thedailyexpress--2020-01-14--Britons furious at John Bercow’s lavish spending as Speaker 'Should pay every penny back!'

Mr Bercow spent a hefty £1,000 on a round trip taxi fare from Westminster to Nottingham .
Then , last January the former Speaker of the House used his official expenses to fund a £563.48 lunch for his presiding officer counterparts from Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
A dinner for the group 's regular meeting – known as the “ Quadrilateral ” cost £1,406 .
Also in January , Mr Bercow used his official account to settle a £234 drinks bill at a reception for the Panel of Chairmen – MPs who help him out with overseeing Parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP has sparked backlash on Facebook , with Express.co.uk readers venting their anger at what they believed to be an unnecessary list of expenses .
One Facebook follower of the Daily Express Facebook page said : “ He took full advantage before stepping down at our expense.
” Another added : “ He knew the gravy train was going to dry up , so dipped his bread in.
” The outrage online has been incessant with another irate Facebook follower suggesting that “ he should pay every penny back , it is taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back ” .
A Commons spokesman said : “ In line with long-established practice , the Speaker 's Office funds the drinks and the pre-dinner reception for the Panel of Chairs dinner.
” He also attended a retirement party for the Commons 'Invitations Secretary ' in February was £2,376 , and in March , £3,187 went on an equivalent event for the Clerk of the House , David Natzler .
In May the former Speaker 's official account spent £3,696 on giving the Principal Clerk of the Table Office a send-off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to get Big Ben to mark Brexit day And just days before Mr Bercow himself stood down , there was an invoice of £3,168 for a retirement party for his close ally , Speaker 's Chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin , although she has been appointed Bishop of Dover rather than retiring .
A Commons spokesman said : “ The Speaker 's Office has funded retirement receptions for senior staff many times in the past.
” The news of Mr Bercow 's expense claims comes as he has become the first Speaker of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to get a peerage upon retirement .
Even former Speaker Michael Martin who was ousted ten years ago over his handling of the expenses scandal became Lord Martin of Springburn .
According to a report by the Mail Online , the move is seen as “ revenge ” from Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Mr Bercow 's handling of Brexit .
Allies of the Prime Minister said Mr Johnson wanted to rip up the convention that Commons Speakers are automatically elevated to the Upper Chamber when they resign , in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precedent when dealing with Brexit .
During his time in the chair , Mr Bercow was often accused of not respecting constitutional conventions and showing a bias in his parliamentary decisions .
According to Brexiteers , he had tried to thwart a no deal exit from the EU and unfairly helped pro-Brussels MPs in his decisions .

John Bercow 'let down' his constituency says Greg Smith
Mr Bercow spent a hefty £1,000 on a round trip taxi fare from Westminster to Nottingham. Then, last January the former Speaker of the House used his official expenses to fund a £563.48 lunch for his presiding officer counterparts from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A dinner for the group's regular meeting – known as the “Quadrilateral” cost £1,406.
Also in January, Mr Bercow used his official account to settle a £234 drinks bill at a reception for the Panel of Chairmen – MPs who help him out with overseeing Parliamentary debates. The spending of the former MP has sparked backlash on Facebook, with Express.co.uk readers venting their anger at what they believed to be an unnecessary list of expenses. One Facebook follower of the Daily Express Facebook page said: “He took full advantage before stepping down at our expense.” Another added: “He knew the gravy train was going to dry up, so dipped his bread in.”
John Bercow's expenses have upset Daily Express readers
The outrage online has been incessant with another irate Facebook follower suggesting that “he should pay every penny back, it is taxpayers money he has spent and we want it back”. A Commons spokesman said: “In line with long-established practice, the Speaker's Office funds the drinks and the pre-dinner reception for the Panel of Chairs dinner.” He also attended a retirement party for the Commons 'Invitations Secretary' in February was £2,376, and in March, £3,187 went on an equivalent event for the Clerk of the House, David Natzler. In May the former Speaker's official account spent £3,696 on giving the Principal Clerk of the Table Office a send-off. READ MORE: Nick Ferrari offers £1,000 in order to get Big Ben to mark Brexit day
John Bercow
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And just days before Mr Bercow himself stood down, there was an invoice of £3,168 for a retirement party for his close ally, Speaker's Chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin, although she has been appointed Bishop of Dover rather than retiring. A Commons spokesman said: “The Speaker's Office has funded retirement receptions for senior staff many times in the past.” The news of Mr Bercow's expense claims comes as he has become the first Speaker of the House of Commons in 230 years not to get a peerage upon retirement. Even former Speaker Michael Martin who was ousted ten years ago over his handling of the expenses scandal became Lord Martin of Springburn.
John Bercow
According to a report by the Mail Online, the move is seen as “revenge” from Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Mr Bercow's handling of Brexit. Allies of the Prime Minister said Mr Johnson wanted to rip up the convention that Commons Speakers are automatically elevated to the Upper Chamber when they resign, in the same way Mr Bercow had repeatedly ignored parliamentary precedent when dealing with Brexit. During his time in the chair, Mr Bercow was often accused of not respecting constitutional conventions and showing a bias in his parliamentary decisions. According to Brexiteers, he had tried to thwart a no deal exit from the EU and unfairly helped pro-Brussels MPs in his decisions.
John Bercow
John Bercow and wife Sally Bercow
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-14--Brussels madness: EU to ban green and blue tattoos amid bizarre wave of new policies

German online publication OE24 reports the EU is seeking to ban tattoos that have green and blue in them because the colours are no longer permitted as hair dye according to the Cosmetics Ordinance .
The European Chemicals Agency ( ECHA ) is seeking the ban immediately on the basis that tattoo colours are also considered cosmetics .
The ECHA said it is still “ disputed ” as to whether or not black contours should be allowed .
The European Commission said in a statement : “ More than 100 colorants and 100 additives are in use .
“ Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imported from the US , while PMU inks are generally manufactured in Europe .
“ The pigments used are not specifically produced for tattoo/PMU applications and generally show low purity.
” The statement added “ the majority of them are not authorised for the use in cosmetic products ” .
They argue colour tattoos have more toxins , claiming some EU destinations put car paint or printer ink in the product .
Up to 300 shades are mixed to create a colour tattoo , making it more challenging for toxins to be identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban free chargers coming with new mobile phones .
In the latest crackdown by Brussels the European Commission is looking at banning chargers given out with the purchase of phones .
READ NOW : Brussels to demand access to UK fishing waters as part of trade deal [ NEWS ] The move is in a bid to cut down on electrical waste as new mobiles are often still compatible with old chargers .
There are now just three chargers used by the majority of people compared to over 30 in 2009 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be affected .
A European Commission spokesperson said voluntary action taken by the industry had failed to reduce electrical waste .
DO N'T MISS : Brussels to demand access to UK fishing waters as part of trade deal [ NEWS ] How to get the best deal when selling a used car [ INSIGHT ] ‘ Accept it !
’ Britons furious as Remainers pledge to disrupt Brexit day [ ANALYSIS ] They said : “ The preferred voluntary approach did not meet the expectations of consumers and the Commission.
” They added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the industry to come up with a suitable proposal , but we must now examine the legislative approach ” .
The move was welcomed by German MEP Evelyne Gebhardt .
She said : “ It has been proven that the industry ’ s voluntary commitment did nothing at all .

Brexit: Nick Ferrari says Leavers should be allowed to 'celebrate'
German online publication OE24 reports the EU is seeking to ban tattoos that have green and blue in them because the colours are no longer permitted as hair dye according to the Cosmetics Ordinance. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is seeking the ban immediately on the basis that tattoo colours are also considered cosmetics. The ECHA said it is still “disputed” as to whether or not black contours should be allowed.
The European Commission said in a statement: “More than 100 colorants and 100 additives are in use. “Most tattoo inks on the EU market are imported from the US, while PMU inks are generally manufactured in Europe. “The pigments used are not specifically produced for tattoo/PMU applications and generally show low purity.” The statement added “the majority of them are not authorised for the use in cosmetic products”.
Brussels wants to ban green and blue tattoos
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is seeking the ban immediately
They argue colour tattoos have more toxins, claiming some EU destinations put car paint or printer ink in the product. Up to 300 shades are mixed to create a colour tattoo, making it more challenging for toxins to be identified. It comes as the EU wants to ban free chargers coming with new mobile phones. In the latest crackdown by Brussels the European Commission is looking at banning chargers given out with the purchase of phones. READ NOW: Brussels to demand access to UK fishing waters as part of trade deal [NEWS]
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It comes as the EU wants to ban free chargers coming with new mobile phones
Boris Johnson is preparing for a Brexit trade deal
They said: “The preferred voluntary approach did not meet the expectations of consumers and the Commission.” They added that it was not too late for “the industry to come up with a suitable proposal, but we must now examine the legislative approach”. The move was welcomed by German MEP Evelyne Gebhardt. She said: “It has been proven that the industry’s voluntary commitment did nothing at all.
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“It would be ridiculous if the Commission now wanted to continue without legal regulation.” Last year, Brussels proposed that veggie burgers be renamed “veggie discs”. This was to avoid confusion with meat products in another controversial intervention. The European Parliament’s agriculture committee voted to approve a ban on vegetarian products being named after their meat alternatives.
Britain is leaving the EU in 17 days


thedailyexpress--2020-01-14--Brexit LIVE: Barnier warns EU to ‘remain VIGILANT’ as rhetoric ramped up ahead of UK exit

The EU chief said last week it would be `` impossible '' to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020 .
She said if the deadline was not extended it was not a case of `` all or nothing '' , but of priorities .
But the Prime Minister remains defiant and insists a Brexit extension will not be agreed .
Mr Johnson has told Ms von der Leyen he `` wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership , based on friendly co-operation , our shared history , interests and values '' , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and services , and cooperation in other areas '' .
8.30pm update : EU to ban green and blue tattoos amid bizarre wave of new policies Brussels wants to ban green and blue tattoos in a new law that has been discussed on the same day it was revealed the bloc are also gunning to scrap chargers being sold with new mobile phones .
German online publication OE24 reports the EU is seeking to ban tattoos that have green and blue in them because the colours are no longer permitted as hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The European Chemicals Agency ( ECHA ) is seeking the ban immediately on the basis that tattoo colours are also considered cosmetics .
The ECHA said it is still “ disputed ” as to whether or not black contours should be allowed .
READ MORE : Brussels madness : EU to ban green and blue tattoos amid bizarre wave of new policies 7.00pm update : Motorway closed for 15 nights to remove no deal Brexit barriers The M20 motorway in Kent will be closed at night for more than two weeks to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no deal Brexit .
The closure will begin at 8pm on Tuesday night until 6am on Wednesday morning , between junctions seven and nine .
The stretch of motorway will be closed overnight for the next 15 nights .
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK is `` open '' to participating in the Erasmus student exchange programme after Brexit but would also develop alternative arrangements should they be needed .
He told MPs : `` As we prepare to forge a new place on the international stage , we want our young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad through exchange programmes .
`` The United Kingdom is open to participation in the next Erasmus+ programme and this will be a question for future negotiations with the European Union .
`` We do truly understand the value that such exchange programmes bring all students right across the United Kingdom , but to ensure we 're able to continue to offer that we 'll also develop our own alternative arrangements should they be needed . ''
Business bosses are abandoning their demands for Boris Johnson to scoop a frictionless trade deal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead opting for a more “ pragmatic ” approach after being forced into a new reality thanks to the Prime Minister ’ s stonking election victory .
Remainer business leaders have hailed Mr Johnson ’ s major ballot victory , which has given them a new faith in the democratic process of Brexit , and the notion that Britain will continue to flourish after the January 31 deadline .
The Confederation of British Industry is scaling back its lobbying plans to push for reframed goals , the Daily Telegraph reports .
Rain Newton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chief economist , said : “ We have to look at the reality of where we are now .
“ We used to talk about frictionless trade - that is not the world we ’ re in .
“ We are not going to be a member of the single market and we are going to have a different system of immigration .
“ As a service-oriented economy , being open to talent from around the world is a key part of that .
“ But it is partly around short-term business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a world of free movement of people , there is a big conversation to be had over free movement of workers.
” Michel Barnier has warned the European Union to “ remain vigilant ” over the protection of the rights of EU citizens living in the UK .
The European Commission 's Head of Task Force wrote on Twitter : “ President @ vonderleyen in @ Europarl_EN : ‘ There can be no watering down , backsliding , no half-measures.
’ “ We will continue to protect the rights of our citizens - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & every one of the 4.5 million EU and UK citizens must be properly informed & supported.
” Ursula von der Leyen has come under fire after it emerged that two mobile phones used while she was German defence minister had been wiped clean of all data .
The European Commission President has been criticised for the move , as an investigative committee of the German parliament looks into a contracting scandal that occurred under Ms von der Leyen ’ s premiership as minister of defence .
They had wanted to examine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how lucrative contracts from the defence ministry were awarded to outside consultants without proper oversight and who authorised those deals .
Investigators sent an extensive report to the Bundestag , the German federal Parliament , on Monday stating that it is unable to use text messages by the former minister to clarify decision-making processes , as the phones had been wiped .
2.21pm update : Varadkar plans to put Brexit at the centre of his election campaign Irish premier Leo Varadkar announced a snap general election today , to be held on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put Brexit at the centre of his campaign .
He looks set to highlight his success so far on Brexit , where a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland was avoided 1.47pm update : Ursula von der Leyen says Croatia will 'show leadership to keep the unity ' ahead of Brexit trade talks Ursula von der Leyen has said that as holders of the EU rotating presidency during the next six months , Croatia `` will show leadership to keep the unity '' of the EU27 during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned the UK not to discriminate against EU citizens seeking permanent residency in Britain .
He called on the UK government to set up an independent monitoring authority .
Mr Barnier told the European Parliament : `` We must now work towards proper implementation of these rights and we wo n't be accepting any half measures or any form of disguised or veiled discrimination .
`` I will continue to insist on the particular importance of the UK putting in place a strong , independent monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act rapidly and fairly when faced with complaints from EU citizens and their families . ''
Michel Barnier has warned the UK must fulfil all the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement in relation to Northern Ireland .
He said that means checks and controls on goods entering the island of Ireland .
12.06pm update : House Speaker says it will cost £50k a bong for Big Ben to chime on Brexit day Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said the cost of Big Ben bonging would cost between £320,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is important to weigh up the costs ... You are talking about £50,000 a bong ... the only people who will hear it will be those who live near/visiting Westminster ” 11.12am update : Croatian MEP says period to negotiate trade deal 'very short ' Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic , whose country holds the rotating council presidency , told MEPs : `` The transition period of 11 months is extremely short and it will take a lot of goodwill and a lot of work to bring these negotiations to an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Von der Leyen warns Boris he ' can not have his cake and eat it ' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned the Prime Minister he `` can not have his cake and eat it '' .
She said : `` 'It ’ s the choice of the UK how far they want to align or diverge .
`` This is decisive for how good the access to the Single Market will be or not .
`` In short it ’ s the old proverb , you can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time . ''
10.35am update : Brexit branded one of the 3 main challenges facing in the EU by MEPs Speaking at a European Parliament debate this morning , MEPs are naming Brexit as one of the three main challenges facing the EU over the next 6-12 months .
The EU27 MEPs are concerned that the matter is far from done .
French energy firm Total will move its finance department from London back to Paris due to Brexit and to reduce costs , the firms Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department to London in 2013 .
Mr Pouyanne told a Euronext conference : `` “ We have just decided to bring it back to Paris .
There is Brexit at play ... and then there is a question of costs . ''
Nigel Farage has revealed that Belgium MEP Guy Verhofstadt has been planning ways for the EU Parliament to `` block '' Boris Johnson 's Brexit Bill , and therefore stop the UK from leaving the EU .
The Brexit Party leader told Sky : “ The 29th of this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brussels , and there ’ ll be a vote after that .
“ There ’ s some talk from Mr Verhofstadt that maybe the Parliament could block us leaving on the current terms that have been agreed .
“ What I ’ ve found here in the last 2 days is a general acceptance that the UK is leaving.
” The Government is trying to claw back some of the £10million paid to trade organisation to prepare for a no deal Brexit last October , the Financial Times report .
The Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby groups , randing from tens to hunders of thousands each .
But some of the group used up all the money as part of its no deal preparations , with a Freedom of Information request revealing 131 groups used the money to stage events and raise no deal awareness with its members .
8.17am update : Boris says Government is 'looking into ' chiming Big Ben on Brexit Day The Prime Minister said the current obstacle preventing Big Ben from chiming is the huge cost involved .
He told the BBC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re working up a plan so people can bung a bob for Big Ben .
`` Because Big Ben is being refurbished they have taken the clapper .
So we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night , that is expensive .
`` We are looking at whether we can fund it . ''
8.15am update : Trade deal is about 'building a great new partnership ' with friends around the world Boris Johnson said the upcoming trade talks are a chance to `` build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners around the world '' , and highlighted that talks will not just be held between the UK and the EU .
He said the UK will be `` leading the cause of global free trade '' .
8.13am update : Boris says comprehensive trade deal is 'enormously likely ' Speaking to the BBC on the likelihood of agreeing a comprehensive trade deal with the EU , the Prime Minister said : `` I think it is very likely indeed .
The key think is that we are coming out of the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month . ''
He then went on to say the chances of striking a trade deal was `` enormously likely , epically likely '' .
He said : `` Obviously you always have to budget for a complete failure of judgement but i am very very very confident that we will get a trade deal . ''
8.07am update : Boris says it is important Iran tensions 'calm down ' When discussing Iran , he said he is `` glad '' they have accepted responsibility and recognised that it is an `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The most important thing now is tensions in the region calm down . ''
Mr Johnson also admitted that he was on holiday when Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was killed .
8.04am update : Boris Johnson appears on BBC in first TV interview since December election The interview is due to last 30minutes and the Prime Minister will be asked questions from the public .
8am update : Big Ben to ‘ chime loudly ’ on Brexit day , Richard Tice says Brexit Party chairman Richard Time has said Big Ben will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if MPs refuse to let the clock chime for real .
He wrote on Twitter : “ Don ’ t worry : Big Ben will chime loudly via our speakers at Parliament Square celebration on 31st Jan , if Establishment refuse to let it ring for real .
“ Complete lack of leadership from Government who seem embarrassed to celebrate this massive moment in UK history.
” MPs decided not to let Big Bong chime for Brexit on Monday , after protected costs spiralled to half a million pounds .
Ahead of trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ursula von der Leyen , has warned it has a “ limited margin ” to offer the UK a better deal than other countries , such as Canada .
The warning was issued via a 46-page document discussing the EU ’ s future relationship with the UK , that was shared with EU27 countries on Monday and subsequently shared with the public .
The EU ’ s tough approach from the outset may lie in the so-called most-favoured-nation clauses included in the EU ’ s most recent trade deals with other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The clause mean that if a more generous offer is made to new trade partners , such as the UK , it would automatically apply to existing deals .

Brexit: Michel Barnier warns UK against 'veiled discrimination'
Ursula von der Leyen, alongside other EU27 MEPs have named Brexit as one of the three main challenges facing the EU over the next 6-12 months. She made the comments at a European Parliament debate this morning and said she believes the matter of Britain's withdrawal from the bloc is "anywhere near done". It comes after her scepticism that 11 months is enough time to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal and has urged Boris Johnson to consider extending the transition period beyond December 31.
The EU chief said last week it would be "impossible" to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020. She said if the deadline was not extended it was not a case of "all or nothing", but of priorities. But the Prime Minister remains defiant and insists a Brexit extension will not be agreed. Mr Johnson has told Ms von der Leyen he "wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership, based on friendly co-operation, our shared history, interests and values", as well as a "broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas". FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
The EU have warned they can only offer a 'limited' trade deal
8.30pm update: EU to ban green and blue tattoos amid bizarre wave of new policies Brussels wants to ban green and blue tattoos in a new law that has been discussed on the same day it was revealed the bloc are also gunning to scrap chargers being sold with new mobile phones. German online publication OE24 reports the EU is seeking to ban tattoos that have green and blue in them because the colours are no longer permitted as hair dye according to the Cosmetics Ordinance. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is seeking the ban immediately on the basis that tattoo colours are also considered cosmetics. The ECHA said it is still “disputed” as to whether or not black contours should be allowed. READ MORE: Brussels madness: EU to ban green and blue tattoos amid bizarre wave of new policies 7.00pm update: Motorway closed for 15 nights to remove no deal Brexit barriers The M20 motorway in Kent will be closed at night for more than two weeks to remove barriers installed in the event of a no deal Brexit. The closure will begin at 8pm on Tuesday night until 6am on Wednesday morning, between junctions seven and nine. The stretch of motorway will be closed overnight for the next 15 nights. 6.20pm update: Education secretary ‘open’ to student erasmus scheme after Brexit Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK is "open" to participating in the Erasmus student exchange programme after Brexit but would also develop alternative arrangements should they be needed. He told MPs: "As we prepare to forge a new place on the international stage, we want our young people to have the opportunity to study abroad through exchange programmes. "The United Kingdom is open to participation in the next Erasmus+ programme and this will be a question for future negotiations with the European Union. "We do truly understand the value that such exchange programmes bring all students right across the United Kingdom, but to ensure we're able to continue to offer that we'll also develop our own alternative arrangements should they be needed." 5.50pm update: Remainers SCRAP business demands as Brexit reality finally hits home Business bosses are abandoning their demands for Boris Johnson to scoop a frictionless trade deal and customs union with the EU post-Brexit and instead opting for a more “pragmatic” approach after being forced into a new reality thanks to the Prime Minister’s stonking election victory. Remainer business leaders have hailed Mr Johnson’s major ballot victory, which has given them a new faith in the democratic process of Brexit, and the notion that Britain will continue to flourish after the January 31 deadline. The Confederation of British Industry is scaling back its lobbying plans to push for reframed goals, the Daily Telegraph reports. Rain Newton Smith, the leading business group’s chief economist, said: “We have to look at the reality of where we are now. “We used to talk about frictionless trade - that is not the world we’re in. “We are not going to be a member of the single market and we are going to have a different system of immigration. “As a service-oriented economy, being open to talent from around the world is a key part of that. “But it is partly around short-term business travellers. We are moving away from a world of free movement of people, there is a big conversation to be had over free movement of workers.” 5.30pm update Barnier warns EU to ‘remain vigilant’ Michel Barnier has warned the European Union to “remain vigilant” over the protection of the rights of EU citizens living in the UK. The European Commission's Head of Task Force wrote on Twitter: “President @vonderleyen in @Europarl_EN: ‘There can be no watering down, backsliding, no half-measures.’ “We will continue to protect the rights of our citizens - we will remain vigilant. “Each & every one of the 4.5 million EU and UK citizens must be properly informed & supported.”
Boris Johnson appeared on the BBC for his first TV interview since the general election
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2.36pm update: Von der Leyen’s work mobile phone wiped ahead of German ministry of defence investigation Ursula von der Leyen has come under fire after it emerged that two mobile phones used while she was German defence minister had been wiped clean of all data. The European Commission President has been criticised for the move, as an investigative committee of the German parliament looks into a contracting scandal that occurred under Ms von der Leyen’s premiership as minister of defence. They had wanted to examine the phones as part of their probe into how lucrative contracts from the defence ministry were awarded to outside consultants without proper oversight and who authorised those deals. Investigators sent an extensive report to the Bundestag, the German federal Parliament, on Monday stating that it is unable to use text messages by the former minister to clarify decision-making processes, as the phones had been wiped. 2.21pm update: Varadkar plans to put Brexit at the centre of his election campaign Irish premier Leo Varadkar announced a snap general election today, to be held on February 8 and it has emerged he plans to put Brexit at the centre of his campaign. He looks set to highlight his success so far on Brexit, where a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland was avoided 1.47pm update: Ursula von der Leyen says Croatia will 'show leadership to keep the unity' ahead of Brexit trade talks Ursula von der Leyen has said that as holders of the EU rotating presidency during the next six months, Croatia "will show leadership to keep the unity" of the EU27 during the next stage of Brexit talks. 1.03pm update: EU warns Britain against 'veiled discrimination' after Brexit The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned the UK not to discriminate against EU citizens seeking permanent residency in Britain. He called on the UK government to set up an independent monitoring authority. Mr Barnier told the European Parliament: "We must now work towards proper implementation of these rights and we won't be accepting any half measures or any form of disguised or veiled discrimination. "I will continue to insist on the particular importance of the UK putting in place a strong, independent monitoring authority ... that must be able to act rapidly and fairly when faced with complaints from EU citizens and their families." 12.28pm update: Michel Barnier issues chilling warning to Boris Michel Barnier has warned the UK must fulfil all the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement in relation to Northern Ireland. He said that means checks and controls on goods entering the island of Ireland. 12.06pm update: House Speaker says it will cost £50k a bong for Big Ben to chime on Brexit day Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said the cost of Big Ben bonging would cost between £320,000 to £500,000. He said: "It is important to weigh up the costs...You are talking about £50,000 a bong...the only people who will hear it will be those who live near/visiting Westminster”
Boris Johnson has said a comprehensive trade deal with the EU is 'enormously likely'
11.12am update: Croatian MEP says period to negotiate trade deal 'very short' Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, whose country holds the rotating council presidency, told MEPs: "The transition period of 11 months is extremely short and it will take a lot of goodwill and a lot of work to bring these negotiations to an end in that period." 10.41am update: Von der Leyen warns Boris he 'cannot have his cake and eat it' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned the Prime Minister he "cannot have his cake and eat it". She said: "'It’s the choice of the UK how far they want to align or diverge. "This is decisive for how good the access to the Single Market will be or not. "In short it’s the old proverb, you cannot have the cake and eat it at the same time." 10.35am update: Brexit branded one of the 3 main challenges facing in the EU by MEPs Speaking at a European Parliament debate this morning, MEPs are naming Brexit as one of the three main challenges facing the EU over the next 6-12 months. The EU27 MEPs are concerned that the matter is far from done. 10.06am update: Total moves finance department back to Paris due to Brexit costs French energy firm Total will move its finance department from London back to Paris due to Brexit and to reduce costs, the firms Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne said this morning. The firm relocated the department to London in 2013. Mr Pouyanne told a Euronext conference: "“We have just decided to bring it back to Paris. There is Brexit at play... and then there is a question of costs." 9:28am update: Nigel Farage exposes Verhofstadt's last ditch attempt to block Brexit Nigel Farage has revealed that Belgium MEP Guy Verhofstadt has been planning ways for the EU Parliament to "block" Boris Johnson's Brexit Bill, and therefore stop the UK from leaving the EU. The Brexit Party leader told Sky: “The 29th of this month, there’ll be a big debate in Brussels, and there’ll be a vote after that. “There’s some talk from Mr Verhofstadt that maybe the Parliament could block us leaving on the current terms that have been agreed. “It isn’t going to happen. “What I’ve found here in the last 2 days is a general acceptance that the UK is leaving.”
Ursula von der Leyen has warned Brexit is far from over
8.53am update: Lobby groups asked to return no deal Brexit cash The Government is trying to claw back some of the £10million paid to trade organisation to prepare for a no deal Brexit last October, the Financial Times report. The Treasury handed out vast sums of cash to lobby groups, randing from tens to hunders of thousands each. But some of the group used up all the money as part of its no deal preparations, with a Freedom of Information request revealing 131 groups used the money to stage events and raise no deal awareness with its members. 8.17am update: Boris says Government is 'looking into' chiming Big Ben on Brexit Day The Prime Minister said the current obstacle preventing Big Ben from chiming is the huge cost involved. He told the BBC: "The bongs cost £500,000, we’re working up a plan so people can bung a bob for Big Ben. "Because Big Ben is being refurbished they have taken the clapper. So we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night, that is expensive. "We are looking at whether we can fund it." 8.15am update: Trade deal is about 'building a great new partnership' with friends around the world Boris Johnson said the upcoming trade talks are a chance to "build a great new parternship with friends and partners around the world", and highlighted that talks will not just be held between the UK and the EU. He said the UK will be "leading the cause of global free trade". 8.13am update: Boris says comprehensive trade deal is 'enormously likely' Speaking to the BBC on the likelihood of agreeing a comprehensive trade deal with the EU, the Prime Minister said: "I think it is very likely indeed. The key think is that we are coming out of the EU on January 31, the end of this month." He then went on to say the chances of striking a trade deal was "enormously likely, epically likely". He said: "Obviously you always have to budget for a complete failure of judgement but i am very very very confident that we will get a trade deal."
Brexit timeline
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Scotland POLL: Should Boris Johnson grant Nicola Sturgeon another independence referendum?

Mr Johnson wrote to the Scottish first minister on Tuesday to let her know he was refusing her request to be given the powers to hold another Scottish independence referendum .
Mrs Sturgeon had asked Mr Johnson in December to enter negotiations on transferring the power to hold a referendum from London to Edinburgh .
Posting his letter on Twitter , Mr Johnson revealed he had told Mrs Sturgeon she had agreed a 2014 referendum in a “ once in a generation ” vote .
And Scots opted to stay in the United Kingdom by 55 percent of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I can not agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums .
“ Another independence referendum would continue the political stagnation that Scotland has seen for the last decade .
“ It is time that we all worked to bring the whole of the United Kingdom together.
” Mrs Sturgeon quickly responded to Mr Johnson ’ s rejection with her own letter .
She said : “ Tories are terrified of Scotland ’ s right to choose - because they know that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence .
“ Tories have no positive case for the union - so all they can do is attempt to deny democracy .
It will not stand .
“ The problem for the Tories is the longer they try to block democracy , the more they show the Westminster union is not one of equals and fuel support for independence .
“ This response predictable - but also unsustainable and self defeating .
Scotland will have the right to choose.
” Cabinet minister Michael Gove also had a message for the SNP leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a referendum – and she [ Nicola Sturgeon ] and Alex Salmond both agreed that the referendum on Scotland ’ s place in the United Kingdom would be a once in a generation event .
“ So it would be wrong to disrespect the result of that referendum and to have a series of referendums , which is what Nicola Sturgeon wants .
“ We ’ re saying , ‘ No , Nicola – concentrate on the day job ’ .
DO N'T MISS Nicola Sturgeon 's anti-Brexit warning dismantled [ REVEALED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next for Nicola Sturgeon ?
[ INSIGHT ] SNP MP stunned as host reveals how Boris could stop independence [ WATCH ] “ Because the Scottish government is failing when it comes to education , health , transport and crime.
” But Labour ’ s Carwyn Jones , the former first minister of Wales , backed Mrs Sturgeon in her bid to hold another referendum on Scottish independence .
He tweeted : “ If Boris Johnson says that it is entirely a matter for the UK if it chooses to leave the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland if it chooses to leave the UK .
“ As Brussels didn ’ t prevent the Brexit referendum so Westminster shouldn ’ t stop this one.
” Mrs Sturgeon said Mr Jones was being “ sensible ” .
Patrick Harvie , co-leader of the pro-independence Scottish Green Party , said : “ It is absolutely appalling that we are to be ripped from the EU against our will and utterly undemocratic that we are being denied a say on our future.
” However , Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of people in Scotland do not want another independence referendum ” .
And Scottish Labour constitution spokesman Alex Rowley said : “ The immediate priority for both the prime minister and the first minister should be minimising the damage caused by Brexit .

Michael Gove says it would be 'wrong' to have Indyref2
Mr Johnson wrote to the Scottish first minister on Tuesday to let her know he was refusing her request to be given the powers to hold another Scottish independence referendum. Mrs Sturgeon had asked Mr Johnson in December to enter negotiations on transferring the power to hold a referendum from London to Edinburgh. Posting his letter on Twitter, Mr Johnson revealed he had told Mrs Sturgeon she had agreed a 2014 referendum in a “once in a generation” vote.
And Scots opted to stay in the United Kingdom by 55 percent of the vote. Mr Johnson’s letter said: “I cannot agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums. “Another independence referendum would continue the political stagnation that Scotland has seen for the last decade. “It is time that we all worked to bring the whole of the United Kingdom together.” This poll has now closed - click here to see the results.
Boris Johnson rejected Nicola Sturgeon's calls for another referendum
Mrs Sturgeon quickly responded to Mr Johnson’s rejection with her own letter. She said: “Tories are terrified of Scotland’s right to choose - because they know that when given the choice we’ll choose independence. “Tories have no positive case for the union - so all they can do is attempt to deny democracy. It will not stand. “The problem for the Tories is the longer they try to block democracy, the more they show the Westminster union is not one of equals and fuel support for independence. “This response predictable - but also unsustainable and self defeating. Scotland will have the right to choose.” READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon’s independence plot SHUTDOWN by Gove
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Nicola Sturgeon has blasted Boris over his refusal
“Because the Scottish government is failing when it comes to education, health, transport and crime.” But Labour’s Carwyn Jones, the former first minister of Wales, backed Mrs Sturgeon in her bid to hold another referendum on Scottish independence. He tweeted: “If Boris Johnson says that it is entirely a matter for the UK if it chooses to leave the EU then it’s entirely matter for Scotland if it chooses to leave the UK. “As Brussels didn’t prevent the Brexit referendum so Westminster shouldn’t stop this one.”
Scotland held its first independence referendum in 2014
Mrs Sturgeon said Mr Jones was being “sensible”. Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the pro-independence Scottish Green Party, said: “It is absolutely appalling that we are to be ripped from the EU against our will and utterly undemocratic that we are being denied a say on our future.” However, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said his party was “on the side of the majority of people in Scotland do not want another independence referendum”. And Scottish Labour constitution spokesman Alex Rowley said: “The immediate priority for both the prime minister and the first minister should be minimising the damage caused by Brexit.
Boris Johnson said Scots had their final say over independence back in 2014
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--PMQs LIVE: Boris blasts Labour 'WRECKAGE' as he savages lame duck Corbyn

The Prime Minister will likely face questions from the Labour leader and other MPs about Brexit , Big Ben , Iran and the Royal Family in Parliament .
But Mr Corbyn may not be too stringent with his questions as he prepares to step down from his role following last month ’ s devastating election results .
He will be replaced on April 4 by one of five confirmed candidates .
Another potential topic which hit the headlines this week is the House of Commons Commission refusing to cough up £500,000 to get Big Ben ’ s bongs to chime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 31 .
The Prime Minister said the Government was working on a plan to fund the costs to enable the bell to bong .
He told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday : “ The bongs cost £500,000 but we ’ re working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong because there are some people who want to .
“ Because Big Ben is being refurbished , they seem to have taken the clapper away , so we need to restore the clapper in order to bong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that is expensive , so we ’ re looking at whether the public can fund it.
” Ian Blackford , the SNP ’ s Westminster leader , said : “ The Prime Minister sent a letter to the First Minister of Scotland rejecting the democratic right of the people of Scotland to have a choice over their own future .
“ This was not a surprise , the PM is a democracy-denier .
“ This position is undemocratic , unacceptable and completely unsustainable .
The PM has shown utter contempt for Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish people.
” In return , Boris Johnson said : “ He is the denier of democracy !
” Mr Johnson , in response to more criticisms from Mr Blackford , said the SNP were “ obsessed with breaking up the United Kingdom ” .
He said : “ Change the record !
” 12.12pm update : Boris lashes out after Corbyn offers to show him his manifesto Mr Johnson finally loses his patience with Mr Corbyn and lashes out after the Labour leader offered to show him his manifesto .
The PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still fighting on the manifesto that he submitted to the British people in the last election .
“ It was pretty clear what they thought of it !
It was also pretty clear what they thought of our manifesto .
We are the party of the NHS , policing and bringing crime down !
“ Our careful stewardship of the economy has led to record employment and record low unemployment .
“ Whenever Labour is in office they wreck the economy .
We are taking this country forward , they would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Mr Corbyn over the NHS , Mr Johnson fired back : “ We are now able to tackle a problem that was shirked not just by the Labour party but governments for decades and decades .
`` And we ’ re going to do it now !
” 12.05pm update : Corbyn asks about the NHS first Mr Corbyn then asked : “ Why after almost 10 years of Tory government , people are waiting longer for essential NHS care ?
” Mr Johnson replied : “ We are investing record sums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house should be very proud we are passing the NHS funding bill which will guarantee funding not just this year but into the future.
” Mr Corbyn : “ How many more patients will face what are life threatening delays ?
” Mr Johnson : “ He ’ s right to signal the delays that people are facing and that is why we are investing in 50,000 more nurses , 6,000 MPs and record breaking investment.
” Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has welcomed Boris Johnson ’ s promises to deliver broadband and urged him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UK .
Mr Johnson said : “ The Cotswolds needs broadband and the Cotswolds is going to get broadband .
He asked for a deadline and he will get it , 2025 !
”

PMQs: Boris Johnson slams Labour over ‘wreckage’ of NHS
The Prime Minister faced questions from the Labour leader and other MPs about the NHS in Parliament. But Mr Corbyn was not too stringent with his questions as he is preparing to step down from his role following last month’s devastating election results. He will be replaced on April 4 by one of five confirmed candidates.
They include Rebecca Long Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips, Keir Starmer and Emily Thornberry. Another potential topic which hit the headlines this week is the House of Commons Commission refusing to cough up £500,000 to get Big Ben’s bongs to chime when the UK leaves the EU on January 31. The Prime Minister said the Government was working on a plan to fund the costs to enable the bell to bong. He told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday: “The bongs cost £500,000 but we’re working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong because there are some people who want to.
Boris Johnson is in the Commons for another showdown with Jeremy Corbyn today
“Because Big Ben is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away, so we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night. “And that is expensive, so we’re looking at whether the public can fund it.” FOLLOW OUR LIVE UPDATES HERE
PMQs: Boris Johnson labels Ian Blackford ‘denier of democracy’
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12.30pm update: That's it for today! PMQ's is over for another week after Speaker Lindsay Hoyle kept it brief. On a final note, it was noticed a lot of Labour MPs didn't acutally turn up, as there were a number of empty seats on the opposition side. 12.15pm update: Blackford rips into Boris over Scottish independence vote Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, said: “The Prime Minister sent a letter to the First Minister of Scotland rejecting the democratic right of the people of Scotland to have a choice over their own future.
“This was not a surprise, the PM is a democracy-denier.
“This position is undemocratic, unacceptable and completely unsustainable. The PM has shown utter contempt for Scottish democracy, Scotland’s parliament and Scottish people.” In return, Boris Johnson said: “He is the denier of democracy!” Mr Johnson, in response to more criticisms from Mr Blackford, said the SNP were “obsessed with breaking up the United Kingdom”. He said: “Change the record!” 12.12pm update: Boris lashes out after Corbyn offers to show him his manifesto
Mr Johnson finally loses his patience with Mr Corbyn and lashes out after the Labour leader offered to show him his manifesto.
The PM said: “I am delighted he is still fighting on the manifesto that he submitted to the British people in the last election.
“It was pretty clear what they thought of it! It was also pretty clear what they thought of our manifesto. We are the party of the NHS, policing and bringing crime down!
“Our careful stewardship of the economy has led to record employment and record low unemployment.
“Whenever Labour is in office they wreck the economy. We are taking this country forward, they would take it backwards!”
PMQs: Johnson says SNP are ‘obsessed with breaking up UK’
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Labour civil war: Lisa Nandy attacks Remainers over OBSESSION on ‘corrosive’ Brexit debate

The MP for Wigan will deliver a speech on foreign policy later today in which she will lash out at Labour Party Remainers for not doing enough to argue for the UK ’ s place in the world .
She will say , while the right hailed the UK as a “ small nation with a proud history of punching above our weight ” , Labour Brexiteers had little to say on the matter .
The leadership challenger will also pledge a closer relationship with Europe after Brexit .
But she will urge Labour to think beyond the EU and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign and security policy .
In her speech to the Royal Society of Arts in London , Ms Nandy will say : “ For Labour internationalism has become just about being in the EU .
“ We ’ ve paid lip service to our proud internationalist history but without ever explaining what that meant for the future .
“ Because we ’ ve been locked in a corrosive debate solely focused on Remain or Leave .
“ One of the problems with the referendum was that there was no story about our place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were a small nation with a proud history of punching above our weight .
We said we ’ ll cut your mobile phone roaming charges.
” Ms Nandy is one of five candidates left in the race to replace Mr Corbyn as Labour leader , along with Sir Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey , Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry .
She received the support of 31 MPs and MEPs in the latest round of voting earlier this week , behind Sir Keir ( 88 nominations ) and Ms Long-Bailey ( 33 nominations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slams Conservative ministers as 'stupid and arrogant' The Wigan MP is pitching herself as the candidate who can win back the trust of traditional northern Labour voters who turned their back on the party in favour of the Conservatives in last month ’ s general election .
She also has support from the National Union of Mineworkers , which is a huge boost as having the backing of a union associated with northern working class constituencies could see her gain vital votes .
The second round of the contest will also see backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of affiliates or constituency parties required to progress .
Detailing her leadership intentions in a letter published in The Wigan Post , Ms Nandy said : “ Without what were once our Labour heartlands we will never win power in Westminster and help to build the country we know we can be , ” she wrote .
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] “ I have heard you loud and clear when you said to earn that trust means we need a leader who is proud to be from those communities , has skin in the game , and is prepare to go out , listen and bring Labour home to you.
” On Brexit , she supported the Remain side of the EU referendum in June 2016 , but continued to be strongly opposed to a second referendum or revoking the Brexit process altogether .
Ms Nandy ’ s leadership rival Ms Phillips has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a number of appointments to her team .
Will Straw , who was director of advocacy group Britain Stronger in Europe , will act as an adviser to her .

Labour leadership: Nandy warns party against 'playing it safe'
The MP for Wigan will deliver a speech on foreign policy later today in which she will lash out at Labour Party Remainers for not doing enough to argue for the UK’s place in the world. She will say, while the right hailed the UK as a “small nation with a proud history of punching above our weight”, Labour Brexiteers had little to say on the matter. The leadership challenger will also pledge a closer relationship with Europe after Brexit.
For Labour internationalism has become just about being in the EU. We’ve paid lip service to our proud internationalist history but without ever explaining what that meant for the future Lisa Nandy
But she will urge Labour to think beyond the EU and focus more on the UK’s foreign and security policy. In her speech to the Royal Society of Arts in London, Ms Nandy will say: “For Labour internationalism has become just about being in the EU. “We’ve paid lip service to our proud internationalist history but without ever explaining what that meant for the future. “Because we’ve been locked in a corrosive debate solely focused on Remain or Leave.
Labour leadership latest: Lisa Nandy will lash out at the party's pro-Remainers
Labour leadership latest: The Wigan MP will pledge a closer relationship with Europe after Brexit
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“One of the problems with the referendum was that there was no story about our place in the world. “They said we were a small nation with a proud history of punching above our weight. We said we’ll cut your mobile phone roaming charges.” Ms Nandy is one of five candidates left in the race to replace Mr Corbyn as Labour leader, along with Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jess Phillips and Emily Thornberry. She received the support of 31 MPs and MEPs in the latest round of voting earlier this week, behind Sir Keir (88 nominations) and Ms Long-Bailey (33 nominations). READ MORE: Labour Peer slams Conservative ministers as 'stupid and arrogant'
Labour leadership latest: Lisa Nandy is one of five candidates remaining in the race
The Wigan MP is pitching herself as the candidate who can win back the trust of traditional northern Labour voters who turned their back on the party in favour of the Conservatives in last month’s general election. She also has support from the National Union of Mineworkers, which is a huge boost as having the backing of a union associated with northern working class constituencies could see her gain vital votes. The second round of the contest will also see backing from a union contributing towards five percent of affiliates or constituency parties required to progress. Detailing her leadership intentions in a letter published in The Wigan Post, Ms Nandy said: “Without what were once our Labour heartlands we will never win power in Westminster and help to build the country we know we can be,” she wrote. DON'T MISS
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“I have heard you loud and clear when you said to earn that trust means we need a leader who is proud to be from those communities, has skin in the game, and is prepare to go out, listen and bring Labour home to you.” On Brexit, she supported the Remain side of the EU referendum in June 2016, but continued to be strongly opposed to a second referendum or revoking the Brexit process altogether. Ms Nandy’s leadership rival Ms Phillips has also been ramping up her campaign, making a number of appointments to her team. Will Straw, who was director of advocacy group Britain Stronger in Europe, will act as an adviser to her.
Labour leadership latest: What party's policies will be like under each candidate
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--‘Sanctimonious idiot!’ Backlash as Lib Dem peer compares post-Brexit UK to Nazi Germany

Lord Greaves said he was concerned EU nationals could face discrimination and harsh treatment , “ reminiscent ” of 1930s Germany under Adolf Hitler ’ s rule , after Britain leaves the European Union at the end of the month .
Speaking in the upper chamber yesterday , as peers debated Boris Johnson ’ s Brexit Bill , he urged the Government to do more to combat “ hostility ” after the UK ’ s exit from the bloc .
The peer is facing a backlash for the comments , with Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe describing Lord Greaves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ truly lost the plot ” .
Lord Greaves ’ comments came as peers debated amendments to the Withdrawal Bill yesterday , one of the final hurdles that must be cleared for Britain to leave the EU on January 31 .
He told the upper chamber : “ I am particularly concerned about what the Government is doing about prevention of discrimination in the transition period .
“ I am fearful that on January 31 some things may happen in some places which could be reminiscent of things happening in Germany in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this , because there is that sentiment amongst a hostile minority of the population.
” He added : “ Many , many people in this country… who are full of dismay , distress are crying at night when they go to sleep , they are crying in the morning when they wake up and all they get from the unfeeling , hard-headed Tories is moans.
” The Lib Dem peer has been heavily criticised for making the remarks , with several of his colleagues questioning the comparison .
Lord Grocott , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nazi Germany had left him “ reeling ” and was “ stretching the point just a bit ” .
Similarly Baroness Williams of Trafford , a Home Office minister , said : “ To compare January 31 to Nazi Germany , I think , is rather a step too far.
” JUST IN : EU fury : Brussels savaged over plans to introduce EU-wide minimum wage His criticism was shared by many others on Twitter , with one person writing : “ I ’ m afraid Lord Greaves is typical of fearful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their own shadows and dripping with their own personal inadequacy.
” Another user accused the peer of being “ out of touch ” and said : “ Lord Greaves demonstrating how out of touch he is .
“ These EU citizens are in our communities , they ’ re friends and workmates .
Voting for Brexit had nothing to do with racism .
”

Brexit: Lord Greaves says people are ‘crying over Brexit’
Lord Greaves said he was concerned EU nationals could face discrimination and harsh treatment, “reminiscent” of 1930s Germany under Adolf Hitler’s rule, after Britain leaves the European Union at the end of the month. Speaking in the upper chamber yesterday, as peers debated Boris Johnson’s Brexit Bill, he urged the Government to do more to combat “hostility” after the UK’s exit from the bloc. The peer is facing a backlash for the comments, with Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe describing Lord Greaves as a “sanctimonious idiot” who has “truly lost the plot”.
Lord Greaves’ comments came as peers debated amendments to the Withdrawal Bill yesterday, one of the final hurdles that must be cleared for Britain to leave the EU on January 31. He told the upper chamber: “I am particularly concerned about what the Government is doing about prevention of discrimination in the transition period. “I am fearful that on January 31 some things may happen in some places which could be reminiscent of things happening in Germany in the early 1930s. “I am worried about this, because there is that sentiment amongst a hostile minority of the population.”
Lord Greaves has been criticised for comments he made in the House of Lords yesterday
Lord Greaves said he was concerned EU nationals could face discrimination after Brexit
He added: “Many, many people in this country… who are full of dismay, distress are crying at night when they go to sleep, they are crying in the morning when they wake up and all they get from the unfeeling, hard-headed Tories is moans.” The Lib Dem peer has been heavily criticised for making the remarks, with several of his colleagues questioning the comparison. Lord Grocott, a Labour peer, said the comparison with Nazi Germany had left him “reeling” and was “stretching the point just a bit”. Similarly Baroness Williams of Trafford, a Home Office minister, said: “To compare January 31 to Nazi Germany, I think, is rather a step too far.” JUST IN: EU fury: Brussels savaged over plans to introduce EU-wide minimum wage
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Rupert Lowe hit out at the peer and accused him of 'losing the plot'
Lord Greaves urged the Government to do more to combat 'hostility' after Britain leaves the EU
Boris Johnson's Brexit Bill was being debated in the House of Lords last night
His criticism was shared by many others on Twitter, with one person writing: “I’m afraid Lord Greaves is typical of fearful, afraid, downtrodden liberals. “Scared of their own shadows and dripping with their own personal inadequacy.” Another user accused the peer of being “out of touch” and said: “Lord Greaves demonstrating how out of touch he is. “These EU citizens are in our communities, they’re friends and workmates. Voting for Brexit had nothing to do with racism.”
Passage of a Bill through Parliament
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Others called for Lord Greaves to step down from the bench. One person said: “Time for LibDems LordGreaves to retire following his attack of the vapours in the House of Lords comparing Brexit Britain to Nazi Germany. “Remoaners need to give it a rest. LibDems need to come to terms with what happened at the GE2019.” Another person wrote: “Brexit Britain compared to Nazi Germany in outrageous speech by Lib Dem in House of Lords.
Brexit: EU 'should pay for Big Ben bongs' says Brexiteer


thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--'Britain will NOT be taken for fools!' June Mummery rages in EU Parliament debate

Ms Mummery unleashed the furious warning to the European Union during a European Parliament plenary session on Wednesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ British public had watched three years of `` delay , bullying , and plotting '' @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Mummery did , however , express a desire to have a positive future @ @ @ @ @ EU .
Ms Mummery said : `` When are values of democracy and sovereignty are @ @ @ @ @ in our blood and the fightback starts .
`` This is what happened in the @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson .
`` The British public saw three years of delay , bullying and @ @ @ @ @ , a betrayal of British democracy .
`` So as this stage of the Brexit @ @ @ @ @ I hope lessons have been learned to help a future EU and UK relationship .
@ @ @ @ @ will be finished without our fish ! '
claims Brexit Party MEP

Brexit: June Mummery says ‘Britain will not be taken for fools'
Ms Mummery unleashed the furious warning to the European Union during a European Parliament plenary session on Wednesday. The Brexit Party MEP said the British public had watched three years of "delay, bullying, and plotting" in a betrayal of democracy. Ms Mummery did, however, express a desire to have a positive future relationship between Britain and the EU.
Ms Mummery said: "When are values of democracy and sovereignty are threatened the bulldog spirit rises in our blood and the fightback starts. "This is what happened in the recent election convincingly won by Boris Johnson. "The British public saw three years of delay, bullying and plotting for what it was, a betrayal of British democracy. "So as this stage of the Brexit saga draws to a close I hope lessons have been learned to help a future EU and UK relationship. READ MORE: 'The Dutch will be finished without our fish!' claims Brexit Party MEP
June Mummery said the British public saw three years of betrayal
June Mummery warned the European Union Britons will not be taken for fools
"I trust the EU hierarchy now know the British people will not be taken for fools or pushed around moving forward "Above all, I hope the EU can finally accept the choice of the British people to leave the EU." Yesterday Brexit Party MEP Alexandra Phillips unleashed a scathing attack on the European Union during a European Parliament plenary session. She said: "The vision for the EU over the next six months a simply astonishing, open borders with two more countries Albania and Macedonia and ambitions to keep the UK shackled to EU rules.
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Ms Phillips predicted more nations will follow the UK in leaving the EU
Brexit Party MEP slams EU's 'astonishing' future vision
The 2016 EU referendum result
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Richard Tice urges EU countries to 'follow UK's lead' for future of 'bright' opportunity

Richard Tice caused a stir at the EU Parliament when he called on the other 27 countries to `` follow the UK 's lead '' and exit the union .
The Brexit Party chairman spoke about the `` bright '' future opportunities now that Brexit is due to happen at the end of January .
The Parliament was debating their position on the Conference on the Future of Europe .
He told the Parliament : `` The future for the United Kingdom is bright and full of opportunity , as we have the political certainty of leaving the EU in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to run our country as we want , not as the EU tells us .
`` The opportunity to be a high growth , low tax , smartly reguated economy that competes on the world stage without unecessary bureaucracy and protectionism .
`` The opportunity to run a sensible , fair immigration policy that works for our economy , for our people . ''
Mr Tice continued : `` The opportunity to use state aid for our strategic industries and businesses .
`` Our employmenet levels are at record highs , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our young people . ''
`` I suggest to you , Madam President , the opportunity for remaining EU 27 countries can too be bright if you reform , follow our lead and take back control . ''
British MPs voted 330 to 231 to proceed with the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and finally deliver Brexit for the UK in an historic moment .
If peers choose to amend it will it come back before MPs .
The bill covers `` divorce '' payments to the EU , citizens ' rights , customs arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period .
It took just three days for the bill to pass the remaining stages in the Commons , after MPs gave their initial approval to the legislation before the Christmas recess .
Theresa May - Boris Johnson 's predecessor in Downing Street - repeatedly failed to get her Brexit agreement passed by MPs , which led to her resignation as prime minister .
The latest vote gives approval to the 11-month transition period after 31 January , in which the UK will cease to be an EU member but will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its budget .

Brexit: Tice calls on EU countries to 'follow UK's lead'
Richard Tice caused a stir at the EU Parliament when he called on the other 27 countries to "follow the UK's lead" and exit the union. The Brexit Party chairman spoke about the "bright" future opportunities now that Brexit is due to happen at the end of January. The Parliament was debating their position on the Conference on the Future of Europe.
He told the Parliament: "The future for the United Kingdom is bright and full of opportunity, as we have the political certainty of leaving the EU in just two weeks time. "The opportunity to run our country as we want, not as the EU tells us. "The opportunity to be a high growth, low tax, smartly reguated economy that competes on the world stage without unecessary bureaucracy and protectionism. "The opportunity to run a sensible, fair immigration policy that works for our economy, for our people." READ MORE: June Mummery attacks EU fishing supertrawlers for ‘economic' disaster
Richard Tice calls on EU countries to 'follow UK's lead' - 'You're opportunties can be bright too!'
European Parliament's position on the Conference on the Future of Europe
Mr Tice continued: "The opportunity to use state aid for our strategic industries and businesses. "Our employmenet levels are at record highs, our unemployment at record lows, especially for our young people." "I suggest to you, Madam President, the opportunity for remaining EU 27 countries can too be bright if you reform, follow our lead and take back control." British MPs voted 330 to 231 to proceed with the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and finally deliver Brexit for the UK in an historic moment.
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EU will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal soon
Brexit: Michel Barnier confirms border 'checks and controls'
BREXIT TIMELINE
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-15--Liberal Democrat Lord sparks fury as Remainer claims 'people are crying' about Brexit

The House of Lords were discussing Boris Johnson 's Withdrawal Agreement when Lord Greaves made his comments .
The Liberal Democrats Life peer said the `` grieving process '' regarding Brexit had only just begun .
Lord Greaves argued the people feeling worse about Brexit were EU citizens living and working in the UK .
But his words have caused anger , with Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe tweeting : `` What a sanctimonious idiot .
Belittles the horrors millions actually went through .
'Lord ' Greaves demonstrating that many hardcore Remainers have truly lost the plot .
Luckily their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a Remainer in ten years . ''
During a House of Lords debate on Tuesday Lord Greaves said : `` There are many many people in this country who are not full of joy but who are full of dismay , distress , people are mourning .
`` People are crying at night when they go to sleep .
`` They are crying in the morning when they wake up and all they get from the hard-headed Tories are moans .
`` They are feeling a sense of loss and a grieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE : Boris Johnson pleas for funds to allow Big Ben to chime '' In these circumstances , triumphalist behavior , festivals of Brexit and all the rest will simply make things worse .
`` The people who are feeling it worse are those citizens of the EU who live , work and take part in our communities in every way . ''
Twitters users responded with frustration at the intervention , with one user writing : `` Lord Greaves said people were crying themselves to sleep at night over the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's like all Remainer Lords who can not accept the truth ! ''
Another wrote : `` Snowflakery knows no age limit . ''
But someone else agreed with Lord Greaves , saying : `` I 100 percent agree with him . ''
Earlier this week Baroness Hayter unleashed a scathing attack on Conservative Ministers ' Brexit timetable in the House of Lords .
The Labour life peer said the Government was `` rushing '' and `` ramming '' through their `` very poor '' Brexit bill .
Baroness Hayter began by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said : `` I have great hopes of him given how well he responded as housing minister to my and this houses plea to make client money protection compulsory for letting agents .
`` He heard the arguments , he made a decision and he made it happen .
`` If only the current Government was as good .
DO N'T MISS Brexit Party MEP makes DEFIANT vow if Big Ben wo n't bong for Brexit [ INSIGHT ] Nigel Farage in shock as Big Ben engineer rubbishes £500,000 cost [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s EU departure finally sinks in for businesses [ INSIGHT ]

Brexit: Lord Greaves says people are ‘crying over Brexit’
The House of Lords were discussing Boris Johnson's Withdrawal Agreement when Lord Greaves made his comments. The Liberal Democrats Life peer said the "grieving process" regarding Brexit had only just begun. Lord Greaves argued the people feeling worse about Brexit were EU citizens living and working in the UK. But his words have caused anger, with Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe tweeting: "What a sanctimonious idiot. Belittles the horrors millions actually went through. 'Lord' Greaves demonstrating that many hardcore Remainers have truly lost the plot. Luckily their ranks are decreasing! Will struggle to find a Remainer in ten years."
During a House of Lords debate on Tuesday Lord Greaves said: "There are many many people in this country who are not full of joy but who are full of dismay, distress, people are mourning. "People are crying at night when they go to sleep. "They are crying in the morning when they wake up and all they get from the hard-headed Tories are moans. "They are feeling a sense of loss and a grieving process has only just started. READ MORE: Boris Johnson pleas for funds to allow Big Ben to chime
Lord Greaves was heavily critical of Brexit
Lord Greaves said EU citizens living in the UK are effected the worst
"In these circumstances, triumphalist behavior, festivals of Brexit and all the rest will simply make things worse. "The people who are feeling it worse are those citizens of the EU who live, work and take part in our communities in every way." Twitters users responded with frustration at the intervention, with one user writing: "Lord Greaves said people were crying themselves to sleep at night over the country’s departure from the European Union... He's like all Remainer Lords who cannot accept the truth!" Another wrote: "Snowflakery knows no age limit." But someone else agreed with Lord Greaves, saying: "I 100 percent agree with him." Earlier this week Baroness Hayter unleashed a scathing attack on Conservative Ministers' Brexit timetable in the House of Lords. The Labour life peer said the Government was "rushing" and "ramming" through their "very poor" Brexit bill.
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Baroness Hayter unleashed a scathing attack on Conservative Ministers' Brexit timetable
Brexit: It’s ‘stupid and arrogant’ to rush bill says Baroness Hayter
The 2016 EU referendum result
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thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Brexiteers left furious as ministers say Remainer plot responsible for silencing Big Ben

They claim anti-Brexit members of the House of Commission exaggerated the estimated cost of temporarily reactivating Westminster ’ s iconic bell in a killjoy attempt to undermine celebrations of the UK ’ s departure from the EU at the end of the month .
A Cabinet minister said : “ They just want to stop us marking this historic moment properly.
” The accusation was made as Brexiteers scrambled to try to raise up to £500,000 to ensure Big Ben ’ s famous bongs ring out at 11pm on January 31 when the country is set to formally leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are understood to be frustrated by the commission ’ s decision earlier this week to rule out reactivating Big Ben , which is currently out of service due to maintenance work , for Brexit night .
A statement from the commission , which supervises Commons administration , estimated that re-attaching the bell ’ s striking mechanism and installing a temporary floor , as well as the financial impact of delaying Parliament ’ s refurbishment programme , could cost taxpayers between £320,000 and £500,000 .
But the Cabinet minister said : “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £500,000 .
It ’ s just the Remainers on the House of Commons Commission - they just want to stick it to us Brexiteers.
” Commission members include Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle , Commons Leader Jacob-Rees Mogg , Labour frontbencher Valerie Vaz , senior SNP MP Pete Whishart and other MPs and parliamentary officials .
Westminster insiders say Remainers have a narrow majority on the 10-strong body .
A spokesman for the commission said last night : “ As with other major parliamentary projects , the scope , budget and timetable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by senior officials of both Houses and relevant Members bodies have been kept informed of progress .
“ The cost for the temporary floor and installing , testing and striking Big Ben would be approximately £120,000 .
“ In addition to the set-up , the delay to work in the belfry would push back the planned programme of works by two to four weeks , with each week of delays costing approximately £100,000 a week .
“ As such , the minimum cost of sounding Big Ben would be £320,000 but could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These costs are based on a notice period of approximately two weeks .
“ Should the project team be required to strike the bell with less notice , these costs would increase substantially.
” Earlier this week , Boris Johnson made a plea for public donations to fund the cost of temporarily re-activating the bell for Brexit night , inviting volunteers to “ bung a bob for a Big Ben bong.
” Tory MP Mark Francois , who tabled a Commons Early Day Motion calling for Big Ben to chime on Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be raised within days .
Mr Francois , who has personally pledged £1,000 to the fund , said : `` I think we will get it within 48 hours . ''
Mr Francois told ITV 's Good Morning Britain : `` It seems to me and many of my colleagues in the House of Commons patently daft that we have got the most iconic clock in the world - literally , it 's a world heritage site - that that should stay silent on this occasion . ''
He claimed the costs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Commons just do n't want to do it '' .
He added : “ I suppose if all else failed we could play a recording of Big Ben chime at 11pm .
“ I ’ m sure you or the BBC or someone ’ s got to have that on tape somewhere .
“ But I think this is such an iconic moment that we are feeling in the nation that we should do it properly .
Bear in mind , it ’ s entirely voluntary .
“ Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free country again can do so .
“ Those who don ’ t can stay at home and watch Netflix .
It ’ s an individual choice . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also backed the campaign yesterday , saying he would `` love to hear the Big Ben bong on Brexit day '' .
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` Bong or no bong , we are delivering Brexit on January 31 . ''
On crowdfunding website GoFundMe , a series of pages were set up to attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only around £500 pledged yesterday .
Nigel Farage yesterday claimed the UK would look like “ a joke ” if Big Ben failed to chime on Brexit night .
Speaking on LBC Radio , the Brexit Party leader said : `` Boris Johnson was making a joke of it - 'Oh we 'll find some mechanism where you can put a pound in ' .
“ It 's almost as if the Government is embarrassed by Brexit .
They do n't want to celebrate the moment .
`` I have put in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament Square for the evening , to put up some staging , to have some singing , to have some music , to have some speeches .
“ I 've also applied to have some fireworks , which has been refused point blank .
`` Boris got elected on a massive majority on the basis of Get Brexit Done and he ca n't even bring himself as Prime Minister to say they are going to fund this to show the world we are organised and we are ready .
`` I frankly think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that moment at 11pm , if Big Ben does n't strike , our country looks like a joke . ''
Mr Farage said a recording of the bongs could be played through a soundsystem at the Brexit celebration in Parliament Square .
Downing Street officials said the Government was still working on plans to mark Brexit .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : `` What we are doing is working on a package of ways to mark the 31st .
We are looking to announce them altogether . ''
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bells to peal across the nation when the UK leaves the EU at 11pm on January 31 were also being met with opposition .
Bell-ringing representatives released a statement to say they do not endorse the act being carried out in churches `` for political reasons '' such as Brexit .
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers declined to give its backing .
`` There are historical moments for which bells have been rung - end of world wars for example .
In 2018 the Central Council worked with the Government on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 years since WW1 Armistice , '' it said in a statement .
`` However the Central Council , as a principle , does not endorse bell ringing for political reasons .
Individual towers have discretion to ring for such occasions but is on a case-by-case basis and typically needs permission from the incumbent . ''
Eurosceptic campaign group StandUp4Brexit has launched a national crowdfunding campaign to raise £500,000 by this weekend , so that Big Ben can “ Bong for Brexit ” on January 31 .
By last night ( Wed ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £1,000 donation from Tory MP Mark Francois .
The MP , who has led the Parliamentary campaign for Big Ben to Bong for Brexit , said : “ We would like this campaign to be funded primarily by individual donations from the British public .
If 50,000 people gave £10 , we could reach this target very rapidly .
Hopefully , we are never going to leave the European Union again so it seems only fitting to celebrate it properly and I hope the British people will respond accordingly.
” Rebecca Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three and a half years after the referendum vote we are finally leaving the EU .
As a historic event , it ’ s unthinkable that this moment wo n't be celebrated by the chimes of the most famous clock in the world , in the world ’ s premier city.
” If the target is met , any additional funds raised will be donated to the charity Help for Heroes , a charity that is close to Mr Francois ’ heart as a former veterans minister .
• People can donate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following link : https : //www.gofundme.com/bigbenbongforbrexit

Brexit bong opposition can ‘watch Netflix’ says Mark Francois
They claim anti-Brexit members of the House of Commission exaggerated the estimated cost of temporarily reactivating Westminster’s iconic bell in a killjoy attempt to undermine celebrations of the UK’s departure from the EU at the end of the month. A Cabinet minister said: “They just want to stop us marking this historic moment properly.” The accusation was made as Brexiteers scrambled to try to raise up to £500,000 to ensure Big Ben’s famous bongs ring out at 11pm on January 31 when the country is set to formally leave the EU. Veteran Eurosceptics in the government are understood to be frustrated by the commission’s decision earlier this week to rule out reactivating Big Ben, which is currently out of service due to maintenance work, for Brexit night.
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A statement from the commission, which supervises Commons administration, estimated that re-attaching the bell’s striking mechanism and installing a temporary floor, as well as the financial impact of delaying Parliament’s refurbishment programme, could cost taxpayers between £320,000 and £500,000. But the Cabinet minister said: “There’s no way it would really cost £500,000. It’s just the Remainers on the House of Commons Commission - they just want to stick it to us Brexiteers.” Commission members include Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Commons Leader Jacob-Rees Mogg, Labour frontbencher Valerie Vaz, senior SNP MP Pete Whishart and other MPs and parliamentary officials. Westminster insiders say Remainers have a narrow majority on the 10-strong body. A spokesman for the commission said last night: “As with other major parliamentary projects, the scope, budget and timetable for the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment project were approved by senior officials of both Houses and relevant Members bodies have been kept informed of progress. “The cost for the temporary floor and installing, testing and striking Big Ben would be approximately £120,000.
Senior minister blame a Remainer plot
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“In addition to the set-up, the delay to work in the belfry would push back the planned programme of works by two to four weeks, with each week of delays costing approximately £100,000 a week. “As such, the minimum cost of sounding Big Ben would be £320,000 but could be much higher (up to £500,000). These costs are based on a notice period of approximately two weeks. “Should the project team be required to strike the bell with less notice, these costs would increase substantially.” Earlier this week, Boris Johnson made a plea for public donations to fund the cost of temporarily re-activating the bell for Brexit night, inviting volunteers to “bung a bob for a Big Ben bong.” Tory MP Mark Francois, who tabled a Commons Early Day Motion calling for Big Ben to chime on Brexit night, yesterday predicted the cash would be raised within days. Mr Francois, who has personally pledged £1,000 to the fund, said: "I think we will get it within 48 hours."
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Conservative MP, Mark François
Mr Francois told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "It seems to me and many of my colleagues in the House of Commons patently daft that we have got the most iconic clock in the world - literally, it's a world heritage site - that that should stay silent on this occasion." He claimed the costs were "massively exaggerated" because "officials in the House of Commons just don't want to do it". He added: “I suppose if all else failed we could play a recording of Big Ben chime at 11pm. “I’m sure you or the BBC or someone’s got to have that on tape somewhere. “But I think this is such an iconic moment that we are feeling in the nation that we should do it properly. Bear in mind, it’s entirely voluntary. “Those who wish to celebrate us becoming a free country again can do so. “Those who don’t can stay at home and watch Netflix. It’s an individual choice." Health Secretary Matt Hancock also backed the campaign yesterday, saying he would "love to hear the Big Ben bong on Brexit day".
The Union flag flutters near the clockface of Big Ben
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Bong or no bong, we are delivering Brexit on January 31." On crowdfunding website GoFundMe, a series of pages were set up to attempt to raise cash for the bongs but had only around £500 pledged yesterday. Nigel Farage yesterday claimed the UK would look like “a joke” if Big Ben failed to chime on Brexit night. Speaking on LBC Radio, the Brexit Party leader said: "Boris Johnson was making a joke of it - 'Oh we'll find some mechanism where you can put a pound in'. “It's almost as if the Government is embarrassed by Brexit. They don't want to celebrate the moment. "I have put in an application through Leave Means Leave to book Parliament Square for the evening, to put up some staging, to have some singing, to have some music, to have some speeches. “I've also applied to have some fireworks, which has been refused point blank. "Boris got elected on a massive majority on the basis of Get Brexit Done and he can't even bring himself as Prime Minister to say they are going to fund this to show the world we are organised and we are ready.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock
"I frankly think that, around the world, at that moment at 11pm, if Big Ben doesn't strike, our country looks like a joke." Mr Farage said a recording of the bongs could be played through a soundsystem at the Brexit celebration in Parliament Square. Downing Street officials said the Government was still working on plans to mark Brexit. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: "What we are doing is working on a package of ways to mark the 31st. We are looking to announce them altogether." Meanwhile, Leave campaigners' calls for church bells to peal across the nation when the UK leaves the EU at 11pm on January 31 were also being met with opposition. Bell-ringing representatives released a statement to say they do not endorse the act being carried out in churches "for political reasons" such as Brexit. The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers declined to give its backing. "There are historical moments for which bells have been rung - end of world wars for example. In 2018 the Central Council worked with the Government on a recruitment and awareness campaign to recognise 100 years since WW1 Armistice," it said in a statement.
Nigel Farage suggests a recording of the bongs could be played instead


thedailyexpress--2020-01-16--Boris Johnson praised for rejecting SNP’s indyref bid – Sturgeon told to ‘accept defeat’

The Prime Minister slapped down the Scottish National Party ’ s call to hold an independence vote on Tuesday , reminding the First Minister of her 2014 vow that the indyref was a “ once in a generation ” vote .
Ms Sturgeon responded by accusing the Conservatives of being “ terrified ” of giving Scots a say on their future .
In the 2014 referendum , voters rejected independence by 55 percent to 45 percent .
When asked , “ Should Boris Johnson grant Nicola Sturgeon another independence referendum ?
” the overwhelming majority of Express.co.uk respondents said “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) of people said a second vote should not be held while 21 percent ( 2,589 ) said “ yes ” .
Just 97 people said they were unsure .
A total of 12,262 votes were cast in the poll between 11.50am and 6pm on Wednesday , January 15 .
Some readers said Ms Sturgeon had become “ obsessed ” with the issue , particularly since her party made gains in the December 12 general election .
One reader pointed out the irony of the SNP ’ s position , given that Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejoin the EU after Brexit , handing back control to the bloc .
The reader said : “ The SNP elites would get to sit at the EU high table but the working class of Scotland will not.
” And a pro-Unionist voter said when “ Scottish fishermen voted to leave the EU and take Scottish fish with them ” they did not have a plan to rejoin the bloc in mind .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon nightmare : SNP set for disaster and collapse in 2020 Ms Sturgeon said the SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a mandate for a second Scottish independence vote .
But one respondent slammed : “ NO !
Once in a generation means once in a generation , not once in a generation or again in a few years if the losers can not accept defeat .
“ Even if they got their wish and won , the losers could then equally demand a third referendum and it could go on forever .
DO N'T MISS SNP 's Ian Blackford branded 'democracy denier ' in Johnson clash [ INSIGHT ] SNP chief stuns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the argument ’ on indyref 2 [ INTERVIEW ] Nicola Sturgeon 's anti-Brexit warning dismantld [ ANALYSIS ] “ You either accept defeat or it opens the flood gates to every vote or contest being open to challenge.
” And another opponent said : “ 2014 was a once in a generation referendum .
Leave lost so suck it up .
“ The next one should be due in about 20-30 years.
” While a fourth said : “ There is nothing in the rules of democracy to say that if you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep on screaming for a rerun !
“ Sturgeon knows that and she also realises that the longer she keeps mismanaging Scotland ’ s economy the more trouble she will get into.
” But other readers said they believe granting a second vote so soon after the first would bring about an end to the never-ending debate .

Indyref2: SNP's Kirsty Blackman claims they’ve ‘won argument’
The Prime Minister slapped down the Scottish National Party’s call to hold an independence vote on Tuesday, reminding the First Minister of her 2014 vow that the indyref was a “once in a generation” vote. Ms Sturgeon responded by accusing the Conservatives of being “terrified” of giving Scots a say on their future. In the 2014 referendum, voters rejected independence by 55 percent to 45 percent.
When asked, “Should Boris Johnson grant Nicola Sturgeon another independence referendum?” the overwhelming majority of Express.co.uk respondents said “no”. Seventy-nine percent (9,576) of people said a second vote should not be held while 21 percent (2,589) said “yes”. Just 97 people said they were unsure. A total of 12,262 votes were cast in the poll between 11.50am and 6pm on Wednesday, January 15.
The SNP's leader Nicola Sturgeon has accused the Tories of being 'terrified' of a second indyref
A man poses for a photo during a pro-independence demonstration in Scotland
Some readers said Ms Sturgeon had become “obsessed” with the issue, particularly since her party made gains in the December 12 general election. One reader pointed out the irony of the SNP’s position, given that Ms Sturgeon has claimed an independent Scotland could rejoin the EU after Brexit, handing back control to the bloc. The reader said: “The SNP elites would get to sit at the EU high table but the working class of Scotland will not.” And a pro-Unionist voter said when “Scottish fishermen voted to leave the EU and take Scottish fish with them” they did not have a plan to rejoin the bloc in mind. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon nightmare: SNP set for disaster and collapse in 2020
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A pro-independence supporter takes part in a rally in Scotland
A pro-independence campaigner stands in front of pro-Union activists
Nicola Sturgeon has said an independent Scotland could rejoin the EU soon after Brexit
“You either accept defeat or it opens the flood gates to every vote or contest being open to challenge.” And another opponent said: “2014 was a once in a generation referendum. Leave lost so suck it up. “The next one should be due in about 20-30 years.”
Scots voted to remain in the UK in the 2014 referendum on independence
While a fourth said: “There is nothing in the rules of democracy to say that if you do not like a referendum result, you keep on screaming for a rerun! “Sturgeon knows that and she also realises that the longer she keeps mismanaging Scotland’s economy the more trouble she will get into.” But other readers said they believe granting a second vote so soon after the first would bring about an end to the never-ending debate.
Scottish men and women march through a street during an independence rally
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