 's MPs were sick of listening to him .
The Labour MP joked following the jeers : `` We aim to please . ''
Last week Jeremy Corbyn was mocked after many MPs failed to show up for PMQs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , who is stepping down in April following last month ’ s dismal general election performance , after he tried to question him on the NHS .
Mr Corbyn didn ’ t even have the support of his own party to back him up as a number of empty seats on the opposition side of the Commons proved many MPs had not even shown up .
Mr Johnson said : `` Mr Speaker I am delighted that he is still fighting on the manifesto he submitted to the British public last election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear what they thought of it and what they thought of the credibility of the promises he made .
DO N'T MISS Bercow could have peerage BLOCKED by Boris Johnson [ INSIGHT ] Labour membership : Can you vote in Labour leadership contest ?
[ INSIGHT ] George Galloway lashes out at 'tailor 's dummy ' Sir Keir Starmer [ VIDEO ] '' They see that it is this Government that invested in hospitals , in schools , in policing and in bringing crime down .
`` That is because it is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy has led to record employment , record unemployment which delivers the tax revenues that enables us to pay for the whole thing .
`` Whenever Labour is in office they wreck the economy and they put unemployment higher and they make us less able to pay for great public services .
`` They will not take this country forward , they will take it backward . ''

John McDonnell laughs off heckles in House of Commons
The Shadow Chancellor attempted to make his address to the Commons "brief" in order to allow new members of Parliament time to speak. However, some Conservative MPs still found time to jeer the Labour MP. Mr McDonnell did laugh off the heckles and continued to finish his address to the Parliament.
John McDonnell said: "Thank you Mr Speaker, I appreciate that there are a large number of new members that will be wanting to speak today so I will be as brief as I possibly can." Mr McDonnell was then jeered by some MPs. The Shadow Chancellor saw the funny side of the heckling and chuckled. He then said: "I thought that would be appreciated on all sides." READ MORE: John McDonnell hit by Twitter backlash following message to Johnson
John McDonnell addressed the House of Commons
The Shadow Chancellor saw the funny side of the heckling
His comments appeared to be an admission that even his own party's MPs were sick of listening to him. Some Tories then sarcastically cheered Mr McDonnell. The Labour MP joked following the jeers: "We aim to please." Last week Jeremy Corbyn was mocked after many MPs failed to show up for PMQs.
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Jeremy Corbyn appeared stunned by the dig
PMQs: Boris Johnson mocks Corbyn over election manifesto
The Prime Minister ripped into the Labour leader, who is stepping down in April following last month’s dismal general election performance, after he tried to question him on the NHS. Mr Corbyn didn’t even have the support of his own party to back him up as a number of empty seats on the opposition side of the Commons proved many MPs had not even shown up. Mr Johnson said: "Mr Speaker I am delighted that he is still fighting on the manifesto he submitted to the British public last election. "I think it was pretty clear what they thought of it and what they thought of the credibility of the promises he made. DON'T MISS
Bercow could have peerage BLOCKED by Boris Johnson [INSIGHT]
Labour membership: Can you vote in Labour leadership contest? [INSIGHT]
George Galloway lashes out at 'tailor's dummy' Sir Keir Starmer [VIDEO]
The December 2019 election result
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Boris Johnson urged to push for Commons vote so Big Ben will bong for Brexit

Mr Francois ’ letter is a last-ditch attempt to secure the symbolic ringing of Big Ben , which , if campaigns are successful , would bong on Brexit Day - January 31 , 2020 .
Ministers today rejected a plea to trigger a Commons vote which would attempt to force the House of Commons Commission to drop a refusal to allow the bell to sound at 11pm .
Mr Francois said : “ I think the Prime Minister in his initial calling for a crowd-funding campaign for this was well meaning , but he is now starting to look a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York .
“ This has become such a mess that I will now be writing to the Prime Minister to suggest that he should table a motion so that MPs can debate all the arguments over costs and timings and then have a free vote in the Commons about whether or not to proceed.
” In its rejection of the Big Ben request , the House of Commons Commission cited the current work which is taking place on Elizabeth Tower , which houses the Big Ben bell .
Renovation work is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore a floor which was taken out for maintenance .
The commission also stated it would not take public donations .
Various crowd-funding initiatives were sparked after the Prime Minister stated government funds would not go towards making the bell ring on Brexit Day .
Instead , in a statement which sparked a row last week , Mr Johnson suggested people could “ bung a bob for a Brexit bong ” .
READ MORE : Ann Widdecombe lashes out at Boris for disappointing Big Ben decision Mark Francois , who personally delivered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Deputy Chairman of the Eurosceptic and staunchly Brexiteer European Research Group ( ERG ) , and a Conservative MP .
He was a critic of the leadership of Theresa May , and is a Brexit supporter .
Together , with the StandUp4Brexit group , he launched the principle crowd-funder to raise money for Big Ben to chime on Brexit day .
DO N'T MISS : Brexiteers demand Commons vote to force Parliament to let Big Ben bong [ SHOCK ] Big Ben WON ’ T bong as Commons chiefs refuse to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear for Brexit !
’ YOU overwhelmingly say Big Ben MUST bong [ POLL ] Mr Francois hit out at the House of Commons commission a number of days ago , when he stated on BBC Breakfast there was “ inflating ” of the cost of ringing the bell taking place .
He said : “ It was the Prime Minister that called for this on the BBC a few days ago when he said people should give a bob so Big Ben can bong for Brexit .
“ I saw him say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister who called for this crowdfunding campaign , and we responded to his calls saying , you can ’ t ask the British public to pay for it , and three days later go , ‘ Sorry !
That ’ s not quite what I meant.
’ ” Mr Francois also claimed it costs £14,200 to ring Big Ben on New Year ’ s Eve and Remembrance Sunday , and thus the commission had been “ caught red-handed ” by “ inflating the cost ” .
He also lashed out at those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stating they should “ stay at home and watch Netflix ” if they refuse to support the Brexit decision .
In an interview with Sky News , Mr Francois suggested that “ if all else failed , we could play a recording of a Big Ben chime at 11pm.
” Britain is due to leave the European Union on January 31 , 2020 at 11pm .

Brexit: Francois fumes over ‘inflation’ of Big Ben chime costs
Mr Francois’ letter is a last-ditch attempt to secure the symbolic ringing of Big Ben, which, if campaigns are successful, would bong on Brexit Day - January 31, 2020. Ministers today rejected a plea to trigger a Commons vote which would attempt to force the House of Commons Commission to drop a refusal to allow the bell to sound at 11pm. Mr Francois said: “I think the Prime Minister in his initial calling for a crowd-funding campaign for this was well meaning, but he is now starting to look a bit like the Grand Old Duke of York.
“This has become such a mess that I will now be writing to the Prime Minister to suggest that he should table a motion so that MPs can debate all the arguments over costs and timings and then have a free vote in the Commons about whether or not to proceed.” In its rejection of the Big Ben request, the House of Commons Commission cited the current work which is taking place on Elizabeth Tower, which houses the Big Ben bell. Renovation work is set to cost up to £500,000, particularly to restore a floor which was taken out for maintenance.
MP Mark Francois started the 'Big Ben Bong' campaign
Big Ben is currently being renovated
The commission also stated it would not take public donations. Various crowd-funding initiatives were sparked after the Prime Minister stated government funds would not go towards making the bell ring on Brexit Day. Instead, in a statement which sparked a row last week, Mr Johnson suggested people could “bung a bob for a Brexit bong”. READ MORE: Ann Widdecombe lashes out at Boris for disappointing Big Ben decision
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The Elizabeth Tower houses the Big Ben bell
Big Ben could bong to mark Brexit Day
Mr Francois delivered a letter to the PM to Downing Street today
Mr Francois hit out at the House of Commons commission a number of days ago, when he stated on BBC Breakfast there was “inflating” of the cost of ringing the bell taking place. He said: “It was the Prime Minister that called for this on the BBC a few days ago when he said people should give a bob so Big Ben can bong for Brexit. “I saw him say it. It’s the Prime Minister who called for this crowdfunding campaign, and we responded to his calls saying, you can’t ask the British public to pay for it, and three days later go, ‘Sorry! That’s not quite what I meant.’”
Facts surrounding Big Ben
Mr Francois also claimed it costs £14,200 to ring Big Ben on New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday, and thus the commission had been “caught red-handed” by “inflating the cost”. He also lashed out at those who support Britain remaining in the EU, stating they should “stay at home and watch Netflix” if they refuse to support the Brexit decision. In an interview with Sky News, Mr Francois suggested that “if all else failed, we could play a recording of a Big Ben chime at 11pm.” Britain is due to leave the European Union on January 31, 2020 at 11pm.
PM Boris Johnson has been petitioned to make Big Ben bong for Brexit
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Labour party membership SURGES ahead of deadline in desperate bid to block Long-Bailey

New members are clambering to sign up before the 5pm deadline so they can influence the future of the party it suffered a devastating defeat in the general election .
There 's no data on who new members are joining to support .
But it has been thought that many hold centrist views that could spell grim news for Rebecca Long-Bailey , who has positioned herself as the heir to Mr Corbyn .
She has support in the existing left-wing membership but a YouGov poll had her trailing Keir Starmer by 37 to 63 in the final round .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but a YouGov poll had her trailing Keir Starmer by 37 to 63 in the final round .
One Constituency Labour Party ( CLP ) official in London told the Daily Mirror they have seen 600 members join since the election in their area alone .
They said : “ It 's not clear who they 're backing .
“ Anecdotally some are clearly Corbyn sceptics but the rest are harder to place .
`` Definitely some were motivated by the election result and the thought of a Tory Government . ''
Jess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in disgust at Mr Corbyn ’ s leadership to return to the party .
She admitted her campaign for Labour ’ s top job was faltering , saying : “ I probably won ’ t win .
The centrist candidate described her own performance in the first party hustings as “ awful ” , appearing to acknowledge that either Keir Starmer or Rebecca Long-Bailey would triumph .
The format of the televised hustings enraged some candidates after they were given just 40 seconds to answer each question and no chance to debate directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer any question in 40 seconds is ridiculous .
“ If it were possible to sum up , for example , an economic plan or an industrial strategy in 40 seconds , one wonders why they are actually hundreds of pages l Jess Phillips wo n't rule out trying to rejoin EU as Labour leader [ VIDEO ] Jeremy Corbyn nominates John Bercow for House of Lords [ INSIGHT ] Keir Starmer : Why is Keir Starmer a Sir ?
Why was he knighted ?
[ EXPLAINER ] Lisa Nandy wrote to Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am firmly of the view that the scale of our defeat in December , the solutions that each of the candidates want to put forward warrants more than 40 seconds .
`` Given the views of members in the room and responses online , there is clearly a strong appetite to get more detail from those who wish to lead our party and run our country.
” Ms Phillips vowed to be herself and strive to be less “ statesmanlike ” at future hustings with the Labour faithful , saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think .

Labour hustings host jokes about going to Wetherspoons
New members are clambering to sign up before the 5pm deadline so they can influence the future of the party it suffered a devastating defeat in the general election. There's no data on who new members are joining to support. But it has been thought that many hold centrist views that could spell grim news for Rebecca Long-Bailey, who has positioned herself as the heir to Mr Corbyn.
She has support in the existing left-wing membership but a YouGov poll had her trailing Keir Starmer by 37 to 63 in the final round. She has support in the existing left-wing membership but a YouGov poll had her trailing Keir Starmer by 37 to 63 in the final round. One Constituency Labour Party (CLP) official in London told the Daily Mirror they have seen 600 members join since the election in their area alone. They said: “It's not clear who they're backing.
The Labour leadership candidates
Labour candidates in the leadership race
“Anecdotally some are clearly Corbyn sceptics but the rest are harder to place. "Definitely some were motivated by the election result and the thought of a Tory Government." Jess Phillips has called for those who quit in disgust at Mr Corbyn’s leadership to return to the party. She admitted her campaign for Labour’s top job was faltering, saying: “I probably won’t win. READ MORE: BBC's Marr slams Corbyn's 'cheeky' peerage decision as Brexiteer snub
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Jeremy Corbyn is stepping down
The Labour leadership candidates
The centrist candidate described her own performance in the first party hustings as “awful”, appearing to acknowledge that either Keir Starmer or Rebecca Long-Bailey would triumph. The format of the televised hustings enraged some candidates after they were given just 40 seconds to answer each question and no chance to debate directly. Ms Phillips said: “To answer any question in 40 seconds is ridiculous. “If it were possible to sum up, for example, an economic plan or an industrial strategy in 40 seconds, one wonders why they are actually hundreds of pages l DON'T MISS Jess Phillips won't rule out trying to rejoin EU as Labour leader [VIDEO]
Jeremy Corbyn nominates John Bercow for House of Lords [INSIGHT]
Keir Starmer: Why is Keir Starmer a Sir? Why was he knighted? [EXPLAINER]
Kier Starmer is one of the contenders for Labour leader
“What a ridiculous farce." Lisa Nandy wrote to Labour general secretary Jennie Formby today saying: "I am firmly of the view that the scale of our defeat in December, the solutions that each of the candidates want to put forward warrants more than 40 seconds. "Given the views of members in the room and responses online, there is clearly a strong appetite to get more detail from those who wish to lead our party and run our country.” Ms Phillips vowed to be herself and strive to be less “statesmanlike” at future hustings with the Labour faithful, saying: “I am going to say what I think.
Labour's unsuccessful election manifesto
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-20--Gibraltar threat: Spanish politician reveals plot to seize Rock - ‘Brexit opportunity!’

Jose Garcia-Margallo said Spain could not afford to let the “ historic ” moment pass by without launching a bid to bring the British Overseas Territory under Spanish rule .
The 75-year-old former Minister of Foreign Affairs called for money to be pumped into Campo de Gibraltar , the southern county which shares a 0.75 mile border with the Rock .
Every day , thousands of Spaniards cross the line to work in Gibraltar due to a lack of employment opportunities in their region .
Gibraltar SHOCK : Rock comes out in support of a no deal Brexit In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have to immediately negotiate the Gibraltar issue , if we miss this historic moment , and we have not seen something similar since 1713 , we will miss a golden opportunity.
” He added : “ The truth is that many people in Campo de Gibraltar , either because they are forced to work in the rock because they have no opportunities elsewhere , or because they benefit from the flow of people , they are afraid of change .
“ The solution we have proposed , which is co-sovereignty in foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statute of autonomy .
“ And above all a special economic regime , would be fantastic and easy and would give people work immediately , connecting the port of Algeciras with the Mediterranean corridor and a new airport .
”

Brexit: Spain should respect Gibraltar's sovereignty says minister
Jose Garcia-Margallo said Spain could not afford to let the “historic” moment pass by without launching a bid to bring the British Overseas Territory under Spanish rule. The 75-year-old former Minister of Foreign Affairs called for money to be pumped into Campo de Gibraltar, the southern county which shares a 0.75 mile border with the Rock. Every day, thousands of Spaniards cross the line to work in Gibraltar due to a lack of employment opportunities in their region.
In a statement, Mr Garcia-Margallo said: “We have to immediately negotiate the Gibraltar issue, if we miss this historic moment, and we have not seen something similar since 1713, we will miss a golden opportunity.” He added: “The truth is that many people in Campo de Gibraltar, either because they are forced to work in the rock because they have no opportunities elsewhere, or because they benefit from the flow of people, they are afraid of change. “The solution we have proposed, which is co-sovereignty in foreign defence and immigration, dual nationality, statute of autonomy. “And above all a special economic regime, would be fantastic and easy and would give people work immediately, connecting the port of Algeciras with the Mediterranean corridor and a new airport.”
A Spanish MEP has said Brexit presents a 'golden opportunity' to gain control of Gibraltar
The Prime Minister pictured at a conference in East London on Monday
He said he could not foresee any movement on the issue if Gibraltar was not under any pressure. “In international relations nobody gives anything for free, except in cooperation, but states are not NGOs,” he added. The port is located at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. READ MORE: Back off, Spain! Gibraltar sends Madrid (and Boris) Brexit warning
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Jose Garcia-Margallo wants Spanish and British politicians to come to an agreement on Gibraltar
Boris Johnson is due to take the UK out of the EU on Jan 31
A Spanish MEP has urged politicians in his country to bring the UK to the table to negotiate Gibraltar
He said: “The United Nations has been saying since 1955 that it is a colony, that it has to be decolonized, that negotiations between the two parties are a must, and that in no case can the principle of self-determination be applied. “They are being offered advantages that they shouldn’t ignore.” When asked about Brexit, the MEP said he anticipates the UK to encounter “more difficulties” than its European neighbours after Brexit.
Gibraltar is classed as a British Overseas Territory
This, he said, would be due to the fact that Britain will have departed “the network of trade agreements that the European Union has signed with 50 countries”. Last February, British politicians complained after the EU referred to Gibraltar as a “colony” in a piece of draft legislation.
The Rock of Gibraltar lies just 12 miles off the coast of North Africa
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--Donald Trump ready to move ‘heaven and earth’ to seal trade deal with Boris THIS SUMMER

In his first major speech after the UK exits the bloc , the Prime Minister is set to confirm Britain will negotiate simultaneously with US President Donald Trump and Brussels in order to strike a free-trade deal before the December 31 deadline , the Financial Times reports .
Downing Street sources say Boris Johnson will publish the timetable for talks just days after Britain leaves the European Union on January 31 .
Robert Lighthizer , the US trade representative , has already held talks with International Trade Secretary Liz Truss last Thursday .
It is understood the US trade official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer and Washington was “ prepared to move heaven and earth ” to get an agreement over the line .
One US official said : “ He suggested he was prepared to move heaven and earth to get something tied up by the summer.
” The US President has constantly championed the prospect of a “ very substantial ” trade deal between the UK and US .
In July , during his visit to the UK , Mr Trump insisted a trade deal could lead to a “ three to four , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Further talks by senior members of Mr Johnson ’ s cabinet including Ms Truss , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove , are expected to take place in Thursday .
On the agenda the Prime Minister ’ s top team will set out plans to strike further trade deals with the rest of the world including Japan , Australia and New Zealand .
The US may have a head-start in post-Brexit negotiations after EU said talks may not commence until March .
The European Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for the bloc to agree its position .
European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said : “ This , we know , will take some time , which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can , but it will certainly not be before the end of February , beginning of March .
“ This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process .
“ This is simply the nature of the institutional process and the consultations that need to take place before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Prime Minister has said negotiation can begin on February 1 and reiterated Britain will not extend the transition period .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : “ We are free to begin discussions with countries around the world from February 1 .
Boris Johnson DEFEATED in the Lords as changes to Brexit bill demanded [ INSIGHT ] EU not ready to start Brexit trade talks with Boris before March [ ANALYSIS ] George Galloway lashes out at 'tailor 's dummy ' Sir Keir Starmer [ VIDEO ]

Brexit: Downing Street announces plans for January 31st
In his first major speech after the UK exits the bloc, the Prime Minister is set to confirm Britain will negotiate simultaneously with US President Donald Trump and Brussels in order to strike a free-trade deal before the December 31 deadline, the Financial Times reports. Downing Street sources say Boris Johnson will publish the timetable for talks just days after Britain leaves the European Union on January 31. Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative, has already held talks with International Trade Secretary Liz Truss last Thursday.
It is understood the US trade official suggested a deal could be reached by the summer and Washington was “prepared to move heaven and earth” to get an agreement over the line. One US official said: “He suggested he was prepared to move heaven and earth to get something tied up by the summer.” The US President has constantly championed the prospect of a “very substantial” trade deal between the UK and US.
A US official has said a trade deal between the UK and US could be reached by the summer
Boris Johnson will begin trade talks with the US and EU in February
In July, during his visit to the UK, Mr Trump insisted a trade deal could lead to a “three to four, five times” increase in current trade. Further talks by senior members of Mr Johnson’s cabinet including Ms Truss, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove, are expected to take place in Thursday. On the agenda the Prime Minister’s top team will set out plans to strike further trade deals with the rest of the world including Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
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Boris Johnson has said the UK will not extend the Brexit deadline
The US may have a head-start in post-Brexit negotiations after EU said talks may not commence until March. The European Commission said it would “take some time” for the bloc to agree its position. European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said: “This, we know, will take some time, which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can, but it will certainly not be before the end of February, beginning of March. “This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process. READ MORE: EU plotting punitive sanctions to scupper Boris' post-Brexit plans
The EU has said trade talks may not begin until March
A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021


thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--Brexit LIVE: House of Lords set to scupper Brexit AGAIN today in blow to Boris Johnson

Yesterday 's losses triggered outrage from Brexiteers who called for the abolition of the Upper Chamber - with one even accusing peers of “ taking orders ” from Guy Verhofstadt , the European Parliament ’ s Brexit representative , who visited the UK earlier this week .
Politico 's Playbook bulletin said : `` Today ’ s votes will include proposed amendments on the rights of refugee children and parliament ’ s involvement in Phase 2 of the Brexit talks .
It follows three crashing defeats for the government last night on EU citizens ’ rights and the independence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty clear , however , that No 10 is not going to back down on any of these issues - so expect all the Lords amendments to be overturned by the Commons later this week . ''
Mr Johnson ’ s legislation , which has already been ratified by the House of Commons , is now passing through the House of Lords , which is seeking a number of amendments .
Lords voted by 270 to 229 in favour of a change put forward by the Liberal Democrats to offer eligible EU citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Brexit , rather than having to apply to the government to do so .
They then voted , by 241 to 205 , to delete powers allowing lower courts the power to overturn rulings of the European Court of Justice .
Finally , Lords passed an amendment which would permit cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to adjudicate on whether to depart from EU case law .
After the first loss , Laura Kuenssberg , the BBC ’ s political editor , tweeted : “ There 's a moment - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Lords over giving EU citizens physical documents to prove they have the right to live here after Brexit.
” 12.25pm update : Devolved administrations `` must have input into negotiations '' , says Lords Peers have urged the Government to ensure the devolved administrations have an input into negotiations on the UK 's future relationship with the EU .
Ministers were told that guaranteeing their involvement and seeking consensus would strengthen the Union .
The call came as the House of Lords continued its scrutiny of Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeats .
Speaking at report stage of the European Union ( Withdrawal Agreement ) Bill , which enables the UK to leave the EU on January 31 , former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd warned that measures were needed `` otherwise the Union will be imperilled '' .
12.15pm update : DUH !
We got our sums wrong !
IMF FINALLY admits Brexit Britain will be world a force After years of predicting Brexit doom and gloom the so-called economics experts at the International Monetary Fund have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit Britain will leave the rest of Europe in its wake .
The comprehensive reversal is doubly embarrassing as the wholly incorrect Project Fear-style catastrophe prediction was made by Christine Lagarde who is the new boss of the European Central Bank .
Ms Lagarde was IMF managing director when she made the cringingly bad prediction in 2016 on the eve of Brexit .
Her former colleagues at the IMF now admit she got it massively wrong and predict post Brexit Britain will leave the rest of Europe in its economic wake .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catastrophe in 2016 to predicting a booming economy today was brilliantly highlighted by Sheffield businessman Steve Winstone who tweeted links to two stories published on ITV ’ s website , with the comment : “ Consistency eh ?
” The Scottish Greens will use the day the UK formally leaves the EU to launch a new campaign for independence .
The party is planning to mark `` Brexit Day '' with a rally in Glasgow , where it will relaunch its campaign for independence and also make clear a separate Scotland should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the president of the Greens in the European Parliament , will join Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie for the event on Friday January 31 .
Mr Harvie said it was `` outrageous and undemocratic '' that Scots were being denied a second independence referendum at a time when they were being taken out of Europe against their wishes .
Calls for a fresh ballot on Scotland 's place in the UK have been mounting since the UK voted for Brexit in 2016 - with almost two-thirds of voters north of the border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update : More defeats looming for the Government in the Lords Boris Johnson is likely to suffer further defeats in the House of Lords tonight as peers seek to make further amendments to his Brexit legislation - but the Government is unlikely to take them lying down .
Politico 's Playbook bulletin said : `` Today ’ s votes will include proposed amendments on the rights of refugee children and parliament ’ s involvement in Phase 2 of the Brexit talks .
It follows three crashing defeats for the government last night on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the courts .
`` It ’ s pretty clear , however , that No 10 is not going to back down on any of these issues - so expect all the Lords amendments to be overturned by the Commons later this week . ''
10.19am update : What Brexodus ?
More than 1,000 EU firms apply for licence to trade IN UK after Brexit Financial firms from the European Union are now applying to set up operations in the City of London post-Brexit , and the number of these companies has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations between the UK and EU come to an end in December 2020 .
Over 1,441 EU based firms had applied to the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) for temporary permissions to operate in the UK after Brexit .
For most of these businesses , it will be the first time they have had an office in the UK .
The figures were obtained via a Freedom of Information request from regulatory consultancy Bovill .
9.52am update : `` UK economy will go from strength to strength '' Mr Javid addedL “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back home and also abroad as we work on that FTA , that ’ s going to be very important for us , but also as we work on other FTAs with many other partners .
`` We look forward with confidence as we look forward and strike that new deal with our European friends and strike new FTAs across the world .
`` It will be a very important time for British business and I can see a British economy that goes from strength to strength.
” 9.48am update : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Javid Sajid Javid has arrived at a meeting of the European Council in Brussels - the last UK minister who will do so - and took the opportunity to tell Brussels Britain would no longer be `` rule-takers '' .
Mr Javid , said : “ While in the meeting today I will be expressing my appreciation for all the things we have achieved together , but also a reassurance that we will remain close partners and friends and as we look ahead Britain will be leaving the EU with confidence and thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead.
” Questioned on the subject of trade alignment , he added : “ As we leave the EU we will not be in the single market , we will not be in the customs union and we will not be ruletakers .
At the same time of course we want a deep , comprehensive FTA and that ’ s what we ’ re working on . ''
Britain 's retailers reported mixed results for the critical Christmas period , with major supermarkets suffering their slowest festive season in years and retailers varied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on spending in late 2019 , rounding off the worst year since at least the mid-1990s for retail sales as measured by an industry group amid uncertainty about Brexit and last month 's election .
That followed relatively subdued updates from the high street following `` Black Friday '' sales at the end of November .
Britain 's food and drink companies are increasing sales and employment despite the uncertain political and economic climate , a new study suggests .
The sector is forging head at home and abroad , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' organisation , and Santander .
According to the report , the sector is worth 15.9 percent of the value of manufacturing goods , with sales in 2018 of £85.6 billion , an increase of 7.6 percent from 2016 .
Food and drink firms are a major employer across the UK with around 440,000 employees , up 5.3 percent since 2016 and at the highest level for 15 years , said the report Much of the growth is coming overseas with sales abroad up by just under one quarter in the last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU remains the biggest total market accounting for just under two thirds of exports , worth £13.9 billion , with Ireland the largest single destination , followed by the Netherlands , France , the US and Germany .
Make UK chief economist Seamus Nevin said : `` The food and drink sector continues to benefit from the British public 's insatiable desire to eat and drink . ''
9.05am update : Brexit threat to Scotland `` on the horizon '' , claims MP The threat of Brexit to the future of Scotland `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one SNP MP , with 10 days to go until Britain leaves the European Union .
Philippa Whitford made the warning as Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal suffered a defeat in the House of Lords over the rights of EU citizens lawfully residing in the UK after January 31 .
Peers backed a cross-party amendment allowing physical proof of their status , meaning the Bill will go back to the Commons .
Despite that , Dr Whitford criticised the `` damaging consequences '' of the Brexit deal `` which will threaten the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our society '' .
The shadow secretary of state for exiting the EU also lamented the `` light show '' proposed for Downing Street counting down to 11pm a week on Friday .
She said : `` With just 10 days to go till Brexit day , the threat to Scotland 's economy , society and future is on the horizon .
8.57am update : Donald Trump ready to move ‘ heaven and earth ’ to seal trade deal with Boris THIS SUMMER Boris Johnson is set to outline Britain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Prime Minister looks to conclude fast-track trade talks with the US and European Union .
In his first major speech after the UK exits the bloc , the Prime Minister is set to confirm Britain will negotiate simultaneously with US President Donald Trump and Brussels in order to strike a free-trade deal before the December 31 deadline , the Financial Times reports .
Robert Lighthizer , the US trade representative , has already held talks with International Trade Secretary Liz Truss last Thursday .
It is understood the US trade official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer and Washington was “ prepared to move heaven and earth ” to get an agreement over the line .
One US official said : “ He suggested he was prepared to move heaven and earth to get something tied up by the summer.
” A crowdfunding campaign for a massive pro-EU flag to be displayed over the White Cliffs of Dover ahead of Brexit has raised £11,000 in three days .
Set up by South East England MEP Antony Hook on Friday , the campaign 's target was just £5,500 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it made the sum in 24 hours .
The message will read : `` We still love EU . ''
Mr Hook said : `` The phenomenal success of this appeal demonstrates how passionately people in this country feel about sending a positive message to the EU . ''
He added : `` This banner is much bigger than leave or remain .
It is about communicating our appreciation for our nearest neighbours and our hope that we will continue to have the best possible relationship with them in the future . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade policy at the IoD , said just 35 percent of businesses believe the withdrawal agreement gives their organisation the `` certainty needed to make planning and investment decisions '' , compared with 55 percent who agreed they `` will only be able to make planning and investment decisions with certainty when we understand our future relationship with the EU '' .
She added : `` To give businesses any chance of being ready for the new relationship by the end of 2020 , the Government needs to be as clear as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` With directors clear that negotiations with the EU are the priority right now , clarity is crucial for so many companies .
`` Just calling it a free trade agreement gives no indication of the balance between alignment and divergence , which is essential for firms to do any kind of advance planning .
Directors need to know what the Government 's priorities for market access are for the EU . ''
A majority of British businesses believe the Government 's vision for a post-Brexit relationship with the EU does not provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invest with certainty , a new survey has found .
The Institute of Directors ( IoD ) , which conducted the research , also found that directors are three times more likely to view negotiations with the EU as a priority , versus signing up to new trade deals in other parts of the world .
Details emerged as Chancellor Sajid Javid laid out his vision for the UK 's trading relationship with the EU in an interview from a sandwich bar near Westminster with the Financial Times newspaper on Saturday .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be future alignment with EU rules , although which sectors are expected to diverge has not been disclosed .
8.32am update : No independent passport-free travel for Gibraltar , says Government Gibraltar will not be able to negotiate an independent , passport-free travel deal with the EU after Brexit , the UK has said , despite comments by the British Overseas Territory ’ s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo .
Speaking last Friday , Mr Picardo said joining a common travel area to deal the EU 's Schengen zone could benefit the Rock .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate in the Schengen area , whereby citizens are able to travel passport-free across borders in the EU .
A UK government spokesperson said Gibraltar 's arrangements would be included in UK-EU talks on future relations , with a Government spokesman adding : `` The UK , including Gibraltar , is not part of the borderless Schengen zone . ''
Brussels is plotting to block UK access to EU markets or impose crippling fines if Boris Johnson breaks the terms of any post-Brexit trade deal , diplomats have warned .
Michel Barnier ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is planning a stringent enforcement mechanism to ensure the UK respects the terms of the free-trade agreement .
Diplomats were briefed on the negotiation strategy , which demands the future relationship is governed by “ efficient and effective arrangements for management , supervision , implementation and review ” mechanisms .
The bloc hopes that the “ over-arching ” governance structure will underpin the so-called level playing field that it hopes to include in any future trade deal .
Brexit is an existential threat to Brussels , because it will show that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a leading UK economist .
Writing in the Daily Telegraph , Roger Bootle argues that the EU has been failing economically over the past few decades .
The bloc has underperformed most major developed countries and seen its share of world GDP fall continuously , he argues .
Despite this , European leaders insist that the EU has been an unqualified economic and political success .

Brexit: Sajid Javid says UK economy will go ‘strength to strength’
Yesterday's losses triggered outrage from Brexiteers who called for the abolition of the Upper Chamber - with one even accusing peers of “taking orders” from Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s Brexit representative, who visited the UK earlier this week. Politico's Playbook bulletin said: "Today’s votes will include proposed amendments on the rights of refugee children and parliament’s involvement in Phase 2 of the Brexit talks. It follows three crashing defeats for the government last night on EU citizens’ rights and the independence of the courts. "It’s pretty clear, however, that No 10 is not going to back down on any of these issues - so expect all the Lords amendments to be overturned by the Commons later this week."
Boris Johnson is facing further defeats in the Lords today
Mr Johnson’s legislation, which has already been ratified by the House of Commons, is now passing through the House of Lords, which is seeking a number of amendments. Lords voted by 270 to 229 in favour of a change put forward by the Liberal Democrats to offer eligible EU citizens in Britain an automatic right to stay after Brexit, rather than having to apply to the government to do so. They then voted, by 241 to 205, to delete powers allowing lower courts the power to overturn rulings of the European Court of Justice. Finally, Lords passed an amendment which would permit cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to adjudicate on whether to depart from EU case law. After the first loss, Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’s political editor, tweeted: “There's a moment - first defeat for Johnson's govt - in the Lords over giving EU citizens physical documents to prove they have the right to live here after Brexit.”
Twitter user Jed responded: “Remove the House of Lords. 17.4 million people don’t want them.” Express.co.uk reader Frederick later highlighted Mr Verhofstadt’s recent trip to London, during which he appeared on Radio 4’s flagship news programme Today. He commented: “I was just thinking it was a big coincidence that he visits the UK and all of the sudden the Lords changes the bill exactly as he demanded. “Looks like he was over here giving them their orders.” SCROLL DOWN FOR REGULAR UPDATES JUST IN: EU terror - Panicking officials fear union breakup
Sajid Javid is the last UK minister to attend a European Council meeting in Brussels
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Brexit: House of Lords vote to amend Johnson’s WAB
9:43pm update: Lords send amended bill back to Commons The Prime Minister has said he is ‘disappointed’ by the amendments, but would overturn them when the bill returns to the Commons. The bill must pass between the two Houses until they can agree on the exact wording of the bill. The House of Lords changes include the backing of the Dubs amendment to protect the right of refugee children after Brexit. 6:32pm update: Boris vows to put ‘people before passports’ as he opens the UK-Africa Investment summit This comes amid plans for an Australian-style points-based immigration system. The Prime Minister has vowed to invite African leaders to the UK ‘regularly’ following the investment summit. Mr Johnson has said a lot of progress has been made in the talks. 4:04pm update: Boris Johnsons' team say government will overturn House of Lords' amendments The Prime Minister's official spokesmanhas said the government will seek to overturn all of the amendments imposed by the upper chamber. He said the government was 'disappointed' by the changes made by peers and added: 'We are not intending to accept any amendment.’. 3:50pm update: Boris Johnson defeated by the Lords AGAIN The Prime Minister suffered a fourth Brexit defeat over plans to water down commitments to orphaned refugees. Peers voted by 300 to 220 majority 80, to restore the right of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK after Brexit . Labour 's Lord Alf Dubs, who fled the Nazis as a child on the Kindertransport scheme, urged ministers not to use the children as "bargaining chips" in negotiations. He accused the Government of abandoning earlier protections for child refugees, and warned ministers not to "close the door" on the children affected. Lord Dubs said some were at risk of sexual exploitation and lived in "shocking" conditions in French camps. 2.45pm update: Johnson pledges "regular" invitations for African leaders Boris Johnson has vowed to invite African leaders to the UK "regularly" following the investment summit in London this week. The Prime Minister made the pledge in a bilateral meeting with Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta at Downing Street, and said "a lot of progress" had been made during the talks. Opening the UK-Africa Investment Summit in the Capital's Docklands on Monday, Mr Johnson set out his post-Brexit trade pitch to African leaders with his vision to put "people before passports" as part of incoming plans for an Australian-style points-based immigration system. The Conservative Party leader tempted premiers from across the continent with the UK's financial and education systems, and took time to meet with the leaders of Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria at the event. In a continuation of bilateral meetings, the PM told Mr Kenyatta he wanted to hold the gathering of African leaders more often. In their opening exchanges at Number 10, Mr Kenyatta said the conference had been "great", adding: "That's the first time in a very long time we have had, as Africans, this kind of exchange with the United Kingdom." The PM replied: "It is about time. We are going to do them regularly."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson with Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta at Downing Street
2.20pm update: Farage touts for cash to fund "Brexit celebration" on January 31 Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has launched a fundraising drive ahead of his planned "Brexit Celebration" in Parliament Square on January 31, the day the UK will leave the EU. In an email circulated to supporters, he said: "This will be a huge opportunity for the public to commemorate Brexit beside the building which is the centre of our sovereign, independent, democratic system. We’ve had loads of requests for music, light shows, mementos and more, and we’re trying to deliver. "In fact, so many of you have indicated that you will attend that we’re looking into getting more screens! "We want to put on the best show for you, but we can only do it with your support. "So please consider donating - our recommended minimum of £10 or more if you can. We want to put on a fantastic show befitting our great nation." 2.15pm update: ‘Travesty of democracy’ Brexiteers vent fury at House of Lords bid to change Brexit The House of Lords’ attempt to amend Boris Johnson’s Brexit legislation has triggered a furious reaction from Express.co.uk readers, who have branded the Upper House a “shambles” and a “travesty of democracy”, with many arguing it should be abolished. And their calls have been backed by Brexiteer MP Daniel Kawczynski, who said the Lords needed to replaced by a legislature of elected senators - much like the United States - as well as pointing the finger at former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg. Despite last month’s emphatic general election victory, and the Withdrawal Agreement Bill’s safe passage through the House of Commons, Mr Johnson is still racing against the clock to deliver Brexit by January 31, and suffered three defeats in the Lords last night - with more losses anticipated today as peers seek to tack on further amendments. The Lords backed a Liberal Democrat amendment offering eligible EU citizens in Britain an automatic right to stay after Brexit, rather than having to apply to the government to do so, by 270 to 229.
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage
1.48pm update: Fourth defeat looms for Government Ministers are bracing themselves for a fourth possible defeat in the Lords over Boris Johnson's Brexit deal. Peers inflicted three defeats on the Government on Monday night when debating the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill. And the mauling looked set to continue later on Tuesday with a vote on Lord Dubs' bid to restore the right of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK after Brexit. The Labour peer, who fled the Nazis as a child on the Kindertransport, urged ministers not to use the small number of children involved as "bargaining chips" in negotiations. He said the Government was seeking to delete earlier protections for child refugees in the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 but it was a simple matter of humanity to retain them. 1.37pm update: Britain wants EU relationship based on "friendly cooperation", says PM's spokesman Britain wants a future relationship with the European Union to be based on friendly cooperation, the prime minister's spokesman said on Tuesday when asked about a report suggesting London could be fined if it breaks the terms of a trade deal. Earlier, the Financial Times said plans presented by the European Commission on Monday suggested that Britain could be fined or lose preferential access to the European market if it violated the terms of a future relationship deal. 1.05pm update: Retired Scottish doctor launches desperate last-ditch bid to block Brexit A retired Scottish doctor has started the formal process of seeking Judicial Review of Brexit on January 31. Dr Andrew Watt has sent Letters Before Claim dated January 7 and January 16 to the Treasury Solicitor and the Advocate General for Scotland. In his Letters Before Claim, Dr Watt claims the United Kingdom cannot leave the European Union until at least January 2021, on the basis that the UK Government has failed to give notice under Article 127 of the European Economic Area Agreement. Dr. Watt said: “The UK cannot lawfully leave the European Union on 31st January 2020. “The UK Government has made a basic but far-reaching mistake. “Before the United Kingdom can lawfully leave the European Union it must give notice of 'at least 12 months' as required by Article 127 of the European Economic Area Agreement.” “Any attempt by the UK to leave the EU on 31st January 2020 will cause legal uncertainty and chaos which I call ‘Mayhem Brexit’." 12.25pm update: Devolved administrations "must have input into negotiations", says Lords Peers have urged the Government to ensure the devolved administrations have an input into negotiations on the UK's future relationship with the EU. Ministers were told that guaranteeing their involvement and seeking consensus would strengthen the Union. The call came as the House of Lords continued its scrutiny of Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on which peers have already inflicted three defeats. Speaking at report stage of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which enables the UK to leave the EU on January 31, former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd warned that measures were needed "otherwise the Union will be imperilled". 12.15pm update: DUH! We got our sums wrong! IMF FINALLY admits Brexit Britain will be world a force After years of predicting Brexit doom and gloom the so-called economics experts at the International Monetary Fund have made a humbling U-turn and admitted post Brexit Britain will leave the rest of Europe in its wake. The comprehensive reversal is doubly embarrassing as the wholly incorrect Project Fear-style catastrophe prediction was made by Christine Lagarde who is the new boss of the European Central Bank. Ms Lagarde was IMF managing director when she made the cringingly bad prediction in 2016 on the eve of Brexit. Her former colleagues at the IMF now admit she got it massively wrong and predict post Brexit Britain will leave the rest of Europe in its economic wake. The embarrassing change in tone from predicting economic catastrophe in 2016 to predicting a booming economy today was brilliantly highlighted by Sheffield businessman Steve Winstone who tweeted links to two stories published on ITV’s website, with the comment: “Consistency eh?”
Brexit: House of Lords vote against Withdrawal Agreement Bill
11.35pm update: Scottish Greens unveil plans for Brexit Day The Scottish Greens will use the day the UK formally leaves the EU to launch a new campaign for independence. The party is planning to mark "Brexit Day" with a rally in Glasgow, where it will relaunch its campaign for independence and also make clear a separate Scotland should be part of the EU. Ska Keller, the president of the Greens in the European Parliament, will join Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie for the event on Friday January 31. Mr Harvie said it was "outrageous and undemocratic" that Scots were being denied a second independence referendum at a time when they were being taken out of Europe against their wishes. Calls for a fresh ballot on Scotland's place in the UK have been mounting since the UK voted for Brexit in 2016 - with almost two-thirds of voters north of the border supporting Remain in the referendum. 11.07am update: More defeats looming for the Government in the Lords Boris Johnson is likely to suffer further defeats in the House of Lords tonight as peers seek to make further amendments to his Brexit legislation - but the Government is unlikely to take them lying down. Politico's Playbook bulletin said: "Today’s votes will include proposed amendments on the rights of refugee children and parliament’s involvement in Phase 2 of the Brexit talks. It follows three crashing defeats for the government last night on EU citizens’ rights and the independence of the courts. "It’s pretty clear, however, that No 10 is not going to back down on any of these issues - so expect all the Lords amendments to be overturned by the Commons later this week." 10.19am update: What Brexodus? More than 1,000 EU firms apply for licence to trade IN UK after Brexit Financial firms from the European Union are now applying to set up operations in the City of London post-Brexit, and the number of these companies has now exceeded one thousand. Unrestricted two-way business regulations between the UK and EU come to an end in December 2020. Over 1,441 EU based firms had applied to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for temporary permissions to operate in the UK after Brexit. For most of these businesses, it will be the first time they have had an office in the UK. The figures were obtained via a Freedom of Information request from regulatory consultancy Bovill. 9.52am update: "UK economy will go from strength to strength" Mr Javid addedL “We’re working closely with businesses back home and also abroad as we work on that FTA, that’s going to be very important for us, but also as we work on other FTAs with many other partners. "We look forward with confidence as we look forward and strike that new deal with our European friends and strike new FTAs across the world. "It will be a very important time for British business and I can see a British economy that goes from strength to strength.” 9.48am update: "We won't be ruletakers," says Javid Sajid Javid has arrived at a meeting of the European Council in Brussels - the last UK minister who will do so - and took the opportunity to tell Brussels Britain would no longer be "rule-takers". Mr Javid, said: “While in the meeting today I will be expressing my appreciation for all the things we have achieved together, but also a reassurance that we will remain close partners and friends and as we look ahead Britain will be leaving the EU with confidence and thinking about all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.” Questioned on the subject of trade alignment, he added: “As we leave the EU we will not be in the single market, we will not be in the customs union and we will not be ruletakers. At the same time of course we want a deep, comprehensive FTA and that’s what we’re working on."
Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
9.39am update: Mixed bag for retailers this Christmas Britain's retailers reported mixed results for the critical Christmas period, with major supermarkets suffering their slowest festive season in years and retailers varied in their performance. British shoppers cut back on spending in late 2019, rounding off the worst year since at least the mid-1990s for retail sales as measured by an industry group amid uncertainty about Brexit and last month's election. That followed relatively subdued updates from the high street following "Black Friday" sales at the end of November. 9.15am update: Food and drink sector shrugs off Brexit worries Britain's food and drink companies are increasing sales and employment despite the uncertain political and economic climate, a new study suggests. The sector is forging head at home and abroad, according to research by Make UK, the manufacturers' organisation, and Santander. According to the report, the sector is worth 15.9 percent of the value of manufacturing goods, with sales in 2018 of £85.6 billion, an increase of 7.6 percent from 2016. Food and drink firms are a major employer across the UK with around 440,000 employees, up 5.3 percent since 2016 and at the highest level for 15 years, said the report Much of the growth is coming overseas with sales abroad up by just under one quarter in the last two years, it was found. The EU remains the biggest total market accounting for just under two thirds of exports, worth £13.9 billion, with Ireland the largest single destination, followed by the Netherlands, France, the US and Germany. Make UK chief economist Seamus Nevin said: "The food and drink sector continues to benefit from the British public's insatiable desire to eat and drink." 9.05am update: Brexit threat to Scotland "on the horizon", claims MP The threat of Brexit to the future of Scotland "is on the horizon", according to one SNP MP, with 10 days to go until Britain leaves the European Union. Philippa Whitford made the warning as Boris Johnson's Brexit deal suffered a defeat in the House of Lords over the rights of EU citizens lawfully residing in the UK after January 31. Peers backed a cross-party amendment allowing physical proof of their status, meaning the Bill will go back to the Commons. Despite that, Dr Whitford criticised the "damaging consequences" of the Brexit deal "which will threaten the livelihoods of EU nationals who contribute massively to our society". The shadow secretary of state for exiting the EU also lamented the "light show" proposed for Downing Street counting down to 11pm a week on Friday. She said: "With just 10 days to go till Brexit day, the threat to Scotland's economy, society and future is on the horizon.
Brexit timeline
8.57am update: Donald Trump ready to move ‘heaven and earth’ to seal trade deal with Boris THIS SUMMER Boris Johnson is set to outline Britain’s post-Brexit vision within the next few weeks as the Prime Minister looks to conclude fast-track trade talks with the US and European Union. In his first major speech after the UK exits the bloc, the Prime Minister is set to confirm Britain will negotiate simultaneously with US President Donald Trump and Brussels in order to strike a free-trade deal before the December 31 deadline, the Financial Times reports. Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative, has already held talks with International Trade Secretary Liz Truss last Thursday. It is understood the US trade official suggested a deal could be reached by the summer and Washington was “prepared to move heaven and earth” to get an agreement over the line. One US official said: “He suggested he was prepared to move heaven and earth to get something tied up by the summer.” 8.49am update: Pro-EU banner raises £11,000 in three days A crowdfunding campaign for a massive pro-EU flag to be displayed over the White Cliffs of Dover ahead of Brexit has raised £11,000 in three days. Set up by South East England MEP Antony Hook on Friday, the campaign's target was just £5,500 to fund the 150sq m banner, and it made the sum in 24 hours. The message will read: "We still love EU." Mr Hook said: "The phenomenal success of this appeal demonstrates how passionately people in this country feel about sending a positive message to the EU." He added: "This banner is much bigger than leave or remain. It is about communicating our appreciation for our nearest neighbours and our hope that we will continue to have the best possible relationship with them in the future."
Anthony Hook's tweet about his crowdfunding drive
8.41am update: "Clarity is crucial" Allie Renison, head of Europe and trade policy at the IoD, said just 35 percent of businesses believe the withdrawal agreement gives their organisation the "certainty needed to make planning and investment decisions", compared with 55 percent who agreed they "will only be able to make planning and investment decisions with certainty when we understand our future relationship with the EU". She added: "To give businesses any chance of being ready for the new relationship by the end of 2020, the Government needs to be as clear as possible about what its intended destination is. "With directors clear that negotiations with the EU are the priority right now, clarity is crucial for so many companies. "Just calling it a free trade agreement gives no indication of the balance between alignment and divergence, which is essential for firms to do any kind of advance planning. Directors need to know what the Government's priorities for market access are for the EU." 8.39am update: Businesses believe Government's post-Brexit vision lacks detail, survey suggests A majority of British businesses believe the Government's vision for a post-Brexit relationship with the EU does not provide enough detail for them to plan and invest with certainty, a new survey has found. The Institute of Directors (IoD), which conducted the research, also found that directors are three times more likely to view negotiations with the EU as a priority, versus signing up to new trade deals in other parts of the world. Details emerged as Chancellor Sajid Javid laid out his vision for the UK's trading relationship with the EU in an interview from a sandwich bar near Westminster with the Financial Times newspaper on Saturday. It included the warning that there will not be future alignment with EU rules, although which sectors are expected to diverge has not been disclosed. 8.32am update: No independent passport-free travel for Gibraltar, says Government Gibraltar will not be able to negotiate an independent, passport-free travel deal with the EU after Brexit, the UK has said, despite comments by the British Overseas Territory’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. Speaking last Friday, Mr Picardo said joining a common travel area to deal the EU's Schengen zone could benefit the Rock. In total, 22 EU member states participate in the Schengen area, whereby citizens are able to travel passport-free across borders in the EU. A UK government spokesperson said Gibraltar's arrangements would be included in UK-EU talks on future relations, with a Government spokesman adding: "The UK, including Gibraltar, is not part of the borderless Schengen zone." 8.16am update: EU's Brexit punishment - EU plotting punitive sanctions to scupper Boris' post-Brexit plans Brussels is plotting to block UK access to EU markets or impose crippling fines if Boris Johnson breaks the terms of any post-Brexit trade deal, diplomats have warned. Michel Barnier’s negotiating team told EU capitals Brussels is planning a stringent enforcement mechanism to ensure the UK respects the terms of the free-trade agreement. Diplomats were briefed on the negotiation strategy, which demands the future relationship is governed by “efficient and effective arrangements for management, supervision, implementation and review” mechanisms. The bloc hopes that the “over-arching” governance structure will underpin the so-called level playing field that it hopes to include in any future trade deal.
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--One down! Labour hopeful Phillips nears admitting defeat as campaign dealt critical blow

The union , USDAW , which is a shop worker ’ s union whose clients include Tesco , said Mr Starmer was “ someone who can persuade voters that they have what it takes to be a Prime Minister ” .
The union also said they support Angela Rayner as its deputy leadership candidate .
The nomination now leaves three of the main five Labour unions left to nominate a candidate .
Unite and the CWU are expected to back Rebecca Long Bailey .
While GMB are expected to choose between Lisa Nandy and Mr Starmer .
Monday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last round of the contest , where members and registered supporters will vote directly for their favourite candidate .
Rebecca Long Bailey is likely to come out on top here as she has a strong backing from both Momentum and the unions .
To remain in the race , Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry will now need the backing of five percent of local Labour groups ( CLPs ) to demonstrate that they have the support of the membership .
Local associations will both face strong resistance from Momentum .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to back its candidate in previous leadership contests .
Ms Thornberry has a solid track record in Mr Corbyn ’ s team which should work to her advantage .
READ MORE : Jon Ashworth squirms as BBC brutally make him re-watch prediction “ I think it ’ s what you do and how you live now that matters.
” It comes as the Birmingham Yardley MP condemned her own performance at the first regional hustings event in Liverpool on Saturday .
The backbench MP described the format of the event as “ ridiculous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were given just 40 seconds to answer a question .
She admitted her responses “ fell flat ” .
Ms Phillips wrote in The Guardian : “ The hustings was awful .
I was awful because I was trying to hit a million different lines and messages in 40 seconds .

Laurence Fox labels Labour's push for woman leader 'patronising'
The union, USDAW, which is a shop worker’s union whose clients include Tesco, said Mr Starmer was “someone who can persuade voters that they have what it takes to be a Prime Minister”. The union also said they support Angela Rayner as its deputy leadership candidate. The nomination now leaves three of the main five Labour unions left to nominate a candidate.
Unite and the CWU are expected to back Rebecca Long Bailey. While GMB are expected to choose between Lisa Nandy and Mr Starmer. Monday’s USDAW committee decision puts Mr Starmer into the last round of the contest, where members and registered supporters will vote directly for their favourite candidate. Rebecca Long Bailey is likely to come out on top here as she has a strong backing from both Momentum and the unions.
Jess Phillips close to admitting defeat as Sir Keir Starmer wins major union backing
The union also said they support Angela Rayner as its deputy leadership candidate
To remain in the race, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry will now need the backing of five percent of local Labour groups (CLPs) to demonstrate that they have the support of the membership. Local associations will both face strong resistance from Momentum. The group is a Corbyn-supporting campaign which has organised to back its candidate in previous leadership contests. Ms Thornberry has a solid track record in Mr Corbyn’s team which should work to her advantage. READ MORE: Jon Ashworth squirms as BBC brutally make him re-watch prediction
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The nomination now leaves three of the main five Labour unions left to nominate a candidate
Local associations will both face strong resistance from Momentum
Ms Thornberry has a solid track record in Mr Corbyn’s team which should work to her advantage
“I think it’s what you do and how you live now that matters.” It comes as the Birmingham Yardley MP condemned her own performance at the first regional hustings event in Liverpool on Saturday. The backbench MP described the format of the event as “ridiculous” as each of the five candidates were given just 40 seconds to answer a question. She admitted her responses “fell flat”. Ms Phillips wrote in The Guardian: “The hustings was awful. I was awful because I was trying to hit a million different lines and messages in 40 seconds.
Jon Ashworth watches back leaked election prediction
“Some were my lines, some were other people’s and it fell flat.” Ms Phillips is yet to receive a single nomination from the 14 CLPs who have made a decision. Sir Keir currently leads the way with 11 nominations and Ms Long Bailey with three.
Sir Keir currently leads the way with 11 nominations and Ms Long- Bailey with three
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--Jess Phillips pulls out of Labour TV event at last minute – four other candidates arrive

It is understood the Birmingham Yardley MP will not attend the GMB union event in London this afternoon .
The trade union is one of the largest in the UK with more than 600,000 members - and its backing is set have a big influence on the outcome in the Labour leadership contest .
Sky News political correspondent Joe Pike wrote on Twitter : “ NEW : @ jessphillips is NOT attending this morning ’ s GMB hustings .
All four other candidates have arrived at TUC HQ.
” It is understood Ms Phillips , who is struggling to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contest , has not withdrawn from the leadership race .
Mr Pike added : “ Have just spoken to the @ jessphillips campaign .
They say it ’ s ‘ business as usual ’ and she is not withdrawing from # LabourLeadership race.
” BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg has said the Labour leadership contest could be reduced to just four candidates by the end of the day .
Ms Kuenssberg wrote on Twitter : “ Labour race could go down from five to four by end of the day ... let ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Philips could become a real contender now so feasible she will bail today.
” Ms Phillips is fighting for the leadership of the party against the Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer , Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and backbench MP Lisa Nandy .
Ms Phillips is yet to win the backing of any of the major unions .
Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer became the first to be guaranteed a place on the final ballot paper .
He won the nomination from retail union Usdaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows of support from Unison and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association .
To be on the final ballot paper and face the Labour membership , each candidate must win the support either 33 constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) or three affiliates , two of which must be unions .
The GMB union along with Unite and the Communication Workers Union ( CWU ) are yet to endorse a candidate .
The Unite Union is led by Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey and is widely considered to be favouring Ms Long-Bailey .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , Ms Phillips admitted her campaign has got off to an “ awful ” start and conceded she is unlikely to succeed Mr Corbyn as leader .
The backbench MP was also very critical of the event and described the format as “ ridiculous ” as each of the five candidates were given just 40 seconds to answer a question .
READ MORE : John McDonnell admits even LABOUR is sick of listening to him Ms Phillips , who has been an outspoken critic of Mr Corbyn , also said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contest .
Ms Phillips said : “ I might not look the most like a Prime Minister in this race , because apparently looking like a prime minister is a thing .
“ I can not win that war , so I am going to stop fighting it .
Keir Starmer : Why is Keir Starmer a Sir ?
Why was he knighted ?
[ EXPLAINER ] 'Working-class lad ' Tory scolds Labour MP for inciting ‘ class warfare ’ [ VIDEO ] Labour party membership SURGES ahead of deadline [ INSIGHT @

Jess Phillips announces she is quitting Labour leadership contest
The Birmingham Yardley MP announced her withdrawal from the contest in a video message - hours after pulling out of the latest hustings event hosted by the GMB trade union. She said: "The Labour Party will need to select a candidate who can unite all parts of our movement, the union movement, members and elected representatives. And I have to also be honest with myself, as I said I always would be throughout this campaign. At this time, that person is not me.
The Labour Party will need to select a candidate who can unite all parts of our movement, the union movement, members and elected representatives. At this time, that person is not me Jess Phillips
"In order to win the country, we are going to have to find a candidate, in this race, who can do all of that, and then take that message out to the country. "A message of hope and change, that things can be better." Her withdrawal has narrowed the field down to just four candidates - Rebecca Long-Bailey, Sir Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry and Lisa Nandy. The GMB trade union is one of the largest in the UK with more than 600,000 members - and its backing is set have a big influence on the outcome in the Labour leadership contest.
Jess Phillips has announced she was quitting the race to become the next Labour Party leader
The Birmingham Yardley MP admitted she is not the person to 'unite' the party 'at this time'
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Jess Phillips had pulled out of the latest hustings event earlier today
The Unite Union is led by Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey and is widely considered to be favouring Ms Long-Bailey. In her video message this afternoon, Ms Phillips described Labour’s performance in last months general election, in which the party won just 203 resulting in its worst performance since 1935 - as "cataclysmic”. She also pointed out how the party will need to win 124 more seats to secure a majority at the next general election, scheduled for 2024. Ms Phillips also thanked those who joined her campaign and those who have joined the Labour Party recently. DON'T MISS
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Jess Phillips had admitted she was unlikely to win the leadership contest
The Labour leadership contest has now been cut to four candidates
The Birmingham Yardley MP added: "I want to say to those people. This is not the end. "Together, we can now use our strength, to make the changes we want to make. To use our voices in the Labour Party, and in the country, to make sure that the Labour Party win elections again. "This isn't the end. It's the beginning." She also used her video to address the ant-semitism crisis that has swept through Labour, sending a message to "all those in the Jewish community, many of whom have been in touch with me to say that in me, they found somebody who would stand up for them".
Sir Keir Starmer has already made it onto the final ballot paper
Rebecca Long-Bailey has secured the nomination of a trade union
Ms Phillips said: "That doesn't change. "I will always stand up, I will always speak out and I promise that we will change the problems in our party that we have seen. "I'm going to go out into the country and join the fight back. "Because the Labour Party is not about the job description you have.
Labour: Jess Phillips slams Boris Johnson's policies at hustings
"We are the strength of our common endeavour, and everybody who has joined in, now we go out into the country, in the local elections, the mayoral elections and we fight back. "We make sure we are out there, speaking to the country, and making sure the Labour Party can win elections again." At the first hustings event in Liverpool on Saturday, Ms Phillips admitted her campaign has got off to an “awful” start and conceded she is unlikely to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as leader. The backbench MP was also very critical of the event and described the format as “ridiculous” as each of the five candidates were given just 40 seconds to answer a question.
Lisa Nandy has also secured the nomination of a trade union
She admitted her responses “fell flat”. Ms Phillips, who has been an outspoken critic of Mr Corbyn, also said she “probably won’t win” the contest. She said: “I might not look the most like a Prime Minister in this race, because apparently looking like a prime minister is a thing. “I cannot win that war, so I am going to stop fighting it. “I am going to do the thing that made tens of thousands of people ask me to run to be the leader. I am going to say what I think. I am going to give honest answers.
Key policies of the five Labour leadership contenders
Sir Keir Starmer became the first candidate to make it through to the final stage of the Labour leadership election when the Usdaw shopworkers' union became the third affiliate to back the Shadow Brexit Secretary's campaign Shadow Business Secretary Ms Long-Bailey and former Shadow Energy Secretary Ms Nandy have each secured the nomination of a trade union. But Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry has yet to receive any support from a trade union. This leaves her with an uphill battle in her attempts to win the support of 33 local constituency Labour parties to make it onto the final ballot paper.
Emiy Thornberry is yet to receive support from a trade union
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--So much for Brexit disaster! UK economy set to TROUNCE eurozone, IMF report says

The findings of two studies published by the the body show the UK is on track for two years of @ @ @ @ @ outperform Germany , France and Italy .
The economy is expected to expand by 1.4 @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 percent in 2021 , it said .
It marks an optimistic outlook for the @ @ @ @ @ future after last year ’ s growth was recorded at 1.3 percent .
But the @ @ @ @ @ condition that an orderly Brexit will take place on January 31 and trade talks with @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson is due to take the country out of the bloc in just @ @ @ @ @ voters across the UK set to celebrate the historic moment at 11pm UK time ( @ @ @ @ @ Following the exit , British and EU negotiators will gather to thrash out a free @ @ @ @ @ of the transition period on December 31 , 2020 .
The Washington-based IMF published its @ @ @ @ @ Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , which kicks off on Tuesday .

Boris Johnson says UK is 'ultimate one stop shop' for economy
The findings of two studies published by the the body show the UK is on track for two years of growth and is anticipated to outperform Germany, France and Italy. The economy is expected to expand by 1.4 percent this year and by 1.5 percent in 2021, it said. It marks an optimistic outlook for the UK’s post-Brexit future after last year’s growth was recorded at 1.3 percent.
But the predictions are based on the condition that an orderly Brexit will take place on January 31 and trade talks with Brussels will play out well. Boris Johnson is due to take the country out of the bloc in just 10 days, with Brexit voters across the UK set to celebrate the historic moment at 11pm UK time (midnight Brussels time). Following the exit, British and EU negotiators will gather to thrash out a free trade deal before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020. The Washington-based IMF published its forecasts ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which kicks off on Tuesday.
The UK economy is set to outpace the eurozone and other major European economies
The UK come in third in terms of growth among the G7 advanced economies
The 189-member group said Britain would come in third in terms of growth among the G7 advanced economies. The Group of Seven, known as the G7, consists of the largest IMF-advanced economies and includes the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The projections for the next two years put American at the forefront, ahead of Canada and the UK respectively. READ MORE: Varadkar crisis: Desperate PM is ‘trying to buy off opposition'
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Boris Johnson speaks at the G7 summit in France last year
G7 leaders stand for a photo in France at the G7 summit
The British economy is set to grow by 1.4 percent in 2020
One person said: “According to the IMF, Great Britain will be the fastest growing G7 economy next year, beating our European ‘friends’ France & Germany… thanks #Brexit for enabling this!” Another said: “The UK economy will outpace the struggling eurozone in the first tow years after Brexit, the IMP has predicted for the first time. “Britain also outpaced the EU in 2019, giving it 3 straight year of faster growth. “So much for Brexit disaster.”
The IMF released its forecasts based on an orderly Brexit
And a third said: “Brexit will be a huge boom for the economy. “London is the world’s greatest city and will remain so.” Former Conservative MEP David Bannerman said: “UK to outgrow Eurozone this year and next, says the formerly anti-Brexit IMF and becomes 4th most attractive place to invest in world - very positive news.” Tory MEP Daniel Hannan said: “UK economy to outgrow eurozone. Maybe the people were wiser than the experts after all.”
Donald Trump arrives at Zurich International Airport ahead of the Davos summit
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-21--John McDonnell admits even LABOUR is sick of listening to him as he's mocked in Parliament