thedailyexpress--2020-07-09--Boris warned: Sturgeon deputy will 'hold him to account’ – indyref2 support 'not a blip'

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald was elected as SNP 's new deputy leader at Westminster this week .
Ian Blackford , the SNP leader in the Commons , praised his party ’ s new deputy and said : `` This is an important time as we deal with the COVID-19 crisis and look to build a fairer Scotland .
`` With the threat of a Tory Brexit growing , and crucial decisions over the economic emergency , Kirsten will play a key role as we hold the Tory Government to account . ''
It comes after fellow MP Kirsty Blackman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years last week after admitting that she `` struggled '' with the impact of lockdown on her mental health .
Ms Oswald was first elected as MP for East Renfrewshire in 2015 , ousting the then Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy from the seat .
She lost the constituency to the Tories in 2017 but then won it back in December 2019 .
She said : `` I 'm delighted to have been elected SNP Westminster deputy leader at this critical time , and I look forward to working in this new role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As we continue to tackle coronavirus , SNP MPs will press the UK Government to deliver the financial powers and support that people , public services and businesses in Scotland need to manage this unprecedented emergency and secure a strong recovery .
`` This crisis has exposed the deep inequality caused by decades of Westminster cuts .
“ There can be no return to business as normal .
READ MORE : EU rejected : Scottish taxpayers to no longer foot cost of free uni '' As Scotland seeks to build a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Tory Brexit , the case for independence has never been stronger . ''
Meanwhile , political polling expert Mark Diffley added support for an independent Scotland is `` not just a blip '' .
Speaking during a Webinar for the John Smith Centre , hosted by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale , he said there was a clear pattern emerging .
He claimed the results were much more `` much more significant '' and had been steadily growing for six to eight months .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon humiliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPINION ] Nicola Sturgeon BEGS Boris for cash as Scottish economy faces crisis [ REVEAL ] Boris on alert as polling guru Curtice says Scot Indy backed [ POLL ] Mr Diffley added : `` It seems that if there was a choice to be in an independent Scotland that was within the EU , that would be preferable to being part of the UK but out of the EU .
`` Previous no voters , who voted to stay in the UK but also wanted to stay within the EU , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course it does go the other way - people who voted for an independent Scotland who also voted for Brexit , some would rather now be in the UK outside of Europe .
“ But that first group is much larger . ''

Brexit: Boris Johnson has 'no majority in Scotland' says MP
East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald was elected as SNP's new deputy leader at Westminster this week. Ian Blackford, the SNP leader in the Commons, praised his party’s new deputy and said: "This is an important time as we deal with the COVID-19 crisis and look to build a fairer Scotland.
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"With the threat of a Tory Brexit growing, and crucial decisions over the economic emergency, Kirsten will play a key role as we hold the Tory Government to account." It comes after fellow MP Kirsty Blackman stepped down from the role after three years last week after admitting that she "struggled" with the impact of lockdown on her mental health. Ms Oswald was first elected as MP for East Renfrewshire in 2015, ousting the then Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy from the seat. She lost the constituency to the Tories in 2017 but then won it back in December 2019.
Kirsten Oswald is Mr Blackford's No. 2 at Westminster.
Kirsty Blackman (pictured left).
She said: "I'm delighted to have been elected SNP Westminster deputy leader at this critical time, and I look forward to working in this new role with our strong team of SNP MPs. "As we continue to tackle coronavirus, SNP MPs will press the UK Government to deliver the financial powers and support that people, public services and businesses in Scotland need to manage this unprecedented emergency and secure a strong recovery. "This crisis has exposed the deep inequality caused by decades of Westminster cuts. “There can be no return to business as normal. READ MORE: EU rejected: Scottish taxpayers to no longer foot cost of free uni
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Westminster leader Ian Blackford praised the appointment.
"As Scotland seeks to build a fairer society and escape the growing threat of a Tory Brexit, the case for independence has never been stronger." Meanwhile, political polling expert Mark Diffley added support for an independent Scotland is "not just a blip". Speaking during a Webinar for the John Smith Centre, hosted by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, he said there was a clear pattern emerging. He claimed the results were much more "much more significant" and had been steadily growing for six to eight months. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon humiliated: Rees-Mogg says independent Scotland bankrupt [OPINION]
Nicola Sturgeon BEGS Boris for cash as Scottish economy faces crisis [REVEAL]
Boris on alert as polling guru Curtice says Scot Indy backed [POLL]
The new deputy will help to hold the Tories "to account".
Mr Diffley added: "It seems that if there was a choice to be in an independent Scotland that was within the EU, that would be preferable to being part of the UK but out of the EU. "Previous no voters, who voted to stay in the UK but also wanted to stay within the EU, are moving more to yes. "Of course it does go the other way - people who voted for an independent Scotland who also voted for Brexit, some would rather now be in the UK outside of Europe. “But that first group is much larger."
Nicola Sturgeon campaigning with Kirsten Oswald.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-09--'What if Corbyn was in charge?' Ex-Labour leader shamed as 'red wall' voters praise Sunak

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For the first time in 100 years , the constituency of Leigh , in Wigan , Greater Manchester , switched political parties to Conservative during December ’ s general election .
Labour saw its biggest election defeat since 1935 as Boris Johnson secured a massive majority in the House of Commons .
A voter from the so-called 'red wall ' constituency attacked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done a terrible job of handling the coronavirus pandemic .
Under the Tory government , millions of people were able to access the historic furlough scheme allowing them to still be paid the majority of their wages during the height of the coronavirus lockdown .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced a new “ eat out to help out ” scheme this week , offering households a 50 percent reduction on dine-in meals in order to get the economy going again .
One restaurant owner in Leigh , Andrew Twentyman , praised Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the former Labour Party leader .

Economic Statement: Sunak outlines support for people over 25
For the first time in 100 years, the constituency of Leigh, in Wigan, Greater Manchester, switched political parties to Conservative during December’s general election. Labour saw its biggest election defeat since 1935 as Boris Johnson secured a massive majority in the House of Commons.
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A voter from the so-called 'red wall' constituency attacked the former Labour Party leader hinting he would have done a terrible job of handling the coronavirus pandemic. Under the Tory government, millions of people were able to access the historic furlough scheme allowing them to still be paid the majority of their wages during the height of the coronavirus lockdown. Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced a new “eat out to help out” scheme this week, offering households a 50 percent reduction on dine-in meals in order to get the economy going again. One restaurant owner in Leigh, Andrew Twentyman, praised Mr Sunak’s scheme and lashed out at the former Labour Party leader.
Corbyn shamed as voters praise Sunak
Chancellor Rishi Sunak praised for new scheme
He told the Guardian: “Can you imagine what state we’d be in if Jeremy Corbyn had been in charge of all this? “The government has basically invested in us. “Half the businesses in the UK are effectively now part-government owned.” Mr Sunak also announced plans for a stamp duty holiday on property purchases up to £500,000. READ MORE: Rishi Sunak refuses to rule out tax rises to pay for coronavirus spend
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Jeremy Corbyn ridiculed by 'red wall' voters
Stamp duty land tax is a tax paid by someone who purchases a property or piece of land in England or Northern Ireland. It is paid when the sale is completed and is based on the sum paid. Mr Sunak’s new plan, in place until around March 2021, has been praised by NHS nurses Keith and Jacqueline Park, who live near Leigh town centre. Mr Park said: “Before this, we were thinking of changing the kitchen in the bungalow, but weren’t sure, as it’s quite nice already. DON'T MISS
Furlough warning: Salary cuts may become ‘socially acceptable’ [INSIGHT]
Stamp duty system labelled 'counterproductive' - alternatives explored [REVEAL]
We are living in extraordinary times, says MACER HALL [OPINION]
Labour had the worst election results since 1935
“But now we know we will be saving a few thousand pounds we will go ahead.” The cost of stamp duty changes depending on whether someone is a first-time buyer. For movers, stamp duty was paid on any property costing more than £125,000. For first-time buyers, there was nothing to pay unless the property exceeded more than £300,000.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn


thedailyexpress--2020-07-09--Sturgeon humiliated: Rees-Mogg says independent Scotland would be bankrupt after COVID-19

Mr Rees-Mogg took a swipe at Nicola Sturgeon ’ s bid for Scottish independence while speaking this afternoon in the House of Commons .
The Commons leader told MPs that as a nation whose economy is `` dependent on the oil price '' , Scotland would be `` bankrupt '' as a result of coronavirus if it had achieved independence in 2014 .
However , his comments were quickly rebuffed by SNP MP Tommy Sheppard , who stressed that smaller nations have `` proven more agile and effective '' in tackling the economic repercussions of coronavirus .
The calls emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell by 18.9 percent in April , the highest drop on record .
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes MSP also has warned there is a £500million hole between the extra cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and the funding given to Scotland from Westminster .
Ms Forbes wrote to the Treasury asking for £500million in additional funding or additional tax setting powers .
This takes the total of extra cash the SNP led administration have received from Westminster since the start of the coronavirus pandemic to £4.6 billion .
Mr Sheppard backed Ms Forbes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be financially better off on its own .
Speaking during Westminster Business Questions , he added : `` Now we hear from many Cabinet members that Scotland 's salvation is due to the strong arms of the union , implying that only big countries can deal with the pandemic .
`` But that is not true , in fact many small countries have proven more agile and effective .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon shamed : 600 Scottish schools not inspected for decades '' But if the leader does believe this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming an independent country is now running at 54 % , an all-time historic high ? ''
However , Mr Rees-Mogg replied : `` Because of the strength of the United Kingdom , the Barnett consequentials have led to £4.6 billion being available to be spent in Scotland and this shows the success of economic management of the United Kingdom over 10 years of coalition and Conservative government .
`` The ability to answer the challenges of 2008 to ensure that the public sector finances got back into proper shape so that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford to deal with a fundamentally different crisis , which required a fundamentally different response , which required the expenditure of tax payers money , is a tribute to the strength of the United Kingdom .
`` And where would Scotland be had they gone for independence in 2014 with their revenue dependent on the oil price that has subsequently collapsed ?
They would be bankrupt .
Bankrupt .
DO N'T MISS : Millions spent on disposing of medical waste including body parts [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon red-faced as Home Office rebuffs claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave fears as Nicola predicts more local lockdown [ HOLYROOD ]

Nicola Sturgeon: Carlaw outlines 'staggering' COVID-19 failures
Mr Rees-Mogg took a swipe at Nicola Sturgeon’s bid for Scottish independence while speaking this afternoon in the House of Commons. The Commons leader told MPs that as a nation whose economy is "dependent on the oil price", Scotland would be "bankrupt" as a result of coronavirus if it had achieved independence in 2014.
Trending
However, his comments were quickly rebuffed by SNP MP Tommy Sheppard, who stressed that smaller nations have "proven more agile and effective" in tackling the economic repercussions of coronavirus. The calls emerge after government figures show that Scottish GDP fell by 18.9 percent in April, the highest drop on record. Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes MSP also has warned there is a £500million hole between the extra cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and the funding given to Scotland from Westminster. Ms Forbes wrote to the Treasury asking for £500million in additional funding or additional tax setting powers.
Mr Rees-Mogg lashed out at the SNP today.
It comes after Nicola Sturgeon revealed her plans for air bridges.
This takes the total of extra cash the SNP led administration have received from Westminster since the start of the coronavirus pandemic to £4.6 billion. Mr Sheppard backed Ms Forbes making clear to Jacob Rees-Mogg that Scotland would be financially better off on its own. Speaking during Westminster Business Questions, he added: "Now we hear from many Cabinet members that Scotland's salvation is due to the strong arms of the union, implying that only big countries can deal with the pandemic. "But that is not true, in fact many small countries have proven more agile and effective. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon shamed: 600 Scottish schools not inspected for decades
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Kate Forbes.
"But if the leader does believe this, can he explain why support for Scotland becoming an independent country is now running at 54%, an all-time historic high?" However, Mr Rees-Mogg replied: "Because of the strength of the United Kingdom, the Barnett consequentials have led to £4.6 billion being available to be spent in Scotland and this shows the success of economic management of the United Kingdom over 10 years of coalition and Conservative government. "The ability to answer the challenges of 2008 to ensure that the public sector finances got back into proper shape so that we were in the position where we could afford to deal with a fundamentally different crisis, which required a fundamentally different response, which required the expenditure of tax payers money, is a tribute to the strength of the United Kingdom. "And where would Scotland be had they gone for independence in 2014 with their revenue dependent on the oil price that has subsequently collapsed? They would be bankrupt. Bankrupt. DON'T MISS:
Millions spent on disposing of medical waste including body parts [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon red-faced as Home Office rebuffs claim it was responsible [REVEAL]
Coronavirus second wave fears as Nicola predicts more local lockdown [HOLYROOD]
Jacob Rees Mogg said an independent Scotland would be "bankrupt".


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to warn Michel Barnier deal must be done this summer

Mr Johnson personally interupted a meeting between UK negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Mr Barnier earlier this week .
The PM met with Mr Barnier before a crunch dinner on Tuesday , reminding the EU talks chief he expected a deal this summer .
The event was aimed at allowing Mr Barnier and Mr Frost to meet in a more informal setting .
JUST IN : Brexit LIVE - Michel Barnier mocks Brexiteer with spiky letter A UK Government spokesman said : `` The PM briefly dropped in ahead of dinner and reiterated his desire for the intensified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer . ''
The specialised session on Wednesday covered goods , services , fisheries , governance , LPF and law enforcement .
Separately , the UK today said it was committed to working hard to agree underlying principles for a post-Brexit deal with the European Union in talks this month .
A UK Government spokesman said : `` The UK remains committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during July , as agreed at the High Level Meeting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Unelected commissioners ! '
Mark Francois hits back at Barnier after brutal letter Speaking last month after the June 15 meeting , Mr Johnson told reporters : `` It is very clear what we need to achieve .
`` I don ’ t think we ’ re that far apart , but what we need is a bit of oomph in the negotiations , and I was pleased that Ursula von der Leyen and other EU officials all agree .
`` There is no reason why we shouldn ’ t get this done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson renews 'no Brexit fudge ' pledge to Brexiteers [ REPORT ] Pound to euro exchange rate : GBP remains steady [ FORECAST ] Peter Bone shuts down 'weak ' leaked letter on Brexit border concerns [ VIDEO ] The comments are likely to be a response to a directive issued by the European Commission yesterday urging companies to be ready for a no-deal outcome .
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented : `` The British people decided in a democratic election to leave the European Union and its benefits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard we now work towards a close partnership agreement , our relationship will inevitably change .
`` My top priority is to ensure that EU citizens and businesses are as well prepared as possible for 1 January 2021 ” .
In a letter to Mark Francois , chairman of the European Research Group ( ERG ) today , Mr Barnier said progress on thrashing out an an agreement had so far been `` disappointing '' .
He added : `` We will continue to work with determination to conclude the negotiations with success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be done despite the short time available , which is the choice of your government . ''

Brexit: Michel Barnier arrives for private dinner with David Frost
The PM briefly dropped in ahead of dinner and reiterated his desire for the intensified process to reach an outline agreement this summer UK Government spokesman
Mr Johnson personally interupted a meeting between UK negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Mr Barnier earlier this week. The PM met with Mr Barnier before a crunch dinner on Tuesday, reminding the EU talks chief he expected a deal this summer. The event was aimed at allowing Mr Barnier and Mr Frost to meet in a more informal setting. JUST IN: Brexit LIVE - Michel Barnier mocks Brexiteer with spiky letter
Trending
A UK Government spokesman said: "The PM briefly dropped in ahead of dinner and reiterated his desire for the intensified process to reach an outline agreement this summer." The specialised session on Wednesday covered goods, services, fisheries, governance, LPF and law enforcement. Separately, the UK today said it was committed to working hard to agree underlying principles for a post-Brexit deal with the European Union in talks this month. A UK Government spokesman said: "The UK remains committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during July, as agreed at the High Level Meeting on 15 June." READ MORE: 'Unelected commissioners!' Mark Francois hits back at Barnier after brutal letter
Michel Barnier with David Frost at Number 10
Speaking last month after the June 15 meeting, Mr Johnson told reporters: "It is very clear what we need to achieve. "I don’t think we’re that far apart, but what we need is a bit of oomph in the negotiations, and I was pleased that Ursula von der Leyen and other EU officials all agree. "There is no reason why we shouldn’t get this done in July." DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson renews 'no Brexit fudge' pledge to Brexiteers [REPORT]
Pound to euro exchange rate: GBP remains steady [FORECAST]
Peter Bone shuts down 'weak' leaked letter on Brexit border concerns [VIDEO]
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Boris Johnson has warned Michel Barnier a Brexit trade deal must be agreed this summer
UK negotiator David Frost was also at the dinner
The comments are likely to be a response to a directive issued by the European Commission yesterday urging companies to be ready for a no-deal outcome. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented: "The British people decided in a democratic election to leave the European Union and its benefits. "This means that no matter how hard we now work towards a close partnership agreement, our relationship will inevitably change.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Boris Johnson ‘doesn’t bow down’ to EU says Iain Dale
"My top priority is to ensure that EU citizens and businesses are as well prepared as possible for 1 January 2021”. In a letter to Mark Francois, chairman of the European Research Group (ERG) today, Mr Barnier said progress on thrashing out an an agreement had so far been "disappointing". He added: "We will continue to work with determination to conclude the negotiations with success as we continue to believe that this can be done despite the short time available, which is the choice of your government."
Michel Barnier has warned of "significant differences" between the two sides
Yesterday Mr Barnier tweeted: "This week’s discussions confirm that significant divergences remain between EU & GB. "We will continue working with patience, respect & determination." Mr Barnier had travelled to London for the talks, a point highlighted by Mr Frost, who tweeted on Wednesday: "Delighted to meet my fellow Chief Negotiator @MichelBarnier at No10 last night and to kick off today's talks in London."
The Bruges Group's tweet


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson sets Michel Barnier 21 day deadline to agree to principle deal

Separately , it was revealed Mr Johnson had dropped in unannounced to a dinner party at which Mr Barnier and UK negotiator David Frost were both guests to underline the urgency of the situation , with the PM keen to get something wrapped up by the end of the month .
Mr Francois , chairman of the European Research Group ( ERG ) , and MP for Rayleigh and Wickford had previously sought to lay down the law in a `` Missive from a Free Country '' sent to Mr Barnier on June 26 , in which he demanded Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the EU is currently making '' .
Specifically , he stressed there was no way the European Court of Justice could have any role in `` the UK 's national life '' after the end of the year .
Mr Barnier has now replied in a letter taking issue with a number of Mr Francois ' points .
He pointed out the political declaration ratified by Parliament does allocate a role to the ECJ as part of arrangements for Northern Ireland - the so-called Northern Ireland protocol .
The political declaration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by your Prime Minister and voted for by the House of Commons , including yourself , as part of the Withdrawal Agreement ratification '' .
Mr Barnier also took the time to acknowledge the existence of the ERG , a likely response to a passage in Mr Francois 's letter in which he said : `` It is possible that you may have heard of us '' .
He said : `` I have over the past years met British politicians representing the entire spectrum of views on Brexit , including the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He also took a subtle swipe at Mr Francois 's reference to living in a free country while lamenting the UK 's decision to quit the bloc , writing : `` In this same spirit , we approach the ongoing negotiations with your great - and indeed free - country , which will remain a close friend , neighbour and ally of the European Union . ''
In a message to Mr Barnier today , Mr Francois said : “ The Political Declaration is indicative and not legally binding – as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m delighted that further talks are now agreed .
As you often remind us , ‘ the clock is ticking ’ .
” 1.38pm update : 'Hope for the best , prepare for the worst ' Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmese has welcomed the announcement of a 5 billion euro rescue package for countries like hers , which are likely to be hardest hit by Brexit , irresepective of whether a trade deal is agreed .
Commenting on the proposal , which will be debated by the 27 national EU leaders in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Hope for the best , prepare for the worst : a sound principle in politics .
`` Proposal for a new Brexit adjustment reserve to counter consequences in member states worst affected is a very good signal to start the negotiations . ''
Ireland is also likely to be one of the countries in need of financial assistance .
The EU has described claims it demanded the Government governement dropped its support for coronavirus vaccine programmes in the UK as “ not true and misleading ” .
The UK will today reject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine programme as a result of concerns about delays getting doses into the country .
Anonymous Westminster sources have claimed the EU initially asked the Government to drop its support for UK vaccine programmes including those underway at Oxford University and Imperial College .
EU spokesman Eric Mamert insisted the claim was “ not true and misleading ” .
He said the EU will `` always promote all means that would result in the quick finding and production of a successful vaccine '' .
Mr Mamert rejected suggestions the EU would put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it came to handing out the vaccines , stressing doses would be `` distributed according to population '' .
12.54pm update : Brexit no deal collapse would be 'DISASTER ' for Merkel A Brexit no deal would be an “ economic disaster ” for German companies , it has been warned .
The managing director of the Federation of German Industries ( BDI ) warned Britain unshackling from the EU without an agreement would be “ the worst result for all sides ” .
Joachim Lang said Brexit would trigger chaos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break ” in the event of a no deal .
He said : “ Without clear guidelines for the movement of goods , Brexit will become an economic disaster for companies `` A British exit from the EU without an agreement would be the worst result for all sides .
`` If London does n't move on key issues , British companies will also have to face a hard break . ''
12.35pm update : EU launches emergency €5billion Brexit fund to prop up states worst-hit by UK leaving The European Union has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit fund to help pay for any damages caused by Britain 's departure from the bloc .
European Council President Charles Michel said the €5 billion reserve would be used to “ counter unforeseen circumstances ” of Brexit .
Announcing his plans for the EU ’ s next budget , the eurocrat said : “ Brexit is challenging for all of us .
And that ’ s why we propose a Brexit reserve of five billion .
`` We will create another reserve in order to counter the unforeseen consequences in the most-affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to warn Michel Barnier deal must be done this summer BREXIT talks are back on track after Boris Johnson surprised Michel Barnier with an unexpected appearance during the latest round of discussions .
Mr Johnson personally interupted a meeting between UK negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Mr Barnier earlier this week .
The PM met with Mr Barnier before a crunch dinner on Tuesday , reminding the EU talks chief he expected a deal this summer .
The event was aimed at allowing Mr Barnier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more informal setting .
A UK Government spokesman said : `` The PM briefly dropped in ahead of dinner and reiterated his desire for the intensified process to reach an outline agreement this summer . ''
Mark Francois has hit back at Michel Barnier 's claim Britain 's departure from the European Union is pointless .
In response to a letter from the Brussels bureaucrat , Mr Francois insisted freeing the country from the clutches of “ unelected commissioners ” would be a suitable reward for the millions of voters who backed Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wickford added : `` No one has ever demonstrated to me the added value of remaining in the EU and being governed by a bunch of unelected commissioners .
“ It seems 17.4 million UK citizens felt similarly .
As you rightly acknowledged , we are now a free country – and indeed very happy to be so.
” The UK Government has emphasised its commitment to a trade deal by the end of the year after a warning by Brussels yesterday that the two sides remained far apart on key issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was committed to finding an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during july , as agreed at the high level meeting on June 15 .
Guy Verhofstadt , the European Parliament 's Brexit representative and a frequent critic of the UK 's decision to leave the bloc , has turned on Angela Merkel in a scathing tweet over Germany 's supposed reluctance to take a tougher stance against China .
The EU chief suggested “ selling cars ” to China was “ more important ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stance ” on Beijing .
Mr Verhofstadt warned the EU will “ never ” be able to put in a more “ robust ” policy against the Asian superpower .
He tweeted : “ As long as selling cars to China is more important to Europe , especially to Germany than taking a firm stance on the Chinese crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong , Tibet and Xinjang , we will never be able to put in place a more robust EU-China policy.
” The European Commission has published advice aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare for the the end of the transition period .
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said : `` The British people decided in a democratic election to leave the European Union and its benefits .
`` This means that no matter how hard we now work towards a close partnership agreement , our relationship will inevitably change .
`` My top priority is to ensure that EU citizens and businesses are as well prepared as possible for 1 January 2021 . ''
European Council President Charles Michel is due to propose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said on Friday , in a bid to make the bloc 's mass economic stimulus more palatable to thrifty northern member states with the UK 's departure looming .
With the EU economy headed for its worst recession , the bloc is haggling over how to finance recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with the frugal , wealthy north facing off against the high-debt southern countries hit harder by COVID-19 .
Under discussion is the bloc 's next budget , so far envisaged at 1.1 trillion euros , and an attached 750-billion-euro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a smaller budget and economic reforms as a condition for accessing the extra funds .
The 27 national EU leaders are due to meet in Brussels next week for their first face-to-face talks since coronavirus drove Europe into lockdown in March to bargain over the proposal .
The pound to euro exchange rate remained set in its `` rangebound '' territory despite the potential threat from the final round of the UK-EU negotiations .
Is now the best time to get euros ?
Despite a series of highs and lows in recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week in a steady position against the euro .
Though the early conclusion of `` informal '' Brexit trade talks threatened to shake any strength the GBP has retained , it is likely sterling will remain in the same position as it moves into the weekend .
The pound is currently trading at a rate of 1.1166 against the euro according to Bloomberg at the time of writing .
9.15am update : Furious Peter Bone shuts down BBC over 'leaked letter ' on post-Brexit border fears Tory MP Peter Bone lashed out at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liz Truss , which claimed that there could be massive issues with the UK 's plan for border control after leaving the EU .
The EU Commission has unveiled its plan for the end of the Brexit transition period , prompting concerns about the UK-EU border arrangements .
Despite being set to leave the EU at the end of the year , the UK has announced that full border controls on goods will not come into effect until next July .
Conservative MP Mr Bone rubbished concerns that the delay could lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a leaked letter from Liz Truss on BBC Newsnight .
Supermarket chains have pledged never to stock chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef , regardless of any trade deal the UK may strike with the USA .
An M & S spokesman told the Business Insider website : `` Our commitment to our customers and family of 10,000 British farmers has not and will not change .
`` Our promise is that we only ever source our quality fresh food from Select Farmers we know and trust .
That means our customers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef . ''
A Sainsbury 's spokesman said : `` We are committed to upholding high standards for our customers and will never sell these products . ''
Meanwhile a spokesman for the Co-op said : `` The Co-op has a clear policy to only source 100 % British meat . ''
Turkey is `` very close '' to signing a post-Brexit free trade agreement with the UK covering manufactured goods , agriculture and services , the country 's Foreign Minister has revealed .
Mevlut Cavusoglu has been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab .
He said in principle there have been no differences over a potential deal , but that some technical issues need to be ironed out .
Turkey 's Foreign Minister told the Financial Times : “ It ’ s going very well and we are very close to finalising it .
“ We agreed already with the UK that in the post-Brexit era we will increase our bilateral trade ; in volume we set a $ 20billion bilateral trade target .
`` If you look at the volume of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is industrial products , and we agreed on that , and five percent is agriculture and services . ''
8.35am update : `` Timetable is YOUR Government 's choice , '' says Barnier In the course of his letter to ERG chief Mark Francois , EU negotiator Michel Barnier also regretted the lack of progress in ongoing talks aimed at striking a trade deal with the UK - while taking a swipe at Boris Johnson 's refusal to countenance an extension to the transition period .
He wrote : `` A restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June and 2 July and subsequent rounds are foreseen in July , August and September .
`` However , let me underline that what matters more than the format of the talks is progres on substance and for that moment , results have been disappointing .
`` We will continue to work with determination to conclude the negotiations with success as we continue to believe that this can be done despite the short time available , which is the choice of your government . ''
8.21am update : France receives nearly THREE times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to dish out billions more to France than the UK for farming , despite it being one of the wealthiest and prosperous nations in the bloc , new figures reveal .
Analysis from pro-Brexit group Facts4EU has shown the major gulf within the bloc 's funding for nations on funding , with France receiving around two-and-a-half-times as much money from Brussels than the UK for farming .
France , which is the bloc 's second richest economy , has been protective over the Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) , which Facts4EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest beneficiary of the subsidies handed out for farming .
Across the past 10 years , the bloc has given around 40 percent of its budget to CAP projects , and according to European Commission data released last month , in 2019 this worked out at around €54.5billion ( £48.8billion ) .
8.13am update : Barnier 's reply to Francois : 'You voted for it Mark ' Michel Barnier has hit back at Mark Francois - by pointing out the eurosceptic Tory MEP voted for the political declaration which the eurosceptic Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU 's chief negotiator last month .
Mr Francois , chairman of the European Research Group ( ERG ) , sought to lay down the law in a `` Missive from a Free Country '' sent to Mr Barnier on June 26 , in which he demanded Brussels `` change some of the unreasonable demands that the EU is currently making '' .
Specifically , he stressed there was no way the European Court of Justice could have any role in `` the UK 's national life '' after the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied in a letter taking issue with a number of Mr Francois ' points .
He pointed out the political declaration ratified by Parliament does allocate a role to the ECJ as part of arrangements for Northern Ireland - the so-called Northern Ireland protocol .
The political declaration , he added , had been `` agreed by your Prime Minister and voted for by the House of Commons , including yourself , as part of the Withdrawal Agreement ratification '' .
Michel Barnier and David Frost - top negotiators for the EU and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks over the last month , and reportedly dined on fish together at No.10 this week .
The talks have become deadlocked over a so-called ‘ level-playing field ’ , the governance of any agreement and access to the UK fisheries .
While any potential issues with Ireland appear to have been put on the backburner after Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposed a new customs border down the Irish Sea , Irish fishermen are keen for an essential problem to be resolved before the UK leaves the EU in December .
Grainne Ni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month that fishermen are nervous that , without a trade deal , Ireland ’ s fisheries could suffer too .
8.05 update : Sturgeon threatens to reject Boris Johnson 's new law in EU clash Westminster and Holyrood are on track for the biggest constitutional showdown since the EU referendum as Nicola Sturgeon 's government have threatened to block a major post-Brexit law .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her Scottish National Party are prepared to stand in the way of a law which would give the UK Government the power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s exit from the bloc .
Michael Russell , SNP cabinet secretary for constitutional affairs , told the Financial Times the SNP would take Westminster to court if it was given the power to force Scotland to accept new standards on food , environmental and animal welfare .
Mr Russell said : “ We do not accept that this is a legitimate way of operating within devolution .

Brexit: Pound holds steady against euro amid trade talks
Meanwhile Mr Barnier has hit back at Mark Francois - by pointing out the eurosceptic Tory MEP voted for the political declaration which the eurosceptic Tory MP objected to in his letter to the EU's chief negotiator last month. A Government spokesman said today the UK was committed to working hard to agree underlying principles for a post-Brexit deal with the European Union in talks this month. The spokesman added: "The UK remains committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during July, as agreed at the High Level Meeting on 15 June."
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Separately, it was revealed Mr Johnson had dropped in unannounced to a dinner party at which Mr Barnier and UK negotiator David Frost were both guests to underline the urgency of the situation, with the PM keen to get something wrapped up by the end of the month. Mr Francois, chairman of the European Research Group (ERG), and MP for Rayleigh and Wickford had previously sought to lay down the law in a "Missive from a Free Country" sent to Mr Barnier on June 26, in which he demanded Brussels "change some of the unreasonable demands that the EU is currently making". Specifically, he stressed there was no way the European Court of Justice could have any role in "the UK's national life" after the end of the year. Mr Barnier has now replied in a letter taking issue with a number of Mr Francois' points. He pointed out the political declaration ratified by Parliament does allocate a role to the ECJ as part of arrangements for Northern Ireland - the so-called Northern Ireland protocol. The political declaration, he added, had been "agreed by your Prime Minister and voted for by the House of Commons, including yourself, as part of the Withdrawal Agreement ratification".
Boris Johnson and Michel Barnier
Mr Barnier also took the time to acknowledge the existence of the ERG, a likely response to a passage in Mr Francois's letter in which he said: "It is possible that you may have heard of us". He said: "I have over the past years met British politicians representing the entire spectrum of views on Brexit, including the European Research Group, which you chair." He also took a subtle swipe at Mr Francois's reference to living in a free country while lamenting the UK's decision to quit the bloc, writing: "In this same spirit, we approach the ongoing negotiations with your great - and indeed free - country, which will remain a close friend, neighbour and ally of the European Union." In a message to Mr Barnier today, Mr Francois said: “The Political Declaration is indicative and not legally binding – as you well know. “Nevertheless, I’m delighted that further talks are now agreed. As you often remind us, ‘the clock is ticking’.” SCROLL DOWN FOR REGULAR UPDATES
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Saturday, July 11
05:30am update: European bond firm bets on hard Brexit BlueBay Asset Management, a European bond firm, has concluded Britain is probably on course for either a no deal or very limited deal Brexit as UK-EU negotiations remain gridlocked. A couple of weeks ago the firm placed a large negative bet on the pound suggesting the UK currency is likely to significantly lose value. Speaking to the Financial Times Kaspar Hense, a BlueBay fund investment manager, said: "We will see a hard Brexit for sure. "Market haven’t yet priced in the significant impact on the City of London and the risks to the UK economy. The only way out will be a weaker pound and the central bank, to some extent, devaluing the currency." 03:15am update: Irish minister says 'worry and concern' is back over Brexit Barry Cowen, Ireland's minister for agriculture, warned last night that "worry and concern" are "back on the table" as negotiations between the UK and EU have failed thus far to produce a trade deal. Mr Cowen was speaking on a live panel discussion, hosted by Teagasc in association with AgriLand, which focused on the Irish beef sector. On Brexit he commented: "The whole fear, worry and concern of Brexit is back on the table. There is a slow pace to the development of a trade deal between the EU and the UK and that’s worrying. "We are pressing upon them the key demands that we have have such as a trade deal being successful. We can’t afford a situation of a quota and tariff systems; that could be to the detriment to the agricultural sector,” he highlighted." 01.31am update: Michel Barnier says he can't see the "value" of Britain leaving the EU Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said he couldn't see the "added value" of Brexit in a letter to Mark Francois, chair of the eurosceptic European Research Group. Responding to a letter from Mr Francois the EU leader wrote: "While nobody has been able to demonstrate to me the added value of leaving the most integrated economic and free trade area in the world, I have always respected the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU". However he added Britain, which he termed a "great, and indeed free, country" will "remain a close neighbour, friend and ally of the European Union". The UK is currently trying to negotiate an agreement with the EU to ensure free trade remains when Britain exits the Brexit transition period at the end of this year. 00.01am update: Warning no deal Brexit could increase food prices The UK could see food price rises if if leave the Brexit transition period at the end of the year according to the British Retail Consortium. In a statement the industry body claimed a no-deal exit would hit "ordinary household goods that every consumer has to buy and replenish". It added: "It doesn’t matter whether it’s Great Britain, or it’s Northern Ireland, the people who will suffer most because of these cost rises will be those people who are most economically vulnerable". The Government has already ruled out applying to extend the Brexit transition period. James Bickerton takes over live reporting from Richard Percival
Friday, July 10
9pm update: New secret Brexit customs centre to be built The government has purchased 22 acres of land for a new customs clearance centre for thousands of lorries that come from Dover, the Guardian reports. It is understood that it will be the first customs centre erected in the UK dealing with goods coming from the EU for 27 years. The local council and residents in Ashford have only just been informed of the plan however, according to the publication, through letters. The letter, from MP Rachel Maclean, parliamentary undersecretary of state for transport, said: “We are writing to inform you that the Department of Transport has purchased the site known as ‘MOJO’ (Church Road, Sevington Ashford). "Preliminary works are scheduled to take place on the western parcel from Monday 13 July 2020, this will include: securing the site with fencing, grass and weed vegetation cutting, extensive survey work, the constructing of a temporary site office, and the constructing of a temporary access to the site from the A2070 link road." 7:30pm update: Get Ready for Brexit Campaign set to be launched A new multi-million-pound Get Ready for Brexit campaign will be launched by the UK government on Monday. The campaign will be aimed at informing businesses of the complex customs regime they will face as the UK is deadlocked in securing a Brexit deal. Details of the campaign will be revealed by Michael Gove on Sunday.
The UK government will launch a Get Ready for Brexit Campaign on Monday.
6pm update: Sterling not strong against the Euro Sterling traded higher versus the U.S. dollar but was unmoved against the euro on Friday, with investors mostly staying on the sidelines. Very little has been achieved in negotiations between Britain and the European Union on a trade deal following Britain's departure from the bloc. This leaves sterling traders unsure of how to approach the pound with the currency driven mostly by external factors. Stephen Gallo, a currency analyst at BMO Capital Markets, thinks the pound will weaken given that countries that are net exporters have an advantage over Britain. He added: "The UK's trade policies will be in flux beyond 2020. "What 2020 will do is create a starting point for UK/EU-27 trade adjustments going forward" adding that "regulatory alignment, dispute arbitration and trade friction are likely to crop up as issues over the medium-term. "We would be inclined to fade sterling strength versus the euro on a move back to 0.8650." 5pm update: Brexit will hold back UK economic recovery, warns Moody's Britain will suffer the sharpest peak-to-trough economic slump of any major economy this year, rating agency Moody's warned today. Moody's said the UK government's latest £30 billion stimulus package, announced this week, would aid a gradual economic recovery but add further pressure to the UK's fiscal position. They added: "The UK's public debt ratio will likely rise by 24 percentage points of GDP or more relative to 2019 levels. "We forecast a contraction of 10.1 percent in the UK's GDP for this year, but expect a gradual subsequent recovery on the back of the easing in lockdown measures, with growth rebounding to 7.1 percent next year". The agency said high-frequency indicators suggested that economic activity has gradually begun to recover after reaching a trough in April when GDP is estimated to have contracted by just over 20 percent. They added: "Our forecast estimates a sharper peak-to-trough contraction for the UK than for any other G-20 economy, taking account of our view that lingering uncertainty around Brexit will hold back the recovery in the second half of the year." Moody's rates Britain Aa2 with a negative outlook following a series of cuts since the country voted to leave the European Union in mid-2016. 4pm update: EU threat to strict border controls after the Brexit transition period The EU has given a harsh warning of the barriers that will go up between the EU and the UK when the transition period expires in December. In a Commission document, Brits are being told that they will be "subject to thorough checks" at borders when entering EU countries with the exception of Ireland, as they will be "treated as third-country nationals".
A new tight border will be implemented after the transition period.
2.56pm Tory MP hails Williamson's post-Brexit vision for education Tory MP Robert Halfon has welcomed Education Secretary Gavin Williamson's decision to tear up a commitment to send 50 percent of young people to university in favour of a "German-style" further education system. Harlow MP Mr Halfon hailed Mr Williamson's "bold commitment". Mr Williamson yesterday said a rebalance towards further education was vital for the UK's economic recovery following COVID-19, saying for decades the country has "failed" to give it the investment it deserves. He added: "As we emerge from COVID, further education will be the key that unlocks this country’s potential and that helps make post-Brexit Britain the triumph we all want, and the triumph our young people all deserve." 2.12pm update: Boris Johnson renews 'no Brexit fudge' promise to Brexiteers as Barnier issues slap down Boris Johnson issued a renewed pledge to concerned Brexiteers to reassure them there will be "no fudge" during Brexit trade negotiations, political commentator Patrick Maguire claimed. Boris Johnson was forced to issue a reassurance to European Research Group (ERG) members concerned about another Brexit "fudge" from the British Government. Times Radio reporter Patrick Maguire suggested the Prime Minister had to renew his pledge of straightforward talks after former ERG chair Steve Baker warned the UK would remain in the customs union past the transition period. Mr Maguire said: "Boris Johnson even took to the European Research Group Whatsapp group on the day of Rishi Sunak’s mini-budget when Steve Baker, Mark Francois’ slightly more sinister predecessor, warned he thought we were going to stay in the customs union. 1.38pm update: 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst' Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmese has welcomed the announcement of a 5 billion euro rescue package for countries like hers, which are likely to be hardest hit by Brexit, irresepective of whether a trade deal is agreed. Commenting on the proposal, which will be debated by the 27 national EU leaders in Brussels next week, she said: "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst: a sound principle in politics. "Proposal for a new Brexit adjustment reserve to counter consequences in member states worst affected is a very good signal to start the negotiations." Ireland is also likely to be one of the countries in need of financial assistance. 1.15pm update: EU denies demanding UK dropped support for COVID-19 vaccine programmes The EU has described claims it demanded the Government governement dropped its support for coronavirus vaccine programmes in the UK as “not true and misleading”. The UK will today reject an invitation to participate in the EU vaccine programme as a result of concerns about delays getting doses into the country. Anonymous Westminster sources have claimed the EU initially asked the Government to drop its support for UK vaccine programmes including those underway at Oxford University and Imperial College. EU spokesman Eric Mamert insisted the claim was “not true and misleading”. He said the EU will "always promote all means that would result in the quick finding and production of a successful vaccine". Mr Mamert rejected suggestions the EU would put the UK at the back of the queue when it came to handing out the vaccines, stressing doses would be "distributed according to population". 12.54pm update: Brexit no deal collapse would be 'DISASTER' for Merkel A Brexit no deal would be an “economic disaster” for German companies, it has been warned. The managing director of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) warned Britain unshackling from the EU without an agreement would be “the worst result for all sides”. Joachim Lang said Brexit would trigger chaos and warned London would face “a hard break” in the event of a no deal. He said: “Without clear guidelines for the movement of goods, Brexit will become an economic disaster for companies "A British exit from the EU without an agreement would be the worst result for all sides. "If London doesn't move on key issues, British companies will also have to face a hard break."
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel
Brexit: Francois slams ‘ludicrous’ Barnier for extension demands
12.35pm update: EU launches emergency €5billion Brexit fund to prop up states worst-hit by UK leaving The European Union has announced proposals for a multi-billion euro emergency Brexit fund to help pay for any damages caused by Britain's departure from the bloc. European Council President Charles Michel said the €5 billion reserve would be used to “counter unforeseen circumstances” of Brexit. Announcing his plans for the EU’s next budget, the eurocrat said: “Brexit is challenging for all of us. And that’s why we propose a Brexit reserve of five billion. "We will create another reserve in order to counter the unforeseen consequences in the most-affected member states and sectors.” 12.06pm update: Boris Johnson crashes Brexit dinner to warn Michel Barnier deal must be done this summer BREXIT talks are back on track after Boris Johnson surprised Michel Barnier with an unexpected appearance during the latest round of discussions. Mr Johnson personally interupted a meeting between UK negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Mr Barnier earlier this week. The PM met with Mr Barnier before a crunch dinner on Tuesday, reminding the EU talks chief he expected a deal this summer. The event was aimed at allowing Mr Barnier and Mr Frost to meet in a more informal setting. A UK Government spokesman said: "The PM briefly dropped in ahead of dinner and reiterated his desire for the intensified process to reach an outline agreement this summer." 11.57pm update 'Unelected commissioners!' Mark Francois hits back at Barnier after brutal letter Mark Francois has hit back at Michel Barnier's claim Britain's departure from the European Union is pointless. In response to a letter from the Brussels bureaucrat, Mr Francois insisted freeing the country from the clutches of “unelected commissioners” would be a suitable reward for the millions of voters who backed Brexit. The Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford added: "No one has ever demonstrated to me the added value of remaining in the EU and being governed by a bunch of unelected commissioners. “It seems 17.4 million UK citizens felt similarly. As you rightly acknowledged, we are now a free country – and indeed very happy to be so.”
Michel Barnier and David Frost at Number 10
10.52am update: UK "committed to a deal", says spokesman The UK Government has emphasised its commitment to a trade deal by the end of the year after a warning by Brussels yesterday that the two sides remained far apart on key issues. A UK Government spokesman said the UK was committed to finding an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during july, as agreed at the high level meeting on June 15. 10.39am update: Guy Verhofstadt turns on Angela Merkel with scathing Germany attack Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit representative and a frequent critic of the UK's decision to leave the bloc, has turned on Angela Merkel in a scathing tweet over Germany's supposed reluctance to take a tougher stance against China. The EU chief suggested “selling cars” to China was “more important” to Germany than taking a “firm stance” on Beijing. Mr Verhofstadt warned the EU will “never” be able to put in a more “robust” policy against the Asian superpower. He tweeted: “As long as selling cars to China is more important to Europe, especially to Germany than taking a firm stance on the Chinese crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjang, we will never be able to put in place a more robust EU-China policy.” 10.20am update: EU issues new Brexit advice The European Commission has published advice aimed at helping public bodies, businesses and citizens prepare for the the end of the transition period. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The British people decided in a democratic election to leave the European Union and its benefits. "This means that no matter how hard we now work towards a close partnership agreement, our relationship will inevitably change. "My top priority is to ensure that EU citizens and businesses are as well prepared as possible for 1 January 2021."
Ursula von der Leyen at the European Parliament
9.48am update: Michel set to propose scaled-back EU budget European Council President Charles Michel is due to propose a smaller 2021-27 EU budget than previously envisaged, officials said on Friday, in a bid to make the bloc's mass economic stimulus more palatable to thrifty northern member states with the UK's departure looming. With the EU economy headed for its worst recession, the bloc is haggling over how to finance recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with the frugal, wealthy north facing off against the high-debt southern countries hit harder by COVID-19. Under discussion is the bloc's next budget, so far envisaged at 1.1 trillion euros, and an attached 750-billion-euro recovery fund. The 'frugals' want a smaller budget and economic reforms as a condition for accessing the extra funds. The 27 national EU leaders are due to meet in Brussels next week for their first face-to-face talks since coronavirus drove Europe into lockdown in March to bargain over the proposal. 9.30am update: GBP holds steady despite threat of final Brexit trade talks The pound to euro exchange rate remained set in its "rangebound" territory despite the potential threat from the final round of the UK-EU negotiations. Is now the best time to get euros? Despite a series of highs and lows in recent days, the pound is rounding off the week in a steady position against the euro. Though the early conclusion of "informal" Brexit trade talks threatened to shake any strength the GBP has retained, it is likely sterling will remain in the same position as it moves into the weekend. The pound is currently trading at a rate of 1.1166 against the euro according to Bloomberg at the time of writing. 9.15am update: Furious Peter Bone shuts down BBC over 'leaked letter' on post-Brexit border fears Tory MP Peter Bone lashed out at a reportedly leaked letter from Cabinet minister Liz Truss, which claimed that there could be massive issues with the UK's plan for border control after leaving the EU. The EU Commission has unveiled its plan for the end of the Brexit transition period, prompting concerns about the UK-EU border arrangements. Despite being set to leave the EU at the end of the year, the UK has announced that full border controls on goods will not come into effect until next July. Conservative MP Mr Bone rubbished concerns that the delay could lead to risks of smuggling when he was confronted by a leaked letter from Liz Truss on BBC Newsnight. 8.53am update: Supermarkets vow never to stock chlorinated chicken Supermarket chains have pledged never to stock chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef, regardless of any trade deal the UK may strike with the USA. An M&S spokesman told the Business Insider website: "Our commitment to our customers and family of 10,000 British farmers has not and will not change. "Our promise is that we only ever source our quality fresh food from Select Farmers we know and trust. That means our customers can be confident that we will never sell chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef." A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "We are committed to upholding high standards for our customers and will never sell these products." Meanwhile a spokesman for the Co-op said: "The Co-op has a clear policy to only source 100% British meat."
Newsnight: Peter Bone labels report on smuggling 'wrong'
8.37am update: Brexit free trade deal ‘very close’ – UK finalising comprehensive agreement with Turkey Turkey is "very close" to signing a post-Brexit free trade agreement with the UK covering manufactured goods, agriculture and services, the country's Foreign Minister has revealed. Mevlut Cavusoglu has been in London this week meeting Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. He said in principle there have been no differences over a potential deal, but that some technical issues need to be ironed out. Turkey's Foreign Minister told the Financial Times: “It’s going very well and we are very close to finalising it. “We agreed already with the UK that in the post-Brexit era we will increase our bilateral trade; in volume we set a $20billion bilateral trade target. "If you look at the volume of our bilateral trade, 95 percent of it is industrial products, and we agreed on that, and five percent is agriculture and services." 8.35am update: "Timetable is YOUR Government's choice," says Barnier In the course of his letter to ERG chief Mark Francois, EU negotiator Michel Barnier also regretted the lack of progress in ongoing talks aimed at striking a trade deal with the UK - while taking a swipe at Boris Johnson's refusal to countenance an extension to the transition period. He wrote: "A restricted round of negotiations took place between 29 June and 2 July and subsequent rounds are foreseen in July, August and September. "However, let me underline that what matters more than the format of the talks is progres on substance and for that moment, results have been disappointing. "We will continue to work with determination to conclude the negotiations with success as we continue to believe that this can be done despite the short time available, which is the choice of your government."
Brexit timetable
8.21am update: France receives nearly THREE times more funding than UK The European Union continues to dish out billions more to France than the UK for farming, despite it being one of the wealthiest and prosperous nations in the bloc, new figures reveal. Analysis from pro-Brexit group Facts4EU has shown the major gulf within the bloc's funding for nations on funding, with France receiving around two-and-a-half-times as much money from Brussels than the UK for farming. France, which is the bloc's second richest economy, has been protective over the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which Facts4EU argues is because it continues to be the biggest beneficiary of the subsidies handed out for farming. Across the past 10 years, the bloc has given around 40 percent of its budget to CAP projects, and according to European Commission data released last month, in 2019 this worked out at around €54.5billion (£48.8billion). 8.13am update: Barnier's reply to Francois: 'You voted for it Mark' Michel Barnier has hit back at Mark Francois - by pointing out the eurosceptic Tory MEP voted for the political declaration which the eurosceptic Tory MP objected to in his letter to the EU's chief negotiator last month. Mr Francois, chairman of the European Research Group (ERG), sought to lay down the law in a "Missive from a Free Country" sent to Mr Barnier on June 26, in which he demanded Brussels "change some of the unreasonable demands that the EU is currently making". Specifically, he stressed there was no way the European Court of Justice could have any role in "the UK's national life" after the end of the year. Mr Barnier has now replied in a letter taking issue with a number of Mr Francois' points. He pointed out the political declaration ratified by Parliament does allocate a role to the ECJ as part of arrangements for Northern Ireland - the so-called Northern Ireland protocol. The political declaration, he added, had been "agreed by your Prime Minister and voted for by the House of Commons, including yourself, as part of the Withdrawal Agreement ratification".
Michel Barnier pointed out that Mr Francois had voted for the PD (underlined by Express.co.uk)


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Brexit free trade deal ‘very close’ – UK finalising comprehensive agreement with Turkey

Mevlut Cavusoglu has been in London this week meeting Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab .
He said in principle there have been no differences over a potential deal , but that some technical issues need to be ironed out .
Turkey 's Foreign Minister told the Financial Times : “ It ’ s going very well and we are very close to finalising it .
If you look at the volume of our bilateral trade , 95 percent of it is industrial products , and we agreed on that , and five percent is agriculture and services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the post-Brexit era we will increase our bilateral trade ; in volume we set a $ 20billion bilateral trade target . ''
A senior official at the UK ’ s Department for International Trade said talks over an FTA with Turkey are “ progressing well ” .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena will meet Turkish counterparts for further talks next week .
Any FTA with the UK would only be implemented once Britain has signed a trade deal with the European Union , as Turkey remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest round of talks on a post-Brexit free trade deal between London and Brussels ended on Thursday , with significant differences between the negotiating teams still remaining .
But if the two sides are unable to sign an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31 , Turkey could face a dilemma over whether to push ahead with an FTA with the UK and risk breaking EU rules .
Mr Cavusoglu admitted that would be a “ bizarre situation ” , adding Britain is a `` strategic ally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 31 , with Boris Johnson and his Government chasing several lucrative trade agreements with a number of key allies , including the UK , Australia , New Zealand , Japan and Turkey .
Britain is Turkey 's second-largest trading partner after Germany , and the agreement of a free trade deal would be crucial for Turkish manufacturers , particularly carmakers , textile factories and white goods producers .
The Office for National Statistics has said trade between the UK and Turkey totaled £18.8 billion last year , with £7.9billion in British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the UK .
There are more than 2,500 UK companies operating in Turkey including BP , Shell , Vodafone , Unilever , BAE Systems , HSBC , Aviva and Diageo .
Mr Cavusoglu also said Turkey is hopeful of striking a separate immigration agreement that would grant people fromv his country special status when Britain introduced new migration laws following the departure from the EU .
DO N'T MISS Brexit panic : Why Ireland ’ s fishermen fear ‘ unmitigated disaster ’ [ REPORT ] Brexit divorce bill : How much is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ANALYSIS ] Boris warned : Sturgeon deputy will 'hold him to account ’ [ COMMENT ] There are up to 400,000 Turks currently living in the UK .
Many have benefited from the Ankara Agreement , which Turkey signed with the European Economic Commission in 1963 , which allows people from the country to work and establish businesses in Britain .
Turkey is now hopeful of agreeing a similar deal with the UK to protect the status of Turkish people have not secured full residency in the country from next year .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating two separate agreements , one is the FTA , one is similar to the Ankara Agreement . ''
But the ongoing talks between the UK and EU on a post-Brexit trade deal are showing much less progress , with time running out to sign an agreement before the transition period deadline .
Britain left the bloc on January 31 and both sides are in the middle of an 11-month transition period - remaining in the single market and customs union until the end of this year .
The two sides met in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief negotiation Michel Barnier said on Thursday `` significant divergences '' remain .
There are still several stumbling blocks , namely fisheries and fair competition guarantees .

Dominic Raab meets Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss Brexit
Mevlut Cavusoglu has been in London this week meeting Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. He said in principle there have been no differences over a potential deal, but that some technical issues need to be ironed out. Turkey's Foreign Minister told the Financial Times: “It’s going very well and we are very close to finalising it. If you look at the volume of our bilateral trade, 95 percent of it is industrial products, and we agreed on that, and five percent is agriculture and services.
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“We agreed already with the UK that in the post-Brexit era we will increase our bilateral trade; in volume we set a $20billion bilateral trade target." A senior official at the UK’s Department for International Trade said talks over an FTA with Turkey are “progressing well”. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena will meet Turkish counterparts for further talks next week. Any FTA with the UK would only be implemented once Britain has signed a trade deal with the European Union, as Turkey remains a member of the EU customs union.
Brexit news: The UK and Turkey are close to signing a comprehensive free trade agreement
Brexit news: Dominic Raab and Mevlut Cavusoglu have held talks in London
The latest round of talks on a post-Brexit free trade deal between London and Brussels ended on Thursday, with significant differences between the negotiating teams still remaining. But if the two sides are unable to sign an agreement before the end of the transition period on December 31, Turkey could face a dilemma over whether to push ahead with an FTA with the UK and risk breaking EU rules. Mr Cavusoglu admitted that would be a “bizarre situation”, adding Britain is a "strategic ally". The Brexit transition period ends on December 31, with Boris Johnson and his Government chasing several lucrative trade agreements with a number of key allies, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Turkey. READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Michel Barnier mocks Brexiteer with spiky letter
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A senior official at the UK’s Department for International Trade said talks over an FTA with Turkey are 'progressing well'
Britain is Turkey's second-largest trading partner after Germany, and the agreement of a free trade deal would be crucial for Turkish manufacturers, particularly carmakers, textile factories and white goods producers. The Office for National Statistics has said trade between the UK and Turkey totaled £18.8 billion last year, with £7.9billion in British exports, and £10.9billion of Turkish imports to the UK. There are more than 2,500 UK companies operating in Turkey including BP, Shell, Vodafone, Unilever, BAE Systems, HSBC, Aviva and Diageo. Mr Cavusoglu also said Turkey is hopeful of striking a separate immigration agreement that would grant people fromv his country special status when Britain introduced new migration laws following the departure from the EU. DON'T MISS
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There are up to 400,000 Turks currently living in the UK. Many have benefited from the Ankara Agreement, which Turkey signed with the European Economic Commission in 1963, which allows people from the country to work and establish businesses in Britain. Turkey is now hopeful of agreeing a similar deal with the UK to protect the status of Turkish people have not secured full residency in the country from next year. Mr Cavusoglu said: “We have been negotiating two separate agreements, one is the FTA, one is similar to the Ankara Agreement."
Brexit news: The transition period ends on December 31, 2020
But the ongoing talks between the UK and EU on a post-Brexit trade deal are showing much less progress, with time running out to sign an agreement before the transition period deadline. Britain left the bloc on January 31 and both sides are in the middle of an 11-month transition period - remaining in the single market and customs union until the end of this year. The two sides met in London this week but the EU's chief negotiation Michel Barnier said on Thursday "significant divergences" remain. There are still several stumbling blocks, namely fisheries and fair competition guarantees.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Last laugh? Fears Sturgeon's new hate crime law will ‘restrict’ classic comedians' jokes

The Hate Crime and Public Order ( Scotland ) Bill introduced by the Scottish Justice Secretary looks to extend the law on ‘ hate crime ’ covering particular characteristics , including religion , sexual orientation and transgender identity .
If the law is passed by Holyrood , it means that words or behaviour considered to be “ abusive ” and “ likely ” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence .
But QC Roddy Dunlop claims the laws could mean stand-up comedians won ’ t feel comfortable telling very many jokes , such as the classic “ Scotsman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” joke .
The QC , who serves as vice-dean at the Faculty of Advocates , the independent body of lawyers in Scotland , also said the new laws could impede free speech .
Speaking to The Times of Scotland , he added : “ How many stand-up comedians will feel comfortable telling any jokes if this law is passed ?
“ People could complain that the joke discriminates against Scottish people ’ s national identity .
“ We worry it will be too wide and too much of a curb on freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives , added : `` This does look like the justice secretary has been caught trying to reintroduce the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act by the back door .
`` This would seem to be a particularly foolish move given the public humiliation they received over that . ''
The Offensive Behaviour at Football Act was introduced in 2012 and made it a criminal offence for football fans to discriminate against certain traits such as religion , ethnic identity , class , or region at matches .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to no longer foot cost of free uni However , it was scrapped in 2018 following severe concerns over freedom of speech .
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf MSP has also apologised for misrepresenting the legislation after discussing it in Parliament earlier this month .
The Justice Secretary had told Holyrood that a person ’ s actions would have to be “ abusive and threatening ” for a prosecution to take place under the Bill — a lower threshold for conviction .
But it was pointed out by opposition party members a perception of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint under the draft wording .
DO N'T MISS : Boris warned : Sturgeon deputy will 'hold him to account ’ [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon humiliated : Rees-Mogg says independent Scotland bankrupt [ INSGHT ] Millions spent on disposing of medical waste including body parts [ SCOTLAND ] Aamer Anwar , a prominent Scottish human rights lawyer stressed that the new law would criminalise behaviour that “ destroys lives ” and not free speech .
The current Rector of Glasgow University , added to The Times : “ There ’ s always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to act responsibly .
“ It ’ s not just a case that someone insults somebody and they ’ ll end up in jail .
Politicians insult each other all the time .
“ I don ’ t think such accusations would see the light of day in our court system and I don ’ t think any judge would convict on that basis .
”

Question Time: Gardiner and Yousaf clash over Scotland
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill introduced by the Scottish Justice Secretary looks to extend the law on "hate crime" covering particular characteristics including religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. If the law is passed by Holyrood, it means that words or behaviour considered to be “abusive” and “likely” to stir up hatred would constitute an offence.
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But QC Roddy Dunlop claims the laws could mean stand-up comedians won’t feel comfortable telling very many jokes, such as the classic “Scotsman, Irishman and Englishman go to a pub” joke. The QC, who serves as vice-dean at the Faculty of Advocates, the independent body of lawyers in Scotland, also said the new laws could impede free speech. Speaking to the Scottish edition of The Times, he added: “How many stand-up comedians will feel comfortable telling any jokes if this law is passed? “People could complain that the joke discriminates against Scottish people’s national identity.
Comedians might be restricted on what jokes they can tell.
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf.
“We worry it will be too wide and too much of a curb on freedom of expression.” Liam Kerr, the Shadow Secretary for Justice, added: "This does look like the justice secretary has been caught trying to reintroduce the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act by the back door. "This would seem to be a particularly foolish move given the public humiliation they received over that." The Offensive Behaviour at Football Act was introduced in 2012 and made it a criminal offence for football fans to discriminate against certain traits such as religion, ethnic identity, class, or region at matches. READ MORE: EU rejected: Scottish taxpayers to no longer foot cost of free uni
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Nicola Sturgeon during the defeat of the Football racism bill.
However, it was scrapped in 2018 following severe concerns over freedom of speech. Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf MSP has also apologised for misrepresenting the legislation after discussing it in Parliament earlier this month. The Justice Secretary had told Holyrood that a person’s actions would have to be “abusive and threatening” for a prosecution to take place under the Bill — a lower threshold for conviction. But it was pointed out by opposition party members a perception of “abuse” could trigger a criminal complaint under the draft wording. DON'T MISS:
Boris warned: Sturgeon deputy will 'hold him to account’ [REVEAL]
Sturgeon humiliated: Rees-Mogg says independent Scotland bankrupt [INSGHT]
Millions spent on disposing of medical waste including body parts [SCOTLAND]
Stand Up to Racism protest.
Aamer Anwar, a prominent Scottish human rights lawyer stressed that the new law would criminalise behaviour that “destroys lives” and not free speech. The current Rector of Glasgow University, said to The Times: “There’s always a caveat with free speech and that requires you to act responsibly. “It’s not just a case that someone insults somebody and they’ll end up in jail. Politicians insult each other all the time. “I don’t think such accusations would see the light of day in our court system and I don’t think any judge would convict on that basis.”
Roddy Dunlop fears the changes will hit comedians.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Tax rises warning: Brits told to brace for crippling rises to pay for coronavirus bailout

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The country will need decades of tax rises to repair its battered public finances , according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) .
It questioned whether Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s key mini-budget measures will make a big enough impact to revive the economy .
IFS director Paul Johnson warned that a “ reckoning , in the form of higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the government would usually be asking “ what can be afforded ” but “ today the question is better posed as what is needed and what can be delivered ” .
Mr Johnson said the job retention bonus , which will give £1,000 to firms for each furloughed employee back in employment at the end of January and could cost up to £9 billion , may be too widely targeted .
“ A lot , probably a majority , of the job retention bonus money will go in respect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already have been , returned from furlough anyway , ” Mr Johnson said .
“ This money will go even in respect of jobs which were briefly furloughed , are already back at work and can expect to be still back at work in January , the employer still gets £1,000.
” The independent think tank raised fears a temporary stamp duty holiday could push up house prices .

The country will need decades of tax rises to repair its battered public finances, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). It questioned whether Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s key mini-budget measures will make a big enough impact to revive the economy. IFS director Paul Johnson warned that a “reckoning, in the form of higher taxes” would have to come eventually.
He said the government would usually be asking “what can be afforded” but “today the question is better posed as what is needed and what can be delivered”.
Mr Johnson said the job retention bonus, which will give £1,000 to firms for each furloughed employee back in employment at the end of January and could cost up to £9 billion, may be too widely targeted.
“A lot, probably a majority, of the job retention bonus money will go in respect of jobs that would have been, indeed already have been, returned from furlough anyway,” Mr Johnson said.
“This money will go even in respect of jobs which were briefly furloughed, are already back at work and can expect to be still back at work in January, the employer still gets £1,000.”
The independent think tank raised fears a temporary stamp duty holiday could push up house prices.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Rishi Sunak's plan NOT value for money says civil servant -row breaks out inside Whitehall

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Jim Harra , permanent secretary at the department , raised doubts about the proposal to pay employers £1,000 for each member of staff brought back to work from furlough in the run up to the Chancellor ’ s mini-budget earlier this week .
He asked Mr Sunak to formally overrule Treasury guidelines demanding that proposals guarantee value for money for the taxpayer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to the Chancellor yesterday .
The civil servant requested a formal “ ministerial direction ” to go ahead with the job retention bonus aimed at staving off redundancies despite his concerns .
His letter said that while there was a “ sound policy rationale ” for the scheme which gives £1,000 to firms for each furloughed employee back in employment at the end of January “ the advice that we have both received highlights uncertainty around the value for money of this proposal ” .
“ It has proved difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which depends on the overall cost of the scheme and the number of extra jobs it would protect both of which are currently highly uncertain , ” he said .
A Treasury spokesman last night said the civil servant ’ s request was not unusual .

Jim Harra, permanent secretary at the department, raised doubts about the proposal to pay employers £1,000 for each member of staff brought back to work from furlough in the run up to the Chancellor’s mini-budget earlier this week. He asked Mr Sunak to formally overrule Treasury guidelines demanding that proposals guarantee value for money for the taxpayer. Mr Harra’s misgivings were revealed in a letter to the Chancellor yesterday.
The civil servant requested a formal “ministerial direction” to go ahead with the job retention bonus aimed at staving off redundancies despite his concerns.
His letter said that while there was a “sound policy rationale” for the scheme which gives £1,000 to firms for each furloughed employee back in employment at the end of January “the advice that we have both received highlights uncertainty around the value for money of this proposal”.
“It has proved difficult to establish a counterfactual for this scheme, which depends on the overall cost of the scheme and the number of extra jobs it would protect both of which are currently highly uncertain,” he said.
A Treasury spokesman last night said the civil servant’s request was not unusual.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--UK to opt out EU coronavirus vaccine fearing Brussels will push Britain to back of queue

The European Commission invited the UK to join the new 'EU vaccine strategy ' , which aims to secure advance agreements with manufacturers to provide millions of doses to member states and some ministers warmed to the plan believing it offered huge economies of scale .
But mandarins in Brussels said the UK would be barred from attending the scheme 's steering committee because of Brexit - and ministers have interpreted this as meaning Britain would have no say in either EU-wide coronavirus strategy or distrubtion amounts and who gets it first .
The European Commission is set to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
A further concern was the potential delay to the introduction of a vaccine in the UK by six months .
Initially , the EU insisted Britain withdraw backing for a national vaccine which is being developed at Oxford University and Imperial College .
This condition was later scrapped , but ministers decided to turn down the offer after officials said it could delay the development of a vaccine in the UK by six months .
The UK was invited to join the EU strategy under the Brexit withdrawal agreement currently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial responsibilities , as well as the right to be involved in , all projects under the EU ’ s 2014-2020 budget .
In a statement , the European Commission said : “ We have reached out to the UK , inviting it to express its interest if it wants to participate in the joint EU approach established by the vaccine strategy.
” “ Discussions are now ongoing with the UK.
” Coronavirus crisis : Inside the staggering cost of COVID-19 [ INSIGHT ] Nicola Sturgeon panic : First Minister warns of imported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected move to South Africa with Meghan Markle [ REVEALED ] Sources said taking part in the scheme could have meant “ costly delays ” for the UK if it found itself “ at the back of the queue ” for any vaccine the programme provides .
The UK would also have been banned from engaging in talks with any other vaccine developer in discussions with the EU .
One source said : “ The EU 's terms were pretty extraordinary .

Coronavirus vaccine: Doctor pledges 1 billion doses for 2021
The European Commission invited the UK to join the new 'EU vaccine strategy', which aims to secure advance agreements with manufacturers to provide millions of doses to member states and some ministers warmed to the plan believing it offered huge economies of scale. But mandarins in Brussels said the UK would be barred from attending the scheme's steering committee because of Brexit - and ministers have interpreted this as meaning Britain would have no say in either EU-wide coronavirus strategy or distrubtion amounts and who gets it first. The European Commission is set to be informed of the outcome today the report added.
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A further concern was the potential delay to the introduction of a vaccine in the UK by six months.
Initially, the EU insisted Britain withdraw backing for a national vaccine which is being developed at Oxford University and Imperial College.
The UK has rejected a proposal to join a European Union coronavirus 'scheme'
This condition was later scrapped, but ministers decided to turn down the offer after officials said it could delay the development of a vaccine in the UK by six months. The UK was invited to join the EU strategy under the Brexit withdrawal agreement currently in place. READ MORE: Royal Navy warships deployed to intercept Russian vessels
Brussels said the UK would not be able to join the scheme’s 'stressing committee' because of Brexit
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The vital importance of social distancing
Sources said taking part in the scheme could have meant “costly delays” for the UK if it found itself “at the back of the queue” for any vaccine the programme provides. The UK would also have been banned from engaging in talks with any other vaccine developer in discussions with the EU.
One source said: “The EU's terms were pretty extraordinary.
The decision to turn down the proposal is likely to prompt allegations of anti-EU sentiment within government


thedailyexpress--2020-07-10--Brexit divorce bill: How much is UK paying EU in 2020? The staggering amount

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The transition period is currently underway and the UK has officially left the EU - although all is not yet settled between the two sides .
Talks to negotiate a Brexit deal are ongoing despite coronavirus , and the UK and EU are still beholden to the same rules it has held throughout its 45 year plus relationship .
Having joined the ECC in 1973 , the UK and EU still have plenty to untangle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of an 11-month transition period , to end on December 31 this year , giving both sides some time to agree on how the EU-UK relationship will work .
The UK 's departure from the EU will no doubt leave a reasonably large hole in the EU 's finances - Brussels , of course , wants to minimise its losses , or at least put off for as long as possible the question of whether it asks richer countries to pay more into the budget or reduces spending in poorer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money being asked for by the European Commission was pledged by David Cameron , when he was Prime Minister , to the long-term EU budget for the period of 2014 to 2020 .

Brexit: ’There will be a deal’ says EU trade commissioner
The transition period is currently underway and the UK has officially left the EU - although all is not yet settled between the two sides. Talks to negotiate a Brexit deal are ongoing despite coronavirus, and the UK and EU are still beholden to the same rules it has held throughout its 45 year plus relationship.
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Having joined the ECC in 1973, the UK and EU still have plenty to untangle in the ongoing talks. We are in the midst of an 11-month transition period, to end on December 31 this year, giving both sides some time to agree on how the EU-UK relationship will work. The UK's departure from the EU will no doubt leave a reasonably large hole in the EU's finances - Brussels, of course, wants to minimise its losses, or at least put off for as long as possible the question of whether it asks richer countries to pay more into the budget or reduces spending in poorer countries. A large chunk of the money being asked for by the European Commission was pledged by David Cameron, when he was Prime Minister, to the long-term EU budget for the period of 2014 to 2020.
EU DIVORCE BILL: The original estimate was £39billion
EU DIVORCE BILL: Boris Johnson won the last GE on his pledge to deliver Brexit
READ MORE Nicola Sturgeon fury: First Minister's bid to join EU will ‘kill SNP' How much does the UK owe the EU? So-called 'divorce payments' were first proposed as part of Theresa May's agreement way back in 2017. Even then, no one knew exactly how much this would be, and details were given of how it would be calculated rather than a precise figure. Still, an estimate of a settlement of about £39billion was given - but this was based on a Brexit date of March 29, 2019.
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EU DIVORCE BILL: Michel Barnier is still in talks with UK officials
When Brexit was delayed - repeatedly - it meant that some of that money was paid as the UK's normal budget contributions, so less of it was part of the divorce bill. No fresh estimate has been given for how much the UK currently owes the EU though, but the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated in late 2019 that the new figure had fallen to £32billion. The OBR has told the BBC the total bill for 2020 alone will be £10.69billion. According to the BBC, the OBR expects most of the entire divorce to be paid by 2022, with some relatively small payments still being made until the 2060s. This was the payment schedule expected for the October 2019 Brexit date, so it's currently unclear what new plans are being made a negotiated. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE EU to backdown over fishing row in huge breakthrough for UK Why does the UK owe the EU money? When the UK triggered Article 50 way back in March 2017, the two sides then had to come to a "withdrawal agreement". This withdrawal agreement covers how the UK ends its membership; that meant agreeing on things like its financial requirements - the divorce bill - and the rights of EU citizens in the UK and a plan to deal with the Irish border. If we leave the EU without a deal, strictly speaking the divorce bill will not be owed by the UK to the EU. It’s not clearly set out that the UK would be obliged to pay anything if we left with no deal, but the EU could take the case to the International Court of Justice on the grounds of the UK’s repeated commitments to pay.
EU DIVORCE BILL: The final amount has not yet been settled