thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--‘On your own!’ Break up of UK feared after Irish election but NI warned no ‘bailout’

In a poll by Ipsos MRBI for the Irish Times , support for left-wing Sinn Fein surged four percent from last month ’ s survey to 25 percent - just days before this weekend ’ s national election .
Similar polls over recent weeks had suggested the party would finish third with the backing of just a fifth of the electorate .
The most recent poll shows support for centre-right Fianna Fail has slipped two percent to 23 percent , while Leo Varadkar ’ s Fine Gael party are languishing in third position with 20 percent of the vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into a coalition Government unless there is a commitment to an independence vote .
The party has also pledged to push for a vote to be brought forward within the next five years .
The latest poll from Express.co.uk , which ran from 1.40pm until 8.10pm on Tuesday February 4 , asked readers : “ Are you worried about the break up of the UK as Irish election shock fears grow ?
” The poll attracted a massive 14,447 votes , with 70.6 percent ( 10,197 readers ) stating they are worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a quarter ( 25.9 percent or 3,743 readers ) are not worried by a potential break up of the UK from a Sinn Fein election win , while 3.5 percent ( 507 readers ) selected the “ don ’ t know ” option .
While Express.co.uk readers fear a potential break up of the UK following a Sinn Fein victory , they have warned the UK will not rescue Northern Ireland should that eventuality happen - and it negatively impact the country .
One wrote : “ If that is what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not bail them out when the next downturn in the economy happens and don ’ t buy goods from Ireland that can be produced in England .
READ MORE : Leo Varadkar shamed over use of ’ provocative ’ language against Brexit “ Not being a part of the EU , we should also limit their travel to the UK and who we let in.
” A second reader said : “ As long as they don ’ t come crawling back to us for handouts once they have left us .
Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commented : “ If the majority want independence or unification , and vote for it , they should have it .
“ Just as long as they take their fair share of UK national debt with them , and do not expect to enjoy special rights or privileges such as the CTA from what remains of the UK/England.
” DO N'T MISS What could Ireland 's election mean for the EU and Brexit negotiations ?
[ ANALYSIS ] Leo Varadkar slams Britain 's 'petty ' and silly post Brexit proposal [ VIDEO ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boots , writes TIM NEWARK [ COMMENT ] One reader even doubted the latest Ipsos MRBI poll prediction and believes Sinn Fein will not even get the majority required to lead a Government .
Sinn Fein are unlikely to emerge as the largest party from Saturday ’ s general election as it is only running 42 candidates - around half the number of candidates being fielded by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail .
The party - led by Mary Lou McDonald , has pledged to abolish the Universal Social Charge , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ireland following the post-boom collapse of the economy , on the first €30,000 earned .
It has also said it would scrap a levy on property if it got into power .
But an Express.co.uk reader wrote : “ Sinn Fein won ’ t get a majority and neither of the other main parties will go into a power sharing agreement so most likely a rainbow government will form and will last about two weeks before collapsing .

Leo Varadkar: It's difficult to form government in next few months
In a poll by Ipsos MRBI for the Irish Times, support for left-wing Sinn Fein surged four percent from last month’s survey to 25 percent - just days before this weekend’s national election. Similar polls over recent weeks had suggested the party would finish third with the backing of just a fifth of the electorate. The most recent poll shows support for centre-right Fianna Fail has slipped two percent to 23 percent, while Leo Varadkar’s Fine Gael party are languishing in third position with 20 percent of the vote.
Sinn Fein has insisted they will not go into a coalition Government unless there is a commitment to an independence vote. The party has also pledged to push for a vote to be brought forward within the next five years. The latest poll from Express.co.uk, which ran from 1.40pm until 8.10pm on Tuesday February 4, asked readers: “Are you worried about the break up of the UK as Irish election shock fears grow?” The poll attracted a massive 14,447 votes, with 70.6 percent (10,197 readers) stating they are worried by such a scenario happening.
Irish election: There are fears a surge from Sinn Fein in a poll could lead to a break up of the UK
Irish election: Mary Lou McDonald's popularity has overtaken Leo Varadkar in a recent poll
Just over a quarter (25.9 percent or 3,743 readers) are not worried by a potential break up of the UK from a Sinn Fein election win, while 3.5 percent (507 readers) selected the “don’t know” option. While Express.co.uk readers fear a potential break up of the UK following a Sinn Fein victory, they have warned the UK will not rescue Northern Ireland should that eventuality happen - and it negatively impact the country. One wrote: “If that is what they want then great. “Just do not bail them out when the next downturn in the economy happens and don’t buy goods from Ireland that can be produced in England. READ MORE: Leo Varadkar shamed over use of ’provocative’ language against Brexit
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Irish election: Leo Varadkar is under huge pressure from his political rivals
“Not being a part of the EU, we should also limit their travel to the UK and who we let in.” A second reader said: “As long as they don’t come crawling back to us for handouts once they have left us. Good luck to them.” Another Express.co.uk reader commented: “If the majority want independence or unification, and vote for it, they should have it. “Just as long as they take their fair share of UK national debt with them, and do not expect to enjoy special rights or privileges such as the CTA from what remains of the UK/England.” DON'T MISS
What could Ireland's election mean for the EU and Brexit negotiations? [ANALYSIS]
Leo Varadkar slams Britain's 'petty' and silly post Brexit proposal [VIDEO]
Leo Varadkar is too big for his boots, writes TIM NEWARK [COMMENT]
Irish election: Mary Lou McDonald is leading a resurgent Sinn Fein
Irish election: Leo Varadkar has insisted he will work right until the end to convince people to vote for Fine Gael
One reader even doubted the latest Ipsos MRBI poll prediction and believes Sinn Fein will not even get the majority required to lead a Government. Sinn Fein are unlikely to emerge as the largest party from Saturday’s general election as it is only running 42 candidates - around half the number of candidates being fielded by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. The party - led by Mary Lou McDonald, has pledged to abolish the Universal Social Charge, a tax imposed to help repay international lending to Ireland following the post-boom collapse of the economy, on the first €30,000 earned. It has also said it would scrap a levy on property if it got into power. But an Express.co.uk reader wrote: “Sinn Fein won’t get a majority and neither of the other main parties will go into a power sharing agreement so most likely a rainbow government will form and will last about two weeks before collapsing.
Irish election: Sinn Feinn has pledged to abolish the Universal Social Charge
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--Brexit LIVE: Boris in 'good negotiating position' as UK is begged to stay in single market

Mr Felbermayr said : “ The schedule for the UK and the EU to negotiate a free trade agreement is extremely ambitious and can not be achieved by 2021 or 2023 .
“ The great uncertainty as to what Brexit really means in the end for relationships and especially for companies in both economies remains .
He added : “ Great Britain is in a good negotiating position with the EU.
” “ From an EU perspective , it is particularly difficult to see that without a close connection to Great Britain , it will be in the new system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a weakened third party and lose considerable bargaining power.
” Britain ’ s economic weight amounts to 19 of the EU ’ s smallest members combined .
The EU must therefore do everything possible to keep Britain in the single market , because access to it is its strongest asset in international negotiations .
Mr Felbermayr claimed the EU must be `` willing to give up its dogma of the inseparability of the four fundamental freedoms - free movement of goods , services and capital , as well as the free movement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bigger the single market , the stronger the European voice in the world .
9.50pm update : Brexit Britain finds new Asian ally in Vietnam just days after breaking from Brussels Vietnam is set to become Britain 's post-Brexit Asia ally , it has emerged just days after the UK left Brussels Boris Johnson ’ s ambition for a new “ global Britain ” will see Vietnam poised as the Asian ally for Britain , with a clue to the plan being the opening of a new mission into the ASEAN bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointment a dedicated UK ambassador to the region three months ago .
London is taking a closer interest in the Indo-Pacific region , the Asia Times reports , with Mr Johnson last year launching his All of Asia mandate , which is designed to refocus attention on Southeast Asia rather than Africa and the Middle East .
Alexander Downer , chairman of Policy Exchange and a former Australian foreign minister said : “ If Britain is to become the global player Boris Johnson wants it to be , then it has to engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update : Boris Johnson 's plans to crackdown on terrorists could be stopped by EU The Prime Minister 's immediate plan to launch a huge crackdown on terrorists in the UK could dramatically be blocked by strict European Union rules in what could spark fresh fury between the two sides .
In the aftermath of the Streatham attack , Mr Johnson said his Government would announce fundamental changes to the system for dealing with convicted terrorists .
Hours later , Justice Minister Robert Buckland announced Britain will introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through their sentence .
But the current European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR ) may block that from happening .
Britain no longer being a contributor in the European Union after Brexit has sparked panic among countries in Eastern and Southern Europe .
Although Britain has left the EU , the transition phase will last until the end of the year and the Government will still pay its contributions to the budget .
However , from 2021 , the EU will see a £10.16billion ( €12billion ) hole left by the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group – made up of EU member states from east and south Europe – met in Portugal on Saturday to discuss the consequences of Britain ’ s exit .
Following the meeting , the group of nations urged Brussels to find a quick agreement on a new EU budget that will help the financially weaker states .
6.50pm update : Brexit represents a ‘ terrifying failure ’ from the EU says Le Pen as she hails UK ‘ freedom ’ Marine Le Pen on Saturday hailed Brexit as a `` return to freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast off from the bloc was a `` failure '' for Brussels .
She said : `` The United Kingdom has finally regained its freedom .
`` Brexit is a terrifying failure for the European Union . ''
She added : “ The UK has just slammed the door in the EU ’ s face !
” `` We will find in the coming months and years that the British made the right decision ; that their country will reap great benefits from Brexit.
” The EU , Ms Le Pen insisted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ alliance of nations ” in the wake of Brexit .
6.02pm update : UK will come out on top in EU trade talks , business leader predicts ‘ Very favourable !
’ Brussels will bow down to Britain 's demands for a post-Brexit trade deal , according to a business development leader that says the EU will offer the UK `` a very favourable '' deal .
Hilary Fordwich of the British-American Business Association said despite predicting a major clash between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive deal .
Ms Fordwich told Russia Today , Brexit will inspire the Dutch to have their own Nexit , and then Swexit because the Swedish would leave .
Ms Fordwich continued that that “ one of the sticking points , ironically , is a very small issue in terms of trade across the EU , and that are fishing rights ” .
She added : “ So , I think the UK is going to get a very favorable deal because this isn ’ t the only issue at hand .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand.
” 5.20pm update : French politician admits he 'envies ' UK leaving EU predicting Brexit 'will go very well ' Florian Philpott said he 'envies ' Britain over its departure from the European Union , after the UK officially left last Friday .
The hardline sovereignist has long called for a French referendum on EU membership , and repeatedly cheered a Brexit vote he hopes can boost eurosceptic sentiment at home .
French far-right politician Florian Philippot , leader of the anti-Brussels The Patriots movement , said on Monday he “ envied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the divorce showed that no member state was destined to be forever shackled to the bloc .
Asked by French broadcaster RFI whether he was “ envious ” of the British for finally quitting the European Union , he answered : “ Yes !
We should all be delighted for the United Kingdom , because the British made the choice of freedom … and democracy.
” The boss of Clais ' port claimed french trawlermen will face `` a real shortfall '' if they are blocked from fishing in Britain 's waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the post-Brexit relationship would see local fisherman banned from the UK ’ s waters .
He said : “ If there is no agreement , it could lead to a fish mess with a real shortfall for the Boulogne fishermen.
” 2.50pm update : Greece exploits Brexit with fresh demands for return of Elgin Marbles Greece is stepping up its campaign for the return of the Elgin Marbles and is trying to use Brexit to enlist the support of Britain 's former European Union colleagues .
The shameless bid to capitalise on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched within hours of the UK ’ s formal departure from the bloc last Friday .
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said she expected to win more backing from her European counterparts as British influence had been reduced across the continent .
Greece insists they were stolen and Ms Mendoni said the circumstances were now ripe for the marbles ’ return .
1.50pm update : Polling Guru Sir John Curtice warns Boris his election victory is not a full endorsement of Brexit Polling Guru Sir John Curtice has suggested Boris Johnson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full endorsement of Brexit as less than half the country voted for Leave supporting parties .
The professor of politics at Strathclyde University said the general election result was due to Leave voters solidifying behind the Tories while Remainers split their support between different parties .
Sir John said : “ We know that the positions the parties were taking on both sides of the argument were in tune with the majority view on the Remain and Leave sides respectively - so we can add up the votes .
`` And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to the Conservative Party and the Brexit Party , and 52 percent of the vote went to parties that , under some circumstances or another , or be it somewhat varied , were in favour of a second referendum . ''
The polling expert added that a tilt in polls showing a small majority in favour of Remain was due to people who did not vote in the 2016 referendum now supporting EU membership .
He said : `` Very few Remain voters have changed their minds , very few Leave voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have tilted , apparently in favour of us now having a small majority in favour of Remain , are those who did n't vote three years ago . ''
Lizz Truss has described the moment the UK attended its first World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) meeting as “ historic ” and said the Britain would play a role in “ championing free trade ” .
The International Trade Secretary said the WTO summit has provided the UK with an “ independent voice ” after leaving the European Union .
Ms Truss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment which will give us an independent voice at the WTO for the first time since its inception .
“ We will be speaking up on issues that matter to people and businesses in Britain , including crucial UK industries like fisheries and digital trade , as well as championing free trade against the rising tide of protectionism .
“ The WTO is under significant pressure , with all its functions under strain .
So , it is more important now than ever that , as one of the strongest supporters of free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenge and does everything in our power to help strengthen and reform it.
” The “ greatest danger ” in Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit plan is the UK may be underestimating the benefits of leaving the EU , former Tory leader William Hague has said .
The former Conservative leader wrote in The Telegraph : “ Ministers should therefore be given strong support when they declare that they will not agree to alignment with EU regulations .
“ The greatest danger is not that they will give in on this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but that the country might not make the most of the opportunity this provides .
“ Just as politicians have to adapt to the fact that the world has changed , and we can not go back to life as it was before last week , so do all the regulators , rule-makers and policy experts giving advice and making decisions inside our own borders.
” READ MORE : William Hague sends warning to Boris Johnson as he reveals Brexit plan 's ‘ greatest danger ’ 10.55am update : Britain given ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain ’ s representative Julian Braithwaite has attended his first meeting with the World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) as the UK begins trade talks with the rest of the world .
Mr Braithwaite said : `` A wonderful warm welcome as we move to our seat next to the US in the WTO .
`` The Americans are some of the toughest negotiators in the world .
But the bonds run deep . ''
10.15am update : EU 's shameful final words to UK before Brexit in front of top diplomats REVEALED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to the UK as a slip of the tongue almost sparked a diplomatic incident , it has emerged .
In a misjudged farewell , the Croatian ambassador parting words to Britain as the country headed for the EU exit door were “ thank you , goodbye , and good riddance ” .
Irena Andrassy , Croatia ’ s permanent representative to the EU , was chairing a meeting of top diplomats as she made the unintentional error .
According to diplomats in the room , she believed “ good riddance ” was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brexit .
READ MORE : EU 's shameful final words to UK before Brexit in front of top diplomats REVEALED 9.45am update : Former Brexit Party MEP hits out a Sturgeon ’ s calls for IndyRef2 - ‘ give it a rest ’ Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe has called on SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to “ give it a rest ” with her relentless calls for a second Scottish independence referendum .
Mr Lowe wrote on Twitter : “ Sturgeon needs to give it a rest with her referendum sabre-rattling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and she has lost both of them .
“ Think the Scots have had enough elections for a lifetime recently .
“ How about you let them get on with their lives Nicola ?
!
” Michael Gove has warned the EU the UK will not accept a trade agreement on terms dictated by Brussels .
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has insisted it would be European car manufacturers that would suffer the most if a “ good trading relationship ” is not reached by December 31 .
Mr Gove said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading relationship with the EU great .
“ The people who will suffer most if we don ’ t have a good trading relationship between the EU and the UK will be those European car manufacturers who will lose preferential access to our market .
“ We must stop thinking of ourselves as supplicants .
“ We must stop saying ‘ we need this and we need that ’ .
“ We are a proud country .
We can make our decisions .
We want the closest possible commercial relationship with our friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not have to go and secure an agreement on someone else 's terms . '
Philip Hammond has indicated the Remain side lost the 2016 EU referendum because the positives aspects of staying in the block was not put forward .
The former Chancellor has the pro-EU side was far too concentrated on disputing the claims but forward by Brexiteers rather than outlining the reasons to Remain .
“ The big problem from the beginning of this debate is that the positive case of the European Union was never put .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional case for leaving , and the Remain campaign tried to counter that by saying ‘ it ’ s wrong , it ’ s lies , ’ instead of making a case for remaining .
“ There was a referendum result in 2016 – arguable , because [ it was ] narrow – but clearly the electorate have endorsed that result in the general election and that has to be the end of the argument . ''
8.40am update : Hammond says Brexit is about ‘ damage limitation ’ to UK economy Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project Fear ’ rhetoric by insisting Brexit is about “ damage limitation ” to the UK economy .
The Arch-Remainer and former Tory minister told The Telegraph : `` People will pillory me for this but it is about damage limitation , there will be a cost to the economy for leaving the European Union , I don ’ t care who argues against me , that ’ s just a fact .
`` There may be political benefits but there will be an economic cost .
“ But if we get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic cost and we ’ ll soon get over it .
“ Get it wrong and it will be a big economic cost with a systemic impact . ''

Laura Kuenssberg quizzes Boris Johnson on Brexit deal
The schedule for a free trade agree between the EU and Britain was deemed unrealistic by the President of IfW, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. However, Gabriel Felbermayr claimed in the event of a no deal the EU would have a lot to lose. He added one major loss would be the blocs bargaining power on the international stage.
Mr Felbermayr said: “The schedule for the UK and the EU to negotiate a free trade agreement is extremely ambitious and cannot be achieved by 2021 or 2023. “The great uncertainty as to what Brexit really means in the end for relationships and especially for companies in both economies remains. He added: “Great Britain is in a good negotiating position with the EU.” “From an EU perspective, it is particularly difficult to see that without a close connection to Great Britain, it will be in the new system competition between the USA and China as a weakened third party and lose considerable bargaining power.”
Brexit news: Britain is in a 'good negotiating position'
Britain’s economic weight amounts to 19 of the EU’s smallest members combined. The EU must therefore do everything possible to keep Britain in the single market, because access to it is its strongest asset in international negotiations. Mr Felbermayr claimed the EU must be "willing to give up its dogma of the inseparability of the four fundamental freedoms - free movement of goods, services and capital, as well as the free movement of people". He added: "The bigger the single market, the stronger the European voice in the world.
Brexit news: Boris Johnson has said a UK trade deal will not follow EU rules
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"The United Kingdom has presented a compelling low-tariff strategy in the event of a no-deal, the country mainly exports non-tariff services anyway. "The economic damage of a no-deal would be roughly equal on a percentage basis on both sides, and Britain would hardly suffer economically more than the EU. "In addition, it can be assumed that Great Britain will build up additional bargaining pressure with the EU through a free trade agreement with the USA and further deregulation and tax cuts." Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER LIVE, FOLLOW HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES.
Brexit news: A timeline of Brexit until January 1, 2021
9.50pm update: Brexit Britain finds new Asian ally in Vietnam just days after breaking from Brussels Vietnam is set to become Britain's post-Brexit Asia ally, it has emerged just days after the UK left Brussels Boris Johnson’s ambition for a new “global Britain” will see Vietnam poised as the Asian ally for Britain, with a clue to the plan being the opening of a new mission into the ASEAN bloc in Jakarta on January 15 and the appointment a dedicated UK ambassador to the region three months ago. London is taking a closer interest in the Indo-Pacific region, the Asia Times reports, with Mr Johnson last year launching his All of Asia mandate, which is designed to refocus attention on Southeast Asia rather than Africa and the Middle East. Alexander Downer, chairman of Policy Exchange and a former Australian foreign minister said: “If Britain is to become the global player Boris Johnson wants it to be, then it has to engage more strategically in the Asia-Pacific.” 8.50pm update: Boris Johnson's plans to crackdown on terrorists could be stopped by EU The Prime Minister's immediate plan to launch a huge crackdown on terrorists in the UK could dramatically be blocked by strict European Union rules in what could spark fresh fury between the two sides. In the aftermath of the Streatham attack, Mr Johnson said his Government would announce fundamental changes to the system for dealing with convicted terrorists. Hours later, Justice Minister Robert Buckland announced Britain will introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted terrorists automatically being released from prison halfway through their sentence. But the current European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) may block that from happening. 7.50pm update: Brexit will spark major EU row over funding Britain no longer being a contributor in the European Union after Brexit has sparked panic among countries in Eastern and Southern Europe. Although Britain has left the EU, the transition phase will last until the end of the year and the Government will still pay its contributions to the budget. However, from 2021, the EU will see a £10.16billion (€12billion) hole left by the UK. The “Friends of Cohesion” group – made up of EU member states from east and south Europe – met in Portugal on Saturday to discuss the consequences of Britain’s exit. Following the meeting, the group of nations urged Brussels to find a quick agreement on a new EU budget that will help the financially weaker states. 6.50pm update: Brexit represents a ‘terrifying failure’ from the EU says Le Pen as she hails UK ‘freedom’ Marine Le Pen on Saturday hailed Brexit as a "return to freedom," adding Britain's decision to cast off from the bloc was a "failure" for Brussels. She said: "The United Kingdom has finally regained its freedom. "Brexit is a terrifying failure for the European Union." She added: “The UK has just slammed the door in the EU’s face!” "We will find in the coming months and years that the British made the right decision; that their country will reap great benefits from Brexit.” The EU, Ms Le Pen insisted, should focus on transforming itself into an “alliance of nations” in the wake of Brexit. 6.02pm update: UK will come out on top in EU trade talks, business leader predicts ‘Very favourable!’ Brussels will bow down to Britain's demands for a post-Brexit trade deal, according to a business development leader that says the EU will offer the UK "a very favourable" deal. Hilary Fordwich of the British-American Business Association said despite predicting a major clash between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, the UK will succeed in getting an impressive deal. Ms Fordwich told Russia Today, Brexit will inspire the Dutch to have their own Nexit, and then Swexit because the Swedish would leave. Ms Fordwich continued that that “one of the sticking points, ironically, is a very small issue in terms of trade across the EU, and that are fishing rights”. She added: “So, I think the UK is going to get a very favorable deal because this isn’t the only issue at hand. The deal with Trump is very much at hand.”
A business leader claimed the UK could come out on top in negotiations
5.20pm update: French politician admits he 'envies' UK leaving EU predicting Brexit 'will go very well' Florian Philpott said he 'envies' Britain over its departure from the European Union, after the UK officially left last Friday. The hardline sovereignist has long called for a French referendum on EU membership, and repeatedly cheered a Brexit vote he hopes can boost eurosceptic sentiment at home.
French far-right politician Florian Philippot, leader of the anti-Brussels The Patriots movement, said on Monday he “envied” the British for Brexit, adding that the divorce showed that no member state was destined to be forever shackled to the bloc. Asked by French broadcaster RFI whether he was “envious” of the British for finally quitting the European Union, he answered: “Yes! We should all be delighted for the United Kingdom, because the British made the choice of freedom … and democracy.” 4.50pm update: French fishermen face disasterous 'shortfall' if blocked from post-Brexit British waters The boss of Clais' port claimed french trawlermen will face "a real shortfall" if they are blocked from fishing in Britain's waters. Jean-Marc Puissesseau said his biggest fear for the post-Brexit relationship would see local fisherman banned from the UK’s waters. He said: “If there is no agreement, it could lead to a fish mess with a real shortfall for the Boulogne fishermen.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday dismissed EU demands for concessions over fishing. 2.50pm update: Greece exploits Brexit with fresh demands for return of Elgin Marbles Greece is stepping up its campaign for the return of the Elgin Marbles and is trying to use Brexit to enlist the support of Britain's former European Union colleagues. The shameless bid to capitalise on the post-Brexit mood across the EU was launched within hours of the UK’s formal departure from the bloc last Friday. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said she expected to win more backing from her European counterparts as British influence had been reduced across the continent. Greece insists they were stolen and Ms Mendoni said the circumstances were now ripe for the marbles’ return. 1.50pm update: Polling Guru Sir John Curtice warns Boris his election victory is not a full endorsement of Brexit Polling Guru Sir John Curtice has suggested Boris Johnson’s thumping election 80-seat election victory was not a full endorsement of Brexit as less than half the country voted for Leave supporting parties. The professor of politics at Strathclyde University said the general election result was due to Leave voters solidifying behind the Tories while Remainers split their support between different parties. Sir John said: “We know that the positions the parties were taking on both sides of the argument were in tune with the majority view on the Remain and Leave sides respectively - so we can add up the votes. "And it's 47 percent of the vote that went to the Conservative Party and the Brexit Party, and 52 percent of the vote went to parties that, under some circumstances or another, or be it somewhat varied, were in favour of a second referendum." The polling expert added that a tilt in polls showing a small majority in favour of Remain was due to people who did not vote in the 2016 referendum now supporting EU membership. He said: "Very few Remain voters have changed their minds, very few Leave voters have changed their minds, the group that have tilted, apparently in favour of us now having a small majority in favour of Remain, are those who didn't vote three years ago."
Brexit news: Lizz Truss has hailed the UK's first WTO meeting as 'historic'
12.15pm update: Truss hails ‘historic’ WTO meeting - ‘independent voice’ Lizz Truss has described the moment the UK attended its first World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting as “historic” and said the Britain would play a role in “championing free trade”. The International Trade Secretary said the WTO summit has provided the UK with an “independent voice” after leaving the European Union. Ms Truss said: “This is an historic moment which will give us an independent voice at the WTO for the first time since its inception. “We will be speaking up on issues that matter to people and businesses in Britain, including crucial UK industries like fisheries and digital trade, as well as championing free trade against the rising tide of protectionism. “The WTO is under significant pressure, with all its functions under strain. So, it is more important now than ever that, as one of the strongest supporters of free trade globally, the UK rises to the challenge and does everything in our power to help strengthen and reform it.”
Brexit: Gove says UK ‘doesn’t need’ trade deal with EU
11.40am update: William Hague reveals ‘greatest danger’ in Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan The “greatest danger” in Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan is the UK may be underestimating the benefits of leaving the EU, former Tory leader William Hague has said. The former Conservative leader wrote in The Telegraph: “Ministers should therefore be given strong support when they declare that they will not agree to alignment with EU regulations. “The greatest danger is not that they will give in on this point when things become tense later this year, but that the country might not make the most of the opportunity this provides. “Just as politicians have to adapt to the fact that the world has changed, and we cannot go back to life as it was before last week, so do all the regulators, rule-makers and policy experts giving advice and making decisions inside our own borders.” READ MORE: William Hague sends warning to Boris Johnson as he reveals Brexit plan's ‘greatest danger’ 10.55am update: Britain given ‘warm welcome’ at first WTO meeting Britain’s representative Julian Braithwaite has attended his first meeting with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as the UK begins trade talks with the rest of the world. Mr Braithwaite said: "A wonderful warm welcome as we move to our seat next to the US in the WTO. "The Americans are some of the toughest negotiators in the world. But the bonds run deep." 10.15am update: EU's shameful final words to UK before Brexit in front of top diplomats REVEALED The European Union bid "good riddance" to the UK as a slip of the tongue almost sparked a diplomatic incident, it has emerged. In a misjudged farewell, the Croatian ambassador parting words to Britain as the country headed for the EU exit door were “thank you, goodbye, and good riddance”. Irena Andrassy, Croatia’s permanent representative to the EU, was chairing a meeting of top diplomats as she made the unintentional error. According to diplomats in the room, she believed “good riddance” was comparable to “good luck” ahead of Brexit. READ MORE: EU's shameful final words to UK before Brexit in front of top diplomats REVEALED
Brexit news: Michael Gove has fired a trade warning to Brussels
9.45am update: Former Brexit Party MEP hits out a Sturgeon’s calls for IndyRef2 - ‘give it a rest’ Former Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe has called on SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to “give it a rest” with her relentless calls for a second Scottish independence referendum. Mr Lowe wrote on Twitter: “Sturgeon needs to give it a rest with her referendum sabre-rattling. “Scotland has had two referendums and she has lost both of them. “Think the Scots have had enough elections for a lifetime recently. “How about you let them get on with their lives Nicola?!” 9.30am update: Michael Gove fires trade warning to Brussels Michael Gove has warned the EU the UK will not accept a trade agreement on terms dictated by Brussels. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has insisted it would be European car manufacturers that would suffer the most if a “good trading relationship” is not reached by December 31. Mr Gove said: “If we have a good trading relationship with the EU great. “The people who will suffer most if we don’t have a good trading relationship between the EU and the UK will be those European car manufacturers who will lose preferential access to our market. “We must stop thinking of ourselves as supplicants. “We must stop saying ‘we need this and we need that’. “We are a proud country. We can make our decisions. We want the closest possible commercial relationship with our friends, with our neighbours, but we do not have to go and secure an agreement on someone else's terms.'


thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--Brexit Britain finds new Asian ally in Vietnam just days after breaking from Brussels

Boris Johnson ’ s ambition for a new “ global Britain ” will see Vietnam poised as the Asian ally for Britain , with a clue to the plan being the opening of a new mission into the ASEAN bloc in Jakarta on January 15 and the appointment a dedicated UK ambassador to the region three months ago .
London is taking a closer interest in the Indo-Pacific region , the Asia Times reports , with Mr Johnson last year launching his All of Asia mandate , which is designed to refocus attention on Southeast Asia rather than Africa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of Policy Exchange and a former Australian foreign minister said : “ If Britain is to become the global player Boris Johnson wants it to be , then it has to engage more strategically in the Asia-Pacific.
” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will visit the region next week as part of a tour where it is expected an agreement of sorts will be made between Bangkok and London .
This comes as the Prime Minister argued that it should become a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN once out of the EU .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pacific , Heather Wheeler , said last month : “ We are committed to maintaining and strengthening our relationships with ASEAN , and Vietnam in particular.
” A deal between Vietnam and the UK would also benefit Bangkok , as Britain is the European nation with the most engaged defence operations within the Asia-Pacific .
The news also comes at a time of heightened interest in the UK from the Asian region after Brexit was last week implemented .
South Korea is already set to pump staggering £85million into Britain ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the nation became one of the first to agree to a trade agreement with an independent UK .
Hyundai and Kia have pumped the millions into an electric car startup called Arrival in one of the largest investments in Britain ’ s motor industry since the June 2016 EU referendum .
The move is a boost for the sector , with the August agreement between the UK and South Korea taking place just one month after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister .
READ NOW : How Spain crushed SNP ’ s hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrival will build electric vans at a number of locations in the UK .
Avinash Rugoobur , Arrival chief stagey officer , told the Financial Times : “ This will lead to significant collaboration , this is far more than just an investment.
” Arrival CEO Denis Sverdlov said : “ We ’ re excited to come out of stealth mode with our partnership with Hyundai and Kia , a globally respected OEM [ original equipment manufacturer ] with brilliant products on the road , and our complementary expertise will allow us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Accelerating electric vehicle adoption is good for everyone - for people , business and the planet – and we ’ re pleased to undertake this mission with our partners Hyundai and Kia.
” DO N'T MISS : UK will come out on top in EU trade talks , business leader predicts [ NEWS ] Brexit trade talks will go ‘ down to the wire ’ with chance of no deal [ INSIGHT ] Brexit news : French politician admits he 'envies ' Brexit Britain [ ANALYSIS ]

Brexit: EU ‘reluctantly’ gave into Boris Johnson says Curtice
Boris Johnson’s ambition for a new “global Britain” will see Vietnam poised as the Asian ally for Britain, with a clue to the plan being the opening of a new mission into the ASEAN bloc in Jakarta on January 15 and the appointment a dedicated UK ambassador to the region three months ago. London is taking a closer interest in the Indo-Pacific region, the Asia Times reports, with Mr Johnson last year launching his All of Asia mandate, which is designed to refocus attention on Southeast Asia rather than Africa and the Middle East. Alexander Downer, chairman of Policy Exchange and a former Australian foreign minister said: “If Britain is to become the global player Boris Johnson wants it to be, then it has to engage more strategically in the Asia-Pacific.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will visit the region next week as part of a tour where it is expected an agreement of sorts will be made between Bangkok and London. This comes as the Prime Minister argued that it should become a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN once out of the EU. The UK’s minister for Asia and the Pacific, Heather Wheeler, said last month: “We are committed to maintaining and strengthening our relationships with ASEAN, and Vietnam in particular.” A deal between Vietnam and the UK would also benefit Bangkok, as Britain is the European nation with the most engaged defence operations within the Asia-Pacific.
Boris Johnson’s ambition for a new “global Britain” will see Vietnam poised as the Asian ally
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will visit the region next week
The news also comes at a time of heightened interest in the UK from the Asian region after Brexit was last week implemented. South Korea is already set to pump staggering £85million into Britain’s Brexit-hit car sector less than six months after the nation became one of the first to agree to a trade agreement with an independent UK. Hyundai and Kia have pumped the millions into an electric car startup called Arrival in one of the largest investments in Britain’s motor industry since the June 2016 EU referendum. The move is a boost for the sector, with the August agreement between the UK and South Korea taking place just one month after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister. READ NOW: How Spain crushed SNP’s hopes for smooth EU membership [NEWS]
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Mr Johnson last year launched his All of Asia mandate
Arrival will build electric vans at a number of locations in the UK. Avinash Rugoobur, Arrival chief stagey officer, told the Financial Times: “This will lead to significant collaboration, this is far more than just an investment.” Arrival CEO Denis Sverdlov said: “We’re excited to come out of stealth mode with our partnership with Hyundai and Kia, a globally respected OEM [original equipment manufacturer] with brilliant products on the road, and our complementary expertise will allow us to rapidly transition to full-scale global production. “Accelerating electric vehicle adoption is good for everyone - for people, business and the planet – and we’re pleased to undertake this mission with our partners Hyundai and Kia.” DON'T MISS:
UK will come out on top in EU trade talks, business leader predicts [NEWS]
Brexit trade talks will go ‘down to the wire’ with chance of no deal [INSIGHT]
Brexit news: French politician admits he 'envies' Brexit Britain [ANALYSIS]
Britain is in the Brexit transition period until December
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--Brexit latest: What does the EU ACTUALLY want from trade talks?

Brexit trade arrangements will be decided in the 11-month transition period which began when Britain officially left the European Union on January 31 .
The UK and EU have different positions on the future trading relationship the two will share .
Express.co.uk has compiled a guide for what the EU is looking for with these trade talks .
The EU ’ s policy on state aid and competition prevents governments from propping up certain industries and encouraging a monopoly .
In order to prevent this in the future , the EU will seek to ensure post-Brexit Britain continues to implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU fears that post-Brexit the UK could support firms and businesses competing against European competitors allowing them to “ dump ” goods in EU markets .
Fair and open competition for the EU would prevent British companies from getting tariff-free access to the EU market which may enable them to undercut their rivals .
This week , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled against upholding any commitments in this area .
He said : “ There is no need for a free-trade agreement to involve accepting EU rules on competition policy , subsidies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything similar.
” READ MORE : Brexit represents a 'terrifying failure ' from the EU says Le Pen

Brexit trade talks ‘will go down to the wire’ says Kirkegaard
Brexit trade arrangements will be decided in the 11-month transition period which began when Britain officially left the European Union on January 31. The UK and EU have different positions on the future trading relationship the two will share. Express.co.uk has compiled a guide for what the EU is looking for with these trade talks.
State aid and competition policy The EU’s policy on state aid and competition prevents governments from propping up certain industries and encouraging a monopoly. In order to prevent this in the future, the EU will seek to ensure post-Brexit Britain continues to implement policies which protect against this. The EU fears that post-Brexit the UK could support firms and businesses competing against European competitors allowing them to “dump” goods in EU markets. Fair and open competition for the EU would prevent British companies from getting tariff-free access to the EU market which may enable them to undercut their rivals. This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled against upholding any commitments in this area. He said: “There is no need for a free-trade agreement to involve accepting EU rules on competition policy, subsidies, social protection, the environment or anything similar.” READ MORE: Brexit represents a 'terrifying failure' from the EU says Le Pen
Brexit latest: What does the EU actually want from the 2020 trade negotiations?
Brexit latest: Brexit timeline
READ MORE Brexit latest: The four EU trade rules UK won’t abide by anymore Labour law As part of the EU, member states are required to establish fundamental rights at work, such as fair working conditions, occupational health parameters and employment standards. Primary, the EU aims to achieve high employment and strong social protection, improve living and working conditions and protect social cohesion with these rules, by establishing a set of minimum standards which must be adhered to. The EU wants to see these standards enshrined within any trade deal as “common standards” which would prevent the UK from reducing rights to make Britain a more competitive place to do business.
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Brexit latest: Fisheries will likely be a point of contention between the UK and EU this year
READ MORE Calais planning huge duty-free shopping area to restart booze cruises Criminal Justice The EU wants to have “close law enforcement and judicial co-operation” including access to DNA and fingerprint databases as well as vehicle registration data. After the transition period, the EU says it envisages “streamlined” extradition proceedings and co-operation with EU bodies like Europol as long there is ECJ oversight. However, it also says there must be an “automatic termination” of law enforcement and judicial co-operation if the United Kingdom were to opt-out of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) or abrogate from the Human Rights Act that gives it domestic effect. The European Court of Justice The European Court of Justice is another factor which will prove to split the EU and UK. The EU wants Europe’s highest court to be given a legal role in policing the agreement and wants the ECJ to be asked to rule on disputes between the EU and UK when they “raise a question of interpretation of Union law”.
Brexit latest: The European Court of Justice
Brexit latest: The UK is currently in an 11-month transition period
Gibraltar The EU’s negotiating mandate recalls a statement made back in 2018, in which the other 27 member states agreed Gibraltar would not be included in any post-Brexit agreement between the UK and the EU. The EU is insisting the trade agreement is made exclusive of Gibraltar. However, the UK is insisting that Gibraltar, as a British overseas territory, is included in the deal. But Britain does recognise that Spain, as with the other 26 EU governments, has a veto over a deal. Fisheries The EU wants to settle the issue of fisheries by making Britain an independent coastal state outside the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, with the right to block access to foreign boats and set its own fishing quotas. The European Union is demanding “existing reciprocal access to fishing waters and quota shares” and “current distribution keys for fishing opportunities” as the condition for a trade deal.
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--Britain goes it ALONE! UK ambassador takes solo seat for first time since leaving EU

The UK 's ambassador to the WTO , Julian Braithwaite , addressed the body this morning in a moment described as “ historic ” by the International Trade Secretary Liz Truss .
Britain has always been a member of the WTO in its own right but while it was a member of the European Union it was represented in talks by the European Commission .
Having left the bloc last week the UK can now speak for itself at the organisation which regulates world trade .
Mr Braithwaite 's address came at a crucial time for the UK as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU .
It also comes after Boris Johnson and Michel Barnier put Britain and the EU on a collision course over a post-Brexit free trade deal .
Mr Braithwaite 's statement to the WTO represented a major moment for Brexiteers who have long called for the UK to take back control of the entirety of its trade policy .
He said : “ I am looking forward to representing the UK in the WTO and playing a full role in negotiations .
“ The UK will work with partners to accelerate efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meets the needs of business and trade in the 21st century.
” The UK will sit alongside the US at the WTO and Mr Braithwaite said that he had been given a “ wonderful warm welcome ” from his North American counterparts .
He added : “ The Americans are some of the toughest negotiators in the world .
But the bonds run deep.
” Ms Truss said : “ This is an historic moment which will give us an independent voice at the WTO for the first time since its inception .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues that matter to people and businesses in Britain , including crucial UK industries like fisheries and digital trade , as well as championing free trade against the rising tide of protectionism.
” “ The WTO is under significant pressure , with all its functions under strain .
So , it is more important now than ever that , as one of the strongest supporters of free trade globally , the UK rises to the challenge and does everything in our power to help strengthen and reform it.
” Chris Southworth , Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , said : `` With an independent voice at the WTO , we should expect the UK to play a critical role in helping to bridge the dialogue between developed and developing nations to find solutions that work for all nations .
`` This is a real opportunity for global trade , particularly in key areas like digital trade and services .
”

UK ambassador takes solo seat for first time since leaving EU
The UK's ambassador to the WTO, Julian Braithwaite, addressed the body this morning in a moment described as “historic” by the International Trade Secretary Liz Truss. Britain has always been a member of the WTO in its own right but while it was a member of the European Union it was represented in talks by the European Commission.
Having left the bloc last week the UK can now speak for itself at the organisation which regulates world trade. Mr Braithwaite's address came at a crucial time for the UK as it adapts to its new position outside the EU. It also comes after Boris Johnson and Michel Barnier put Britain and the EU on a collision course over a post-Brexit free trade deal. Mr Braithwaite's statement to the WTO represented a major moment for Brexiteers who have long called for the UK to take back control of the entirety of its trade policy.
Michel Barnier
He said: “I am looking forward to representing the UK in the WTO and playing a full role in negotiations. “The UK will work with partners to accelerate efforts to modernise the WTO, so that it meets the needs of business and trade in the 21st century.” The UK will sit alongside the US at the WTO and Mr Braithwaite said that he had been given a “wonderful warm welcome” from his North American counterparts. He added: “The Americans are some of the toughest negotiators in the world. But the bonds run deep.” Ms Truss said: “This is an historic moment which will give us an independent voice at the WTO for the first time since its inception.
Britain took up its solo seat at the World Trade Organisation today
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--Boris Johnson blow: How EU could BLOCK UK plan to crackdown on terrorists

Sudesh Amman , who was jailed in 2018 for possession of terrorist documents and disseminating terrorist publications , was shot dead by police on Sunday afternoon in Streatham after stabbing two people with a stolen 10-inch knife .
His horrific rampage through the busy London area came just days after he had been set free halfway through his prison term .
Amman had previously praised the ISIS militant group , shared an online al-Qaeda magazine and encouraged his girlfriend to behead her parents .
In the aftermath of the Streatham attack , Boris Johnson said his Government would announce fundamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted terrorists .
Hours later , Justice Minister Robert Buckland announced Britain will introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted terrorists automatically being released from prison halfway through their sentence .
But the current European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR ) may block that from happening .
Labour peer Stewart Wood tweeted that he and Lord Kerr had both asked the Leader of the House of Lords Natalie Evans whether she can rule out the plans from the Government to “ dilute , limit or restrict access to the ECHR during this Parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has so far “ refused to rule anything out ” .
He tweeted : “ I just had a chance to ask Natalie Evans , the Leader of the House of Lords , whether she could rule out Government plans to dilute , limit or restrict access to the ECHR during this Parliament .
“ So did the far more eminent Lord Kerr .
Both times she refused to rule anything out.
” Jim Brunsden , Brussels reporter for the Financial Times , also tweeted a passage from the EU draft mandate published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judicial cooperation with the UK if it ever denounces the European Convention of Human Rights .
The text in the draft mandate reads : “ The envisaged partnership should provide for automatic termination of the law enforcement cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters if the United Kingdom were to denounce the European Convention of Human Rights ( ECHR ) .
“ It should also provide for automatic suspension if the United Kingdom were to abrogate domestic law giving effect to the ECHR , thus making it impossible for individuals to invoke the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom ’ s courts.
” On Monday , Justice Minister Mr Buckland said Britain would introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted terrorists automatically being released from prison halfway through their sentence .
The Government had already set out plans for tougher sentences for convicted terrorists following the London Bridge attack in November 2019 .
Mr Buckland told the House of Commons : “ Yesterday ’ s appalling incident makes the case plainly for immediate action .
DO N'T MISS Stop jails breeding fanatics who want to kill us , says STEPHEN POLLARD [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why was he imprisoned ?
[ ANALYSIS ] Dan Walker slams Sadiq Khan over Streatham terror attack [ VIDEO ] “ We can not have the situation , as we saw tragically in yesterday ’ s case , where an offender - a known risk to innocent members of the public - is released early by automatic process of law without any oversight by the Parole Board .
“ We will be doing everything we can to protect the public , that is our primary duty .
“ We will , therefore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to terrorist offenders getting released automatically having served half of their sentence with no check or review.
” He continued : “ When someone is released we will always make sure that terrorist offenders are subject to the most robust safeguards and we will consider whether new legislation is required to provide additional assurance .
“ Finally , we will review whether the current maximum penalties and sentencing framework for terrorist sentences is indeed sufficient or comprehensive , on the underlying principle that terrorist offenders should no longer be released until the Parole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer a risk to the public .
“ We face a threat from an ideology that takes no heed for others and we must use every tool we can to make sure that that threat is neutralised.
” Boris Johnson has already come out fighting by insisting Britain will not follow EU rules in any post-Brexit trade agreement struck between the two sides .
The Prime Minister , who wants an agreement signed by the end of the transition period in December , said : “ There is no need for a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on competition policy , subsidies , social protection , the environment or anything similar , any more than the EU should be obliged to accept UK rule.
” But the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator has warned any free trade agreement will become more difficult to strike the further Britain deviates away from EU rules .

Streatham: Buckland to stop early release for terror offenders
Sudesh Amman, who was jailed in 2018 for possession of terrorist documents and disseminating terrorist publications, was shot dead by police on Sunday afternoon in Streatham after stabbing two people with a stolen 10-inch knife. His horrific rampage through the busy London area came just days after he had been set free halfway through his prison term. Amman had previously praised the ISIS militant group, shared an online al-Qaeda magazine and encouraged his girlfriend to behead her parents.
In the aftermath of the Streatham attack, Boris Johnson said his Government would announce fundamental changes to the system for dealing with convicted terrorists. Hours later, Justice Minister Robert Buckland announced Britain will introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted terrorists automatically being released from prison halfway through their sentence. But the current European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) may block that from happening. Labour peer Stewart Wood tweeted that he and Lord Kerr had both asked the Leader of the House of Lords Natalie Evans whether she can rule out the plans from the Government to “dilute, limit or restrict access to the ECHR during this Parliament”.
Boris Johnsin has been dealt a fresh blow from the EU in his attempts to crackdown on terrorists
Sudesh Amman was shot dead by police after stabbing two people in Streatham
But Lord Wood claimed she has so far “refused to rule anything out”. He tweeted: “I just had a chance to ask Natalie Evans, the Leader of the House of Lords, whether she could rule out Government plans to dilute, limit or restrict access to the ECHR during this Parliament. “So did the far more eminent Lord Kerr. Both times she refused to rule anything out.” Jim Brunsden, Brussels reporter for the Financial Times, also tweeted a passage from the EU draft mandate published on Monday that the bloc will suspend judicial cooperation with the UK if it ever denounces the European Convention of Human Rights. The text in the draft mandate reads: “The envisaged partnership should provide for automatic termination of the law enforcement cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters if the United Kingdom were to denounce the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). READ MORE: Holly Willoughby blasts Priti Patel for terror prisoners ‘loophole'
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A crucial passage was highlighted in the EU's draft mandate
“It should also provide for automatic suspension if the United Kingdom were to abrogate domestic law giving effect to the ECHR, thus making it impossible for individuals to invoke the rights under the ECHR before the United Kingdom’s courts.” On Monday, Justice Minister Mr Buckland said Britain would introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted terrorists automatically being released from prison halfway through their sentence. The Government had already set out plans for tougher sentences for convicted terrorists following the London Bridge attack in November 2019. Mr Buckland told the House of Commons: “Yesterday’s appalling incident makes the case plainly for immediate action. DON'T MISS
Stop jails breeding fanatics who want to kill us, says STEPHEN POLLARD [OPINION]
Who was Sudesh Amman? Why was he imprisoned? [ANALYSIS]
Dan Walker slams Sadiq Khan over Streatham terror attack [VIDEO]
Boris Johnson has come out fighting against the EU
The Prime Minister has insisted Britain will not be abiding by EU rules in a post-Brexit deal
“We cannot have the situation, as we saw tragically in yesterday’s case, where an offender - a known risk to innocent members of the public - is released early by automatic process of law without any oversight by the Parole Board. “We will be doing everything we can to protect the public, that is our primary duty. “We will, therefore, introduce emergency legislation to ensure an end to terrorist offenders getting released automatically having served half of their sentence with no check or review.” He continued: “When someone is released we will always make sure that terrorist offenders are subject to the most robust safeguards and we will consider whether new legislation is required to provide additional assurance.
Robert Buckland said Britain would introduce emergency legislation to prevent convicted terrorists automatically being released from prison early
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-04--Brexit represents a ‘terrifying failure’ from the EU says Le Pen as she hails UK ‘freedom’

The staunch nationalist was forced to abandon her bid to leave the EU following her bruising defeat to pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 presidential race .
“ The United Kingdom has finally regained its freedom .
Brexit is a terrifying failure for the European Union , ” Ms Le Pen , leader of the populist Rassemblement national ( RN ) party , told reporters in the northern city of Lille .
“ The UK has just slammed the door in the EU ’ s face !
” she added .
“ We will find in the coming months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right decision ; that their country will reap great benefits from Brexit.
” The EU , Ms Le Pen insisted , should focus on transforming itself into an “ alliance of nations ” in the wake of Brexit .
She said : “ Either the EU continues to bang its head against walls and engage in dogmatism and other countries will vote to leave ; or it accepts responsibility for its failures and begins to implement deep change .
“ It should not strive to become a supranational , technocratic and inefficient union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Ms Le Pen was forced to drop her pitch to leave the bloc following her heavy defeat to europhile Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 presidential election , her party remains fiercely eurosceptic .
Britain on Friday became the first country to exit the EU after 47 years of membership , dealing a brutal blow to the bloc .
But very little will change for now .
London and Brussels have given themselves an 11-month transition period – in which the UK will continue to follow the bloc ’ s rules – to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security and a host of other areas .
Both sides set out their red lines for post-Brexit trade talks on Monday , offering clashing visions of their future relationship .
Brussels ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier offered a deep future relationship but only on the condition Britain promises to trade fairly .
The bloc has repeatedly warned London that future trade ties depend on how closely it adheres to EU standards – what is know as maintaining the level playing field .
“ We are ready to offer a highly ambitious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this partnership , including zero tariffs… We must now agree on specific and effective guarantees to ensure a level playing field over the long term , ” Mr Barnier told a news conference .
He continued : “ This means a mechanism to uphold the high standards we have on social environment , climate , tax and state aid matters today and in their future developments.
” Prime Minister Boris Johnson , for his part , said that while he wanted a broad trade accord with Brussels , breaking free from the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority .
“ We will restore full sovereign control over our borders and immigration , competition and subsidy rules , procurement and data protection , ” Mr Johnson said in a speech in London , adding that Britain had chosen to leave the EU to “ go out into the world ” .
But he acknowledged that protectionism hampered global economic growth and promised Britain would not “ undermine ” EU standards such as protections for workers , the environment or consumers .
He said : `` There is no need for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules on competition policy , subsidies , social protection , the environment or anything similar , any more than the EU should be obliged to accept UK rules . ''
Britain wants to use the bloc ’ s free trade deal with Canada as a model .
But while Europeans consider the pact acceptable on tariffs and quotas , many believe it is too weak on provisions to guarantee free trade .
If London and Brussels fail to seal a deal by the end of the year , trade relations will be administered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade Organisation , with tariffs and increased barriers that could cripple trade .

Brexit: EU to offer ’ambitious trade deal’ says Michel Barnier
The staunch nationalist was forced to abandon her bid to leave the EU following her bruising defeat to pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 presidential race. “The United Kingdom has finally regained its freedom. Brexit is a terrifying failure for the European Union,” Ms Le Pen, leader of the populist Rassemblement national (RN) party, told reporters in the northern city of Lille. “The UK has just slammed the door in the EU’s face!” she added.
“We will find in the coming months and years that the British made the right decision; that their country will reap great benefits from Brexit.” The EU, Ms Le Pen insisted, should focus on transforming itself into an “alliance of nations” in the wake of Brexit. She said: “Either the EU continues to bang its head against walls and engage in dogmatism and other countries will vote to leave; or it accepts responsibility for its failures and begins to implement deep change. “It should not strive to become a supranational, technocratic and inefficient union, but an alliance of nations.” While Ms Le Pen was forced to drop her pitch to leave the bloc following her heavy defeat to europhile Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 presidential election, her party remains fiercely eurosceptic. Britain on Friday became the first country to exit the EU after 47 years of membership, dealing a brutal blow to the bloc.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen
The EU, Ms Le Pen insisted, should focus on transforming itself into an 'alliance of nations'
But very little will change for now. London and Brussels have given themselves an 11-month transition period – in which the UK will continue to follow the bloc’s rules – to hammer out new agreements on trade, security and a host of other areas. Both sides set out their red lines for post-Brexit trade talks on Monday, offering clashing visions of their future relationship. Brussels’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier offered a deep future relationship but only on the condition Britain promises to trade fairly. The bloc has repeatedly warned London that future trade ties depend on how closely it adheres to EU standards – what is know as maintaining the level playing field. “We are ready to offer a highly ambitious trade deal as the central pillar of this partnership, including zero tariffs… We must now agree on specific and effective guarantees to ensure a level playing field over the long term,” Mr Barnier told a news conference. He continued: “This means a mechanism to uphold the high standards we have on social environment, climate, tax and state aid matters today and in their future developments.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for his part, said that while he wanted a broad trade accord with Brussels, breaking free from the EU’s rules and regulations was the priority.
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Brussels’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier


thedailyexpress--2020-03-30--Boris Johnson letter cost: How much does Boris Johnson letter to the nation cost?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to all households across Britain to urge them to heed the Government 's coronavirus guidance and stay home wherever possible .
The letter will be delivered to 30 million homes in the coming days , reaching all 66 million residents in Britain .
Alongside the letter , residents will receive a leaflet outlining the Government ’ s advice .
There will be clear explanations of symptoms and handwashing guidance as well as rules on leaving the house , self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable people .
Mr Johnson is currently self-isolating after being diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he also had the disease , and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty is also isolating after showing symptoms of the virus .
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How much does Boris Johnson 's letter to the nation cost ?
The letter and leaflet are being sent as part of the Government ’ s public information campaign on coronavirus .
The Government said that the letter will cost around £5.7 million ( $ 7.1 million ) to print @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million residents .
The letter reads in part : `` We know things will get worse before they get better .
“ But we are making the right preparations , and the more we all follow the rules , the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal .
“ I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus , in particular , the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our doctors , nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour .
“ Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable .
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“ That is why , at this moment of national emergency , I urge you , please , to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives.
” Coronavirus cases have grown rapidly across the UK in recent days , with 19,522 cases nationwide .
Of these , 1,288 have died .
The NHS will open three new hospitals to tackle the growing cases in the coming weeks .
The Nightingale hospitals will open in London 's ExCeL Centre , Birmingham 's NEC Arena and Manchester Central Complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 4,000 beds with an initial capacity for 500 beds with ventilators and oxygen .
Both the Birmingham and Manchester hospitals will have up to 2,000-bed capacity each , with 500 beds each initially .
The news of three new hospitals came as NHS chief executive , Sir Simon Stevens revealed the NHS has freed up 33,000 beds across existing NHS hospitals for coronavirus patients .
The 33,000 beds is the equivalent of 50 new hospitals .

Boris Johnson went 'beyond call of duty' says Alex Phillips
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to all households across Britain to urge them to heed the Government's coronavirus guidance and stay home wherever possible. The letter has been delivered to 30 million homes, reaching all 66 million residents in Britain.
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Alongside the letter, residents have received a leaflet outlining the Government’s advice. The leaflet includes clear explanations of symptoms and handwashing guidance as well as rules on leaving the house, self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable people. Mr Johnson is currently recovering at his country home Chequers after being treated for COVID-19 in hospital in London for 10 days. Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he also had the disease, and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty had previously been isolating after showing symptoms of the virus. Read More: EU's disease prevention body admits they got it wrong on coronavirus
Boris Johnson letter cost: A letter from the Prime Minister will be sent to all 66million households
READ MORE Kate and William pledge to do all they can to help key workers How much does Boris Johnson's letter to the nation cost? The letter and leaflet are being sent as part of the Government’s public information campaign on coronavirus. The Government said that the letter will cost around £5.7 million ($7.1 million) to print and distribute to the UK's 66 million residents. The letter reads in part: "We know things will get worse before they get better.
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Boris Johnson letter cost: The Prime Minister is recovering at Chequers after being treated for coronavirus
“But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal. “I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular, the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. “It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour. “Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS – and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE Kate and William's 'fascinating' duty reveals never-before-seen side “That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.” Coronavirus cases have grown rapidly across the UK in recent days, with 88,621 cases nationwide. Of these, 11,329 have died. The NHS will open three new hospitals to tackle the growing cases in the coming weeks. The Nightingale hospitals will open in London's ExCeL Centre, Birmingham's NEC Arena and Manchester Central Complex.
Boris Johnson letter cost: Britons are being urged to heed the Government advice and stay home
Boris Johnson letter cost: There are more than 80,000 coronavirus cases nationwide
The London hospital will have up to 4,000 beds with an initial capacity for 500 beds with ventilators and oxygen. Both the Birmingham and Manchester hospitals will have up to 2,000-bed capacity each, with 500 beds each initially. The news of three new hospitals came as NHS chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens revealed the NHS has freed up 33,000 beds across existing NHS hospitals for coronavirus patients. The 33,000 beds is the equivalent of 50 new hospitals.


thedailyexpress--2020-03-30--Coronavirus update: When is Boris speech today - when is the next PM update?

Boris Johnson or members of his Cabinet address the nation each day from Downing Street , keeping the public up to date with the UK 's fight against the spread of coronavirus .
The Prime Minister uses the press conference to implement new rules , urge the public to keep their distance from one another and also give updates from his scientific advisors .
So far , Mr Johnson has announced a UK lockdown , urged Britons to heed the Government 's guidelines and pledged to open coronavirus specialist Nightingale Hospitals .
The Prime Minister is joined by Chief Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance who also provide updates and information .
He has also spoken alongside Education Secretary Gavin Williamson , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak depending on the focus for each daily update .
As the UK launches more stringent measures to tackle coronavirus , people have been encouraged to work from home , avoid public transport and keep a safe distance from those with symptoms .
At the time of writing , there are 19,522 cases of coronavirus in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have recovered .
Read More : Prince Charles ends self-isolation -Camilla forced to stay on lockdown

Coronavirus: Sturgeon says SEC to be ‘temporary’ NHS hospital
Boris Johnson or members of his Cabinet address the nation each day from Downing Street, keeping the public up to date with the UK's fight against the spread of coronavirus. The Prime Minister uses the press conference to implement new rules, urge the public to keep their distance from one another and also give updates from his scientific advisors.
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So far, Mr Johnson has announced a UK lockdown, urged Britons to heed the Government's guidelines and pledged to open coronavirus specialist Nightingale Hospitals. The Prime Minister is joined by Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance who also provide updates and information. He has also spoken alongside Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak depending on the focus for each daily update. As the UK launches more stringent measures to tackle coronavirus, people have been encouraged to work from home, avoid public transport and keep a safe distance from those with symptoms. At the time of writing, there are 19,522 cases of coronavirus in the UK, with 1,228 deaths. In total 135 people have recovered. Read More: Prince Charles ends self-isolation -Camilla forced to stay on lockdown
Coronavirus update: Boris Johnson is giving daily updates on coronavirus
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READ MORE Heartbreak as baby dies from coronavirus in US When is Boris speech today - when is the next PM update? The time of Mr Johnson's speech can vary from day to day as it is preceded by a Cobra meeting on coronavirus. So far, the conferences live from Downing Street have been held between 4pm and 6pm. However, Mr Johnson tested positive for coronavirus last week and so will no longer attend the press briefings. Instead, it is thought First Secretary of State Dominic Raab will lead the press conference.
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Coronavirus update: Mr Johnson has been in isolation after testing positive for coronavirus
In the spirit of social distancing, journalists are present and can ask questions via a video link into coronavirus. Mr Johnson has still been leading meetings while in isolation, using a video link to talk to his advisors. Currently, the UK is on lockdown and will be so for at least three weeks, when a review will be undertaken on whether to extend for a further three weeks. At the daily Downing Street briefing on Sunday, England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries said lockdown measures could be in place for months. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE Tragedy as boy, 14, becomes Europe’s youngest coronavirus victim She added restrictions would be gradually lifted before normal life resumes fully. Dr Harries said: "We need to keep that lid on and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal." Today's briefing is expected to once more urge Britons to abide by the lockdown rules after a weekend of more violations. Police in Lancashire issued 123 fines over the weekend for breaking the new rules, while officers in Cleveland issued 16, mainly for drivers making unnecessary journeys.
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Chief Superintendent Thom McLoughlin, head of local policing in Cleveland Police, said: "It is important that we enforce fixed penalty notices to the people are not complying with the rules. "Restrictions for travelling have been made very clear and people should only be travelling when essential." Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick told LBC: "We are all getting used to the new restrictions and I've been very clear that in the first instance I want my officers to be engaging with people, talking to people, encouraging them to comply. "Explaining, of course, if they don't understand - already we have had examples of people who simply hadn't quite heard all the messages - and, only as a very last resort with the current restrictions, using firm direction or even enforcement."


thedailyexpress--2020-03-28--Sturgeon told coronavirus outbreak proves why SNP must scrap Scottish independence plot

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has continued to demand powers for a second vote to break free from the rest of Britain .
These calls have increased following Brexit on January 31 , which Scotland 's First Minister has happened against the will of the Scottish people , who voted by a margin of 63 percent to 37 percent to remain part of the European Union in 2016 .
This came a year after the country also voted against independence by 55 percent to 45 percent .
Boris Johnson has refused to grant Holyrood the powers to push through a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour the result from the first vote nearly five years ago .
But earlier this month Scotland 's Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell wrote to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove to tell him planning for another independence vote has been `` paused '' to focus on the `` unprecedented '' impact from coronavirus .
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Johnson have so far put their differences aside and worked effectively on the coronavirus crisis in the UK , with the SNP leader throwing her full support behind the lockdown measures enforced by the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to lash out at the EU , with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte raging at his colleagues in the bloc after they failed to agree an economic rescue package to help his coronavirus-ravaged country .
Please sign up to pledge your support now to our brave NHS Heroes But political experts have claimed Scotland being able to work effectively with the rest of Britain and not having to rely on the EU 's already-stretched budget to bail them out demonstrates perfectly why Ms Sturgeon should scrap independence plans .
Patrick Sullivan , CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express.co.uk : “ COVID-19 is clear evidence that the UK should be pulling together as one right now .
This is not a time for petty party politics .
`` But the SNP seem oblivious to the fact that , as a country with one of the highest debt to GDP ratios in Europe , they would be at much greater economic risk as an independent country .
“ Scotland would be at a much higher risk than other eurozone members as an independent nation trying to navigate itself through COVID-19 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lean on the EU for support , and Brussels will only provide such support if Scotland would be prepared to sign up warts and all to eurozone membership.
” Dr Steve McCabe , Associate Professor with the Institute for Design and Economic Acceleration at Birmingham City University , claimed Italian people are frustrated with the regionalisation in the country preventing a more co-ordiated effort from the Government towards coronavirus , and are jealous of the UK .
He also warned Scotland would have to `` join the queue '' in asking the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent at this time , and would not receive any special favours from Brussels above any other member state .
Dr McCabe said : `` Interestingly , in talking to an Italian journalist friend based in Bologna , I was provided with the sense that Italy ’ s regionalisation is believed to have militated against more concerted and coordinated action by its government in dealing with the effects of coronavirus , particularly in Lombardy that has been so ravaged .
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`` The EU ’ s funds were already being stretched before the current crisis and whether there will be enough to cope is a moot question , the answer will determine the fate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Money will be dedicated to assist the regions worst affected .
If , hypothetically , Scotland were independent and part of the EU , it would have to join the queue of countries .
`` Scotland could expect no special favours above any other member of the EU all of which are equal though , of course , some seem more equal than others . ''

Indyref2: Carlaw says Scottish independence would be ‘disaster’
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has continued to demand powers for a second vote to break free from the rest of Britain. These calls have increased following Brexit on January 31, which Scotland's First Minister has happened against the will of the Scottish people, who voted by a margin of 63 percent to 37 percent to remain part of the European Union in 2016. This came a year after the country also voted against independence by 55 percent to 45 percent.
Boris Johnson has refused to grant Holyrood the powers to push through a second referendum on independence, insisting he will honour the result from the first vote nearly five years ago. But earlier this month Scotland's Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell wrote to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove to tell him planning for another independence vote has been "paused" to focus on the "unprecedented" impact from coronavirus. Ms Sturgeon and Mr Johnson have so far put their differences aside and worked effectively on the coronavirus crisis in the UK, with the SNP leader throwing her full support behind the lockdown measures enforced by the Prime Minister earlier this week. Italy has continued to lash out at the EU, with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte raging at his colleagues in the bloc after they failed to agree an economic rescue package to help his coronavirus-ravaged country. Please sign up to pledge your support now to our brave NHS Heroes
Nicola Sturgeon has been issued a warning over her demands for Scottish independence
The SNP leader had demanded a second referendum on Scottish independence
But political experts have claimed Scotland being able to work effectively with the rest of Britain and not having to rely on the EU's already-stretched budget to bail them out demonstrates perfectly why Ms Sturgeon should scrap independence plans. Patrick Sullivan, CEO of Parliament Street think tank, told Express.co.uk: “COVID-19 is clear evidence that the UK should be pulling together as one right now. This is not a time for petty party politics. "But the SNP seem oblivious to the fact that, as a country with one of the highest debt to GDP ratios in Europe, they would be at much greater economic risk as an independent country. “Scotland would be at a much higher risk than other eurozone members as an independent nation trying to navigate itself through COVID-19. READ MORE: Sturgeon’s independence dream HALTED: Coronavirus postpones SNP plans
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Boris Johnson has said he will honour the result of the first Scottish independence referendum from 2015
"It would almost certainly mean that they lean on the EU for support, and Brussels will only provide such support if Scotland would be prepared to sign up warts and all to eurozone membership.” Dr Steve McCabe, Associate Professor with the Institute for Design and Economic Acceleration at Birmingham City University, claimed Italian people are frustrated with the regionalisation in the country preventing a more co-ordiated effort from the Government towards coronavirus, and are jealous of the UK. He also warned Scotland would have to "join the queue" in asking the EU for already-stretched funds if it had been independent at this time, and would not receive any special favours from Brussels above any other member state. Dr McCabe said: "Interestingly, in talking to an Italian journalist friend based in Bologna, I was provided with the sense that Italy’s regionalisation is believed to have militated against more concerted and coordinated action by its government in dealing with the effects of coronavirus, particularly in Lombardy that has been so ravaged. DON'T MISS
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Scotland voted to remain in the UK during the referendum in 2015
The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has continued to accelerate
"Many in Italy look to the UK with a sense of envy that we have a centralised government that can take decisions that apply to all citizens and mobilise resources accordingly. "The EU’s funds were already being stretched before the current crisis and whether there will be enough to cope is a moot question, the answer will determine the fate of hundreds of millions of people. "Money will be dedicated to assist the regions worst affected. If, hypothetically, Scotland were independent and part of the EU, it would have to join the queue of countries. "Scotland could expect no special favours above any other member of the EU all of which are equal though, of course, some seem more equal than others."
The UK has been placed on lockdown in a desperate attempt to contain coronavirus
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thedailyexpress--2020-03-28--UK gives furlough lifeline to workers made redundant since March with vital update

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said firms could receive £300 a month for each employee under the scheme .
The money comes on top of the grants employers can claim covering 80 percent of the wages of a furloughed employee upto £2,500 a month .
Mr Sunak said : “ Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak , I ’ ve made it clear that hard-working employers and employees should not have to suffer hardship unnecessarily .
“ Our coronavirus job retention scheme supports workers and businesses up and down the UK - and today we ’ re strengthening it because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs.
” The government also confirmed that workers made redundant after February 28 can be reemployed and covered by the furlough scheme .
Ministers also announced that workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual holidays because of the coronavirus crisis will be able to carry it over into the next two years .
Most workers are entitled to 28 days ' holiday including bank holidays every year , most of which can not be carried between leave years , meaning they lose their holiday if they do not take it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do not ensure their workers take their statutory entitlement in any one year .
Regulations announced on Friday will allow up to four weeks of unused leave to be carried into the next two leave years .
The Government said the changes will ensure all employers affected by Covid-19 have the flexibility to allow workers to carry over leave at a time when granting it could leave them short-staffed in some of Britain 's key industries , such as food and healthcare .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` Whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarkets , people are working around the clock to help our country deal with the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Today 's changes will mean these valued employees do not lose out on the annual leave they are entitled to as a result of their efforts , and employers are not penalised . ''

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said firms could receive £300 a month for each employee under the scheme. The money comes on top of the grants employers can claim covering 80 percent of the wages of a furloughed employee upto £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said: “Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, I’ve made it clear that hard-working employers and employees should not have to suffer hardship unnecessarily. “Our coronavirus job retention scheme supports workers and businesses up and down the UK - and today we’re strengthening it because we will do whatever it takes to support jobs.” The government also confirmed that workers made redundant after February 28 can be reemployed and covered by the furlough scheme.
Secretary of State for Business Alok Sharma
Ministers also announced that workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual holidays because of the coronavirus crisis will be able to carry it over into the next two years. Most workers are entitled to 28 days' holiday including bank holidays every year, most of which cannot be carried between leave years, meaning they lose their holiday if they do not take it. Employers also face financial penalties if they do not ensure their workers take their statutory entitlement in any one year. Regulations announced on Friday will allow up to four weeks of unused leave to be carried into the next two leave years.
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