thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Jeremy Corbyn could be booted out of Labour by Keir Starmer NEXT MONTH, claims ex-member

Ian Hernon made his remarks in the wake of Labour 's decision to pay substantial damages to seven whistleblowers who were involved in an investigation by BBC 's Panorama .
All were former party employees who worked with journalist John Ware , who was also awarded damages .
The case was settled last month , with Labour offering an unreserved apology and agreeing to pay damages for what it acknowledged were `` defamatory and false allegations '' made in a Labour press release issued in response to the documentary , in which it accused the seven of `` having acted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to the decision by saying he was disappointed with the party 's decision which he described as being politically rather than legally motivated .
Len McCluskey , leader of Britain 's largest trade union , Unite , described it as a `` misuse of party funds '' and has since hinted at a review of its spending ties with Labour .
Journalist Mr Hernon , whose book , Anti-Semitism and the Left , was published last year , told Express.co.uk : `` Corbyn 's reaction to Starmer 's apology and compensation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a political rather than a legal decision , I think was so appalling that Starmer should have started procedures to expel Corbyn from the Labour Party .
`` He could n't do that in the first two months of his leadership .
`` But of course we are waiting for the EHRC report which I think is due out in September .
`` If that shows that Corbyn was at the top of a racist and anti-Jewish regime then at that point I think Starmer would be justified in triggering a dismissal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Starmer is trying to heal some of the wounds and of course any moves against the sainted Corbyn would be very divisive .
`` But once the commission report comes out it is better to have a quick civil war this year rather than let it drag on until we are approaching the next election .
READ MORE : Mediterranean TINDERBOX : Turkey says Greece wants to 'imprison ' it Mr Hernon , who says he considers himself `` a proper lefty , not one of the bogus Momentum mob '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulted in him being commissioned to write a book critical of Mr Corbyn 's time at helm of the party .
He said : `` The Corbynistas just do n't seem to understand what happened in the last election , with the Red Wall collapsing .
`` Anti-Semitism may have been a small part , but it was a significant part .
`` Northern working class families are the main recruiters for squaddies so the anti-Semitism segued into the pro-IRA stance that Corbyn and McDonnell had taken and you can not do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandsons have faced death in Northern Ireland .
`` So that sort of blinkered , supposedly left-wing attitude covers both anti-Semitism and sharing platforms with terrorists .
`` They always were living in la-la land but they simply blame the press and Brexit for what was a shattering defeat - the worst Labour defeat since 1935 I think .
`` The 1983 Maggie landslide was under Michael Foot , who was a hopeless leader but nowhere near the scale of defeat that Labour suffered in December . ''
Assessing Sir Keir 's approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , defeating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy in the process , Mr Hernon said : `` He has done things very slowly , step by step which makes me think after the report it is feasible that he will move against Corbyn .

Labour: Panorama documentary explores the anti-Semitism issue
Ian Hernon made his remarks in the wake of Labour's decision to pay substantial damages to seven whistleblowers who were involved in an investigation by BBC's Panorama. All were former party employees who worked with journalist John Ware, who was also awarded damages. The case was settled last month, with Labour offering an unreserved apology and agreeing to pay damages for what it acknowledged were "defamatory and false allegations" made in a Labour press release issued in response to the documentary, in which it accused the seven of "having acted in bad faith".
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Mr Corbyn responded to the decision by saying he was disappointed with the party's decision which he described as being politically rather than legally motivated. Len McCluskey, leader of Britain's largest trade union, Unite, described it as a "misuse of party funds" and has since hinted at a review of its spending ties with Labour. Journalist Mr Hernon, whose book, Anti-Semitism and the Left, was published last year, told Express.co.uk: "Corbyn's reaction to Starmer's apology and compensation to the whistleblowers, when he said it was a political rather than a legal decision, I think was so appalling that Starmer should have started procedures to expel Corbyn from the Labour Party. "He couldn't do that in the first two months of his leadership.
Labour leader Sir Keir Stamer may expel Jeremy Corbyn from the party next month
Jeremy Corbyn said the payout was a political, rather than a legal decision
"But of course we are waiting for the EHRC report which I think is due out in September. "If that shows that Corbyn was at the top of a racist and anti-Jewish regime then at that point I think Starmer would be justified in triggering a dismissal procedure." Mr Hernon added: "Starmer is trying to heal some of the wounds and of course any moves against the sainted Corbyn would be very divisive. "But once the commission report comes out it is better to have a quick civil war this year rather than let it drag on until we are approaching the next election. READ MORE: Mediterranean TINDERBOX: Turkey says Greece wants to 'imprison' it
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Sir Keir Corbyn defeated Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy to win the leadership
Sir Keir Starmer served as Brexit spokesman in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet
Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite the Union
Mr Hernon, who says he considers himself "a proper lefty, not one of the bogus Momentum mob", believes it was his socialist credentials which resulted in him being commissioned to write a book critical of Mr Corbyn's time at helm of the party. He said: "The Corbynistas just don't seem to understand what happened in the last election, with the Red Wall collapsing. "Anti-Semitism may have been a small part, but it was a significant part. "Northern working class families are the main recruiters for squaddies so the anti-Semitism segued into the pro-IRA stance that Corbyn and McDonnell had taken and you cannot do that with a family whose sons or perhaps grandsons have faced death in Northern Ireland.
Len McCluskey's tweet after the decision
"So that sort of blinkered, supposedly left-wing attitude covers both anti-Semitism and sharing platforms with terrorists. "They always were living in la-la land but they simply blame the press and Brexit for what was a shattering defeat - the worst Labour defeat since 1935 I think. "The 1983 Maggie landslide was under Michael Foot, who was a hopeless leader but nowhere near the scale of defeat that Labour suffered in December." Assessing Sir Keir's approach since he was elected leader in April, defeating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy in the process, Mr Hernon said: "He has done things very slowly, step by step which makes me think after the report it is feasible that he will move against Corbyn.
Boris Johnson, pictured returning to Number 10 after his election win, was branded a "clown" by Mr Hernon


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Macron's Brexit nightmare: France warned it will be 'worst-hit' by new UK fishing quotas

Britain is set to regain control over who can access its fishing waters after Brexit as multiple EU countries are set to lose their equal access to the seas .
Barrie Deas , the CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen 's Organisations , explained EU vessels have automatic access to the resource-rich UK waters meaning they have more to lose in Brexit negotiations .
It comes as the bloc wants to see the status quo maintained for fishing access and quotas , but the UK Government wants Britain to have controls of its own waters .
Of those EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most after Brexit , Mr Deas told Express.co.uk : `` France , Belgium , the Netherlands , Denmark , Ireland , and that is because when the UK joined the EEC as it was , the existing member states made it a precondition that the principle of equal access for fishing vessels was part of the deal .
`` That meant that unlike the situation with Norway or normal coastal states , which control access over who fishes in their waters and access is negotiated , EU vessels have automatic access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also detailed France takes 84 percent of the quota for cod in the English Channel .
Meanwhile the UK is allowed only nine percent .
He explained that the extortionate quotas need to be ironed out in a Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU .
It comes as the bloc wants to see the status quo maintained for fishing access and quotas , but the UK Government wants Britain to have control of its own waters .
He said : `` EU vessels have automatic access to the resource-rich UK waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the deal from the 1970s .

Brexit: Expert on why France's fishing industry will be worst hit
Britain is set to regain control over who can access its fishing waters after Brexit as multiple EU countries are set to lose their equal access to the seas. Barrie Deas, the CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, explained EU vessels have automatic access to the resource-rich UK waters meaning they have more to lose in Brexit negotiations. It comes as the bloc wants to see the status quo maintained for fishing access and quotas, but the UK Government wants Britain to have controls of its own waters.
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Of those EU fishing nations set to lose out the most after Brexit, Mr Deas told Express.co.uk: "France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, and that is because when the UK joined the EEC as it was, the existing member states made it a precondition that the principle of equal access for fishing vessels was part of the deal. "That meant that unlike the situation with Norway or normal coastal states, which control access over who fishes in their waters and access is negotiated, EU vessels have automatic access to the resource-rich UK waters." Mr Deas also detailed France takes 84 percent of the quota for cod in the English Channel. Meanwhile the UK is allowed only nine percent. READ MORE: Guy Verhofstadt SHAMED: EU chief's 'Irish border ignorance' condemned
Brexit fishing could see France as one of the worst-hit countries
Britain is set to regain control over who can access its fishing waters after Brexit
He explained that the extortionate quotas need to be ironed out in a Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU. It comes as the bloc wants to see the status quo maintained for fishing access and quotas, but the UK Government wants Britain to have control of its own waters. He said: "EU vessels have automatic access to the resource-rich UK waters. "That's what underpins everything, the deal from the 1970s.
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France takes 84 percent of the quota for cod in the English Channel, says expert
Brexit: Ann Widdecombe insists UK need to ‘get a grip’
EU-UK fishing waters


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Boris Johnson issues warning as lockdown rules ease – ‘Don't drop your guard’

Apart from local lockdown areas where restrictions on household gatherings have been extended , more activities are now allowed .
Theatres and concert venues can reopen with socially distanced audiences and weddings can have a sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 30 .
Parents can take children to soft play areas and bowling , skating and close contact beauty treatments like facials , make-up and eyebrow threading will be allowed .
Gamblers can have a flutter at the casino and a small number of sports events will also open .
Authorities will test the safe return of spectators , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sheffield this weekend , where a reduced crowd of about 300 will be admitted .
Tests will also take place at conference venues ahead of the expected return of business events from October 1 at the earliest .
The lockdown rules were set to be eased on August 1 but it was postponed after a slight rise in the number of testing positive for coronavirus in England .
Office for National Statistics figures showed last week that this may be levelling off .
Mr Johnson said plans to open up more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed '' .
But he warned the Government `` will not hesitate to put on the brakes if necessary , or to bring in more local measures to help to control the spread of the virus '' .
The easing of the rules also coincides with the tightening of other restrictions , including bigger fines up to £3,200 for not wearing face masks .
Mr Johnson said : `` Most people in this country are following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control the virus but we must remain focused and we can not be complacent .
`` That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules . ''
Not all of England has cause to celebrate however .
The easing of lockdown will not affect Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire , East Lancashire and Leicester .

Boris Johnson urges UK that 'schools will be safe in September'
Apart from local lockdown areas where restrictions on household gatherings have been extended, more activities are now allowed. Theatres and concert venues can reopen with socially distanced audiences and weddings can have a sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 30.
Parents can take children to soft play areas and bowling, skating and close contact beauty treatments like facials, make-up and eyebrow threading will be allowed. Gamblers can have a flutter at the casino and a small number of sports events will also open. Authorities will test the safe return of spectators, beginning with the World Snooker Championship final in Sheffield this weekend, where a reduced crowd of about 300 will be admitted. Tests will also take place at conference venues ahead of the expected return of business events from October 1 at the earliest. The lockdown rules were set to be eased on August 1 but it was postponed after a slight rise in the number of testing positive for coronavirus in England. Office for National Statistics figures showed last week that this may be levelling off.
Boris Johnson issues warning as lockdown rules ease
Gamblers can have a flutter at the casino and a small number of sports events will also open
Mr Johnson said plans to open up more of the economy "will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed". But he warned the Government "will not hesitate to put on the brakes if necessary, or to bring in more local measures to help to control the spread of the virus". The easing of the rules also coincides with the tightening of other restrictions, including bigger fines up to £3,200 for not wearing face masks. Mr Johnson said: "Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent. "That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules." Not all of England has cause to celebrate however. The easing of lockdown will not affect Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester.
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thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Where’s the data? Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and trace

Professor Linda Bauld said the information was the `` missing piece in the jigsaw '' in the Scottish Government ’ s data published about the coronavirus pandemic .
The Professor of public health at Edinburgh University urged Nicola Sturgeon to publish data about the proportion of contacts reached by the trace and protect system to show if it is working .
She said the country will be living with the test and protect `` for many months '' and the extra data is needed to show whether the system is working as it should be .
Professor Bauld , added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment is the number of people who have been tested and then the number of people who are contacts .
`` We do n't know the proportion that have been followed up , how long it is taking to do that , though we 've heard the First Minister give some examples , and then we do n't know what happens to those people who are followed up and we need to be able to see all those data to be confident that the system is working as it should be . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 and ask them to self-isolate at home for 14 days and is seen as a vital element of controlling potential outbreaks .
It has been vital to help identify further cases including a recent large cluster in Aberdeen .
Since July 26 , 198 cases are believed to be associated with the `` large and complex outbreak '' linked to Aberdeen pubs , which led to a local lockdown .
A total of 1,032 contacts have been traced , and the First Minister warned new cases and contacts are expected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland has done `` extremely well '' on other areas of the data but outlined the information she would also like to see published .
She added : `` What I would like to see , these are the data we need , we need the proportion of contacts reported by index case , so that 's the person who tested positive , that have been successfully reached , so that 's that percentage .
`` Also the time taken to reach the individual , that 's crucial because to shut down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid and I 'd also like to see whether follow-up occurs for those who are asked to isolate .
`` Finally , and this is probably optional but would be interesting , whether cases have been symptomatic or not because there 's routine testing in care homes and in the NHS and of course those people will have contacts as well so let 's aim to be even better than the countries that are currently reporting that data and give all of that data , not just to researchers like me but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cameron MSP , Scottish Conservative health spokesperson , told Express.co.uk it was not “ acceptable that Scotland ’ s public health experts have to practically beg the SNP to provide the necessary data.
” DO N'T MISS : Scotland independence poll sparks panic in Westminster [ REVEAL ] Ruth Davidson returns TODAY to frontline politics to fight Sturgeon [ INSIGHT ] Nicola Sturgeon ’ s attempts to keep Scotland linked to Brussels blocked [ LATEST ] He added : “ Tackling this virus requires an honest , open approach .
We will only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert at Scotland ’ s disposal working together using all the available information .
“ We can ’ t have a situation where public health experts are forced to cobble together what they can from limited data .
“ This is more evidence of a troubling pattern of behaviour from the SNP on transparency.
” When asked about the issue during the Scottish Government ’ s COVID-19 briefing , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said : “ I agree with Linda Bauld .
“ We are in the process of developing the data that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enhance that as soon as we can .
“ But around the Aberdeen cluster , we are reaching a very high proportion of contacts that have been identified.
” The Scottish Government said it expects to publish figures on the percentage of positive cases followed up by the end of August but will release the number of contacts traced in clusters in the meantime .
A Scottish Government spokeswoman added : `` The Scottish Government is committed to setting out as much data as possible about the COVID-19 pandemic to help inform @ @ @ @ @

Nicola Sturgeon grilled by Andrew Marr over Scotland testing
Professor Linda Bauld said the information was the "missing piece in the jigsaw" in the Scottish Government’s data published about the coronavirus pandemic. The Professor of public health at Edinburgh University urged Nicola Sturgeon to publish data about the proportion of contacts reached by the trace and protect system to show if it is working.
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She said the country will be living with the test and protect "for many months" and the extra data is needed to show whether the system is working as it should be. Professor Bauld, added: "All we have at the moment is the number of people who have been tested and then the number of people who are contacts. "We don't know the proportion that have been followed up, how long it is taking to do that, though we've heard the First Minister give some examples, and then we don't know what happens to those people who are followed up and we need to be able to see all those data to be confident that the system is working as it should be." NHS tracers identify close contacts of those with COVID-19 and ask them to self-isolate at home for 14 days and is seen as a vital element of controlling potential outbreaks.
Linda Bauld spoke out yesterday
Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to release the data
It has been vital to help identify further cases including a recent large cluster in Aberdeen. Since July 26, 198 cases are believed to be associated with the "large and complex outbreak" linked to Aberdeen pubs, which led to a local lockdown. A total of 1,032 contacts have been traced, and the First Minister warned new cases and contacts are expected in the coming days. Professor Bauld said Scotland has done "extremely well" on other areas of the data but outlined the information she would also like to see published. READ MORE: Westminster declines Holyrood request for post-Brexit Bill grilling
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Contact tracing is seen as key to combating COVID-19
She added: "What I would like to see, these are the data we need, we need the proportion of contacts reported by index case, so that's the person who tested positive, that have been successfully reached, so that's that percentage. "Also the time taken to reach the individual, that's crucial because to shut down the chains of transmission it needs to be rapid and I'd also like to see whether follow-up occurs for those who are asked to isolate. "Finally, and this is probably optional but would be interesting, whether cases have been symptomatic or not because there's routine testing in care homes and in the NHS and of course those people will have contacts as well so let's aim to be even better than the countries that are currently reporting that data and give all of that data, not just to researchers like me but to the public as well." Donald Cameron MSP, Scottish Conservative health spokesperson, told Express.co.uk it was not “acceptable that Scotland’s public health experts have to practically beg the SNP to provide the necessary data.” DON'T MISS:
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Ruth Davidson returns TODAY to frontline politics to fight Sturgeon [INSIGHT]
Nicola Sturgeon’s attempts to keep Scotland linked to Brussels blocked [LATEST]
People are being encouraged to get a test if they show symptoms
He added: “Tackling this virus requires an honest, open approach. We will only stop the spread of Covid with every expert at Scotland’s disposal working together using all the available information. “We can’t have a situation where public health experts are forced to cobble together what they can from limited data. “This is more evidence of a troubling pattern of behaviour from the SNP on transparency.” When asked about the issue during the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I agree with Linda Bauld.
People should self-isolate for 14 days if they show symptoms.
“We are in the process of developing the data that we will publish around Test and Protect and enhance that as soon as we can. “But around the Aberdeen cluster, we are reaching a very high proportion of contacts that have been identified.” The Scottish Government said it expects to publish figures on the percentage of positive cases followed up by the end of August but will release the number of contacts traced in clusters in the meantime. A Scottish Government spokeswoman added: "The Scottish Government is committed to setting out as much data as possible about the COVID-19 pandemic to help inform and improve our response.
The Scottish Government is under pressure to publish the data, Pictured: Jeane Freeman


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Boris Johnson pledges to go ‘all out’ to secure coronavirus vaccine

In a message to Daily Express readers , the Prime Minister vows to do everything possible to back `` brilliant scientists '' in their quest to conquer the killer disease .
He spoke out following confirmation that ministers have reached agreements to put Britons first in the queue for 90 million doses of the latest two potential Covid-19 vaccines currently under development .
With six previously agreed pharmaceutical deals , the Government has now prepared a colossal stockpile of 340 million doses of potential life-saving protection against the pandemic .
Mr Johnson said : `` We are going all out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat this virus .
Backing the most promising vaccine candidates puts Britain in the best possible position to get early access to a vaccine the moment a safe and effective one is found .
`` We can not be sure there will be a successful vaccine .
And even if there is it may be many months away .
But our brilliant UK scientists are leading this effort and we are backing them all the way . ''
Mr Johnson 's message to Express readers was virtually his final act before taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend around a week in Scotland with his fiancee Carrie Symonds and their new son Wilfred .
It will be their first holiday since Mr Johnson 's brush with death following his coronavirus diagnosis and months of intense pressure leading the Government 's response to the national health emergency .
It will be their first holiday since Mr Johnson 's brush with death following his coronavirus diagnosis and months of intense pressure leading the Government 's response to the national health emergency .
Health officials have confirmed that the Government has reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmaceutical business Janssen for more than enough vaccine doses to inoculate the entire 66 million UK population , if required .
Under the in-principle agreements , the UK has secured 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine set for a `` phase three '' clinical trial with the National Institute for Health Research .
A further 30 million doses are on order at Janssen , with ministers agreeing in principle to part fund a global clinical study of its vaccine .
The latest agreements , on top of earlier deals , mean Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six different Covid-19 vaccine candidates under development .
Kate Bingham , chair of the Government 's Vaccines Taskforce , yesterday cautioned that there was no confirmation yet that any of the stockpiled vaccines will be effective .
But she said their approach means that if any one is shown to be effective and safe the UK would have the rights to it .
She said : `` We are assembling four different types of promising vaccines from around the world with the hope that one of these is proven to be safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Covid-19 infection . ''
Ms Bingham said she was `` reasonably confident '' of a vaccine being found that will reduce the severity of coronavirus symptoms and reduce deaths .
The Government 's latest agreement comes with 90 million doses already in the pipeline under deals with an alliance between the pharmaceutical giants BioNTech and Pfizer , as well as the firm Valneva .
A further 100 million doses could come from a vaccine being developed by Oxford University in partnership with AstraZeneca .
Another deal has been struck for 60 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential vaccine .
The deals cover four different classes : adenoviral vaccines , mRNA vaccines , inactivated whole virus vaccines and protein adjuvant vaccines .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` The Government 's strategy to build a portfolio of promising vaccine candidates will ensure we have the best chance possible of finding one that works .
Today 's agreements will not only benefit people in the UK but will ensure fair and equitable access of a vaccine around the world .
`` While we are doing everything we can to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful vaccine as soon as possible , nobody is safe until we are all safe , so global cooperation is critical if we are to defeat this virus once and for all . ''
Alex Harris , head of global policy at the Wellcome Trust health charity , urged ministers to explain how any vaccine will be distributed fairly .
Mr Harris said : `` Without this clarity , the risk increases that other rich countries will seek to strike similar bilateral deals , potentially securing significant oversupply , leaving insufficient volumes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Government must take the global lead to ensure any advances to test , treat and prevent Covid-19 are available for all nations .
`` Unless every country has access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments , the whole world is at risk .
`` The Janssen vaccine , which is being made available on a not-for-profit basis , is expected to begin the next phase of clinical trials later this year .
The Government said that if the Novavax and Janssen vaccines are proven safe and successful in clinical trials they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The vaccines would first be given to priority groups such as front-line health workers , those with serious diseases , the elderly and ethnic minorities .
New weekly data from the Office for National Statistics yesterday said that while the percentage of individuals testing positive for Covid-19 in households in England had risen slightly in July , this trend has levelled off .
The development allowed the PM to announce a further relaxation of lockdown restrictions from today .
These include the reopening of bowling alleys , skating rinks and casinos as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 guests .

Boris Johnson: I'm hopeful there will be a coronavirus vaccine
In a message to Daily Express readers, the Prime Minister vows to do everything possible to back "brilliant scientists" in their quest to conquer the killer disease. He spoke out following confirmation that ministers have reached agreements to put Britons first in the queue for 90 million doses of the latest two potential Covid-19 vaccines currently under development.
With six previously agreed pharmaceutical deals, the Government has now prepared a colossal stockpile of 340 million doses of potential life-saving protection against the pandemic. Mr Johnson said: "We are going all out to find a vaccine that works to defeat this virus. Backing the most promising vaccine candidates puts Britain in the best possible position to get early access to a vaccine the moment a safe and effective one is found. "We cannot be sure there will be a successful vaccine. And even if there is it may be many months away. But our brilliant UK scientists are leading this effort and we are backing them all the way." Mr Johnson's message to Express readers was virtually his final act before taking a summer break. The PM is expected to spend around a week in Scotland with his fiancee Carrie Symonds and their new son Wilfred. It will be their first holiday since Mr Johnson's brush with death following his coronavirus diagnosis and months of intense pressure leading the Government's response to the national health emergency.
Boris Johnson pledges to go ‘all out’ to secure coronavirus vaccine
The PM is expected to spend around a week in Scotland with his fiancee Carrie Symonds and their son
It will be their first holiday since Mr Johnson's brush with death following his coronavirus diagnosis and months of intense pressure leading the Government's response to the national health emergency. Health officials have confirmed that the Government has reached agreements with US biotech company Novavax and pharmaceutical business Janssen for more than enough vaccine doses to inoculate the entire 66 million UK population, if required. Under the in-principle agreements, the UK has secured 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine set for a "phase three" clinical trial with the National Institute for Health Research. A further 30 million doses are on order at Janssen, with ministers agreeing in principle to part fund a global clinical study of its vaccine. The latest agreements, on top of earlier deals, mean Mr Johnson's Government now has access to six different Covid-19 vaccine candidates under development. Kate Bingham, chair of the Government's Vaccines Taskforce, yesterday cautioned that there was no confirmation yet that any of the stockpiled vaccines will be effective. But she said their approach means that if any one is shown to be effective and safe the UK would have the rights to it. She said: "We are assembling four different types of promising vaccines from around the world with the hope that one of these is proven to be safe and effective to protect those most at risk from Covid-19 infection."
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Mr Johnson's Government now has access to six different vaccine candidates under development
Ms Bingham said she was "reasonably confident" of a vaccine being found that will reduce the severity of coronavirus symptoms and reduce deaths. The Government's latest agreement comes with 90 million doses already in the pipeline under deals with an alliance between the pharmaceutical giants BioNTech and Pfizer, as well as the firm Valneva. A further 100 million doses could come from a vaccine being developed by Oxford University in partnership with AstraZeneca. Another deal has been struck for 60 million doses of GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur's potential vaccine. The deals cover four different classes: adenoviral vaccines, mRNA vaccines, inactivated whole virus vaccines and protein adjuvant vaccines. Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "The Government's strategy to build a portfolio of promising vaccine candidates will ensure we have the best chance possible of finding one that works. Today's agreements will not only benefit people in the UK but will ensure fair and equitable access of a vaccine around the world. "While we are doing everything we can to ensure the British people get access to a successful vaccine as soon as possible, nobody is safe until we are all safe, so global cooperation is critical if we are to defeat this virus once and for all."


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Brexit LIVE: David Frost CONCEDES to EU in negotiations in hope of breakthrough

UK chief negotiator David Frost said Britain 's assessment is that a `` Brexit agreement can be reached with the European Union in September '' ahead of the round of negotiations with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier next week .
Mr Frost , added : `` As we keep saying , we are not looking for a special or unique agreement .
`` We want a deal with , at its core , an FTA like those the EU has agreed with other friendly countries , like Canada .
`` The UK 's sovereignty , over our laws , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is of course not up for discussion and we will not accept anything which compromises it - just as we are n't looking for anything which threatens the integrity of the EUs single market . ''
50 British officials will travel to Belgium on Tuesday in an attempt to close gaps such as European boats ’ access to UK fishing waters after Brexit .
An EU source close to the negotiations said that both sides `` moved closer together but we see this round as laying the foundations for future breakthroughs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Imagine two fencers sizing each other out or two fighters shadow-boxing before the real engagement begins.
” Another EU source added that this round was about `` building confidence and seeing how we can build towards the final compromise in later rounds . ''
Deadlocks also still remain on the level playing field guarantees including state aid which is a seen as a tight issue in Brexit neogiations .
The UK however has hinted that it could accept the future relationship with the EU being governed by a single treaty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit through new job vacancies Supermarket Sainsbury ’ s is hiring a head of Brexit response ahead of the end of the transition period in December .
The new role , according to a job advert on Linkedin will help the supermarket to develop a strategy for dealing with Britain ’ s departure from the EU .
The Ad added : `` This role will be responsible for facilitating the development of the Brexit strategy for Sainsbury ’ s through the Brexit Steering Group .
`` You will programme manage Working Groups across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' 11:15am update : MP claims there is a Spanish plot to drive wedge between Gibraltar and UK over Brexit Spain is trying to use Brexit to drive a wedge between Britain and Gibraltar - and the Rock must stick as closely to the UK as possible in the next few months rather than seek separate ties with the EU , a Tory MP has said .
And Brexiteer Andrew Rosindell warned any deviation would be `` a dangerous road for Gibraltar to go down '' .
Mr Rosindell , who is chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliamentary Group , was speaking after unnamed sources told Spanish newspaper El Pais one of the options on the table was for Gibraltar to join the bloc 's Customs Union or the Schengen passport-free area .
Holyrood has formally submitted a response to the UK government 's plans to the UK internal market post-Brexit .
Scotland 's Constitution Secretary Michael Russell warned that the plans must not be imposed without consensus and agreement between the devolved nations and the UK Government .
The Westminster Government wants to establish a new internal market between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit transition period , but the Scottish Government has claimed `` every devolved power could be undermined '' by the proposals .
Mr Russell argued the proposed legislation considers Westminster to be sovereign in trade and regulation disputes , and the UK Government `` have a veto on everything '' .
8:15am update : Reassurances needed that NI goods shipped via Ireland will not face Brexit tariffs Northern Irish farmers have asked for assurances that meat exports from Northern Ireland which are shipped through Dublin Port to customers in Britain will qualify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Ulster Farmers ' Union ( UFU ) has said that up to 50 percent of red meat destined for the UK market goes this way .
The UK government has made a commitment that Northern Ireland goods will face no barriers when being shipped to the UK after the Brexit transition period However , the UFU claims that this does not extend to produce shipped via the Republic of Ireland .
Union President Victor Chestnutt , said : `` Produce is shipped through Dublin as it 's the only route that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are important outstanding questions as to how unfettered access to the UK internal market can be delivered via Dublin . ''

Brexit: Michael Russell criticises UK internal market plans
Pieter Cleppe, policy analyst for the EU, Brexit and eurozone, said Europeans would realise the UK is not the "desperately dependent and helpless island" they thought it was. Writing in the Spectator, the non-resident fellow of the Property Rights Alliance said:"Now that Europeans are finally coming around to the idea that Brexit won’t be the complete disaster many of them originally predicted and that post-Brexit Britain won’t be the desperately dependent and helpless island they envisioned, they should be more willing to engage in the talks." In further news, UK chief negotiator David Frost said Britain's assessment is that a "Brexit agreement can be reached with the European Union in September" ahead of the round of negotiations with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier next week. Mr Frost, added: "As we keep saying, we are not looking for a special or unique agreement. "We want a deal with, at its core, an FTA like those the EU has agreed with other friendly countries, like Canada. "The UK's sovereignty, over our laws, our courts, or our fishing waters, is of course not up for discussion and we will not accept anything which compromises it - just as we aren't looking for anything which threatens the integrity of the EUs single market."
Could a deal be secured next week?
50 British officials will travel to Belgium on Tuesday in an attempt to close gaps such as European boats’ access to UK fishing waters after Brexit. An EU source close to the negotiations said that both sides "moved closer together but we see this round as laying the foundations for future breakthroughs." Desribing the negotiations, the source added: “Imagine two fencers sizing each other out or two fighters shadow-boxing before the real engagement begins.” Another EU source added that this round was about "building confidence and seeing how we can build towards the final compromise in later rounds."
Brexit timeline in 2020
Deadlocks also still remain on the level playing field guarantees including state aid which is a seen as a tight issue in Brexit neogiations. The UK however has hinted that it could accept the future relationship with the EU being governed by a single treaty. Follow below for Express.co.uk’s live updates:
The latest Brexit talks reached a stalemate
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4:50am update: Plans for Brexit museum sped up this year - with a location still undecided Plans for a Brexit-themed museum are to be sped up this year, with a location yet to be decided. Efforts to create a commemoration to the Brexit process have been ongoing for years, according to the organisers . They say the museum will be: “A public collection that tells the story of the Eurosceptic Movement and its people across the decades (and countries), starting off in the wider context of defining Sovereignty through the ages and our relationship with Europe's great powers.” The group behind the project said it has been easier to move forward since January 31 this year when “the Brexit clock reset.” The museum will include Brexit-related memorabilia including Wetherspoons beer mats and old newspaper cartoons. 2.22am update: Campaigners claim post-Brexit food standard rules have been changed - ministers deny it The government has been urged to issue clarification on its post-Brexit food standards rules after campaigners claimed safety rules on the use of antibiotics on farm animals had been changed. According to the Daily Mail, campaigners said ministers had given themselves a “blank slate” on food standards so a US-UK trade deal could be reached. Kierre Box of Friends of the Earth said: “Ministers keep saying that they will uphold existing UK standards, but this shows that promise just doesn't wash.” The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) denied the allegations. However, former Conservative Environment Secretary Lord Deben urged the ministers to clarify and give “categoric assurance” that safety standards would not be watered down. 12.39am update: Candle-lit vigil held to protest no-deal Brexit amid Nissan factory shutdown fears A candle-lit vigil has been held outside of the Nissan car factory in Sunderland to protest against a no-deal Brexit scenario. The factory said a couple of months ago its future would be “unsustainable” if the UK left the EU without a trade deal in place. Local resident Louise Brown, who attended, told the Sunderland Echo: “Workers appear to feel very worried about the situation as we now don't have long to strike a deal. “Holding a vigil outside the Nissan plant allowed us to express our sadness that this much-needed factory may close in the event of a no-deal Brexit as their CEO announced in June.” Organisers held the event on Friday night. The government has refused to extend the Brexit transition period even in the event of a no-deal scenario. Edward Browne takes over live reporting from Brian McGleenon
Inside the Nissan plant in Sunderland, where protesters gathered against no-deal Brexit
9pm update: New Zealand’s deputy prime minister has suggested the UK is "not match-fit" for trade talks Mr Winston Peters said he was “very frustrated” over the pace of talks between the two nations. He described the slow pace as worrying. Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Peters said: “We’ve had to look offshore for a long time and so we are seriously match-fit when it comes to that, in a way that I don’t believe that the UK is, because the UK has been locked up in the EU all these years. 6pm update: Two million EU citizens living in the UK have been granted settled status. This will allow them to remain here permanently after Brexit. Another 4,600 applications were refused, 36,500 were withdrawn and 34,900 were made by people who are not eligible for the scheme. In response to the figures, the Liberal Democrats called for EU citizens to be automatically given a right to stay. 4.00pm update: Farmers in Northern Ireland want "unfettered access" when exporting meat to Britain through Dublin port. The Ulster Farmers' Union says up to 50 percent of red meat destined for the UK market goes through Dublin Port. The UK government has made a commitment that NI goods will face no barriers entering their main market in Great Britain. However, this commitment does not extend to produce shipped through Dublin via the Republic of Ireland. 3.30pm update: The Scotch whisky industry has attacked the UK government for not challenging hefty tariffs imposed on whisky imports by the US government. The Scotch Whisky Association accused UK ministers of prioritising post-Brexit trade talks with the US rather than fight against the 25 percent tariffs imposed on Scotch whisky and other goods by the US last October. 2:15pm update: Protest against Brexit lorry park in Kent Campaigners have protested against the creation of a 2,000-truck Brexit lorry park off the M20 in Kent. The Department for Transport purchased the 27-acre site near Ashford as it gears up for possible trade frictions as a result of leaving the EU. But there are concerns the site could be used as a giant car park for thousands of lorries waiting to travel to the continent. The Government has been criticised for a lack of communication with residents, which the local MP said was due to it “scrabbling around” to find somewhere for lorry overflow. Protesters out today said that the plans highlight the "unfortunate consequences of Brexit". Organiser Charlotte Mbali, said: "We're drawing attention to the unfortunate consequences of Brexit, which we always thought was a mistake."
Brexit: Trade deal with EU is ‘necessity’ says Michael Martin
12:45pm update: Supermarkets gear up for Brexit through new job vacancies Supermarket Sainsbury’s is hiring a head of Brexit response ahead of the end of the transition period in December. The new role, according to a job advert on Linkedin will help the supermarket to develop a strategy for dealing with Britain’s departure from the EU. The Ad added: "This role will be responsible for facilitating the development of the Brexit strategy for Sainsbury’s through the Brexit Steering Group. "You will programme manage Working Groups across the business to deliver the strategy." 11:15am update: MP claims there is a Spanish plot to drive wedge between Gibraltar and UK over Brexit Spain is trying to use Brexit to drive a wedge between Britain and Gibraltar - and the Rock must stick as closely to the UK as possible in the next few months rather than seek separate ties with the EU, a Tory MP has said. And Brexiteer Andrew Rosindell warned any deviation would be "a dangerous road for Gibraltar to go down". Mr Rosindell, who is chairman of the British Overseas Territories All Party Parliamentary Group, was speaking after unnamed sources told Spanish newspaper El Pais one of the options on the table was for Gibraltar to join the bloc's Customs Union or the Schengen passport-free area.
Michel Barnier has warned of a no deal Brexit


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Foreign aid boost for ethical trade amid coronavirus crisis

Ministers ordered the £5million initiative amid concerns that factories and farms producing food and other exports for UK consumers have been forced to close as the virus sweeps developing countries .
Marks & Spencer , Sainsbury 's , Tesco , Morrisons , Co-op and Waitrose are among companies that have signed up to the scheme .
The move is part of Boris Johnson 's drive to switch Britain 's multi-billion aid spending towards projects that benefit the national interest .
Announcing the fund , International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said : `` We want to ensure people in Britain can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from around the world .
`` This new fund will strengthen vital supply chains for UK consumers , while supporting some of the most vulnerable workers in developing countries .
It will make a real difference to people in the UK and abroad . ''
Figures from the Department for International Development show around 20 percent of food and drink consumed in the UK is imported from the world 's poorest nations .
Officials say the fund will improve coronavirus preparedness in workplaces , help farmers diversify to meet demand , and provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production going and ensure help gets to the most vulnerable workers .
Dubbed the Vulnerable Supply Chains Facility , it will help to ensure the steady supply of products such as vegetables , coffee and clothes to the UK high street .
It will help stores work with aid organisations such as the Fairtrade Foundation and the Ethical Trading Initiative to improve working conditions and greater access to healthcare .
Ministers believe the initiative will help make workplaces safer , meaning employees can return to work and supply chains can keep moving and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of £4.85million from the taxpayer and £2million from businesses , will focus on Myanmar , Bangladesh , Kenya , Uganda , Ethiopia , Tanzania , Rwanda and Ghana - major suppliers of food , flowers and clothes .
Judith Batchelar , at Sainsbury 's , said : `` As a responsible retailer , this work further demonstrates our commitment to trading ethically and making a positive difference to the communities we source from . ''
Fiona Sadler , M & S 's ethical trading boss , said the chain had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know we 're only as strong as the communities where we operate and we 're committed to helping improve the lives of workers in our supply chain through collaborative initiatives . ''

Foreign aid: DFID reveal plans to help supermarket supply chains
Ministers ordered the £5million initiative amid concerns that factories and farms producing food and other exports for UK consumers have been forced to close as the virus sweeps developing countries. Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, Co-op and Waitrose are among companies that have signed up to the scheme.
The move is part of Boris Johnson's drive to switch Britain's multi-billion aid spending towards projects that benefit the national interest. Announcing the fund, International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: "We want to ensure people in Britain can continue to buy affordable, high-quality goods from around the world. "This new fund will strengthen vital supply chains for UK consumers, while supporting some of the most vulnerable workers in developing countries. It will make a real difference to people in the UK and abroad." Figures from the Department for International Development show around 20 percent of food and drink consumed in the UK is imported from the world's poorest nations. Officials say the fund will improve coronavirus preparedness in workplaces, help farmers diversify to meet demand, and provide support so farms and factories can keep production going and ensure help gets to the most vulnerable workers.
Foreign aid boost for ethical trade amid coronavirus crisis
International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Dubbed the Vulnerable Supply Chains Facility, it will help to ensure the steady supply of products such as vegetables, coffee and clothes to the UK high street. It will help stores work with aid organisations such as the Fairtrade Foundation and the Ethical Trading Initiative to improve working conditions and greater access to healthcare. Ministers believe the initiative will help make workplaces safer, meaning employees can return to work and supply chains can keep moving and become more resilient. The fund, made up of £4.85million from the taxpayer and £2million from businesses, will focus on Myanmar, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ghana - major suppliers of food, flowers and clothes. Judith Batchelar, at Sainsbury's, said: "As a responsible retailer, this work further demonstrates our commitment to trading ethically and making a positive difference to the communities we source from." Fiona Sadler, M&S's ethical trading boss, said the chain had "a robust approach to ethical fashion - we know we're only as strong as the communities where we operate and we're committed to helping improve the lives of workers in our supply chain through collaborative initiatives."


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Brexiteers warned they risk feeling ‘disappointed’ after David Frost’s trade deal remark

Negotiations on a free trade agreement after Brexit began in March as a UK team led by Mr Frost attempted to thrash out a deal covering several issues with European Union counterparts .
But several rounds of talks have ended in a stalemate , with continued warnings time is running out to get a deal across the line before the end of the transition period on December 31 - a deadline Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to extend .
The UK and EU have repeatedly blamed each other for the lack of progress made and for their reluctance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly around fisheries , the level playing-field and state aid .
Last month , Mr Frost warned Conservative Party MPs Britain may only win just 60 percent of its objectives in any trade deal with the EU .
He is reported to have privately made the assurance to Tory ministers after the latest week of failed negotiations .
Professor Tim Bale , Deputy Director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank , said while Brexiteers would be disappointed in the UK having to give significant ground to the EU in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being `` realistic '' with his objectives prediction .
He also warned the UK walking away from the negotiating table with the EU is `` not that smart a move '' - and would be better served to accept 60 percent of the trade deal objectives if they are on offer .
Professor Bale told Express.co.uk : `` Brexiteers might be disappointed that David Frost thinks that a lot of objectives wo n't be achieved in a trade deal with the European Union , but he 's only being realistic - no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiation , especially if , to use the PM 's favourite analogy , they 're wanting to have their cake and eat it .
`` It would be hard to imagine that the UK can push any harder than it 's already doing .
`` UK negotiators are still threatening to walk away if it does n't get a satisfactory deal - what 's left after that ?
Nuclear weapons ?
`` Most people would say it 's better to get 60 percent of something than 100 percent of nothing , so walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move . ''
Wyn Grant , British political scientist and Professor of Politics at the University of Warwick , warned the pressure is now on the UK as the clock ticks down to the possibility of a no deal outcome .
He told this website : `` The EU holds most of the cards so 60 percent of objectives being met in any trade deal with the EU may be a realistic assessment , although a little pessimistic .
`` The EU is unlikely to be that fazed by a UK withdrawal from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK to return once the consequences of a no deal became evident after January 1 .
`` It is difficult for the UK to take a harder line when it is going to look like a bluff .
DO N'T MISS Brexit mega deal : UK and US poised to forge ‘ formidable ’ pact [ INTERVIEW ] Ireland forced to pay more than DOUBLE into EU coffers [ ANALYSIS ] Macron crisis exposed as France warned it will be worst-hit by Brexit [ COMMENT ] '' The EU market matters more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Both sides would actually prefer to strike an agreement , but there is a real risk that they wo n't . ''
The latest round of trade talks between the UK and EU begin on Monday , with Mr Frost travelling to Brussels with an army of negotiators as time runs out to get a deal agreed .
Speaking ahead of those crunch meetings , Mr Frost said an agreement can still be reached in September , and that is what British negotiators are working towards .
But he warned anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` not up for discussion and we will not accept anything which compromises it '' .
Mr Frost tweeted : `` As always , we go in good faith to talk constructively about all the issues .
`` Our assessment is that agreement can be reached in September and we will work to achieve this if we can .
`` As we keep saying , we are not looking for a special or unique agreement .
`` We want a deal with , at its core , an FTA like those the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like Canada .
`` The UK 's sovereignty , over our laws , our courts , or our fishing waters , is of course not up for discussion and we will not accept anything that compromises it - just as we are n't looking for anything which threatens the integrity of the EU 's single market . ''
It came after Mr Frost reportedly warned colleagues about the prospect of achieving all of Britain 's objectives in trade talks .
A Conservative Party insider told the Sunday Times last month : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be that we will get a deal , but he does n't seem to be completely thrilled with what it is likely to be .
`` When people hear that we are getting 60 percent of what we want , the question on everyone 's lips is : 'What is the 40 percent we are giving away ? '
''

Brexit: Trade deal with EU is ‘necessity’ says Michael Martin
Negotiations on a free trade agreement after Brexit began in March as a UK team led by Mr Frost attempted to thrash out a deal covering several issues with European Union counterparts. But several rounds of talks have ended in a stalemate, with continued warnings time is running out to get a deal across the line before the end of the transition period on December 31 - a deadline Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to extend. The UK and EU have repeatedly blamed each other for the lack of progress made and for their reluctance to give ground on several crucial red lines, particularly around fisheries, the level playing-field and state aid.
Trending
Last month, Mr Frost warned Conservative Party MPs Britain may only win just 60 percent of its objectives in any trade deal with the EU. He is reported to have privately made the assurance to Tory ministers after the latest week of failed negotiations. Professor Tim Bale, Deputy Director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, said while Brexiteers would be disappointed in the UK having to give significant ground to the EU in trade talks, Mr Frost is only being "realistic" with his objectives prediction. He also warned the UK walking away from the negotiating table with the EU is "not that smart a move" - and would be better served to accept 60 percent of the trade deal objectives if they are on offer.
Brexit news: Brexiteers have been warned the UK may not achieve all objectives in an EU trade deal
Brexit news: Boris Johnson refused to extend the transition period beyond December 31
Professor Bale told Express.co.uk: "Brexiteers might be disappointed that David Frost thinks that a lot of objectives won't be achieved in a trade deal with the European Union, but he's only being realistic - no one gets everything they want out of a negotiation, especially if, to use the PM's favourite analogy, they're wanting to have their cake and eat it. "It would be hard to imagine that the UK can push any harder than it's already doing. "UK negotiators are still threatening to walk away if it doesn't get a satisfactory deal - what's left after that? Nuclear weapons? "Most people would say it's better to get 60 percent of something than 100 percent of nothing, so walking away is arguably not that smart a move." READ MORE: SNP’s ‘naive or disingenuous’ independence agenda dismantled
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Brexit news: David Frost is leading the UK's trade talks with the EU
Wyn Grant, British political scientist and Professor of Politics at the University of Warwick, warned the pressure is now on the UK as the clock ticks down to the possibility of a no deal outcome. He told this website: "The EU holds most of the cards so 60 percent of objectives being met in any trade deal with the EU may be a realistic assessment, although a little pessimistic. "The EU is unlikely to be that fazed by a UK withdrawal from the talks as they would expect the UK to return once the consequences of a no deal became evident after January 1. "It is difficult for the UK to take a harder line when it is going to look like a bluff. DON'T MISS
Brexit mega deal: UK and US poised to forge ‘formidable’ pact [INTERVIEW]
Ireland forced to pay more than DOUBLE into EU coffers [ANALYSIS]
Macron crisis exposed as France warned it will be worst-hit by Brexit [COMMENT]
Brexit news: The UK and EU will resume trade talks in Brussels on Monday
Brexit news: David Frost issued a warning to the EU ahead of the latest round of trade talks
"The EU market matters more to the UK than the other way round. "Both sides would actually prefer to strike an agreement, but there is a real risk that they won't." The latest round of trade talks between the UK and EU begin on Monday, with Mr Frost travelling to Brussels with an army of negotiators as time runs out to get a deal agreed. Speaking ahead of those crunch meetings, Mr Frost said an agreement can still be reached in September, and that is what British negotiators are working towards.
Brexit news: Negotiations on the EU-UK future partnership
But he warned anything that might threaten the UK's sovereignty is "not up for discussion and we will not accept anything which compromises it". Mr Frost tweeted: "As always, we go in good faith to talk constructively about all the issues. "Our assessment is that agreement can be reached in September and we will work to achieve this if we can. "As we keep saying, we are not looking for a special or unique agreement.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Brexiteers rage at Boris over fudged deal with EU 'we will never be sovereign nation!'

Champions of leaving the EU fear that Brussels is on course to secure lasting influence over British life and that the future of the United Kingdom is under direct threat .
Boris Johnson ’ s leadership of the country during the coronavirus pandemic has come under direct attack with one of the most influential campaigners for Brexit warning of a return to the crises of the 1970s .
John Longworth , a former director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce who co-chaired the Leave Means Leave campaign , said the PM had become an “ infringer ” of civil liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full-on Marxist administration ” .
There is also deep concern the UK could remain entangled in EU defence programmes once the Brexit transition phase is over at the end of the year .
DUP MP Sammy Wilson wants the British negotiating team led by David Frost to force major changes to Britain ’ s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU , warning that it “ leaves the EU with a firm grip on important areas of UK economic policy and law-making powers ” .
He claims the Northern Ireland protocol which is designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border on the island “ wrecks the union ” and “ wrecks Brexit ” .
He describes it as an EU “ Trojan Horse to get its bureaucrats , policies and the influence of the European Court of Justice into the very heart of UK governance ” .
Writing for the Conservatives Global website , he said : “ We will never be a sovereign nation whilst this protocol is in place .
As a unionist I am appalled at its impact on the integrity of the UK ... “ It smashes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a single UK market at its core ...
The EU hasn ’ t just got a foot in the door it is still camped in the UK.
” Urging Mr Frost and his team to use their influence to get it scrapped , he said : “ There will never be a better opportunity .
The EU countries are on their knees because of the economic consequences of Covid .
“ Its negotiating strategy is starting to fall apart as national interests become more important [ than ] an EU-wide approach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who actually believes in standing up for the UK interests , not appeasing the EU and the Government can not be undermined by fifth columnists in parliament any longer.
” READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Europeans to finally admit Brexit not ‘ disaster ’ Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib is also appalled by the prospect of the Northern Ireland protocol coming into force , saying : “ There is no example in history of a country voluntarily putting a border down its own middle with part of it being in another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website , he said : “ Taking account of all that has gone before since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister it must now be a racing certainty that a fudged trade deal will be done with the EU that binds the rest of the UK into EU laws and other things besides .
All that apparently remains to be determined is the extent of the sell-out.
” Meanwhile , the Centre for Brexit Policy is alarmed the Government is still informing British companies about EU funding opportunities with projects including the European Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior adviser to the think tank , said : ” Encouraging companies to apply for EU funds is either extremely naïve or it is evidence that they are relinquishing control of Britain ’ s defence policy to the EU .
EU defence funding comes with too many strings attached.
” Major General Julian Thompson , chairman of Veterans for Britain , said : “ It is very irresponsible for the Government to encourage British companies to become entangled in the EU ’ s new defence architecture .
It suggests that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU .
This would be disastrous to the future security of Britain and potentially damaging to our industry.
” The Ministry of Defence insists it will not support any measures that may undermine sovereignty over UK armed forces , or lead to competition or duplication with Nato .
A spokesman said : `` The UK has full , sovereign control over its defence and intelligence services and will not be adopting EU defence policy .
Our current priority is to ensure businesses are well prepared for the end of the transition period @

Brexit: Michael Russell criticises UK internal market plans
Champions of leaving the EU fear that Brussels is on course to secure lasting influence over British life and that the future of the United Kingdom is under direct threat. Boris Johnson’s leadership of the country during the coronavirus pandemic has come under direct attack with one of the most influential campaigners for Brexit warning of a return to the crises of the 1970s. John Longworth, a former director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce who co-chaired the Leave Means Leave campaign, said the PM had become an “infringer” of civil liberties with “nanny state policies fit for a full-on Marxist administration”.
Trending
There is also deep concern the UK could remain entangled in EU defence programmes once the Brexit transition phase is over at the end of the year. DUP MP Sammy Wilson wants the British negotiating team led by David Frost to force major changes to Britain’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, warning that it “leaves the EU with a firm grip on important areas of UK economic policy and law-making powers”. He claims the Northern Ireland protocol which is designed to avoid the need for a hard border on the island “wrecks the union” and “wrecks Brexit”. He describes it as an EU “Trojan Horse to get its bureaucrats, policies and the influence of the European Court of Justice into the very heart of UK governance”. Writing for the Conservatives Global website, he said: “We will never be a sovereign nation whilst this protocol is in place. As a unionist I am appalled at its impact on the integrity of the UK...
Brexiteers are unhappy with what they call Boris Johnson's 'fudge' deal
“It smashes the Act of Union which has the idea of a single UK market at its core... The EU hasn’t just got a foot in the door it is still camped in the UK.” Urging Mr Frost and his team to use their influence to get it scrapped, he said: “There will never be a better opportunity. The EU countries are on their knees because of the economic consequences of Covid. “Its negotiating strategy is starting to fall apart as national interests become more important [than] an EU-wide approach. David Frost appears to be a negotiator who actually believes in standing up for the UK interests, not appeasing the EU and the Government cannot be undermined by fifth columnists in parliament any longer.” READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Europeans to finally admit Brexit not ‘disaster’
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Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib is also appalled by the prospect of the Northern Ireland protocol coming into force, saying: “There is no example in history of a country voluntarily putting a border down its own middle with part of it being in another jurisdiction.” Writing on the Brexit Watch website, he said: “Taking account of all that has gone before since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister it must now be a racing certainty that a fudged trade deal will be done with the EU that binds the rest of the UK into EU laws and other things besides. All that apparently remains to be determined is the extent of the sell-out.” Meanwhile, the Centre for Brexit Policy is alarmed the Government is still informing British companies about EU funding opportunities with projects including the European Defence Industrial Development Programme.
Edgar Miller, a senior adviser to the think tank, said:”Encouraging companies to apply for EU funds is either extremely naïve or it is evidence that they are relinquishing control of Britain’s defence policy to the EU. EU defence funding comes with too many strings attached.” Major General Julian Thompson, chairman of Veterans for Britain, said: “It is very irresponsible for the Government to encourage British companies to become entangled in the EU’s new defence architecture. It suggests that they are willing to surrender our defence policy to the EU. This would be disastrous to the future security of Britain and potentially damaging to our industry.”
Brexit day timeline
The Ministry of Defence insists it will not support any measures that may undermine sovereignty over UK armed forces, or lead to competition or duplication with Nato. A spokesman said: "The UK has full, sovereign control over its defence and intelligence services and will not be adopting EU defence policy. Our current priority is to ensure businesses are well prepared for the end of the transition period.


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--SNP appoints supporter of own party to lead independent probe into Scottish exams fiasco

The Scottish Conservatives said that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon should consider removing Professor Mark Priestley over tweets he had sent in the past expressing support for the party .
During the 2019 election , Priestley took to Twitter to say he was “ voting today to stop Boris Johnson .
He added : `` That means voting tactically .
In my constituency , that means a vote for the SNP .
`` Today , please vote in the interests of the country , putting aside party loyalties.
” The University of Stirling education professor also said the clear message in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a Tory '' when responding to an election news story .
Jamie Greene MSP , Scottish Conservative education spokesman , said : `` The much-heralded SNP plans for a so-called 'independent review ' into the SQA exams fiasco have unravelled already .
`` Less than 24 hours after the Greens saved Mr Swinney from the sack , after his second humiliating U-turn in just a few months , it looks like another scandal has engulfed the Education Secretary .
`` Scottish parents and pupils demand a truly neutral and fully independent review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not put up with a whitewash .
`` While Mr Priestley is a respected academic , people will rightly question the views of someone who judges that a candidate suspended by the SNP for anti-Semitism is 'the lesser of two evils ' .
READ MORE : Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and trace '' If the SNP are serious about righting their wrongs over this fiasco , and if the public are to have any faith in this review , they must consider removing Mr Priestley .
Asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , Ms Sturgeon said her job is not to `` interrogate '' the political views of people appointed for such roles .
She said : `` Mark Priestley is a respected academic and I do n't think anybody could credibly or reasonably doubt his credentials for this job , his experience , skills and aptitude .
`` So yes , I do think he 's the right person .
DO N'T MISS : Westminster declines Holyrood request for post-Brexit Bill grilling [ REVEAL ] Scotland independence poll sparks panic in Westminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to frontline politics to fight Sturgeon [ LATEST ] '' This is the bit that will sound party political so I apologise and I do n't intend it to sound boastful about my party 's position .
`` But on the basis of current opinion polls , more than half of all the Scottish population intend to vote SNP so there would obviously be an issue if we started to exclude people who have qualifications to do things from doing these things because they might vote SNP .
`` I would n't exclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another party . ''
Earlier this week , Prof Priestley was asked to conduct a review into the situation around exam results being downgraded by a controversial moderation process instead of using teacher estimated grades .

John Swinney announces downgraded results will be ‘withdrawn’
The Scottish Conservatives said that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon should consider removing Professor Mark Priestley over tweets he had sent in the past expressing support for the party.
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During the 2019 election, Priestley took to Twitter to say he was “voting today to stop Boris Johnson. He added: "That means voting tactically. In my constituency, that means a vote for the SNP. "Today, please vote in the interests of the country, putting aside party loyalties.” The University of Stirling education professor also said the clear message in many constituencies was "vote SNP or get a Tory" when responding to an election news story.
Professor Mark Priestly was appointed to led an independent review
Students protested following the exam chaos
Jamie Greene MSP, Scottish Conservative education spokesman, said: "The much-heralded SNP plans for a so-called 'independent review' into the SQA exams fiasco have unravelled already. "Less than 24 hours after the Greens saved Mr Swinney from the sack, after his second humiliating U-turn in just a few months, it looks like another scandal has engulfed the Education Secretary. "Scottish parents and pupils demand a truly neutral and fully independent review into the exams fiasco. They will not put up with a whitewash. "While Mr Priestley is a respected academic, people will rightly question the views of someone who judges that a candidate suspended by the SNP for anti-Semitism is 'the lesser of two evils'. READ MORE: Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and trace
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Nicola Sturgeon has defended the appointment
"If the SNP are serious about righting their wrongs over this fiasco, and if the public are to have any faith in this review, they must consider removing Mr Priestley. Asked about the professor at the daily coronavirus briefing on Thursday, Ms Sturgeon said her job is not to "interrogate" the political views of people appointed for such roles. She said: "Mark Priestley is a respected academic and I don't think anybody could credibly or reasonably doubt his credentials for this job, his experience, skills and aptitude. "So yes, I do think he's the right person. DON'T MISS:
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John Swinney apologised this week for the mistakes
"This is the bit that will sound party political so I apologise and I don't intend it to sound boastful about my party's position. "But on the basis of current opinion polls, more than half of all the Scottish population intend to vote SNP so there would obviously be an issue if we started to exclude people who have qualifications to do things from doing these things because they might vote SNP. "I wouldn't exclude somebody who was qualified because they voted for another party." Earlier this week, Prof Priestley was asked to conduct a review into the situation around exam results being downgraded by a controversial moderation process instead of using teacher estimated grades.
A new exam grades system was applied this year
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) released higher qualification results last Tuesday, equivalent to A levels in England. But the exams authority has been faced with backlash from distraught teenagers after the system was branded "fundamentally unfair". SQA figures showed that it downgraded 124,564 pupils' results despite no exams being sat - 93.1 percent of all the moderated grades. After SQA moderation, the National 5 pass rate was 81.1 percent, the Higher pass rate was 78.9 percent and the Advanced Higher pass rate was 84.9 percent.
Jamie Greene has slammed the appointment


thedailyexpress--2020-08-15--Scottish Whisky under threat because of controversial US tariff - revenue down by £300m

In October last year , Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on a broad variety of products , including Scotch Whisky and Shortbread .
Because of this , figures have shown that the US tariffs have cost Scotland 's Whisky sector around £300m - with exports to the US down by three percent since the measures came into effect .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss recently held bilateral talks with US counterpart Robert Lighthizer on a new Post-Brexit trade deal and had been lobbying for the tariffs to be removed .
Following a review this week , the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would continue to inflict tariffs on Whisky in a long-running dispute .
The Scotch Whisky Association branded the decision as “ disappointing ” .
Karen Betts , Scotch Whisky Association ’ s chief executive , said : “ It ’ s deeply disappointing to see that the 25 percent tariff on Single Malt Scotch Whisky exports to the US has been retained by the US government .
“ The tariff is inflicting huge damage on the Scotch Whisky sector , with exports to the US down 30 percent since the tariff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with losses now totalling around £300million .
“ These losses relate only to tariffs – the impact of COVID-19 has been serious and has compounded what is now a very serious situation for Scotch Whisky , with some brands forced out of the market and jobs in the industry and our supply chain now at risk.
” She added that the “ UK Government must accelerate negotiations to bring an end to tariffs between the UK and US before preparations for November ’ s Presidential election bring talks to a halt.
” Taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ It has taken the UK government a full six months after the UK left the EU to start to tackle tariffs directly with the US government , which seems to us inexplicably slow.
” READ MORE : SNP appoints supporter of own party to lead independent probe The body said that Scotch Whisky was a “ crucial part of Scotland ’ s economy ” , employing over 11,000 people .
Ms Betts continued : “ Negotiations on a free trade agreement with the US will not solve tariffs and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
“ While we welcomed International Trade Secretary Liz Truss ’ visit to the US last week , to talk directly to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer , it was clearly too little , too late.
” Brendan O ’ Hara , SNP MP for Argyll and Bute and chair of Westminster 's All Party Parliamentary on Scotch Whisky told Express.co.uk : “ The threat of continued US-imposed tariffs is utterly devastating to the Scotch whisky industry .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for post-Brexit Bill grilling [ JUST IN ] Scotland independence poll sparks panic in Westminster [ LATEST ] “ It ’ s time for Westminster to wake up to reality , cut the childish games and deliver for Scotland ’ s whisky sector .
“ The industry is looking to Boris Johnson to come good on his pledge to protect the sector from these punishing tariffs - it ’ s beyond shameful that we are still waiting for action to follow his rhetoric .
“ Scotch whisky plays a crucial role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinks sector and our economy .
“ For all his rhetoric and fleeting visits to impacted areas in Scotland , the reality is that the Tory leader has abandoned the Scotch whisky sector in its time of need .
`` If the Tory government is serious about protecting our vital industries then it will take every step it can to oppose and end these punitive U.S-imposed tariffs . ''
After leaving the EU earlier this year , the UK has been trying to tie up swift trade deals with major partners like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom to strike bilateral deals rather than EU-wide ones .
However , Westminster has still been affected by a decision from Washington to impose tariffs on an array of EU food , wine and spirits in retaliation for EU subsidies on large aircraft .
In response to the concerns , Ms Truss said that she was “ stepping up talks with the US to remove them as soon as possible ” .
Alister Jack , Scotland Secretary , added : “ The UK Government has petitioned the highest levels of the US administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we will continue to do so until this is dropped .
”

Brexit ‘welcomed’ by Scottish whisky sector says Jackson Carlaw
In October last year, Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on a broad variety of products, including Scotch Whisky and Shortbread. Because of this, figures have shown that the US tariffs have cost Scotland's Whisky sector around £300m - with exports to the US down by three percent since the measures came into effect.
Trending
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss recently held bilateral talks with US counterpart Robert Lighthizer on a new Post-Brexit trade deal and had been lobbying for the tariffs to be removed. Following a review this week, the Trump administration decided to remove Shortbread tariffs but said it would continue to inflict tariffs on Whisky in a long-running dispute. The Scotch Whisky Association branded the decision as “disappointing”. Karen Betts, Scotch Whisky Association’s chief executive, said: “It’s deeply disappointing to see that the 25 percent tariff on Single Malt Scotch Whisky exports to the US has been retained by the US government.
Whisky has been suffering since a US tariff was imposed last October
Liz Truss recently held talks with her US counterpart
“The tariff is inflicting huge damage on the Scotch Whisky sector, with exports to the US down 30 percent since the tariff came into effect and the industry grappling with losses now totalling around £300million. “These losses relate only to tariffs – the impact of COVID-19 has been serious and has compounded what is now a very serious situation for Scotch Whisky, with some brands forced out of the market and jobs in the industry and our supply chain now at risk.” She added that the “UK Government must accelerate negotiations to bring an end to tariffs between the UK and US before preparations for November’s Presidential election bring talks to a halt.” Taking a direct hit at Westminster, she added: “It has taken the UK government a full six months after the UK left the EU to start to tackle tariffs directly with the US government, which seems to us inexplicably slow.” READ MORE: SNP appoints supporter of own party to lead independent probe
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Boris Johnson has been urged to take action
The body said that Scotch Whisky was a “crucial part of Scotland’s economy”, employing over 11,000 people. Ms Betts continued: “Negotiations on a free trade agreement with the US will not solve tariffs and will not be credible while they remain in place. “While we welcomed International Trade Secretary Liz Truss’ visit to the US last week, to talk directly to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, it was clearly too little, too late.” Brendan O’Hara, SNP MP for Argyll and Bute and chair of Westminster's All Party Parliamentary on Scotch Whisky told Express.co.uk: “The threat of continued US-imposed tariffs is utterly devastating to the Scotch whisky industry. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and trace [REVEAL]
Westminster declines Holyrood request for post-Brexit Bill grilling [JUST IN]
Scotland independence poll sparks panic in Westminster [LATEST]
Revenues have suffered signifcantly
“It’s time for Westminster to wake up to reality, cut the childish games and deliver for Scotland’s whisky sector. “The industry is looking to Boris Johnson to come good on his pledge to protect the sector from these punishing tariffs - it’s beyond shameful that we are still waiting for action to follow his rhetoric. “Scotch whisky plays a crucial role in the success of our global food and drinks sector and our economy. “For all his rhetoric and fleeting visits to impacted areas in Scotland, the reality is that the Tory leader has abandoned the Scotch whisky sector in its time of need.
Whisky forms a significant part of the Scottish economy


thedailyexpress--2020-08-16--Nicola Sturgeon adviser blames 'ENGLISH PEOPLE' for Scotland's rise in coronavirus cases

Professor Devi Sridhar said people from south of the border and Wales were generating `` a stream of incoming infections '' .
The Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh said in a New York Times comment piece that being part of the UK is threatening Nicola Sturgeon ’ s efforts to combat COVID-19 .
The 36-year-old sits on the Scottish Government 's COVID-19 Advisory Group .
Professor Sridhar said : “ Scotland and Northern Ireland have looked ahead at the coming winter , and made a concerted plan to minimise community transmission to avoid a serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer to drive cases as close to zero as possible and to reopen cautiously .
“ But neither nation has control over its borders because they are parts of the United Kingdom .
“ So both now face a stream of incoming infections from England and Wales , which are behaving more like the rest of Europe , as well as from people returning from holidays abroad and not abiding by government advice to isolate for 14 days.
” The academic also claims people who are returning to the UK should enter “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the piece : “ Topping community transmission requires mandatory , enforced quarantine for incoming travellers and testing before release .
“ Europe could do the same and cooperate across countries toward this goal so that intra-European travel and tourism can continue when a safe bubble can be built.
” Professor Sridhar also stressed that guidance imposed by the First Minister recommending people to only outside for a walk only once a day allowed Scotland to “ flatten the COVID-19 curve but to also keep levels of infection very low ” .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to share customer details to stop COVID The advisor previously apologised after criticism from Scottish Conservative MSPs for describing Unionists as `` anti-Scottish '' on Twitter .
Realising her mistake , Professor Sridhar deleted the `` inaccurate '' tweet and issued an apology , saying that she had meant anti-independence .
Professor Sridhar has also been critical of the Westminster Government including Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Coronavirus has been rising in Scotland after a cluster emerged in Aberdeen with 198 cases now recorded in the last three weeks whilst 339 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
DO N'T MISS : Scottish Whisky under threat because of controversial US tariff [ REVEAL ] SNP appoints supporter of own party to lead independent probe [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and trace [ LATEST ]

Aberdeen: BBC host slams Sturgeon’s adviser over lockdown
Professor Devi Sridhar said people from south of the border and Wales were generating "a stream of incoming infections". The Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh said in a New York Times comment piece that being part of the UK is threatening Nicola Sturgeon’s efforts to combat COVID-19.
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The 36-year-old sits on the Scottish Government's COVID-19 Advisory Group. Professor Sridhar said: “Scotland and Northern Ireland have looked ahead at the coming winter, and made a concerted plan to minimise community transmission to avoid a serious resurgence of the virus by using the summer to drive cases as close to zero as possible and to reopen cautiously. “But neither nation has control over its borders because they are parts of the United Kingdom. “So both now face a stream of incoming infections from England and Wales, which are behaving more like the rest of Europe, as well as from people returning from holidays abroad and not abiding by government advice to isolate for 14 days.”
Professor Devi Sridhar advises Nicola Sturgeon
Scotland has reported no deaths for a month
The academic also claims people who are returning to the UK should enter “enforced isolation”. She continued in the piece: “Topping community transmission requires mandatory, enforced quarantine for incoming travellers and testing before release. “Europe could do the same and cooperate across countries toward this goal so that intra-European travel and tourism can continue when a safe bubble can be built.” Professor Sridhar also stressed that guidance imposed by the First Minister recommending people to only outside for a walk only once a day allowed Scotland to “flatten the COVID-19 curve but to also keep levels of infection very low”. READ MORE: SNP shamed: Only ONE pub asked to share customer details to stop COVID
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Professor Devi Sridhar made the comments in an NY times piece
The advisor previously apologised after criticism from Scottish Conservative MSPs for describing Unionists as "anti-Scottish" on Twitter. Realising her mistake, Professor Sridhar deleted the "inaccurate" tweet and issued an apology, saying that she had meant anti-independence. Professor Sridhar has also been critical of the Westminster Government including Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Coronavirus has been rising in Scotland after a cluster emerged in Aberdeen with 198 cases now recorded in the last three weeks whilst 339 cases have been recorded in the last week alone. DON'T MISS:
Scottish Whisky under threat because of controversial US tariff [REVEAL]
SNP appoints supporter of own party to lead independent probe [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon accused of not being transparent over COVID-19 test and trace [LATEST]
An idea of enforced isolation has been suggested