thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Ex-Labour MP told to pay taxpayer £3,835 for breaking rules to sway 2019 election result

An investigation by Parliament 's Commissioner for Standards found the former Labour Party MP for North West Durham - who lost her seat in the general election - sent thousands of elderly constituents letters detailing changes to rules around TV licences for those aged over 75 .
But the Commissioner ruled “ alterations made by Ms Pidcock to a letter template , provided by the Parliamentary Research Service ( PRS ) , resulted in her mailing becoming party-political in tone and content , and no longer neutral or objective.
” Constituents complained about her misuse of taxpayer money brought Parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent out by Ms Pidcock had “ an intent to confer an undue political advantage on herself and the Labour Party ” .
The Commissioner has ordered Ms Pidcock to pay back £3,835.32 , which she has accepted and also apologised for breaking the rules .
In the summary of the report , the Commissioner wrote : `` I investigated an allegation that the Member had broken the rules on the use of House-provided stationery and postage-paid envelopes by sending constituents a mailing which was party-political in tone and content .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she had used a letter template supplied by the Parliamentary Research Service ( PRS ) , but that she had altered the initial template to include additional content .
`` Due to the dissolution of Parliament on 6 November 2019 my investigation was paused until after the results of the General Election .
Although Ms Pidcock was not returned as a Member , she continued to cooperate fully when I restarted my inquiry .
`` I decided that , although her original intention was to raise awareness around changes to rules for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in altering the initial template , the letter sent out in September 2019 was no longer written solely in support of the Member 's parliamentary functions .
`` As a result , I found Ms Pidcock had acted in breach of the rules on stationery and had breached paragraph 16 of the Code of Conduct for Members .
`` The former Member acknowledged and apologised for her inadvertent breach of the rules .
She has undertaken to refund the House authorities ( £3,835.32 ) for the misused stationery and postage .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and concluded the inquiry using the rectification procedure available to me under Standing Order no 150 . ''
A letter from the complainant , a `` political campaigner '' to the Commissioner , dated September 26 , 2019 said they fully understand Ms Pidcock 's desire to campaign on the Government 's handling of TV licencing for over 75s , but says `` this campaign activity is not something that should be funded by the taxpayer '' .
The complainant referred to the 'Rules for the use of stationery and postage-paid envelopes provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the use of the Crowned Portcullis ' .
They wrote : `` While members are permitted to contact residents unsolicited about a specific issue , they are not permitted to do so `` in a way that can be construed as campaign expenditure within the scope of the Political Parties , Elections and Referendums Act 2000 '' .
`` Additionally , the use of party political references is only permitted when a member is responding to a specific issue from a constituent .
DO N'T MISS Keir Starmer CAVES : Boris forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COMMENT ] Jeremy Corbyn : Labour strongholds to turn blue as UK 's Red Wall falls [ FORECAST ] New Labour TAX on your assets BOMBSHELL [ ANALYSIS ] '' When a Member is replying to correspondence , party-political references are allowed in House-provided stationery or in correspondence sent in pre-paid envelopes , subject to the restrictions in paragraph above '' .
`` I believe that by using taxpayer resources in this way , the member for North West Durham not only brings parliament into disrepute , given the public concern at MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2009 , but also according to the rules `` confer an undue advantage on a political organisation '' .
The complainant also provided examples of where they consider the letter `` clearly crosses the line between legitimate correspondence and party political campaigning , with an intent to confer an undue political advantage on herself and the Labour Party '' .
The letter said : `` This Tory Government has overseen the scrapping of free TV licences for the over-75s , despite their manifesto commitment to maintain free TV licences for over 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut to some of the most vulnerable in our society .

Election: Labour’s Pidcock slammed for 'losing critical voters'
An investigation by Parliament's Commissioner for Standards found the former Labour Party MP for North West Durham - who lost her seat in the general election - sent thousands of elderly constituents letters detailing changes to rules around TV licences for those aged over 75. But the Commissioner ruled “alterations made by Ms Pidcock to a letter template, provided by the Parliamentary Research Service (PRS), resulted in her mailing becoming party-political in tone and content, and no longer neutral or objective.” Constituents complained about her misuse of taxpayer money brought Parliament into "disrepute" and the letters sent out by Ms Pidcock had “an intent to confer an undue political advantage on herself and the Labour Party”.
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The Commissioner has ordered Ms Pidcock to pay back £3,835.32, which she has accepted and also apologised for breaking the rules. In the summary of the report, the Commissioner wrote: "I investigated an allegation that the Member had broken the rules on the use of House-provided stationery and postage-paid envelopes by sending constituents a mailing which was party-political in tone and content. "In response to the allegation, the Member said she had used a letter template supplied by the Parliamentary Research Service (PRS), but that she had altered the initial template to include additional content. "Due to the dissolution of Parliament on 6 November 2019 my investigation was paused until after the results of the General Election. Although Ms Pidcock was not returned as a Member, she continued to cooperate fully when I restarted my inquiry.
Labour Party news: Laura Pidcock has been fined nearly £4,000 for breaking rules
Labour news: The Commissioner found her mailing became 'party-political in tone and content, and no longer neutral or objective'
"I decided that, although her original intention was to raise awareness around changes to rules for over 75’s TV licenses, in altering the initial template, the letter sent out in September 2019 was no longer written solely in support of the Member's parliamentary functions. "As a result, I found Ms Pidcock had acted in breach of the rules on stationery and had breached paragraph 16 of the Code of Conduct for Members. "The former Member acknowledged and apologised for her inadvertent breach of the rules. She has undertaken to refund the House authorities (£3,835.32) for the misused stationery and postage. "I consider that to be an appropriate outcome and concluded the inquiry using the rectification procedure available to me under Standing Order no 150." READ MORE: Labour crisis: Keir Starmer grilled over escalating 'civil war'
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Labour Party news: Laura Pidcock lost her North West Durham seat in the 2019 general election
A letter from the complainant, a "political campaigner" to the Commissioner, dated September 26, 2019 said they fully understand Ms Pidcock's desire to campaign on the Government's handling of TV licencing for over 75s, but says "this campaign activity is not something that should be funded by the taxpayer". The complainant referred to the 'Rules for the use of stationery and postage-paid envelopes provided by the House of Commons, and for the use of the Crowned Portcullis'. They wrote: "While members are permitted to contact residents unsolicited about a specific issue, they are not permitted to do so "in a way that can be construed as campaign expenditure within the scope of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000". "Additionally, the use of party political references is only permitted when a member is responding to a specific issue from a constituent. DON'T MISS
Keir Starmer CAVES: Boris forces Labour leader into humiliating U turn [COMMENT]
Jeremy Corbyn: Labour strongholds to turn blue as UK's Red Wall falls [FORECAST]
New Labour TAX on your assets BOMBSHELL [ANALYSIS]
Labour Party news: Laura Pidcock with Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Keir Starmer
Labour Party news: Laura Pidcock was furious at the scrapping of the free TV licence for over-75s
"When a Member is replying to correspondence, party-political references are allowed in House-provided stationery or in correspondence sent in pre-paid envelopes, subject to the restrictions in paragraph above". "I believe that by using taxpayer resources in this way, the member for North West Durham not only brings parliament into disrepute, given the public concern at MPs and their expenses since the expenses scandal from 2009, but also according to the rules "confer an undue advantage on a political organisation". The complainant also provided examples of where they consider the letter "clearly crosses the line between legitimate correspondence and party political campaigning, with an intent to confer an undue political advantage on herself and the Labour Party". The letter said: "This Tory Government has overseen the scrapping of free TV licences for the over-75s, despite their manifesto commitment to maintain free TV licences for over 75's and has delivered yet another welfare cut to some of the most vulnerable in our society.
Labour Party news: Main reason voters did not stick with Labour


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--SNP shut down by Rishi Sunak as MP tries to make power grab to decide Scottish taxes

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The Chancellor hit back at the SNP 's Alison Thewliss stating that the furlough scheme had helped protect 9 million jobs .
Mr Sunak added the furlough scheme is one of the most comprehensive and generous support packages available in the world .
The SNP MP said : `` Will you agree with the SNP that we need a stimulus package of at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to employers ' national insurance contribution and reducing VAT for the hospitality sector as demanded by the Scottish Government ?
`` If he does not believe these steps should be taken will he allow the Scottish Government to have the full sweep of financial powers that it requires to meet this challenge ? ''
Mr Sunak replied : `` I am proud of what this Government has put in place and the speed in which it has done so .
`` 9 million people ’ s jobs have been protected from our furlough @ @

The Chancellor hit back at the SNP 's Alison Thewliss stating that the furlough scheme had helped protect 9 million jobs. Mr Sunak added the furlough scheme is one of the most comprehensive and generous support packages available in the world.
The SNP MP said: "Will you agree with the SNP that we need a stimulus package of at least £80billion including a two percent cut to employers' national insurance contribution and reducing VAT for the hospitality sector as demanded by the Scottish Government?
"If he does not believe these steps should be taken will he allow the Scottish Government to have the full sweep of financial powers that it requires to meet this challenge?"
Mr Sunak replied: "I am proud of what this Government has put in place and the speed in which it has done so.
"9 million people’s jobs have been protected from our furlough scheme.
READ MORE: Ian Blackford shamed as Scotland suffers sever job losses


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Micheal Martin panic: Irish leader's 'honeymoon over' as crisis hits Varadkar replacement

Mr Martin has admitted his appointment as leader of the nation will cause a political crisis amongs the more ambitious members of his own party Fianna Fáil .
Fianna Fáil has for decades been the major opponent of Leo Varadkar 's Fine Gael , but now the rival parties must share power .
The unprecedented coalition has been seen as a cynical move to keep Sinn Féin from the reins of power .
Mr Martin 's own TD ( Irish member of parliament ) Michael Moynihan expressed his anger at not being appointed a role in the new government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both him and his community after he was not appointed as a junior minister in the new government .
Mr Moynihan said he had “ taken a lot of s**t ” for Mr Martin over the years , as the two appeared live on Cork 's 96FM radio station .
Mr Martin side-stepped the question and said : “ I would make the point we can ’ t take our focus off what the key issues are for the general public and the people out there , which is to continue to suppress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . ''
The nature of the precarious coalition government that now controls the Republic of Ireland is such that key positions must be allocated to rival parties , such as Leo Varadkar 's Fine Gael .
Amid the revolving positions of power Mr Varadkar still clings to remnants of his former control .
He now holds the position of Tánaiste , which means he is second in command to the incumbent Mr Martin .
The newly-elected Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Mr Martin has spoken of the complexities in trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that form the coalition government .
READ MORE : Bye bye Leo !
Varadkar replaced by Micheal Martin as Irish PM The government is now propped up by three parties , Mr Martin 's Fianna Fáil which has 37 seats , Leo Varadkar 's Fine Gael which has 35 seats , and Eamon Ryan 's Green Party which has 12 seats .
Mr Martin said : “ I knew in advance that the day I would be making those ministerial appointments that the honeymoon would end very quickly because simply there are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the fact that Fianna Fáil were not in government for 10 years meant there was a lot of pent up desire and expectation from an individual and personal point of view that they would get a ministerial office .
“ But there were five ministerial offices , senior ministerial offices to allocate and there were eight junior ministers after that , and clearly people were going to be disappointed .
DO N'T MISS Ireland deal : Who is Michael Martin ?
The man to replace Leo Varadkar [ SPOTLIGHT ] End of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed under new coalition [ FOCUS ] Ireland faces worst-ever recession as Varadkar forced to shelve plans [ ANALYSIS ]

Micheal Martin promises to ‘overcome toughest challenges’
Mr Martin has admitted his appointment as leader of the nation will cause a political crisis amongs the more ambitious members of his own party Fianna Fáil. Fianna Fáil has for decades been the major opponent of Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael, but now the rival parties must share power. The unprecedented coalition has been seen as a cynical move to keep Sinn Féin from the reins of power.
Mr Martin's own TD (Irish member of parliament) Michael Moynihan expressed his anger at not being appointed a role in the new government. Mr Moynihan claimed Mr Martin had disrespected both him and his community after he was not appointed as a junior minister in the new government. Mr Moynihan said he had “taken a lot of s**t” for Mr Martin over the years, as the two appeared live on Cork's 96FM radio station. Mr Martin side-stepped the question and said: “I would make the point we can’t take our focus off what the key issues are for the general public and the people out there, which is to continue to suppress Covid and I’m focused on that."
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin
The nature of the precarious coalition government that now controls the Republic of Ireland is such that key positions must be allocated to rival parties, such as Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael. Amid the revolving positions of power Mr Varadkar still clings to remnants of his former control. He now holds the position of Tánaiste, which means he is second in command to the incumbent Mr Martin. The newly-elected Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Mr Martin has spoken of the complexities in trying to allocate roles to satisfy the three parties that form the coalition government. READ MORE: Bye bye Leo! Varadkar replaced by Micheal Martin as Irish PM
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin
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Leo Varadkar leader of Fine Gael
The government is now propped up by three parties, Mr Martin's Fianna Fáil which has 37 seats, Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael which has 35 seats, and Eamon Ryan's Green Party which has 12 seats. Mr Martin said: “I knew in advance that the day I would be making those ministerial appointments that the honeymoon would end very quickly because simply there are not enough positions to allocate. “I think the fact that Fianna Fáil were not in government for 10 years meant there was a lot of pent up desire and expectation from an individual and personal point of view that they would get a ministerial office. “But there were five ministerial offices, senior ministerial offices to allocate and there were eight junior ministers after that, and clearly people were going to be disappointed. DON'T MISS
Ireland deal: Who is Michael Martin? The man to replace Leo Varadkar[SPOTLIGHT]
End of Varadkar! Meddling Irish PM to be removed under new coalition[FOCUS]
Ireland faces worst-ever recession as Varadkar forced to shelve plans[ANALYSIS]
Leo Varadkar leader of Fine Gael
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Rishi Sunak budget announcement: When is the Autumn Budget 2020?

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Rishi Sunak , @ @ @ @ @ , is considering a six-month stamp duty “ holiday ” on most homes according to @ @ @ @ @ suggest the Chancellor crucial coronavirus recovery package due to be outlined in the upcoming Autumn @ @ @ @ @ the UK economic future .
But when exactly is the Autumn Budget ?
What is @ @ @ @ @ , formally known as the Financial Statement , is a statement made to the House @ @ @ @ @ of the Exchequer twice a year .
The statement outlines the nation ’ s finances @ @ @ @ @ for changes to taxation in the upcoming period .
The Budget also makes forecasts for @ @ @ @ @ for Budget Responsibility .

Edward Leigh calls for George Osborne 'promises' to be fulfilled
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is considering a six-month stamp duty “holiday” on most homes according to recent reports. Treasury sources suggest the Chancellor crucial coronavirus recovery package due to be outlined in the upcoming Autumn Budget will be key to the UK economic future. But when exactly is the Autumn Budget?
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What is the Budget? The Budget, formally known as the Financial Statement, is a statement made to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer twice a year. The statement outlines the nation’s finances the Government’s proposals for changes to taxation in the upcoming period. The Budget also makes forecasts for the economy by the Office for Budget Responsibility. READ MORE: Pound to euro exchange rate: GBP suffers surprise drop
Rishi Sunak budget announcement: When is the Autumn Budget due to take place this year?
Rishi Sunak budget announcement: The Budget outlines the Government's plans for the economy
READ MORE Rishi Sunak to act 'very quickly' as workers face coronavirus tax When is the Autumn Budget 2020? The next budget will be delivered by Mr Sunak in October. The exact date for the Autumn budget has yet to be announced. However, a “mini-budget” is due to be revealed by Mr Sunak in the House of Commons today.
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Rishi Sunak budget announcement: The next budget will be delivered in October
What measures are expected to be announced in the Autumn Budget 2020? Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Sunak rushed out emergency measures to protect workers, businesses and families across Britain. In total, this financial support was worth an estimated £133bn. The Chancellor is expected to unveil a raft of new measures aimed at combatting the economic downturn caused by the pandemic on Wednesday. These measures are likely to include: funding for traineeships, an extension to rail contracts and arts funding and a National Insurance holiday. DON'T MISS
Stamp duty 'holiday': Rishi Sunak draws up plan to raise threshold [INSIGHT]
State pension triple lock under threat ahead of Rishi Sunak's Budget [EXPLAINER]
Stamp duty holiday could stall housing market experts claim [ANALYSIS]
READ MORE SNP MP shut down by Rishi Sunak in heated Commons clash According to reports, a stamp duty holiday is also being considered by the Treasury. This holiday would mean stamp tax is only activated for property transactions worth £300,000 or more for a fixed period of six months. This measure would be taken in a bid to kickstart the property market in the UK. Economists have voiced alarm at the idea that the move could be announced to the Commons, but not implemented until the Autumn.
Rishi Sunak budget announcement: A stamp duty holiday is being considered by the Treasury
Rishi Sunak budget announcement: The number of work coaches at job centres is due to rise to 27,000
A National Insurance holiday is also being considered and could create between 595,000 and 892,000 jobs, according to Tax Payers' Alliance analysis. Tax incentives to encourage employment could be another measure announced in October. This move could involve increasing the employment allowance and will likely be drawn up in advance of the jobs package anticipated in the Autumn Budget. Jobseekers are also likely to benefit from an increased number of work coaches at job centres. The numbers are due to rise from 13,500 to 27,000.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Nicola Sturgeon shamed: 600 Scottish schools not inspected for a decade or more

Opposition politicians are now calling for urgent action following FOI figures which show that 604 primaries have not been inspected for more than 10 years .
Data showed The Highlands Council was the local authority with the most outstanding inspections followed by Aberdeenshire Council which had 53 .
In comparison , the lowest end of the scale was Inverclyde Council which had three and Clackmannanshire which had just two .
Alongside this , the data revealed that one had not been inspected for 16 years .
Iain Gray MSP , Scottish Labour ’ s education spokesman has called for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England , to be reestablished .
The Scotland inspectorate , Her Majesty 's Inspectorate of Education , was merged in 2011 into Education Scotland , which is responsible for the running of Scotland ’ s education system .
He said : “ These figures show what we have known for a long time – the school 's inspection regime is simply not fit for purpose .
“ The Inspectorate needs to be de-merged from Education Scotland and given its independence back so that teachers and parents can have confidence in the standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is one of the problems in our schools which has been repeatedly raised with John Swinney , but simply falls on deaf ears.
” Larry Flanagan , General Secretary of EIS , however , said it was “ a mistake ” to equate school inspections with the maintenance of educational standards .
READ MORE : Sturgeon red-faced as Home Office rebuffs claim it was responsible

John Swinney announces ‘full time’ return for Scottish schools
Opposition politicians are now calling for urgent action following FOI figures which show that 604 primaries have not been inspected for more than 10 years. Data showed The Highlands Council was the local authority with the most outstanding inspections followed by Aberdeenshire Council which had 53.
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In comparison, the lowest end of the scale was Inverclyde Council which had three and Clackmannanshire which had just two. Alongside this, the data revealed that one had not been inspected for 16 years. Iain Gray MSP, Scottish Labour’s education spokesman has called for an independent schools inspectorate, similar to OFSTED in England, to be reestablished. The Scotland inspectorate, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, was merged in 2011 into Education Scotland, which is responsible for the running of Scotland’s education system.
More than 600 schools have not yet been inspected.
One school hadn't been inspected for 16 years.
He said: “These figures show what we have known for a long time – the school's inspection regime is simply not fit for purpose. “The Inspectorate needs to be de-merged from Education Scotland and given its independence back so that teachers and parents can have confidence in the standards of learning and teaching in our schools. “This is one of the problems in our schools which has been repeatedly raised with John Swinney, but simply falls on deaf ears.” Larry Flanagan, General Secretary of EIS, however, said it was “a mistake” to equate school inspections with the maintenance of educational standards. READ MORE: Sturgeon red-faced as Home Office rebuffs claim it was responsible
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Inspections are undertaken by Education Scotland.
Inspections are undertaken by Ofsted in England.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--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
Blue passport: How to get a new blue Brexit passport
Brexit timeline: Key dates as UK marks four years since EU referendum
Brexit extension deadline: The four ways deadline could be EXTENDED
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


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Brexit LIVE: Now you're on OUR turf! Barnier in UK for vital talks after huge concession

The UK 's chief negotiator Mr Frost said though the ability to meet in person had given `` extra depth and flexibility '' to the discussions , there was more to do .
And Mr Barnier praised Brussels for engaging `` constructively '' , but said officials needed to see an `` equivalent engagement from the UK side '' .
He said : `` Our goal was to get negotiations successfully and quickly on a trajectory to reach an agreement .
“ However , after four days of discussions , serious divergences remain . ''
It had been hoped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference call last month between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen - would inject new momentum into the process .
The Prime Minister has been adamant he will not allow the discussions to drag on into the autumn , arguing that British businesses and citizens need certainty on the way forward before then .
If the two sides are unable to reach a deal by the end of the current Brexit transition period at the end of the year , it will mean Britain leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal .
READ MORE : Barnier warns of 'decisive ' talks – EU will compromise to seal deal 12.47am update : Barnier and Frost to dine at No.10 David Frost and Michel Barnier will dine at Number 10 tonight as London plays host to the next phase in the post-Brexit trade negotiations .
The chief negotiators ’ intimate Downing Street dinner comes ahead of more formal talks between small teams of officials from both sides , which start tomorrow .
The pair , who will be accompanied by one of their deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grilled asparagus , courgettes and cherry tomato salad .
For their main , a fillet of halibut in a lemon sauce alongside seasonal vegetables .
And for dessert , a summer fruit terrine with vanilla ice cream .
It is understood the UK and EU will continue work on establishing a broad “ landing zone ” for a potential free-trade agreement before more formal talks resume on July 20 .
Downing Street said the talks were likely to include discussions on the so-called level-playing field .
The Prime Minister 's spokesman said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no published agenda , but I think you 'll be fully aware of the full range of issues that we need to reach agreement with the EU on .
`` So I 'm sure discussions will cover everything from what the EU calls the level-playing field through to governance structures . ''
11.50am update : Brutal warning to Sturgeon over bid to join EU will ‘ kill the SNP ’ Nicola Sturgeon has sparked huge debate across the UK with her plan to take Scotland into the EU as an independent country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to disaster for the SNP .
Tim Worstall – a senior fellow at the Adam Smith Institute – argued in his article for Forbes in 2016 that the issue could hurt the SNP .
He claimed `` there is no easy way for Scotland to get in .
It can not slide through by saying it was already in thus should have an easy time of it or anything '' .
He added : `` What this means is that Scotland will need to have that second referendum .
`` And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most English when I say that if they want to leave well , goodbye and good luck .
`` Also that they 're going to need that good luck .
For the next stage would obviously be to join the European Union , as they say they want to . ''
Russia will respond with reciprocal measures to British sanctions against 25 Russians , including the country 's top state investigator , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said .
Britain imposed sanctions on 25 Russians and 20 Saudis on Monday as part of post-Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aimed at stopping the laundering of `` blood money '' .
10.33am update : How much is UK paying EU in 2020 ?
The staggering amount 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small payments still being made until the 2060s .
9.45am update : EU compared to ‘ bitter jilted ex-partner ’ after lashing out with doomsday Brexit forecast EU chiefs today sparked fury after claiming Brexit will hamper the recovery of Britain 's pandemic-stricken economy .
The European Commission ’ s summer forecast predicts that British growth will slump to -9.7 percent before showing signs of rebound as coronavirus restrictions are lifted across the country .
Rupert Lowe , a former Brexit Party MEP , said : “ The EU ’ s behaviour is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bitter , jilted ex-partner .
“ Increasingly desperate to see us fail and will do anything in their power to make that happen .
“ As we finally come out of lockdown , the last thing the British people want to be told is that we can ’ t succeed by some jumped up bureaucrat whose tax free salary will go untouched whatever happens .
Take a hike !
” 9.26am update : Campaign to rip Italy from EU kick-started with unexpected petition Italians living in the northern city of Verona are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exiting the European Union after the city 's mayor put out a `` call for a referendum '' months after the UK finally left the bloc .
Mayor Federico Sboarina has relaunched Italy 's EU exit campaign , which was originally devised by art critic and lower house deputy Vittorio Sgarbi .
Mr Sboarina , who has been mayor of the city since June 2017 , was `` winking '' at Boris Johnson after the successful Brexit campaign , reports La Repubblica , the Italian daily newspaper .
Sterling held near a three-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the euro as investors waited for more details of the government 's plans to support the British economy .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will make a speech on spending on Wednesday , with more measures seeping out since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced £5billion of infrastructure investment seven days ago .
Against the dollar , the pound was lower at $ 1.2475 but within striking distance of a June 18 high of $ 1.2568 .
Against the euro , it rose 0.1 percent to 90.49 pence .
Despite the pound 's gains , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlook .
Positioning data showed hedge funds increasing their bearish bets on the British pound , as the UK and European Union try to reach a trade agreement in their Brexit negotiations .
Mr Johnson ’ s spokesman added : “ David has been very clear there remain significant differences in areas such as what the EU calls the level-playing field .
“ We continue to make the point that we are seeking a free-trade agreement based on precedent and of the kind which the EU has agreed with other friendly countries like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anything special , bespoke or unique .
“ We ’ ve also been consistently clear that we can ’ t agree to a set of novel and unbalanced proposals that would bind the UK to EU law or standards or impose control over our domestic legal regimes.
” 7.51am update : EU to back down in fishing row The EU has accepted the UK 's post-Brexit request to break away from the Common Fisheries Policy .
The EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , Michel Barnier , announced that Brussels could agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing .
According to a transcript of a meeting held on June 23 but published on Monday , Mr Barnier said : “ I am waiting with much patience for a reply from the British side .
“ If there is no response , there will be no agreement on fisheries and no agreement on trade.
” 7.40am update : Michel Barnier says this week will be 'decisive ' Michel Barnier has warned this week 's Brexit negotiations will be a `` decisive '' moment in the European Union and Britain 's attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union ’ s chief negotiator said he is ready to be “ creative ” in order to meet Boris Johnson ’ s red lines .
But he will urge the Prime Minister to drop his “ unacceptable approach ” to the talks when the two sides meet in London today .
In evidence published by the House of Lords yesterday , Mr Barnier said : `` If there is to be further progress on the substance it has to come from the UK . ''

Brexit: ‘Technical level meetings’ ongoing says EU spokesman
The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Mr Barnier and the UK's representative Mr Frost will meet face-to-face in the capital today, before talks with the rest of their teams on Wednesday. It comes after discussions between the two sides on a post-Brexit trade deal broke up early last week with "significant differences" remaining. The UK's chief negotiator Mr Frost said though the ability to meet in person had given "extra depth and flexibility" to the discussions, there was more to do.
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And Mr Barnier praised Brussels for engaging "constructively", but said officials needed to see an "equivalent engagement from the UK side". He said: "Our goal was to get negotiations successfully and quickly on a trajectory to reach an agreement. “However, after four days of discussions, serious divergences remain." It had been hoped the face-to-face meetings - agreed following a high-level conference call last month between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen - would inject new momentum into the process. The Prime Minister has been adamant he will not allow the discussions to drag on into the autumn, arguing that British businesses and citizens need certainty on the way forward before then. If the two sides are unable to reach a deal by the end of the current Brexit transition period at the end of the year, it will mean Britain leaving the single market and the customs union without a deal. FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES READ MORE: Barnier warns of 'decisive' talks – EU will compromise to seal deal
Brexit talks are currently at a deadlock between the UK and EU
5.00am update: Barnier hints at EU markets after Brexit The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has implied City businesses will be able to access EU markets after Brexit. He said: “We are ready to grant equivalence. The time for decisions is in the autumn, in good time, in the global context of our negotiations on many subjects with the UK.” 2.30am update: Fishing set to be key point in today's negotiations This morning's negotiations are expected to include the long-debated issue of fishing. Michel Barnier has suggested Brussels is willing to reach an agreement, according to papers published yesterday. 00.30am update: UK advised Angela Merkel will not cooperate towards a trade deal A comment piece in German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine has claimed German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not help the UK reach a trade deal. Katrin Pribyl, who authored the comment piece, wrote: “Neither the often cited German automaker jumped to the side of the British, nor did Chancellor Angela Merkel go against the 27 remaining EU countries. “In London, hopes are based not only on Merkel's call to act pragmatically in negotiations, but also on the belief that the German government is determined to prevent an economically disorderly exit due to the export-oriented German economy.”
Michel Barnier will fly into London for Brexit talks today
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9.53pm update: Eurocrats should NOT be making economic forecasts about UK, says poll Earlier today, EU bosses issued a Brexit doomsday forecast warning the UK’s exit from the bloc will hamper the recovery of Britains coronavirus crippled economy. But Express.co.uk readers have told eurocrats to back off. A poll, which ran from 2pm to 9pm on July 7, asked whether eurocrats should be making economic forecasts about the UK ahead of the nation’s departure from the EU. A staggering 3,612 people cast their vote with 94 percent (3,368) of voters saying eurocrats should not make economic forecasts. 8.30pm update: Campaign to rip Italy from EU kick-started Italians living in the northern city of Verona are being urged to sign a petition on exiting the European Union after the city's mayor put out a "call for a referendum" months after the UK finally left the bloc. Mayor Federico Sboarina has relaunched Italy's EU exit campaign, which was originally devised by art critic and lower house deputy Vittorio Sgarbi. Verona citizens have been urged to read the document "Draft popular initiative law: Call for a referendum on the withdrawal of the state from the European Union". They are also invited to support the drive by signing a petition before the December 10 deadline, which demands a referendum on quitting the bloc. 7.12pm update: EU is ‘open’ to allowing an independent Scotland rejoin the bloc European Union leaders could welcome an independent Scotland into the trading block, an expert has claimed. But Brussels are unlikely to let the UK rejoin the bloc. Kirsty Hughes, who was the director of the Scottish Centre on Europe Relations (SCER), said the issue of an independent Scotland joining the EU was a completely different question to whether the UK could ever be allowed back in. If Scots voted for independence in a legally binding referendum, she forecast there would be "complete openness" from the 27 EU nations to allowing entry. 6pm update: EU to impose FULL Brexit border checks from January 1 Full border checks will be introduced by the European Union on January 1 even though the UK plans to impose customs controls on EU goods six months later, according to Michel Barnier. The EU's chief negotiator told a House of Lords Committee Brussels “will not delay things” after Britain announced a gradual three phased implementation of border checks of its own. Ministers said full border checks will now only apply on EU goods entering the UK from July 2021. Mr Barnier said the EU was ready for Britain to leave the Customs Union and Single Market at the end of the transition period on January 1. 5.08pm update: Pound rises to three-week high after news of Brexit talks The pound rose to a three-week high on Tuesday, strengthening almost one percent against the euro. It surged on optimism that progress could be made on the EU trade talks, after it was announced a dinner is planned for later this evening. Kenneth Broux, an analyst at Societe Generale, said: "I think there is a little bit of optimism today for the dinner that is taking place tonight at 10 Downing Street. "The market is looking at what is going to give a boost in the next six months... but I think it's mostly flow driven and volumes that are not really heavy."
Brexit timeline revealed
4.33pm update: Philip Hammond ordered to be 'silent' after warning about loosening EU ties Remainer ex-chancellor Philip Hammond has been told to be silent on current affairs after he issued a warning over the UK loosening ties with the European Union. As Brexit talks heat up, Rupert Lowe, former Brexit Party MEP, said he would welcome a period of silence from both Mr Hammond and former prime minister Theresa May. Mr Lowe took to Twitter to remind the pair their days of leading the UK's Brexit efforts had come to an end and urged them to accept it. He said: "Let's not mince our words. Theresa May and Phillip Hammond were total failures as PM and Chancellor. "Why they feel like their contributions are welcome now is beyond me. The damage they did to our country's standing in the world was immense. A period of silence would be welcome!" 3.45pm update: UK told Angela Merkel will NOT help secure trade deal A comment piece in regional German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine has warned Angela Merkel will not be the EU's weak point. Author Katrin Pribyl, the paper’s London correspondent, writes: “Berlin as the EU's Achilles heel? “It is a misperception that carries risks and has so far mostly disappointed Brexit optimists. “Neither the often cited German automaker jumped to the side of the British, nor did Chancellor Angela Merkel go against the 27 remaining EU countries. “In London, hopes are based not only on Merkel's call to act pragmatically in negotiations, but also on the belief that the German government is determined to prevent an economically disorderly exit due to the export-oriented German economy.” Emily Ferguson is taking over live reporting from Rebecca Perring 2.42pm update: EU wants a deal but warns - not at any price Michel Barnier has said the EU wants an agreement, "but not at any price". The top EU negotiator posted a picture of himself and his team travelling on a train to London on Tuesday and saying: "The EU wants an agreement - and we are doing everything to succeed - but not at any price."
Michel Barnier tweeted the EU wants a deal - but not at any price
1.40pm update: Should meddling eurocrats still be making economic forecasts about UK? VOTE EU bosses issued a Brexit doomsday forecast today warning the UK’s exit from the bloc will hamper the recovery of Britain's coronavirus crippled economy. Express.co.uk is asking you should meddling eurocrats still be making economic forecasts about this nation? VOTE HERE 12.47am update: Barnier and Frost to dine at No.10 David Frost and Michel Barnier will dine at Number 10 tonight as London plays host to the next phase in the post-Brexit trade negotiations. The chief negotiators’ intimate Downing Street dinner comes ahead of more formal talks between small teams of officials from both sides, which start tomorrow. The pair, who will be accompanied by one of their deputies, will be served a start of grilled asparagus, courgettes and cherry tomato salad. For their main, a fillet of halibut in a lemon sauce alongside seasonal vegetables. And for dessert, a summer fruit terrine with vanilla ice cream. It is understood the UK and EU will continue work on establishing a broad “landing zone” for a potential free-trade agreement before more formal talks resume on July 20. 12.15pm update: Brexit discussions on 'level playing field' Downing Street said the talks were likely to include discussions on the so-called level-playing field. The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "They are informal talks so there is no published agenda, but I think you'll be fully aware of the full range of issues that we need to reach agreement with the EU on. "So I'm sure discussions will cover everything from what the EU calls the level-playing field through to governance structures."
Boris Johnson has pledged to leave the EU without a deal if a deal cannot be struck
David Frost will have dinner with Michel Barnier tonight
11.50am update: Brutal warning to Sturgeon over bid to join EU will ‘kill the SNP’ Nicola Sturgeon has sparked huge debate across the UK with her plan to take Scotland into the EU as an independent country - but one expert warned this could lead to disaster for the SNP. Tim Worstall – a senior fellow at the Adam Smith Institute – argued in his article for Forbes in 2016 that the issue could hurt the SNP. He claimed "there is no easy way for Scotland to get in. It cannot slide through by saying it was already in thus should have an easy time of it or anything". He added: "What this means is that Scotland will need to have that second referendum. "And I think I speak for many if not most English when I say that if they want to leave well, goodbye and good luck. "Also that they're going to need that good luck. For the next stage would obviously be to join the European Union, as they say they want to." 10.48am update: Russia vows to respond to UK sanctions Russia will respond with reciprocal measures to British sanctions against 25 Russians, including the country's top state investigator, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Britain imposed sanctions on 25 Russians and 20 Saudis on Monday as part of post-Brexit measures foreign minister Dominic Raab said were aimed at stopping the laundering of "blood money". 10.33am update: How much is UK paying EU in 2020? The staggering amount 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.
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9.45am update: EU compared to ‘bitter jilted ex-partner’ after lashing out with doomsday Brexit forecast EU chiefs today sparked fury after claiming Brexit will hamper the recovery of Britain's pandemic-stricken economy. The European Commission’s summer forecast predicts that British growth will slump to -9.7 percent before showing signs of rebound as coronavirus restrictions are lifted across the country. Rupert Lowe, a former Brexit Party MEP, said: “The EU’s behaviour is becoming more and more like that of a bitter, jilted ex-partner. “Increasingly desperate to see us fail and will do anything in their power to make that happen. “As we finally come out of lockdown, the last thing the British people want to be told is that we can’t succeed by some jumped up bureaucrat whose tax free salary will go untouched whatever happens. Take a hike!” 9.26am update: Campaign to rip Italy from EU kick-started with unexpected petition Italians living in the northern city of Verona are being urged to sign a petition on exiting the European Union after the city's mayor put out a "call for a referendum" months after the UK finally left the bloc. Mayor Federico Sboarina has relaunched Italy's EU exit campaign, which was originally devised by art critic and lower house deputy Vittorio Sgarbi. Mr Sboarina, who has been mayor of the city since June 2017, was "winking" at Boris Johnson after the successful Brexit campaign, reports La Repubblica, the Italian daily newspaper. 8.47am update: Sterling holds near three week high Sterling held near a three-week high against the dollar and gained against the euro as investors waited for more details of the government's plans to support the British economy. Chancellor Rishi Sunak will make a speech on spending on Wednesday, with more measures seeping out since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced £5billion of infrastructure investment seven days ago. Against the dollar, the pound was lower at $1.2475 but within striking distance of a June 18 high of $1.2568. Against the euro, it rose 0.1 percent to 90.49 pence. Despite the pound's gains, some investors remained cautious about the currency's outlook. Positioning data showed hedge funds increasing their bearish bets on the British pound, as the UK and European Union try to reach a trade agreement in their Brexit negotiations.
Michel Barnier has called for 'serious divergence'
Brexit negotiations will get underway in London today


thedailyexpress--2020-07-08--Brexit showdown: EU set to cave on fishing as UK and Brussels go head-to-head TODAY

Fish was on the menu for dinner as well as discussions between officials last night ahead of informal negotiations opening this morning .
Access to UK waters after the transition period ends in December is one of the key stumbling blocks in striking a future trade deal .
Documents released yesterday revealed Eurocrat Michel Barnier has indicated Brussels is willing to compromise .
The EU chief negotiator told a House of Lords committee that there will be no trade agreement without a “ balanced ” agreement on fisheries .
He said : “ Is this balanced agreement the British position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Is it the European position as it is today ?
Clearly not .
We have two entirely contradictory positions .
“ If we both dig our heels in on those positions , there will be no discussion or agreement on fisheries and therefore no agreement on trade .
That is not what we want.
” Mr Barnier and UK counterpart David Frost met for a private dinner in Downing Street last night , dining on chargrilled asparagus , followed by a fillet of halibut and then a terrine of summer fruit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing everything to succeed '' in reaching an agreement `` but not at any price '' .
READ MORE : EU to impose FULL Brexit border checks from January 1 The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said that while the talks are `` informal '' , discussions are likely to `` cover everything from what the EU calls the level playing field through to governance structures '' .
Last week , discussions between the two sides broke up early with `` significant differences '' remaining .
It comes amid claims opponents of Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were fuelling health scares about chlorinated chicken to derail talks .
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson 's Brexit trade talks tactic to pay off - EU 'anxious ' [ OPINION ] Barnier tried to tempt Boris into extending UK 's stay under EU rules [ REVEAL ] Eurocrats should NOT be making economic forecasts about UK [ POLL ]

Brexit: 'Increase' in EU's willingness to do a deal says Lamont
Fish was on the menu for dinner as well as discussions between officials last night ahead of informal negotiations opening this morning. Access to UK waters after the transition period ends in December is one of the key stumbling blocks in striking a future trade deal.
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Documents released yesterday revealed Eurocrat Michel Barnier has indicated Brussels is willing to compromise. The EU chief negotiator told a House of Lords committee that there will be no trade agreement without a “balanced” agreement on fisheries. He said: “Is this balanced agreement the British position as it is? Certainly not. “Is it the European position as it is today? Clearly not. We have two entirely contradictory positions.
Brexit showdown: EU set to cave on fishing as UK and Brussels go head-to-head today
Michel Barnier arrives at No 10 for talks with David Frost on Tuesday
“If we both dig our heels in on those positions, there will be no discussion or agreement on fisheries and therefore no agreement on trade. That is not what we want.” Mr Barnier and UK counterpart David Frost met for a private dinner in Downing Street last night, dining on chargrilled asparagus, followed by a fillet of halibut and then a terrine of summer fruit. Mr Barnier said the EU is "doing everything to succeed" in reaching an agreement "but not at any price". READ MORE: EU to impose FULL Brexit border checks from January 1
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Boris Johnson’s negotiator David Frost in Brussels last month
The EU is expected to cave on its fishing demands which has been a stalling point in trade talks
Michel Barnier arrives for informal talks with David Frost yesterday


thedailyexpress--2020-07-08--SNP savaged for failing to recognise funding in Commons row 'incidentally forgotten'

Health Minister Caroline Dinenage hit out at SNP 's Jack Nicolson in the House of Commons as he said the UK Government 's help in the creative industries sector has come too late .
Ms Dinenage pointed out the SNP Government would receive £57million through the Barnett formula as Mr Nicolson raged over a lack of funding for self-employed workers .
The Barnett formula is the mechanism used by the Treasury in the UK to allocate funds to devolved administrations .
Speaking in House of Commons , Mr Nicolson said : `` All of us are conscious of how tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , museums , cinemas , theatres and live music venues .
`` For too long the UK Government left our creative industries in uncertainty and accumulating debt .
`` I regret that for organisations who have already gone under this help is too late .
`` I welcome the announcement of £1.57billion lifeline after weeks of campaigning by the creative communities and my colleagues on these benches .
READ MORE : Sturgeon backlash : Fury as 25,000 school laptops locked in storage '' The UK Government has shown no intention of supporting those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme .
`` If this is n't addressed , we risk losing a generation who can not afford to survive without income .
`` Will the Minister clarify how much , if any , of this funding will go to self-employed workers in the creative industries who have slipped through the net and how will she ensure these funds urgently reach the organisations who have been desperately pleading for help . ''
Ms Dinenage replied : `` I 'm sure the honourable gentleman also meant to welcome the £57million that will be going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
`` But he might just have incidentally forgotten to do that .
`` He 's absolutely right to mention freelancers , who 've been working tirelessly over recent weeks and months with the sector which enables people to fall through the gap and see what we can do to support them .
`` As a result of these grants and loans , we know that organisations will be able to continue cultural activity in a social distance way which will increase opportunities for freelancers .
`` At the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than anything , to get back to work .
There 's also £120million for capital projects which have been paused to get back . ''
SNP calls for Nicola Sturgeon to RESIGN laid bare : ‘ Out of her depth ' [ OPINION ] SNP MP shut down by Rishi Sunak in heated Commons clash [ VIDEO ] Nicola Sturgeon shamed : 600 Scottish schools not inspected for decades [ INSIGHT ]

John Nicholson shut down by Dinenage over Barnett formula
Health Minister Caroline Dinenage hit out at SNP's Jack Nicolson in the House of Commons as he said the UK Government's help in the creative industries sector has come too late. Ms Dinenage pointed out the SNP Government would receive £57million through the Barnett formula as Mr Nicolson raged over a lack of funding for self-employed workers. The Barnett formula is the mechanism used by the Treasury in the UK to allocate funds to devolved administrations.
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Speaking in House of Commons, Mr Nicolson said: "All of us are conscious of how tough this virus has been on our galleries, museums, cinemas, theatres and live music venues. "For too long the UK Government left our creative industries in uncertainty and accumulating debt. "I regret that for organisations who have already gone under this help is too late. "I welcome the announcement of £1.57billion lifeline after weeks of campaigning by the creative communities and my colleagues on these benches. READ MORE: Sturgeon backlash: Fury as 25,000 school laptops locked in storage
Caroline Dinenage hit out at SNP's Jack Nicolson
Jack Nicolson hit out at the UK Government's grant announcement
"The UK Government has shown no intention of supporting those not eligible for the self-employed income support scheme. "If this isn't addressed, we risk losing a generation who cannot afford to survive without income. "Will the Minister clarify how much, if any, of this funding will go to self-employed workers in the creative industries who have slipped through the net and how will she ensure these funds urgently reach the organisations who have been desperately pleading for help." Ms Dinenage replied: "I'm sure the honourable gentleman also meant to welcome the £57million that will be going to Scotland via the Barnett formula as well.
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Boris Johnson announced £1.57billion funding for the Arts
Rishi Sunak shuts down Alison Thewliss over furlough scheme
"But he might just have incidentally forgotten to do that. "He's absolutely right to mention freelancers, who've been working tirelessly over recent weeks and months with the sector which enables people to fall through the gap and see what we can do to support them. "As a result of these grants and loans, we know that organisations will be able to continue cultural activity in a social distance way which will increase opportunities for freelancers. "At the end of the day, that's what they want more than anything, to get back to work. There's also £120million for capital projects which have been paused to get back." DON'T MISS SNP calls for Nicola Sturgeon to RESIGN laid bare: ‘Out of her depth' [OPINION]
SNP MP shut down by Rishi Sunak in heated Commons clash [VIDEO]
Nicola Sturgeon shamed: 600 Scottish schools not inspected for decades [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus symptoms


thedailyexpress--2020-07-08--EU to impose FULL Brexit border checks from January 1 despite 6-month grace period from UK

The EU 's chief negotiator told a House of Lords Committee Brussels “ will not delay things ” after Britain announced a gradual three phased implementation of border checks of its own .
Ministers said full border checks will now only apply on EU goods entering the UK from July 2021 .
Mr Barnier said the EU was ready for Britain to leave the Customs Union and Single Market at the end of the transition period on January 1 .
He warned every UK product imported into the EU would face checks once whether there was a trade deal or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All products coming into the Single Market through the borders in Ireland , Belgium , the Netherlands , and France or elsewhere will have to be checked , which of course is not the case today .
“ We have recruited customs officers , 750 in the Netherlands , 700 in France , close to 400 in Belgium and many in Ireland as well , because we will have to carry out checks on products coming into the European Union .
“ We are ready .
Everyone has to accept their responsibilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and haulage industry leaders have warned Britain is falling “ many thousands ” short of its target to train an estimated 50,000 new customs officers .
And businesses chiefs fear a new IT system to check EU-bound goods will not be up and running in time .
Mr Barnier said : “ As of 1 January , all products coming in to the Single Market — coming from any third non-EU country anywhere in the world , including yours , because you are a third country — will be checked .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tariffs and quotas on top of that , which would be very cumbersome and very complicated but we would have to do that.
” READ MORE : Brexit LIVE : Now you 're on OUR turf !
Barnier in UK for vital talks Failure to strike a trade deal will see the two sides trading on less lucrative WTO terms with tariffs and quotas .
Mr Barnier said the EU had offered the UK a “ precautionary ” extension to the transition period but the UK had rejected it .
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period and the deadline for any extension request has now passed .
Mr Barnier said : “ We were open to an extension , even a precautionary extension , in case of need , making allowance for one before 30 June , even if in practice we did not need to use it , or all of it .
“ But the UK refused to do that , so that means that time is of the essence for the negotiations . ''
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator and his UK counterpart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Downing Street tonight ahead of the latest round of trade-deal talks .
Major stumbling blocks include the `` level playing field '' - conditions Brussels demands to ensure fair competition by keeping the UK closely tied to EU standards on workers ' rights , the environment and state subsidies - and fishing rights .
DO N'T MISS Michael Gove ’ s stunning promise to EU fishermen exposed [ SPOTLIGHT ] Remainer Philip Hammond ordered to be 'silent ' after Brexit warning [ FOCUS ] Brexit confession : Why EU claimed ‘ there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: EU told Barnier not to 'compromise' on fishing says expert
The EU's chief negotiator told a House of Lords Committee Brussels “will not delay things” after Britain announced a gradual three phased implementation of border checks of its own. Ministers said full border checks will now only apply on EU goods entering the UK from July 2021. Mr Barnier said the EU was ready for Britain to leave the Customs Union and Single Market at the end of the transition period on January 1.
We are ready. Everyone has to accept their responsibilities. We have accepted ours Michel Barnier
He warned every UK product imported into the EU would face checks once whether there was a trade deal or not. He told peers: "All products coming into the Single Market through the borders in Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France or elsewhere will have to be checked, which of course is not the case today. “We have recruited customs officers, 750 in the Netherlands, 700 in France, close to 400 in Belgium and many in Ireland as well, because we will have to carry out checks on products coming into the European Union. “We are ready. Everyone has to accept their responsibilities. We have accepted ours.”
Michel Barnier said the EU is ready to impose full border checks on UK imports from January 1
Customs bosses and haulage industry leaders have warned Britain is falling “many thousands” short of its target to train an estimated 50,000 new customs officers. And businesses chiefs fear a new IT system to check EU-bound goods will not be up and running in time. Mr Barnier said: “As of 1 January, all products coming in to the Single Market — coming from any third non-EU country anywhere in the world, including yours, because you are a third country — will be checked. “If there is no deal, there would be tariffs and quotas on top of that, which would be very cumbersome and very complicated but we would have to do that.” READ MORE: Brexit LIVE: Now you're on OUR turf! Barnier in UK for vital talks
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Michel Barnier is meeting his UK counterpart David Frost for dinner tonight
Boris Johnson rejected the offer of another Brexit extension
Failure to strike a trade deal will see the two sides trading on less lucrative WTO terms with tariffs and quotas. Mr Barnier said the EU had offered the UK a “precautionary” extension to the transition period but the UK had rejected it. Boris Johnson always insisted he would never extend the transition period and the deadline for any extension request has now passed.
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Mr Barnier said: “We were open to an extension, even a precautionary extension, in case of need, making allowance for one before 30 June, even if in practice we did not need to use it, or all of it. “But the UK refused to do that, so that means that time is of the essence for the negotiations." The EU's chief Brexit negotiator and his UK counterpart David Frost will have a private dinner in Downing Street tonight ahead of the latest round of trade-deal talks. Major stumbling blocks include the "level playing field" - conditions Brussels demands to ensure fair competition by keeping the UK closely tied to EU standards on workers' rights, the environment and state subsidies - and fishing rights. DON'T MISS
Michael Gove’s stunning promise to EU fishermen exposed[SPOTLIGHT]
Remainer Philip Hammond ordered to be 'silent' after Brexit warning [FOCUS]
Brexit confession: Why EU claimed ‘there will be no FTA with UK'[INSIGHT]
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Remainer Philip Hammond ordered to be 'silent' after warning about loosening EU ties

As Brexit talks heat up , Rupert Lowe , former Brexit Party MEP , said he would welcome a period of silence from both Mr Hammond and former prime minister Theresa May .
Last week Mrs May hit out at Boris Johnson 's decision to appoint the UK 's chief Brexit negotiator as the country 's top civil servant .
During a speech in the House of Commons , she fiercely criticised the Government 's appointment of David Frost as the new national security adviser , in what was her angriest public outburst in months .
And on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be distancing itself from China while loosening ties with Europe .
Mr Lowe took to Twitter to remind the pair their days of leading the UK 's Brexit efforts had come to an end and urged them to accept it .
He said : `` Let 's not mince our words .
`` Theresa May and Phillip Hammond were total failures as PM and Chancellor .
`` Why they feel like their contributions are welcome now is beyond me .
`` The damage they did to our country 's standing in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence would be welcome ! ''
As the latest round of trade talks with the EU kicked off in London on Tuesday , Mr Hammond touched on the subject in an interview with the BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
He said : `` Right now , the UK is in the process of loosening its ties with trade partners in Europe in the name of expanding its global reach .
`` It seems to me this is not a time to be wanting to weaken our trade links with the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to find a way , and I think we have done it in the past with many countries , of continuing to trade , continuing to invest and welcome investment from countries with which we have frank disagreements about political issues . ''
DO N'T MISS Should meddling eurocrats still be making economic forecasts about UK ?
[ INSIGHT ] Ireland ’ s essential role in UK-EU ‘ Brexit cold war ’ exposed [ REVEALED ] Boris told to compromise on Brexit or risk losing access to EU market [ VIDEO ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate surrounding China 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
He said he is `` concerned about the outbreak of anti-Chinese sentiment within the Conservative Party '' and called its rise `` alarming '' .
Mr Hammond also had some advice for his successor Rishi Sunak , who took over from Sajid Javid following a Cabinet reshuffle in February .

UK is ‘loosening ties’ with EU trade partners says Hammond
As Brexit talks heat up, Rupert Lowe, former Brexit Party MEP, said he would welcome a period of silence from both Mr Hammond and former prime minister Theresa May. Last week Mrs May hit out at Boris Johnson's decision to appoint the UK's chief Brexit negotiator as the country's top civil servant.
Trending
During a speech in the House of Commons, she fiercely criticised the Government's appointment of David Frost as the new national security adviser, in what was her angriest public outburst in months. And on Tuesday, Mr Hammond said the UK should not be distancing itself from China while loosening ties with Europe. Mr Lowe took to Twitter to remind the pair their days of leading the UK's Brexit efforts had come to an end and urged them to accept it. He said: "Let's not mince our words.
Ex-chancellor Philip Hammond has been silenced over his Brexit warning
Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe said Mrs May and Mr Hammond should be quiet on Brexit
"Theresa May and Phillip Hammond were total failures as PM and Chancellor. "Why they feel like their contributions are welcome now is beyond me. "The damage they did to our country's standing in the world was immense. "A period of silence would be welcome!" READ MORE: Michael Gove’s stunning promise to EU fishermen exposed
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Former chancellor Philp Hammond has warned about implications of the UK's break from the EU
As the latest round of trade talks with the EU kicked off in London on Tuesday, Mr Hammond touched on the subject in an interview with the BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He said: "Right now, the UK is in the process of loosening its ties with trade partners in Europe in the name of expanding its global reach. "It seems to me this is not a time to be wanting to weaken our trade links with the world's second largest economy. "We have to find a way, and I think we have done it in the past with many countries, of continuing to trade, continuing to invest and welcome investment from countries with which we have frank disagreements about political issues." DON'T MISS
Should meddling eurocrats still be making economic forecasts about UK? [INSIGHT]
Ireland’s essential role in UK-EU ‘Brexit cold war’ exposed [REVEALED]
Boris told to compromise on Brexit or risk losing access to EU market [VIDEO]
Theresa May has been vocal about how she feels about David Frost's new appointment
The ex-foreign secretary also weighed into the debate surrounding China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He said he is "concerned about the outbreak of anti-Chinese sentiment within the Conservative Party" and called its rise "alarming". Mr Hammond also had some advice for his successor Rishi Sunak, who took over from Sajid Javid following a Cabinet reshuffle in February.
Brexit timeline
Mr Hammond said Mr Sunak must be prepared to let some businesses fail. The Chancellor is due to announce fiscal measures designed to aid the UK's economic recovery after COVID-19 on Wednesday. Mr Hammond said: "I think it is important to recognise that the Chancellor faces an extraordinarily complex challenge.
Rupert Lowe said he would welcome a period of silence from Theresa May


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--Boris Johnson's Brexit trade talks tactic to pay off as Brussels 'anxious' for a deal

Brexit negotiations have been difficult between the UK and EU after discussions between both sides on a trade deal broke up early last week with `` significant differences '' remaining .
But Lord Lamont is sure the EU will offer Britain a trade deal - as it is convinced there will be no more delays .
He explained the tactic has increased the bloc 's willingness to reach a deal .
Speaking to Brexit Watch , Lord Lamont said : `` Until recently , I thought the negotiations had gone quite badly .
`` By the word badly , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not high .
`` Personally , I would prefer an agreement to no deal .
`` But recently I 've detected , perhaps because the British have insisted there will be no extension of the transition period , there 's a slight increase in the willingness of the EU to try to reach a deal .
`` I think it 's more than 50/50 possibility of getting a deal .
`` I think the EU is keener now , it has been convinced that Britain is not going to ask for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is anxious to reach a deal itself . ''
His comments come as the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator and his UK counterpart , David Frost , will have a private dinner in Downing Street on Tuesday evening , where fish will be on the menu .
Michel Barnier and Mr Frost will kick off the latest round of trade-deal talks by dining on chargrilled asparagus , followed by a fillet of halibut and then a terrine of summer fruits at Number 10 .
Major stumbling blocks on the road to a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions Brussels demands to ensure fair competition by keeping the UK closely tied to EU standards on workers ' rights , the environment and state subsidies - and fishing rights .
Mr Barnier said the EU is `` doing everything to succeed '' in reaching an agreement `` but not at any price '' .
He posted a message on Twitter showing himself and aides wearing face masks on the train to London .
Should meddling eurocrats still be making economic forecasts about UK ?
[ POLL ] SNP calls for Nicola Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her depth ' [ INSIGHT ] Ireland ’ s essential role in UK-EU ‘ Brexit cold war ’ exposed [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: 'Increase' in EU's willingness to do a deal says Lamont
Brexit negotiations have been difficult between the UK and EU after discussions between both sides on a trade deal broke up early last week with "significant differences" remaining. But Lord Lamont is sure the EU will offer Britain a trade deal - as it is convinced there will be no more delays. He explained the tactic has increased the bloc's willingness to reach a deal.
Trending
Speaking to Brexit Watch, Lord Lamont said: "Until recently, I thought the negotiations had gone quite badly. "By the word badly, I mean, the likelihood of an agreement was not high. "Personally, I would prefer an agreement to no deal. "But recently I've detected, perhaps because the British have insisted there will be no extension of the transition period, there's a slight increase in the willingness of the EU to try to reach a deal. READ MORE: Michael Gove’s stunning promise to EU fishermen exposed
Brexit is more likely to result in a trade deal between the UK and EU, says Lord Lamont
Lord Lamont said the EU are keen to get a deal
"I think it's more than 50/50 possibility of getting a deal. "I think the EU is keener now, it has been convinced that Britain is not going to ask for an extension to the extension. "It is anxious to reach a deal itself." His comments come as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator and his UK counterpart, David Frost, will have a private dinner in Downing Street on Tuesday evening, where fish will be on the menu.
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Brexit negotiations ended early last week
Brexit: UK 'won't budge on their position with EU' says expert
Michel Barnier and Mr Frost will kick off the latest round of trade-deal talks by dining on chargrilled asparagus, followed by a fillet of halibut and then a terrine of summer fruits at Number 10. Major stumbling blocks on the road to a deal include the "level-playing field" - conditions Brussels demands to ensure fair competition by keeping the UK closely tied to EU standards on workers' rights, the environment and state subsidies - and fishing rights. Mr Barnier said the EU is "doing everything to succeed" in reaching an agreement "but not at any price". He posted a message on Twitter showing himself and aides wearing face masks on the train to London. DON'T MISS Should meddling eurocrats still be making economic forecasts about UK? [POLL]
SNP calls for Nicola Sturgeon to RESIGN laid bare: ‘Out of her depth' [INSIGHT]
Ireland’s essential role in UK-EU ‘Brexit cold war’ exposed [ANALYSIS]
EU citizens moving to the UK


thedailyexpress--2020-07-07--EU splintering: Brussels must learn two critical lessons or ‘risks further decay’

He is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations , the first pan-European think tank .
He claimed the coronavirus crisis had shown many European citizens the globalised world including relying on the US and China is falling apart .
And the second lesson for the bloc to address is the growing support to address the climate emergency .
Mr Leonard said it was high time that the EU woke up to the tide of populism on the continent .
He argued while some may have hoped the COVID-19 outbreak would have put populist sentiments to bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` If Europe does not want to risk further decay , it must finally move closer together for a corona reconstruction plan .
`` For many years , Euroscepticism and populism have been compared to a virus that has reached epidemic proportions . ''
He added : `` There is no doubt that a huge reconstruction plan is needed to get European nation-states back on their feet after the crisis .
`` The Franco-German initiative marks a courageous and necessary first step on the way to reviving Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Council on Foreign Relations ) survey points to the danger of misjudging public opinion in connection with the current crisis and unintentionally triggering a new wave of EU scepticism . ''
Voters across nine member states , which cover about half of the population of the bloc , took part in the survey .
READ MORE : ECB chief warns of job loses triggered by huge shifts in EU economy They were asked whether they support the distribution of financial burdens among member nations .
And , Mr Leonard noted , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Participants living in countries which stand to benefit most from a reconstruction fund , largely supported the sharing of the financial burden .
However , voters from net contributor countries failed to back the sharing of the burden as a majority .
Even in France - which , along with Germany , has backed the European Commission plans - less than half ( 47 percent ) of those questioned said they wanted to see the burden shared .
DO N'T MISS MEP admits member states could follow Brexit Britain ’ s lead [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 'shut up about euro ' [ VIDEO ] Barnier ’ s ‘ sabre-rattling ’ shamed as EU chief tries to ‘ punish ’ UK [ ANALYSIS ] In Germany , the figure was 43 percent while in Sweden it was 30 percent .
And less than a quarter ( 24 percent ) of respondents in Denmark said the same .
Mr Leonard said the results showed how important it would be for Brussels to listen carefully to the concerns of voters in countries which are not in favour of sharing the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wishing to gain support for the reconstruction fund must first understand the concerns of sceptical countries : not only do they seem to fear the establishment of permanent transfer payments from rich to poor countries ; there is also concern that they favour an unsustainable economic structure rather than paving the way for a new form of economy .
`` In order to persuade people to support a reconstruction plan , it will be important not to argue with the terms solidarity and federalism , but with self-interest and modernisation . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shone a spotlight on the fact that the globalised world order where the EU could rely on Washington and Beijing as partners is actually `` falling apart '' .
This , he claimed , strengthens the case for a stronger intra-European market .
He said figures in Europe should take note of this and push for an `` economically viable internal market '' which `` is more European than national '' .
Concluding , the political scientist said another powerful lesson which the EU stands to learn from the crisis is the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
He pointed to recent data which showed climate change was one of the top public concerns among voters in European countries in 2019 .
Almost three quarters ( 71 percent ) of Austrians see it as a `` serious '' problem , in the Netherlands ( 74 percent ) , Denmark ( 83 percent ) .

Merkel warned by expert: Recovery plan ‘won’t fix’ Eurozone
Mark Leonard said it is vital that member states "move closer together for a corona reconstruction plan" over the coming months as nationwide lockdowns are lifted. Writing for German online news site focus.de, Mr Leonard said leaders should pull together to help soften the economic blows of the epidemic.
Trending
He is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, the first pan-European think tank. He claimed the coronavirus crisis had shown many European citizens the globalised world including relying on the US and China is falling apart. And the second lesson for the bloc to address is the growing support to address the climate emergency. Mr Leonard said it was high time that the EU woke up to the tide of populism on the continent. He argued while some may have hoped the COVID-19 outbreak would have put populist sentiments to bed, recent surveys have shown the opposite. He said: "If Europe does not want to risk further decay, it must finally move closer together for a corona reconstruction plan.
A political scientist said the EU risks 'further decay' unless it learns from the virus crisis
EU member states have been urged to band together to respond to the crisis
"For many years, Euroscepticism and populism have been compared to a virus that has reached epidemic proportions." He added: "There is no doubt that a huge reconstruction plan is needed to get European nation-states back on their feet after the crisis. "The Franco-German initiative marks a courageous and necessary first step on the way to reviving Europe. "However, an extensive ECFR (European Council on Foreign Relations) survey points to the danger of misjudging public opinion in connection with the current crisis and unintentionally triggering a new wave of EU scepticism." Voters across nine member states, which cover about half of the population of the bloc, took part in the survey. READ MORE: ECB chief warns of job loses triggered by huge shifts in EU economy
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Italy has been one of Europe's hardest-hit nations by the coronavirus crisis
They were asked whether they support the distribution of financial burdens among member nations. And, Mr Leonard noted, "the results were very sobering". Participants living in countries which stand to benefit most from a reconstruction fund, largely supported the sharing of the financial burden. However, voters from net contributor countries failed to back the sharing of the burden as a majority. Even in France - which, along with Germany, has backed the European Commission plans - less than half (47 percent) of those questioned said they wanted to see the burden shared. DON'T MISS
MEP admits member states could follow Brexit Britain’s lead [INSIGHT]
How French President told Britain to 'shut up about euro' [VIDEO]
Barnier’s ‘sabre-rattling’ shamed as EU chief tries to ‘punish’ UK [ANALYSIS]
A Milan shopper has her temperature taken as Italy emerges from lockdown
In Germany, the figure was 43 percent while in Sweden it was 30 percent. And less than a quarter (24 percent) of respondents in Denmark said the same. Mr Leonard said the results showed how important it would be for Brussels to listen carefully to the concerns of voters in countries which are not in favour of sharing the financial burden. He explained: "Anyone wishing to gain support for the reconstruction fund must first understand the concerns of sceptical countries: not only do they seem to fear the establishment of permanent transfer payments from rich to poor countries; there is also concern that they favour an unsustainable economic structure rather than paving the way for a new form of economy. "In order to persuade people to support a reconstruction plan, it will be important not to argue with the terms solidarity and federalism, but with self-interest and modernisation."
He went on to say the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the fact that the globalised world order where the EU could rely on Washington and Beijing as partners is actually "falling apart". This, he claimed, strengthens the case for a stronger intra-European market. He said figures in Europe should take note of this and push for an "economically viable internal market" which "is more European than national". Concluding, the political scientist said another powerful lesson which the EU stands to learn from the crisis is the importance of paving the way for a greener future. He pointed to recent data which showed climate change was one of the top public concerns among voters in European countries in 2019. Almost three quarters (71 percent) of Austrians see it as a "serious" problem, in the Netherlands (74 percent), Denmark (83 percent).
A church in Italy is disinfected


thedailyexpress--2020-07-08--Bid for Brexiteer to lead World Trade Organisation as UK nominates Liam Fox for top spot

The body is currently searching for a new Director General to replace Brazilian Roberto Azevedo , who is standing down from the position on 31 August .
But now the Prime Minister is set to play his trump nomination card by putting forward former Trade Secretary Liam Fox as the UK 's preferred candidate .
The ex-Cabinet minister is a vocal Brexiteer and ally of Mr Johnson , having been a Conservative Party MP for nearly 30 years .
The former Trade Secretary , who has strong trade ties with the US and China , was sacked by the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major Cabinet reshuffle .
Despite this , he has remained loyal to the Prime Minister , and would also be a popular choice among Tory backbenchers .
But his nomination from Downing Street would come as a huge blow to former Cabinet minister Lord Mandelson , who has previously expressed a strong interest in the role .
On Monday , the British Government ruled out backing the peer as a potential candidate to lead the WTO because of his anti-Brexit views .
He was told by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him because he was `` not a Brexiteer '' , according to a report in the Financial Times .
Lord Mandelson said : “ Nominating me would probably annoy some in Tory ranks who are more tribal Britain than global Britain but I hoped my experience and credentials would outweigh political considerations .
“ I am sure the WTO will find someone else qualified to lead the organisation.
” WTO member countries have until 5pm on Wednesday to nominate their candidates , with voting scheduled to start later this year .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late as December as talks sour Six candidates have so far been put forward by countries - Kenya 's Culture Minister Amina Mohamed , Hamid Mamdouh from Egypt , Tudor Ulianovschi from Moldova , Yoo Myung-hee from South Korea , Jesús Seade Kuri from Mexico and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria .
The potential appointment of Dr Fox could come at a crucial time for Britain as the country prepares to leave the European Union at the end of the transition period on December 31 .
The UK is engaged in back-to-back meetings with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following its exit from the 27-member bloc .
Mr Johnson 's Government is ruling out an extension of the transition period deadline to reach an agreement .
DO N'T MISS Britons order Frost to stand strong after Brexit dinner with Barnier [ COMMENT ] Boris Johnson 's Brexit trade talks tactic to pay off - EU 'anxious ' [ VIDEO ] Brexit bombshell : How Ireland is ‘ set for tragedy ’ after UK departure [ ANALYSIS ] If the two sides fail to reach an agreement before then , trade between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard international set of rules set by the World Trade Organisation .
Dr Fox left the Cabinet last year but has continued to write and comment extensively on international trade issues .
He previously warned under WTO rules , it would be impossible for Britain to ban chlorinated chicken as part of a trade agreement with the US .
Dr Fox told an event : “ There ’ s been no argument about food safety on chlorine-washed chicken – it ’ s been an argument about animal welfare .
“ So , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per se , so that ’ s a slightly different debate and much more difficult to quantify because the legal definitions about it at the WTO are much less .
”

Brexit: WTO will not stop UK and EU trade says Daniel Hodson
The body is currently searching for a new Director General to replace Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, who is standing down from the position on 31 August. But now the Prime Minister is set to play his trump nomination card by putting forward former Trade Secretary Liam Fox as the UK's preferred candidate. The ex-Cabinet minister is a vocal Brexiteer and ally of Mr Johnson, having been a Conservative Party MP for nearly 30 years.
Trending
The former Trade Secretary, who has strong trade ties with the US and China, was sacked by the Prime Minister last year as part of a major Cabinet reshuffle. Despite this, he has remained loyal to the Prime Minister, and would also be a popular choice among Tory backbenchers. Confirming his nomination, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said Dr Fox would be a "fierce champion of free and fair trade". She tweeted: "Delighted to confirm that the UK will be nominating LiamFox to be the next Director General of the WTO. "We need a fierce champion of free and fair trade, an advocate of multilateralism and someone able to get things done. "Liam brings all that to the table."
Brexit news: Boris Johnson is set to launch a huge plan to position a key ally at the top of the WTO
Brexit news: Liam Fox is set to be the UK's nominated candidate to run for leadership of the WTO
But his nomination from Downing Street would come as a huge blow to former Cabinet minister Lord Mandelson, who has previously expressed a strong interest in the role. On Monday, the British Government ruled out backing the peer as a potential candidate to lead the WTO because of his anti-Brexit views. He was told by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss in a phone call the Government would not back him because he was "not a Brexiteer", according to a report in the Financial Times. Lord Mandelson said: “Nominating me would probably annoy some in Tory ranks who are more tribal Britain than global Britain but I hoped my experience and credentials would outweigh political considerations. “I am sure the WTO will find someone else qualified to lead the organisation.” READ MORE: Brexit fisheries deal could come as late as December as talks sour
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Brexit news: Liam Fox has remained a strong ally of Boris Johnson
WTO member countries have until 5pm on Wednesday to nominate their candidates, with voting scheduled to start later this year. Six candidates have so far been put forward by countries - Kenya's Culture Minister Amina Mohamed, Hamid Mamdouh from Egypt, Tudor Ulianovschi from Moldova, Yoo Myung-hee from South Korea, Jesús Seade Kuri from Mexico and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria. The potential appointment of Dr Fox could come at a crucial time for Britain as the country prepares to leave the European Union at the end of the transition period on December 31. The UK is engaged in back-to-back meetings with Brussels negotiators over a post-Brexit free-trade deal following its exit from the 27-member bloc. DON'T MISS
Britons order Frost to stand strong after Brexit dinner with Barnier [COMMENT]
Boris Johnson's Brexit trade talks tactic to pay off - EU 'anxious' [VIDEO]
Brexit bombshell: How Ireland is ‘set for tragedy’ after UK departure [ANALYSIS]
Brexit news: Lord Mandelson is set to miss out on being the UK's chosen candidate
Brexit news: Donald Trump has been highly critical of the WTO
Mr Johnson's Government is ruling out an extension of the transition period deadline to reach an agreement. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement before then, trade between the UK and EU will default to the standard international set of rules set by the World Trade Organisation. Dr Fox left the Cabinet last year but has continued to write and comment extensively on international trade issues. He previously warned under WTO rules, it would be impossible for Britain to ban chlorinated chicken as part of a trade agreement with the US. Dr Fox told an event: “There’s been no argument about food safety on chlorine-washed chicken – it’s been an argument about animal welfare.