thedailyexpress--2020-02-23--Brexit poll: Does the UK have the upper hand on Brussels now the EU27 are 'divided'? VOTE

Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether the UK has the upper hand in trade talks with Brussels .
It comes after a source close to the British negotiations branded the EU “ divided and distracted ” .
THE POLL HAS NOW CLOSED .
Brussels is yet to publish its negotiating mandate but a leaked draft includes a demand for the UK to give the Elgin marbles back to Greece - which Britain has ruled out .
And the bloc is facing chaos over its next budget with EU leaders unable to reach an agreement .
The source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , progress has been remarkably smooth , with a clear decision-making framework in place and a sense of unity among ministers .
“ By contrast , the EU seems divided , distracted by other issues like marbles , instead of the important decisions on what our trading relationship will actually look like .
“ The new plan is for them to approve their mandate on February 25 but it is anyone ’ s guess whether they will.
” It comes as Boris Johnson is preparing to reveal his demands for a post-Brexit trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister is expected to call for a Canada-style agreement in the negotiating mandate which is due to be published on Thursday .
READ MORE : Boris ‘ visibly ’ furious as official rejects PM 's post-Brexit satellite But it puts the UK on a collision course with the EU after the bloc ’ s chief negotiator Michel Brannier dismissed Britain signing up to the same deal as Canada .
Meanwhile , the UK ’ s negotiating mandate for a free trade agreement with the US is expected to be published the following week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a speech earlier this week , Mr Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost rejected a level playing field which would set common rules and standards to prevent UK businesses undercutting EU companies .
DO N'T MISS Nigel Farage details huge Brexit progress made already [ VIDEO ] Are burgundy passports valid as post-Brexit blue documents rolled out ?
[ ANALYSIS ] IDS exposes Brussels infighting - EU crumbles before Brexit talks [ INSIGHT ] In response , Mr Barnier said : `` A trade agreement that includes in particular fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a country that has a very particular proximity - a unique territorial and economic closeness it ca n't be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan . ''
The UK left the EU on January 31 and is currently in a transition period which runs until the end of 2020 , during which time Britain follows the bloc ’ s rules but has no say in how they are made .
Mr Johnson has repeatedly insisted he will not push back the deadline despite claims by critics that the timeframe is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to sign off the negotiating mandate with ministers on Tuesday before putting it to MPs on Thursday .

Brexit: Lack of UK contribution causing 'concern' for EU says IDS
Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether the UK has the upper hand in trade talks with Brussels. It comes after a source close to the British negotiations branded the EU “divided and distracted”. THE POLL HAS NOW CLOSED.
Brussels is yet to publish its negotiating mandate but a leaked draft includes a demand for the UK to give the Elgin marbles back to Greece - which Britain has ruled out. And the bloc is facing chaos over its next budget with EU leaders unable to reach an agreement. The source said: “On the UK side, progress has been remarkably smooth, with a clear decision-making framework in place and a sense of unity among ministers. “By contrast, the EU seems divided, distracted by other issues like marbles, instead of the important decisions on what our trading relationship will actually look like.
Readers can vote in our poll on whether the UK has the upper hand in trade talks with Brussels
“The new plan is for them to approve their mandate on February 25 but it is anyone’s guess whether they will.” It comes as Boris Johnson is preparing to reveal his demands for a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU. The Prime Minister is expected to call for a Canada-style agreement in the negotiating mandate which is due to be published on Thursday. READ MORE: Boris ‘visibly’ furious as official rejects PM's post-Brexit satellite
A source close to the British negotiations branded the EU “divided and distracted”
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But it puts the UK on a collision course with the EU after the bloc’s chief negotiator Michel Brannier dismissed Britain signing up to the same deal as Canada. Meanwhile, the UK’s negotiating mandate for a free trade agreement with the US is expected to be published the following week, ramping up the pressure on Brussels. In a speech earlier this week, Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost rejected a level playing field which would set common rules and standards to prevent UK businesses undercutting EU companies. DON'T MISS
Nigel Farage details huge Brexit progress made already [VIDEO]
Are burgundy passports valid as post-Brexit blue documents rolled out? [ANALYSIS]
IDS exposes Brussels infighting - EU crumbles before Brexit talks [INSIGHT]
Michel Barnier dismissed Britain signing up to the same deal as Canada
Boris Johnson is preparing to reveal his demands for a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU
In response, Mr Barnier said: "A trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field, with a country that has a very particular proximity - a unique territorial and economic closeness it can't be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan." The UK left the EU on January 31 and is currently in a transition period which runs until the end of 2020, during which time Britain follows the bloc’s rules but has no say in how they are made. Mr Johnson has repeatedly insisted he will not push back the deadline despite claims by critics that the timeframe is too tight. The Prime Minister is set to sign off the negotiating mandate with ministers on Tuesday before putting it to MPs on Thursday.
In a speech earlier this week, Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost rejected a level playing field
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-23--Brexit can end Cyprus stand-off between north and south, Prime Minister says

The Prime Minister of North Cyprus Ersin Tatar , who is the frontrunner to win the enclave ’ s Presidential election next month , has urged the UK to get behind a two state solution for the divided Mediterranean island .
He also wants direct flights to start from London to North Cyprus to boost its economy with tourism and business as well as support the 20,000 British expats living their .
Mr Tatar spoke to the Sunday Express on a trip to the UK where he gave a talk at his old Cambridge University ’ s Jesus College which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met with senior Tory MPs including former leader Iain Duncan Smith and Sir David Amess .
The North Cypriot Prime Minister believes that Brexit has handed his country and the whole disputed island a chance to break the deadlock .
Britain had been unable to make a decisive intervention because Greece and Cyprus are EU members and could wield a veto in retaliation .
Mr Tatar said that 45 years of trying to bring the two sides together in a federal solution had failed arguing “ a forced marriage will not succeed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We speak Turkish , they speak Greek .
We are Muslims , they are Christians .
“ The new generation does not know each other at all .
A child who was 10 in 1974 is now 55 , he has grandchildren .
We are separated.
” He added : “ Now that the UK is out of the EU it can use some initiatives to make the Turkish Cypriots more comfortable .
“ If we have direct flights , especially from the UK , we will enjoy tourism and growth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in Britain .
We have a lot of English people who would like to fly in and out of Cyprus .
“ If we have direct flights it will benefit our economy because it will increase our competitiveness.
” Currently the average income is £25,000 per person in Greek Cyprus and £15,000 in North Cyprus .

The Prime Minister of North Cyprus Ersin Tatar, who is the frontrunner to win the enclave’s Presidential election next month, has urged the UK to get behind a two state solution for the divided Mediterranean island. He also wants direct flights to start from London to North Cyprus to boost its economy with tourism and business as well as support the 20,000 British expats living their. Mr Tatar spoke to the Sunday Express on a trip to the UK where he gave a talk at his old Cambridge University’s Jesus College which he attended as a student and later met with senior Tory MPs including former leader Iain Duncan Smith and Sir David Amess.
The North Cypriot Prime Minister believes that Brexit has handed his country and the whole disputed island a chance to break the deadlock.
Britain had been unable to make a decisive intervention because Greece and Cyprus are EU members and could wield a veto in retaliation.
Mr Tatar said that 45 years of trying to bring the two sides together in a federal solution had failed arguing “a forced marriage will not succeed.”
He said: “We are different. We speak Turkish, they speak Greek. We are Muslims, they are Christians.
“The new generation does not know each other at all. A child who was 10 in 1974 is now 55, he has grandchildren. We are separated.”
He added: “Now that the UK is out of the EU it can use some initiatives to make the Turkish Cypriots more comfortable.
“If we have direct flights, especially from the UK, we will enjoy tourism and growth.
“More than 300,000 Turkish Cypriots are living in Britain. We have a lot of English people who would like to fly in and out of Cyprus.
“If we have direct flights it will benefit our economy because it will increase our competitiveness.”
Currently the average income is £25,000 per person in Greek Cyprus and £15,000 in North Cyprus.


thedailyexpress--2020-02-23--Newly crowned Tory MPs rebel as they blast Rishi Sunak’s plan to increase fuel tax

The Express last night saw a letter from 13 MPs in the Blue Collar Caucus founded by former minister Esther McVey to win over the Labour heartland seats .
The MPs have demanded that the new Chancellor Rishi Sunak abandons proposals to scrap the fuel duty freeze which would pile on financial pressure for many .
The letter says : “ Many towns and villages across the country - particularly in rural areas - severely lack the necessary local transport infrastructure to accommodate this change to the market .
“ Hardworking people in these areas rely on their vehicles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide for their families .
“ Any decision to scrap the fuel duty freeze must be seen for what it is : a tax rise which would hit our blue collar communities hardest.
” Signatories include some of the shock victories in the December election as the Tories swept many of the former Labour heartland red wall seats .
Others are Aaron Bell , Jonathan Gullis , Marco Longhi , Jason McCartney , Mark Jenkinson MP , Andy Carter , Paul Howell and Rob Roberts .
Fuel duty was frozen by George Osborne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fuel price escalator introduced by Gordon Brown in 2000 .
The escalator had meant the fuel rose at 3 per cent above inflation putting an extra cost on family budgets .
The issue has returned partly because of climate change activists putting pressure on governments to reduce car journeys .
However , the letter points out that the UK already has the highest fuel taxation in the world .
The Blue Collar group was set up by Ms McVey and Mansfield MP Ben Bradley aimed at winning seats in Labour heartlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by new MPs set up a caucus to `` keep the boss on track '' and put pressure on Mr Johnson to deliver for the north and midlands .
Sources have suggested that Downing Street removed Ms McVey as a minister in the reshuffle because he did not like a party within a party .
The letter is the second concerted attempt by the blue collar group to influence government policy after it led attempts to stop HS2 .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak
The Express last night saw a letter from 13 MPs in the Blue Collar Caucus founded by former minister Esther McVey to win over the Labour heartland seats. The MPs have demanded that the new Chancellor Rishi Sunak abandons proposals to scrap the fuel duty freeze which would pile on financial pressure for many.
The letter says: “Many towns and villages across the country - particularly in rural areas - severely lack the necessary local transport infrastructure to accommodate this change to the market. “Hardworking people in these areas rely on their vehicles to get on in their everyday lives and provide for their families. “Any decision to scrap the fuel duty freeze must be seen for what it is : a tax rise which would hit our blue collar communities hardest.” Signatories include some of the shock victories in the December election as the Tories swept many of the former Labour heartland red wall seats.
Esther McVey, founder of the Blue Collar Caucus
They include Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison, Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith, Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher and Darlington MP Peter Gibson. Others are Aaron Bell, Jonathan Gullis, Marco Longhi, Jason McCartney, Mark Jenkinson MP, Andy Carter, Paul Howell and Rob Roberts. Fuel duty was frozen by George Osborne in 2011 in effect bringing an end to the fuel price escalator introduced by Gordon Brown in 2000. The escalator had meant the fuel rose at 3 per cent above inflation putting an extra cost on family budgets. The issue has returned partly because of climate change activists putting pressure on governments to reduce car journeys.
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Brexit LIVE: Boris plots REMAINER CULL as civil servants who threatened EU exit face axe

Permanent secretaries , in some of Whitehall ’ s most influential departments , are believed to be in the firing line as part of a shake-up of Government departments .
The top civil servants are considered to be at odds with Tory ministers and advisers , especially over Brexit .
The former Vote Leave officials surrounding Boris Johnson , led by his chief adviser Dominic Cummings , want a clear out of opposing views , it is claimed .
He told the BBC ’ s Andrew Marr Show : “ You don ’ t solve a piece of managerial reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister has been urged not to carry out the cull of senior civil servants .
One source told the newspaper : “ Scholar is offside completely on Brexit .
The Treasury has done nothing but dig their heels in.
” The three top civil servants are considered to be at odds with Tory ministers and advisers , especially over Brexit .
The Treasury ’ s Sir Tom Scholar , Sir Philip Rutnam at the Home Office and Sir Simon McDonald of the Foreign Office are believed to be most at risk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news : Emmanuel Macron has said fishing is set to be a sticking point in upcoming trade talks The UK Government will publish its negotiating mandate for trade talks with the EU on Thursday .
11.33am update : The FIVE Brexit trade demands Boris is set to make Boris Johnson will set out his plans for a post-Brexit trade deal with Brussels this week ahead of starting formal negotiations with the EU .
The Prime Minister is expected to set out a series of demands to sign a basic free-trade agreement with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not request any bespoke or special arrangements from his European counterparts , instead favouring similar arrangements afforded to Canada , Japan and South Korea in their own pacts with Brussels .
Check HERE to see the full article on the PM 's five demands .
Iain Duncan-Smith has called on experts to help with the final stage of Brexit negotiations .
The former Tory leader told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` I think there are problems ahead for the UK .
`` One of them is the quality of the people now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't negotiated for 40 years you need to reach out to all those people that are involved in negotiations , really good transactional lawyers that exist in the City of London .
Proper trade economists .
We 've got very good ones at the moment but we need to bring them in from outside . ''
The former Tory leader explained that expertise from outside the civil service might now be needed to help battle with the European Union 's skilled negotiators .
10.22am update : France will not be 'blackmailed ' into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amélie de Montchalin , France 's secretary of state for European affairs has said she will bring a `` clear Brexit message '' to London this week .
She told broadcaster France 24 : “ Just because Boris Johnson wants a deal at all costs on December 31 does not mean that we will sign under the pressure of blackmail or the calendar a bad deal for the French . ''
The minister added Paris would not “ sacrifice our farmers , fishermen , businesses ” to secure a deal before the deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a post-Brexit trade deal with the US , warned former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers who told the BBC there could be a risk to agriculture earnings .
Former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers told the BBC Today show that US-UK trade negations must “ recognise that exposing our farmers to food produced to lower standards ” may affect them earning a living .
Ms Villiers , who lost her position in Boris Johnson ’ s cabinet reshuffle , was very outspoken on the matter , making it clear that the UK should stick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of animal welfare and imports .
Sir Keir Starmer , who is currently a frontrunner in the Labour leadership contest , has vowed to scrap salary thresholds for migrants coming to Britain if he becomes Labour leader .
He said the scheme was not the `` right measure for the worth of an individual coming to this country '' .
The salary thresholds are set to be introduced under the Government 's post-Brexit immigration system .
The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered to £25,600 for those coming to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be concessions for those earning no less than £20,480 as long as they still meet certain requirements or their occupation is short of staff .

Brexit: Iain Duncan Smith says UK has 'problems ahead'
Fishing for Leave has branded the EU’s demands as “egregious” as they highlight the bloc’s hypocrisy over its insistence to continue to fish in UK waters post-Brexit. They wrote on Twitter: “EU demands perpetual pillaging of 60% of Britain's fish for a deal & folk shrug. “If we demanded EU oil & gas to allow BMW sales there'd be outrage.”
It comes after France’s European Affairs Minister Amélie de Montchalin warned Boris Johnson Paris is “ready to fight” for fishing rights. The French minister warned the Prime Minister the EU will not be pushed into a "bad deal" just to ensure Mr Johnson is able to keep true to his pledge. Ms de Montchalin insisted the bloc will ensure their "fishermen, farmers and business" are protected under the new agreement as she said she will "make clear" to British business what they are set to lose should the Government fail to find common ground with Brussels. She added: “Our fishermen, they need to be protected but they know very well that, if we sign a bad deal, they are going to lose enormously." FOLLOW EXPRESS.CO.UK FOR LIVE UPDATES:
Brexit news: France eyes up British fishing waters as EU draws up demands
Brexit news: Emmanuel Macron has said fishing is set to be a sticking point in upcoming trade talks
22.00 pm: Keir Starmer hints that he will renew EU freedom of ovement if Labour elected in 2024 Labour leader contender Sir Keir Starmer has hinted he could bring back EU freedom of movement at the next general election if he replaces Jeremy Corbyn. 3.43 pm update: Possible Italy recession due to coronavirus Former prime minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi expressed his fear that the coronavirus may cause a recession in Italy. He tweeted: “Alongside the health emergency, there is a serious problem for our economic system. The loss of a few decimals of GDP, forecast by all economists, risks canceling the already very low growth and bringing us back into recession.” Additional reporting by Emily Ferguson 2.37pm update: Brexit 'makes it difficult for EU to survive' Brexit will make it “difficult for the EU to survive”, predicts one economist who claims the bloc could face intense pressure to reform if a post-Brexit trade deal cannot be reached by the end of the year. British economist Roger Bootle has claimed the EU is already feeling the effects of Brexit, as the EU27 failed to reach an agreement on the terms of the bloc’s next long-term budget last week. The chairman of Capital Economics also warned if the UK leaves the EU without a trade deal in place, Brussels may come under intense pressure to reform. He said Britain’s departure will either force reform or, if the bloc resists, “the EU is doomed”. 1.53pm update: Minister insists there will not be a border down the Irish Sea Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has insisted there will not be a border down the Irish Sea. He said: "I think it's safest not to get too caught up in rumours and stuff in the press over the weekends, we are focusing on our main job. "We have always said we want to make sure there is unfettered access between GB and Northern Ireland, we've always as a government obviously gone by the rule of law and we will continue to do that. "We want to make sure that the United Kingdom is one whole union, and one that is good for business across the United Kingdom. "We've always said there will not be a border down the Irish Sea, there will be unfettered access for business." 1.30pm update: Economist reveals Boris Johnson's 'powerful bargaining chip' Boris Johnson possesses a "powerful bargaining chip" in Brexit trade talks which is already panicking negotiators in Brussels, an economist has revealed: walking away at the end of the 2020 transition period with no deal. Mark Littlewood, director-general of the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA), said he was "supremely confident" of a positive outcome for the UK. Commenting in the wake of Andrew Neil's assessment the UK Government has "many cards to play" in forthcoming negotiations which would be characterised by a "much more assertive" approach, Mr Littlewood said he agreed with the former editor of The Times and journalistic heavyweight. He told Express.co.uk: "A great deal is made of how tight the timeframe is but whatever the deadline is, it will get sorted out in the last few days anyway." 1.22pm update: POLL: Should the House of Lords be scrapped after expenses claims soar? The House of Lords has come under fire for soaring expenses after it was revealed claims have shot up by 29 percent, in the last financial year - rising to a whopping £23million. Peers pocketed over £23million in expenses and daily attendance allowance in the 2018/2019 financial year, the Sunday Times report. As a result, do you think the second chamber should be scrapped? VOTE HERE 1pm update: Kate and Prince William sent to Ireland for tour of 'reconcilation' after Brexit Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William will travel to Ireland next month to "highlight the many strong links between the UK and Ireland", as part of the Government's Brexit charm offensive. As announced earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to visit Ireland between March 3 and 5 - a trip taking place at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. During this trip, Kate and William will travel across Dublin, County Meath, County Kildare and Galway. In a statement, Kate and William’s office said this visit will “build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation”. 12.33pm update: Europe urge UK to respect Irish protocal Brussels has said the Withdrawal Agreement must be effectively implemented. Dana Spinant, deputy chief spokeswoman of the European Commission, said: "The Withdrawal Agreement has been signed and ratified by both sides and as such it must be effectively implemented. "That includes, of course, the protocol on Northern Ireland and all its constituent parts. "Of course, in this context as in all others, we would expect our partners to respect their international obligations under their national law and under international law - that includes, of course, the Withdrawal Agreement which has legal force. "Obviously, with respect to the future and how this plays in the negotiation, of course respecting our legal obligations is very important for establishing trust between two partners in a negotiation." 12pm update: Government to publish negotiating mandate on Thursday The UK Government will publish its negotiating mandate for trade talks with the EU on Thursday.
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Boris Johnson has been urged to reform the House of Lords
11.33am update: The FIVE Brexit trade demands Boris is set to make Boris Johnson will set out his plans for a post-Brexit trade deal with Brussels this week ahead of starting formal negotiations with the EU. The Prime Minister is expected to set out a series of demands to sign a basic free-trade agreement with the bloc. It is understood he will not request any bespoke or special arrangements from his European counterparts, instead favouring similar arrangements afforded to Canada, Japan and South Korea in their own pacts with Brussels. Check HERE to see the full article on the PM's five demands. 11.01am update: Iain Duncan-Smith calls on experts to handle Brexit Iain Duncan-Smith has called on experts to help with the final stage of Brexit negotiations. The former Tory leader told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think there are problems ahead for the UK. "One of them is the quality of the people now working on this. If you haven't negotiated for 40 years you need to reach out to all those people that are involved in negotiations, really good transactional lawyers that exist in the City of London. Proper trade economists. We've got very good ones at the moment but we need to bring them in from outside." The former Tory leader explained that expertise from outside the civil service might now be needed to help battle with the European Union's skilled negotiators. 10.22am update: France will not be 'blackmailed' into a rushed trade deal with the UK Amélie de Montchalin, France's secretary of state for European affairs has said she will bring a "clear Brexit message" to London this week. She told broadcaster France 24: “Just because Boris Johnson wants a deal at all costs on December 31 does not mean that we will sign under the pressure of blackmail or the calendar a bad deal for the French." The minister added Paris would not “sacrifice our farmers, fishermen, businesses” to secure a deal before the deadline. 9.40am update: US-UK deal at risk of 'undercutting' British farmers, warns MP UK farmers must be protected in a post-Brexit trade deal with the US, warned former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers who told the BBC there could be a risk to agriculture earnings. Former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers told the BBC Today show that US-UK trade negations must “recognise that exposing our farmers to food produced to lower standards” may affect them earning a living. Ms Villiers, who lost her position in Boris Johnson’s cabinet reshuffle, was very outspoken on the matter, making it clear that the UK should stick to the standards we have now in terms of animal welfare and imports.
Brexit news: Official talks will kick off on March 3
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Hundreds of thousands DEMAND end to 'feudal' House of Lords after ANOTHER expenses shock

The Electoral Reform Society ( ERS ) called for a slimmed-down , proportionally elected chamber representing the nations and regions of the UK after it emerged the average tax-free payment to peers in the year to March 2019 was £30,827 .
The figure , a 29 percent increase on the previous 12 months , is higher than the average annual salary of a UK worker even though the the House of Lords sits for just half the year .
And the costs are about to go up again with peers getting an above average pay rise of 3.1 percent from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending to £323 .
Willie Sullivan , senior director of campaigns at the ERS , told LBC ’ s Nick Ferrari this morning : “ The Lords is a flashing red light on the dashboard of democracy .
“ It ’ s a glaringly undemocratic set-up that needs to be radically changed .
We need a revising chamber – but it shouldn ’ t look like this mess.
” The House of Lords defended itself as “ busy and effective ” despite the revelation that more than £1 million was claimed by more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or written contribution to the House during the entire 12-month period .
Mr Sullivan said : “ Once again unelected Lords are taking advantage of the total lack of scrutiny and accountability in the upper chamber .
“ The House of Lords is a rolling expenses scandal - and we ’ ll see this year after year unless there is reform and real accountability .
Many peers work hard but voters must be able to kick out those who are abusing the system .
“ This is an insult to the public who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this feudal relic . ''
READ MORE : House of Lords expenses soar by almost a third as taxpayers pay £23m He continued : “ The Government must act and move towards a democratic revising chamber for the whole UK .
Voters want an end to unelected power over our laws - we must move to a fairly-elected revising chamber that we can be proud of .
At present this bloated chamber is doing a disservice to Parliament and undermining trust in politics .
“ This bloated chamber is beyond self-regulation , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors and cronies as they like .
No other advanced democracy has a second house as institutionally corrupting as this .
“ The best way to move to stop this expenses free for all and cut the chamber down to size is to replace it with a much smaller , proportionally elected Senate , representing the nations and regions of the UK.
” More than 170,000 people have now signed the ERS ’ petition for Lords reform launched mid-December .
A spokesman for the House of Lords said the increase in costs is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had more sitting days .
He said : “ As members of the Lords can generally only claim allowances for days they attend the House any increase in sitting days is likely to produce an increase in the cost of member ’ s allowances .
DO N'T MISS It 's time to reform House of Lords , says FREDERICK FORSYTH [ OPINION ] The House of Lords is anti-democratic and has no place in democracy [ COMMENT ] Boris Johnson overwhelmingly told to remove House of Lords NOW [ POLL ]

Gordon Brown warns ‘UK could end’ over Lords relocation
The Electoral Reform Society (ERS) called for a slimmed-down, proportionally elected chamber representing the nations and regions of the UK after it emerged the average tax-free payment to peers in the year to March 2019 was £30,827. The figure, a 29 percent increase on the previous 12 months, is higher than the average annual salary of a UK worker even though the the House of Lords sits for just half the year.
The Lords is a flashing red light on the dashboard of democracy Willie Sullivan
And the costs are about to go up again with peers getting an above average pay rise of 3.1 percent from April, taking their daily payment for attending to £323. Willie Sullivan, senior director of campaigns at the ERS, told LBC’s Nick Ferrari this morning: “The Lords is a flashing red light on the dashboard of democracy. “It’s a glaringly undemocratic set-up that needs to be radically changed. We need a revising chamber – but it shouldn’t look like this mess.”
House of Lords is facing fresh calls for reform
The House of Lords defended itself as “busy and effective” despite the revelation that more than £1 million was claimed by more than 110 peers who made no spoken or written contribution to the House during the entire 12-month period. Mr Sullivan said: “Once again unelected Lords are taking advantage of the total lack of scrutiny and accountability in the upper chamber. “The House of Lords is a rolling expenses scandal - and we’ll see this year after year unless there is reform and real accountability. Many peers work hard but voters must be able to kick out those who are abusing the system. “This is an insult to the public who want real democracy and an overhaul of this feudal relic." READ MORE:House of Lords expenses soar by almost a third as taxpayers pay £23m
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Peers are under fresh scrutiny after it emerged their expenses claims had soared by a third
He continued: “The Government must act and move towards a democratic revising chamber for the whole UK. Voters want an end to unelected power over our laws - we must move to a fairly-elected revising chamber that we can be proud of. At present this bloated chamber is doing a disservice to Parliament and undermining trust in politics. “This bloated chamber is beyond self-regulation, when a Prime Minister can appoint as many donors and cronies as they like. No other advanced democracy has a second house as institutionally corrupting as this. “The best way to move to stop this expenses free for all and cut the chamber down to size is to replace it with a much smaller, proportionally elected Senate, representing the nations and regions of the UK.”
Trending
More than 170,000 people have now signed the ERS’ petition for Lords reform launched mid-December. A spokesman for the House of Lords said the increase in costs is likely down to the fact that members had more sitting days. He said: “As members of the Lords can generally only claim allowances for days they attend the House any increase in sitting days is likely to produce an increase in the cost of member’s allowances. DON'T MISS
It's time to reform House of Lords, says FREDERICK FORSYTH[OPINION]
The House of Lords is anti-democratic and has no place in democracy[COMMENT]
Boris Johnson overwhelmingly told to remove House of Lords NOW[POLL]
The House of Lords has been branded a 'feudal relic' by reform campaigners


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--‘Nonsense!’ Royal expert brutally shuts down Lisa Nandy’s scrap the monarchy dig

The Wigan MP admitted she would vote to scrap the monarchy if there was a referendum .
But , confusingly , she added she would like to see Meghan Markle as Queen , despite the Duchess of Sussex stepping down as a senior royal alongside husband Prince Harry at the end of March .
Ms Nandy was asked whether the monarchy should be abolished during the Channel 4 live television debate of the three remaining leadership candidates , which also includes Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey .
She responded : “ I ’ m a democrat , so I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not the priority of the country.
” Ms Nandy then added : “ I ’ d quite like to see Queen Meghan.
” Philip Blond , an Anglican theologian and director of the ResPublica think tank , described Ms Nandy ’ s views on abolishing the Royals Family as “ nonsense ” as the majority of the population would not allow this to happen .
He told Express.co.uk : “ The monarchy is the most popular institute in the country , above everything else .
“ Why would any Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nandy is speaking only to win over the electorate and members of the Labour Party rather than the whole population .
“ The leadership candidates need to speak for more than just their membership and the Labour far-left.
” READ MORE : Labour leadership contest odds : Who will win ?
A look at the candidates During the live debate , left-wing contender Ms Long-Bailey said she would not abolish the monarchy .
And frontrunner Mr Starmer said he would “ downsize ” the royals but not get rid of them altogether .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin voting today in a leadership ballot that runs until April 2 .
The new Labour leader will then be announced on April 4 .
DO N'T MISS Labour contest : Tory MP reveals shocking choice for next Labour leader [ REVEALED ] Labour has no God-given right to exist , says Lisa Nandy MP [ OPINION ] Kate Garraway shuts down Labour 's Nandy over party values [ VIDEO ] Meanwhile , Ms Nandy also gave a blunt assessment of previous Labour leaders over the weekend .
She said Tony Blair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn has shown a “ shallowness ” in their understanding of concerns about immigration in working class areas .
She added they had a “ lack of courage ” in providing answers .
Ms Nandy told The Independent : “ As immigration climbed up the list of voters ’ priorities there was a shallowness of understanding in our analysis and a lack of courage in our response .
“ We need to understand why in areas with low immigration people are concerned about it .
And we need to understand that in towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities for people from other countries to come and work at the local hospital , while local people weren ’ t able to train as nurses because the government had cut the nursing bursary .
“ Voters weren ’ t irrational or racist but our political strategy treated them like they were .
“ It ’ s not the fault of voters that this complexity was missed – it is our fault , the politicians who should have been making a more principled and braver case for the last 20 years .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up seeking ever more desperate ways to pretend we were offering solutions to something that , in our heart of hearts , we don ’ t agree is the problem.
” Ms Nandy added she was “ tired of defeat ” and warned that Labour “ can not just change the man at the top again and hope for a different result ” .

Labour leadership: Lisa Nandy calls for 'Queen Meghan Markle'
The Wigan MP admitted she would vote to scrap the monarchy if there was a referendum. But, confusingly, she added she would like to see Meghan Markle as Queen, despite the Duchess of Sussex stepping down as a senior royal alongside husband Prince Harry at the end of March. Ms Nandy was asked whether the monarchy should be abolished during the Channel 4 live television debate of the three remaining leadership candidates, which also includes Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey.
She responded: “I’m a democrat, so I would vote to scrap it. “But this is not the priority of the country.” Ms Nandy then added: “I’d quite like to see Queen Meghan.” Philip Blond, an Anglican theologian and director of the ResPublica think tank, described Ms Nandy’s views on abolishing the Royals Family as “nonsense” as the majority of the population would not allow this to happen.
Lisa Nandy has been blasted over her plans to abolish the monarchy
He told Express.co.uk: “The monarchy is the most popular institute in the country, above everything else. “Why would any Labour Party want to destroy this? “Lisa Nandy is speaking only to win over the electorate and members of the Labour Party rather than the whole population. “The leadership candidates need to speak for more than just their membership and the Labour far-left.” READ MORE: Labour leadership contest odds: Who will win? A look at the candidates
The Labour leader candidate said she wanted to see "Queen Meghan"
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The new Labour leader will be announced on April 4
The Labour leadership contest came after Jeremy Corbyn announced he was stepping down
Meanwhile, Ms Nandy also gave a blunt assessment of previous Labour leaders over the weekend. She said Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn has shown a “shallowness” in their understanding of concerns about immigration in working class areas. She added they had a “lack of courage” in providing answers. Ms Nandy told The Independent: “As immigration climbed up the list of voters’ priorities there was a shallowness of understanding in our analysis and a lack of courage in our response.
Labour members and supporters begin voting today in a leadership ballot
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Rebecca Long-Bailey chaos: ‘Continuity Corbyn’ bid for Labour leadership hit by division

More than half-a-million Labour Party members , affiliates and registered supporters will start receiving their ballot papers on Monday morning , with polling closing on April 2 and the next leader announced two days later .
The vast majority of ballots will be sent out via email and therefore can be returned instantly , with party insiders expecting up to two-thirds of eligible voters to take part .
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer remains the clear favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn , having won the support of most Labour MPs as well as 60 percent of grassroots parties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ later this morning , he will promise to “ unite ” the fragmented party , which suffered a disastrous general election result only two months ago in December .
But Ms Long-Bailey , the “ Corbyn continuity candidate ” , is now under huge pressure following reports of deepening cracks emerging in her leadership bid .
Politico has reported there have been “ deep divisions ” inside the camp of the Shadow Business Secretary around how best to attack Sir Keir over the past few weeks in a desperate attempt to reel him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on the attack against the leadership frontrunner in the first televised debate on BBC Newsnight earlier this month .
They felt a televised attack on Sir Keir ’ s much-publicised Remain credentials , suggesting he was partly responsible for the loss of Labour ’ s Northern heartlands , could have been the “ game-changer ” that could have blown the contest wide open .
But several others from within her camp - including Ms Long-Bailey herself - relented on such an aggressive tactic .
One Labour source told Politico : “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to need to work together after this is over.
” This is the latest blow to Ms Long-Bailey ’ s bid to replace Mr Corbyn as Labour leader after claims she is heading for a humiliating third place finish .
READ MORE : Deputy leadership hopeful blasted by Labour MP over 'unhelpful ' tweet She has been heavily endorsed by both Mr Corbyn and outgoing Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell over recent weeks .
But the Mail On Sunday has reported party she is trailing behind Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Labour leadership contest .
A Labour source told the newspaper : “ It may be that Keir ’ s Leftie bank manager-style campaign is unstoppable , but it ’ s embarrassing for Long Bailey if she can ’ t beat Nandy given all the advantages she had .
“ She ’ s been Corbyn ’ s anointed heir for years but it looks as though she ’ s blown that.
” DO N'T MISS 'You started it ! '
Kay Burley loses it with Keir Starmer in heated row [ VIDEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock encounter with Labour hopeful [ INSIGHT ] ' I 'm not sure they are ! '
Portillo cuts down Labour MP [ COMMENT ] Ms Long-Bailey ’ s camp has denied she is trailing in third place , claiming she is actually closing the gap on Sir Keir in first position .
But the Mail on Sunday has also reported the Shadow Business Secretary ’ s leadership campaign is falling apart so badly she is now being shunned by close ally and friend , deputy leadership candidate candidate Angela Rayner .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances with Ms Long Bailey over her weakening campaign .
Last week , Mr Corbyn said he would join Ms Long-Bailey ’ s shadow cabinet after she guaranteed him a role should she win the contest .
Mr Corbyn said although he finally acknowledged the party had catastrophically lost the election in December , he still felt he had a strong role in Ms Long-Bailey ’ s cabinet .
When asked if he would join a cabinet team led by Ms Long-Bailey , Mr Corbyn said : “ I ’ ll see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know I was going to be offered anything .
“ I ’ m happy to serve the party in any capacity .
“ My whole life has been about making my contribution in Parliament , holding the Government to account and for speaking up in policy areas .
”

Rebecca Long-Bailey is a ‘continuation of Corbyn’ says Marr
More than half-a-million Labour Party members, affiliates and registered supporters will start receiving their ballot papers on Monday morning, with polling closing on April 2 and the next leader announced two days later. The vast majority of ballots will be sent out via email and therefore can be returned instantly, with party insiders expecting up to two-thirds of eligible voters to take part. Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer remains the clear favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, having won the support of most Labour MPs as well as 60 percent of grassroots parties.
Speaking on BBC’s Today programme later this morning, he will promise to “unite” the fragmented party, which suffered a disastrous general election result only two months ago in December. But Ms Long-Bailey, the “Corbyn continuity candidate”, is now under huge pressure following reports of deepening cracks emerging in her leadership bid. Politico has reported there have been “deep divisions” inside the camp of the Shadow Business Secretary around how best to attack Sir Keir over the past few weeks in a desperate attempt to reel him in. Some aides wanted her to go on the attack against the leadership frontrunner in the first televised debate on BBC Newsnight earlier this month.
Labour leadership: Huge cracks are reportedly beginning to appear in Rebecca Long-Bailey's campaign
Labour leadership: The Shadow Business Secretary had been considered a frontrunner in the contest
They felt a televised attack on Sir Keir’s much-publicised Remain credentials, suggesting he was partly responsible for the loss of Labour’s Northern heartlands, could have been the “game-changer” that could have blown the contest wide open. But several others from within her camp - including Ms Long-Bailey herself - relented on such an aggressive tactic. One Labour source told Politico: “The feeling was that we’re all going to need to work together after this is over.” This is the latest blow to Ms Long-Bailey’s bid to replace Mr Corbyn as Labour leader after claims she is heading for a humiliating third place finish. READ MORE: Deputy leadership hopeful blasted by Labour MP over 'unhelpful' tweet
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Labour leadership: Sir Keir Starmer has emerged as the clear favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn
She has been heavily endorsed by both Mr Corbyn and outgoing Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell over recent weeks. But the Mail On Sunday has reported party she is trailing behind Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir in a private survey of those entitled to vote in the Labour leadership contest. A Labour source told the newspaper: “It may be that Keir’s Leftie bank manager-style campaign is unstoppable, but it’s embarrassing for Long Bailey if she can’t beat Nandy given all the advantages she had. “She’s been Corbyn’s anointed heir for years but it looks as though she’s blown that.” DON'T MISS
'You started it!' Kay Burley loses it with Keir Starmer in heated row [VIDEO]
Revealed: Princess Diana’s shock encounter with Labour hopeful [INSIGHT]
'I'm not sure they are!' Portillo cuts down Labour MP [COMMENT]
Labour leadership: A shock poll claimed Rebecca Long-Bailey is trailing her rivals in the contest
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir Starmer will find out on April 4 if they have won race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn
Ms Long-Bailey’s camp has denied she is trailing in third place, claiming she is actually closing the gap on Sir Keir in first position. But the Mail on Sunday has also reported the Shadow Business Secretary’s leadership campaign is falling apart so badly she is now being shunned by close ally and friend, deputy leadership candidate candidate Angela Rayner. She is said to be cutting back on appearances with Ms Long Bailey over her weakening campaign. Last week, Mr Corbyn said he would join Ms Long-Bailey’s shadow cabinet after she guaranteed him a role should she win the contest.
Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy are fighting it out
Mr Corbyn said although he finally acknowledged the party had catastrophically lost the election in December, he still felt he had a strong role in Ms Long-Bailey’s cabinet. When asked if he would join a cabinet team led by Ms Long-Bailey, Mr Corbyn said: “I’ll see what it is, I didn’t know I was going to be offered anything. “I’m happy to serve the party in any capacity. “My whole life has been about making my contribution in Parliament, holding the Government to account and for speaking up in policy areas.”
Labour leadership: Jeremy Corbyn has said he would accept a role in Rebecca Long-Bailey's shadow cabinet
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Labour leadership candidates issued dire warning over future of party - 'Doomed to fail'

Labour Party members on Monday began casting their votes to select the next leader of the Labour Party among the remaining candidates - Sir Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy .
All three candidates are hoping to take over the leadership of the party after Jeremy Corbyn announced his resignation after his abysmal performance at the December election .
But despite their pledge to bring change within Labour and secure a path back into Government , LBC caller James said their vows had his `` hands buried into his hair '' as he predicted none of the candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caller James said : `` The party will be saved by whoever comes next after these three .
`` Whoever it is out of these three , unfortunately , will have the council election to deal with , the Wales and Scottish election to deal with and when that ’ s finishes , whoever is in place , will then be shown they can ’ t deal with the job .
`` They are not going to lead the Labour Party into the promised land , none of these three will bring Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Merthyr Tydfil caller insisted the `` woke '' agenda all three candidates have embraced will not be enough to win back former Labour voters in the northern heartlands who turned to the Conservatives in December .
JUST IN : Brussels ' 'insane ' law to 'PENALISE ' Britons to be enforced in the UK despite EU exit He continued : `` I ’ ve listened and watched the Channel 4 leaders debate and had my hands buried in my hair .
`` And then you listen to the senior Labour politicians now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tearing the immigration policy apart and then , when she asks them a question which is supposed to be part of their brief , that freedom of movement can still continue if you ’ re not part of the European Union , like Norway , you had Diane Abbott disagreeing with that .
`` We look at these people and we go , ‘ for God ’ s sake , if your shadow Home Secretary doesn ’ t know the brief , how are you expected to lead this nation ?
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` And their identity politics , their woke attitude is not bringing off the majority .
You will never , ever get into power with what you ’ re saying now . ''
READ MORE : Brexit-bashing civil servants deliberately tried to sabotage EU exit In a sign that party members have had their fill of Corbynism , a new analysis of the voting intentions of Constituency Labour Parties ( CLPs ) shows more than half of those which backed Mr Corbyn in 2015 transferred their support to the centre-left candidate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the MailOnline , analysis of CLP endorsements by the @ CLPNominations account shows that 87 which endorsed Mr Corbyn in 2015 have backed Sir Keir in 2020 , compared to 51 for Ms Long Bailey .
During that leadership election , Mr Corbyn won a huge 153 CLP endorsements on his way to securing the party leadership .
Voting for the new leader is to open Monday afternoon and will continue until April 2 , with the new Labour Party leader set to be revealed at a special conference on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checking emails out of work slammed [ ANALYSIS ] Labour ’ s Chris Bryant clashes with BBC Jo Coburn in fierce exchange [ INTERVIEW ] Diane Abbott appears to fall asleep during Parliament terror debate [ VIDEO ]

Labour leadership candidates slammed by Iain Dale caller
Labour Party members on Monday began casting their votes to select the next leader of the Labour Party among the remaining candidates - Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy. All three candidates are hoping to take over the leadership of the party after Jeremy Corbyn announced his resignation after his abysmal performance at the December election. But despite their pledge to bring change within Labour and secure a path back into Government, LBC caller James said their vows had his "hands buried into his hair" as he predicted none of the candidates will bring Labour into Number 10.
Caller James said: "The party will be saved by whoever comes next after these three. "Whoever it is out of these three, unfortunately, will have the council election to deal with, the Wales and Scottish election to deal with and when that’s finishes, whoever is in place, will then be shown they can’t deal with the job. "They are not going to lead the Labour Party into the promised land, none of these three will bring Labour back into Government at all." The Merthyr Tydfil caller insisted the "woke" agenda all three candidates have embraced will not be enough to win back former Labour voters in the northern heartlands who turned to the Conservatives in December. JUST IN: Brussels' 'insane' law to 'PENALISE' Britons to be enforced in the UK despite EU exit
Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey remain in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn
Keir Starmer has been accused of contributing to Labour's loss with his Brexit policy
He continued: "I’ve listened and watched the Channel 4 leaders debate and had my hands buried in my hair. "And then you listen to the senior Labour politicians now coming onto the Kay Burley Show, tearing the immigration policy apart and then, when she asks them a question which is supposed to be part of their brief, that freedom of movement can still continue if you’re not part of the European Union, like Norway, you had Diane Abbott disagreeing with that. "We look at these people and we go, ‘for God’s sake, if your shadow Home Secretary doesn’t know the brief, how are you expected to lead this nation? It’s beggars belief." He added: "And their identity politics, their woke attitude is not bringing off the majority. You will never, ever get into power with what you’re saying now." READ MORE: Brexit-bashing civil servants deliberately tried to sabotage EU exit
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Tony Blair discusses voters who abandoned Labour
Rebecca Long-Bailey is considered to be the continuity candidate because of her allegiance to Jeremy Corbyn
In a sign that party members have had their fill of Corbynism, a new analysis of the voting intentions of Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) shows more than half of those which backed Mr Corbyn in 2015 transferred their support to the centre-left candidate, Sir Keir Starmer this time around. According to the MailOnline, analysis of CLP endorsements by the @CLPNominations account shows that 87 which endorsed Mr Corbyn in 2015 have backed Sir Keir in 2020, compared to 51 for Ms Long Bailey. During that leadership election, Mr Corbyn won a huge 153 CLP endorsements on his way to securing the party leadership. Voting for the new leader is to open Monday afternoon and will continue until April 2, with the new Labour Party leader set to be revealed at a special conference on April 4. DON'T MISS Rebecca Long-Bailey bid to ban checking emails out of work slammed [ANALYSIS]
Labour’s Chris Bryant clashes with BBC Jo Coburn in fierce exchange [INTERVIEW]
Diane Abbott appears to fall asleep during Parliament terror debate [VIDEO]
Lisa Nandy was a surprise candidate, whose agenda includes more focus on domestic policy
Labour voters will have until April 2 to cast their ballot to select the new leader
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--'You started it!' Kay Burley loses it with Keir Starmer in heated Labour leadership row

Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer was questioned as to whether he has earmarked positions for rivals Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey in his Shadow Cabinet if he is elected .
Sir Keir refused to discuss any future positions as he told Ms Burley he wasn ’ t “ playing this game ” .
But the former Shadow Brexit Secretary did say he would happily serve in the Cabinet of his rivals .
The Sussexes must calm down as there is still time says LEO McKINSTRY Speaking to Sky News , Sir Keir said : “ All three of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right for our party and for the people in our country .
“ We , the candidates , have not been taking lumps out of each other , we ’ ve done it a very constructive way .
“ If we could model that in this contest , I think that bodes well for the Labour Party .
“ I think both of the other contenders have put forward very powerful cases and of course they ’ re going to be in the top team of any Shadow Cabinet.
” READ MORE : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win ?
A look at the candidates

Labour leadership: Kay Burley clashes with Keir Starmer
Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer was questioned as to whether he has earmarked positions for rivals Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey in his Shadow Cabinet if he is elected. Sir Keir refused to discuss any future positions as he told Ms Burley he wasn’t “playing this game”. But the former Shadow Brexit Secretary did say he would happily serve in the Cabinet of his rivals.
Speaking to Sky News, Sir Keir said: “All three of us put forward a case we think is right for our party and for the people in our country. “We, the candidates, have not been taking lumps out of each other, we’ve done it a very constructive way. “If we could model that in this contest, I think that bodes well for the Labour Party. “I think both of the other contenders have put forward very powerful cases and of course they’re going to be in the top team of any Shadow Cabinet.” READ MORE: Labour leadership contest odds: Who will win? A look at the candidates
Keir Starmer lost his temper with Sky News host Kay Burley
Keir Starmer was questioned over Shadow Cabinet positions
Host Kay Burley interjected: “Interesting, top team. Give me an example of what jobs you might be considering for them.” Sir Keir replied: “I’m not playing this game. You keep asking me over and over again.” Ms Burley added: “You started it, Sir Keir! You said top team.” The Labour leadership hopeful continued: “All I’ve said is that they would be in any Shadow Cabinet that I would have and I would serve in theirs.
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Labour members are to start voting for Jeremy Corbyn's successor today
Labour leadership: Diane Abbott to leave shadow cabinet
Labour chart
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-25--‘Gravy train’ House of Lords should be scrapped as upper house ‘passed its sell-by date’

Of the 10,736 Express.co.uk participants who voted , an overwhelming 10,487 stated the House of Lords should be scrapped with the upper chamber coming under fire over its expenses after it was revealed claims have shot up by 29 percent , in the last financial year , rising to £23million .
A small minority voted that the House of Lords should remain in existence , 201 out of 10,736 .
Readers were asked should the House of Lords be scrapped after the expenses controversy , with 98 percent saying ‘ yes ’ and only two percent saying ’ no ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The House of Lords has passed its sell-by date , it ’ s time to simply throw it away and get something different !
” Another added : “ We should have a selected second house of the great and the good from industry and the professions of about 250.
” One angry reader commented : “ The Lords should have to be elected and only then be allowed to be there for a maximum of five years .
“ At the moment it is a lifetime gravy train.
” Peers pocketed more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowance in the 2018/2019 financial year , The Sunday Times reported .
The average tax-free bill was around £30,827 , higher than the median UK salary , with 31 peers claiming more than the £79,468 standard take-home pay of an MP .
In addition , more than 110 so-called silent peers , who pocket cash despite not speaking in debates or making any written contribution , received £1million .
The analysis found Lord Paul of Marylebone claimed £48,000 in expenses despite his £2billion family fortune .
JUST IN : Brexit LIVE : Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ axe The peer only spoke in the chamber once .
Similarly , Lord Bhatia , who has previously been suspended from the Lords over expense claims , took home £44,530 in expenses – despite not addressing the House or sitting on a committee .
The news has prompted outrage as critics urge Boris Johnson to consider reforming the upper chamber .
Willie Sullivan , a senior director at the Electoral Reform Society , said : “ Unelected Lords are taking advantage of the lack of scrutiny in the upper chamber .
Lords pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £323 per day [ INSIGHT ] Bercow says he is victim of Tory 'conspiracy ' over peerage block [ COMMENT ] BBC 's Laura Kuenssberg reveals list of people set to get Lords seats [ ANALYSIS ] “ The Lords is a rolling expenses scandal – and we ’ ll see this year after year unless there is reform.
” John O ’ Connell , the chief executive of the TaxPayers ’ Alliance , said : “ These expenses are rightly meant to cover the costs of working in Westminster , not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elected representatives next door.
” A spokesman for the upper chamber defended the rise in costs , insisting peers do an “ important job ” and the rise is due to peers sitting for fewer days in the previous financial year .
He said : “ The increase in the costs of House of Lords allowances in the 2018-2019 financial year is largely due to a 25 percent increase in the number of days that the House sat .

House of Lords expenses issue 'doesn't look good' says host
Of the 10,736 Express.co.uk participants who voted, an overwhelming 10,487 stated the House of Lords should be scrapped with the upper chamber coming under fire over its expenses after it was revealed claims have shot up by 29 percent, in the last financial year, rising to £23million. A small minority voted that the House of Lords should remain in existence, 201 out of 10,736. Readers were asked should the House of Lords be scrapped after the expenses controversy, with 98 percent saying ‘yes’ and only two percent saying ’no’.
One furious reader commented: “The House of Lords has passed its sell-by date, it’s time to simply throw it away and get something different!” Another added: “We should have a selected second house of the great and the good from industry and the professions of about 250.” One angry reader commented: “The Lords should have to be elected and only then be allowed to be there for a maximum of five years. “At the moment it is a lifetime gravy train.”
Boris Johnson has received calls to reform the House of Lords
Peers pocketed more than £23million in expenses and daily attendance allowance in the 2018/2019 financial year, The Sunday Times reported. The average tax-free bill was around £30,827, higher than the median UK salary, with 31 peers claiming more than the £79,468 standard take-home pay of an MP. In addition, more than 110 so-called silent peers, who pocket cash despite not speaking in debates or making any written contribution, received £1million. The analysis found Lord Paul of Marylebone claimed £48,000 in expenses despite his £2billion family fortune. JUST IN: Brexit LIVE: Boris plots REMAINER CULL as civil servants face axe
Boris Johnson has received calls to reform the House of Lords
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Inside the House of Lords
“The Lords is a rolling expenses scandal – and we’ll see this year after year unless there is reform.” John O’Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “These expenses are rightly meant to cover the costs of working in Westminster, not let Lords and Ladies take home more than the elected representatives next door.” A spokesman for the upper chamber defended the rise in costs, insisting peers do an “important job” and the rise is due to peers sitting for fewer days in the previous financial year. He said: “The increase in the costs of House of Lords allowances in the 2018-2019 financial year is largely due to a 25 percent increase in the number of days that the House sat.
Westminister
Boris Johnson has received calls to reform the House of Lords
“This has seen the number of days rising from 129 in 2017/18 to 161 in 2018/19. “As Members of the Lords can generally only claim allowances for days they attend the House any increase in sitting days is likely to produce an increase in the cost of Member’s allowances.”
Inside the House of Lords
The House of Lords has come under fire for expenses claims
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-02-25--Boris Johnson reveals his non-negotiable RED LINE in major Brexit warning to EU

He will refuse to accept any deal that compromises the country ’ s “ political and economic independence ” , according to Whitehall insiders .
Number 10 ’ s unequivocal warning comes ahead of a crunch meeting of EU ministers today to try to settle on chief negotiator Michel Barnier ’ s mandate for the trade wrangle due to begin next month .
Mr Johnson is understood to be preparing a “ robust ” response following expectations that they will make demands for a “ level playing field ” on rule and regulations central to their opening gambit .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe minister Amélie de Montchalin , below , accused the UK of attempting to “ blackmail ” the EU into accepting a poor deal .
The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of his key EU Exit Strategy Committee of Cabinet ministers – known as the “ XS Committee – to approve the Government ’ s objectives from the trade talks .
Ahead of the meeting , a senior Government source said : “ Our key point throughout all of this will be firstly our overriding objective in the negotiations is by January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back full control and we won ’ t agree to anything which doesn ’ t deliver that .
“ That means no rule taking from the EU and no role for the ECJ .
That is the test we will be judged against on January 1.
” Setting out the Prime Minister ’ s non-negotiable demands , the source added : “ Our red line is we have to have taken back full control by January 1 and that means no rule taking and no European Court of Justice .
Independence and fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Mr Johnson ’ s most preferred outcome was a free trade deal based on Canada ’ s current relationship with the EU , he would rather walk away from the talks without a trade deal rather than compromise the UK ’ s hard-fought new independence .
“ Ultimately our priority is taking back control , ” the source said .
M Barnier and other senior EU figures have claimed the UK can not have the same deal as Canada because of the country ’ s “ proximity ” to the continent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and EU economies are closely intertwined and therefore should be subject to the same rules and regulations .
But Whitehall officials insist free trade deals – such as the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement – exist around the world between neighbouring states with large economies without the need for regulatory alignment or trans-national courts to enforce rules .
Mme de Montchalin helped intensify expectations that the EU today take an uncompromising stance in the talks .
The senior minister in President Emmanuel Macron ’ s government claimed France ’ s farmers , fishing fleet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price to ensure a UK-EU trade deal is agreed by the end of the year .
She told the TV station France 2 : “ In this negotiation , it must be understood by British businesses that we do not want a bad agreement - almost certainly , that we will sign up to no blackmail . ''
Mme de Montchalin also claimed the UK Government should not be allowed to dictate the timetable for the talks .
`` It is not because that Boris Johnson wants a deal at all costs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under pressure , a bad deal . ''
In a further indication that access to UK fishing grounds will be one of the main flashpoints in the talks , the French minister said : `` The fishermen have the right to be protected , they know very well that if we sign a bad deal they will lose enormously . ''
In response to her outburst , Mr Johnson ’ s spokesman said : `` The UK 's primary objective in the negotiations is to ensure that we restore our economic and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Johnson 'refuses to accept level playing field' says expert
He will refuse to accept any deal that compromises the country’s “political and economic independence”, according to Whitehall insiders. Number 10’s unequivocal warning comes ahead of a crunch meeting of EU ministers today to try to settle on chief negotiator Michel Barnier’s mandate for the trade wrangle due to begin next month.
Mr Johnson is understood to be preparing a “robust” response following expectations that they will make demands for a “level playing field” on rule and regulations central to their opening gambit. In a sign of rising tensions, French Europe minister Amélie de Montchalin, below, accused the UK of attempting to “blackmail” the EU into accepting a poor deal. The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of his key EU Exit Strategy Committee of Cabinet ministers – known as the “XS Committee – to approve the Government’s objectives from the trade talks. Ahead of the meeting, a senior Government source said: “Our key point throughout all of this will be firstly our overriding objective in the negotiations is by January 1 to have said we have taken back full control and we won’t agree to anything which doesn’t deliver that.
Michel Barnier and Boris Johnson
French Europe minister Amélie de Montchalin accused the UK of attempting to 'blackmail' the EU
“That means no rule taking from the EU and no role for the ECJ. That is the test we will be judged against on January 1.” Setting out the Prime Minister’s non-negotiable demands, the source added: “Our red line is we have to have taken back full control by January 1 and that means no rule taking and no European Court of Justice. Independence and fully taking back control is the priority.” While Mr Johnson’s most preferred outcome was a free trade deal based on Canada’s current relationship with the EU, he would rather walk away from the talks without a trade deal rather than compromise the UK’s hard-fought new independence. “Ultimately our priority is taking back control,” the source said.
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Chief negotiator Michel Barnier
M Barnier and other senior EU figures have claimed the UK cannot have the same deal as Canada because of the country’s “proximity” to the continent. They claim the geographical closeness means the UK and EU economies are closely intertwined and therefore should be subject to the same rules and regulations. But Whitehall officials insist free trade deals – such as the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement – exist around the world between neighbouring states with large economies without the need for regulatory alignment or trans-national courts to enforce rules. Mme de Montchalin helped intensify expectations that the EU today take an uncompromising stance in the talks. The senior minister in President Emmanuel Macron’s government claimed France’s farmers, fishing fleet and business should not have to pay the price to ensure a UK-EU trade deal is agreed by the end of the year.
She told the TV station France 2: “In this negotiation, it must be understood by British businesses that we do not want a bad agreement - almost certainly, that we will sign up to no blackmail." Mme de Montchalin also claimed the UK Government should not be allowed to dictate the timetable for the talks. "It is not because that Boris Johnson wants a deal at all costs for December 31 that we will sign, under pressure, a bad deal." In a further indication that access to UK fishing grounds will be one of the main flashpoints in the talks, the French minister said: "The fishermen have the right to be protected, they know very well that if we sign a bad deal they will lose enormously." In response to her outburst, Mr Johnson’s spokesman said: "The UK's primary objective in the negotiations is to ensure that we restore our economic and political independence on January 1 2021."
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Brexit: State of negotiations is an ’EU nightmare’ says expert


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--EU budget row: Manfred Weber accuses EU nations of being ‘selfish’ in furious outburst

Manfred Weber , the head of the European People ’ s Party , slammed individual countries for their “ selfishness ” at the table .
His condemnation comes after leaders departed Brussels on Friday evening following two days of meetings .
The EU27 failed to reach a breakthrough at the meetings chaired by Charles Michel as the bloc grapples with the no-small task of filling the €75 billion gap left by the UK ’ s departure .
Speaking after the talks on the 2021-27 budget ended without success , Ms Weber , a Christian Social Union ( CSU ) MEP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on as European leaders squabble .
He said Beijing and Washington , in particular , are keeping a close eye on the absence of agreement at the EU table .
He told the Funke media group : “ It is about selfishness and not about the necessary European ambition .
“ The many good ideas for an ambitious Europe are ground up into small pieces .
“ China and the USA are happy.
” He added : “ Approval from the European Parliament will only be given if the direction changes.
” German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after more than 24 hours of negotiations that the differences between the parties at the table were too big to find a compromise .
READ MORE : Andrew Neil explains how Macron has ruined Boris ’ s hopes for Brexit Setting the seven-year budget is always a tug of war , but it is fiercer than ever this time because of Britain ’ s exit from the EU last month .
The UK ’ s departure came at a time of costly new challenges from climate change to migration .
The standoff over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carve it up has exposed rifts between countries in the north and south , between east and west , and between more developed and less advanced economies .
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : Furious Dan Hannan RIPS APART Remainers [ VIDEO ] Andrew Neil blasts No 10 as Sabisky quits ‘ Why was he ever appointed ? '
[ ANALYSIS ] BBC 's Andrew Neil slams Boris Johnson 's 'incompetence ' [ INSIGHT ] Denmark , Austria , Sweden and the Netherlands - dubbed “ the frugal four ” - arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not accept a budget of more than one percent of gross national income .
Beneficiaries of the joint budget , meanwhile , were asking for more than the previous proposal of 1.074 percent , equivalent to €1.09 trillion .
Mr Michel ’ s proposal would have capped joint spending at 1.069 percent of the continent ’ s economic output , but this was immediately rejected when he brought the leaders around the table to put it to them .
“ Unfortunately we have observed that it was not possible to reach an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes later .
“ We have observed that we need more time.
” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters in Brussels the new budget must take the Brexit gap into account .

EU budget: Francesca Donato threatens to vote down agreement
Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s Party, slammed individual countries for their “selfishness” at the table. His condemnation comes after leaders departed Brussels on Friday evening following two days of meetings. The EU27 failed to reach a breakthrough at the meetings chaired by Charles Michel as the bloc grapples with the no-small task of filling the €75 billion gap left by the UK’s departure.
Speaking after the talks on the 2021-27 budget ended without success, Ms Weber, a Christian Social Union (CSU) MEP, said the international community was looking on as European leaders squabble. He said Beijing and Washington, in particular, are keeping a close eye on the absence of agreement at the EU table. He told the Funke media group: “It is about selfishness and not about the necessary European ambition. “The many good ideas for an ambitious Europe are ground up into small pieces.
German politician Manfred Weber accused the EU27 of acting from selfish positions
The German Chancellor said divisions were too deep for compromise
“China and the USA are happy.” Mr Weber threatened to reject the budget. He added: “Approval from the European Parliament will only be given if the direction changes.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitted on Friday evening after more than 24 hours of negotiations that the differences between the parties at the table were too big to find a compromise. READ MORE: Andrew Neil explains how Macron has ruined Boris’s hopes for Brexit
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President Macron speaks to reporters in Brussels
Setting the seven-year budget is always a tug of war, but it is fiercer than ever this time because of Britain’s exit from the EU last month. The UK’s departure came at a time of costly new challenges from climate change to migration. The standoff over the size of the budget and how to carve it up has exposed rifts between countries in the north and south, between east and west, and between more developed and less advanced economies. DON'T MISS
Brexit LIVE: Furious Dan Hannan RIPS APART Remainers [VIDEO]
Andrew Neil blasts No 10 as Sabisky quits ‘Why was he ever appointed?' [ANALYSIS]
BBC's Andrew Neil slams Boris Johnson's 'incompetence' [INSIGHT]
Angela Merkel speaks to reporters after the failed summit
Leo Varadkar speaks to reporters in Brussels
Denmark, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands - dubbed “the frugal four” - arrived to the talks adamant that they would not accept a budget of more than one percent of gross national income. Beneficiaries of the joint budget, meanwhile, were asking for more than the previous proposal of 1.074 percent, equivalent to €1.09 trillion. Mr Michel’s proposal would have capped joint spending at 1.069 percent of the continent’s economic output, but this was immediately rejected when he brought the leaders around the table to put it to them.
The EU27 cannot agree on how to fill the funding gap left by Brexit
“Unfortunately we have observed that it was not possible to reach an agreement,” he told a news conference minutes later. “We have observed that we need more time.” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters in Brussels the new budget must take the Brexit gap into account.
Charles Michel said more time was needed for an agreement on the budget
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Labour’s Dawn Butler in shock U-turn after claims babies are born ‘without sex’

Dawn Butler appears to have changed her mind over her views of a child being born 'without sex' She continued : “ No one is denying that and it is ridiculous to state otherwise.
” The comments come in a direct contradiction to earlier remarks during an appearance on ITV ’ s Good Morning Britain ( GMB ) when she told host , Richard Madeley , that “ a child is born without sex at the beginning.
” The Labour Party frontbencher added that her previous views had been 'misrepresented' The MP for Brent Central commented about her appearance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview , they fired questions at me and did not allow me to finish my sentences.
” The Labour politician said that it was not appropriate to discuss the subject on GMB because “ you can not answer trans issues in soundbites.
” When asked what age a child could decide to make a gender transition she replied : “ I am not here to talk about what age or judge or determine the discussion and debates around trans issues.
” Miss Butler added : “ I think the more people talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing and the more hate crime it is developing which is not healthy .
”

Dawn Butler appears to have changed her mind over her views of a child being born 'without sex'
She continued: “No one is denying that and it is ridiculous to state otherwise.” The comments come in a direct contradiction to earlier remarks during an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) when she told host, Richard Madeley, that “a child is born without sex at the beginning.”
The Labour Party frontbencher added that her previous views had been 'misrepresented'
The MP for Brent Central commented about her appearance on GMB arguing “it was a ridiculous interview, they fired questions at me and did not allow me to finish my sentences.”
The Labour politician said that it was not appropriate to discuss the subject on GMB because “you cannot answer trans issues in soundbites.”
When asked what age a child could decide to make a gender transition she replied: “I am not here to talk about what age or judge or determine the discussion and debates around trans issues.”
Miss Butler added: “I think the more people talk about trans issues, the more damage it is doing and the more hate crime it is developing which is not healthy.”


thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Britons FURIOUS after France threatens to fight hard for fishermen – ‘Bring it on!’

Amelie de Montchalin angered Britons by insisting eurocrats would not be prepared to “ sacrifice our farmers , our fishermen , our businessmen ” .
Speaking ahead of her visit to London on Friday , Ms de Montchalin said Paris would not be blackmailed by Boris Johnson into signing a lousy trade deal and insisted her team would stick up for the rights of French fishermen .
Express.co.uk readers took to social media to hit out at Emmanuel Macron ’ s minister for appearing to forget the waters French boats are fishing in belongs to the British .
One angered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is our waters and our fish but they want to fight us for it .
Another said : “ Why do these people think that they are entitled to annex another independent country ’ s assets .
“ Where does that even come from ?
” READ MORE : Macron says Boris holds ‘ fishing card ’ but warns deal unlikely by 2020 And a third said : “ If the French want some UK fish they can buy it in the fishmongers or supermarkets .
UK fishermen will fish for it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ms de Montchalin ’ s comments warned the Prime Minister and his negotiating team would not back down easily .
The reader said : “ Bring it on !
We ’ re ready .
“ I seem to remember going down this road before.
” Talks will commence in March to strike a free trade deal before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
Mr Johnson has ruled out an extension .
Some annoyed readers called on France to respect British fishermen ’ s right to fish in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interfere with their work in the future .
One man said “ there is nothing to fight - they are our waters ” while another said , “ there ’ s no point in fighting for what belongs to someone else ” .
In an interview with France 2 on Monday , Ms de Montchalin said : “ Tomorrow I ’ ll be in Brussels with all the ministers of European Affairs to give Michel Barnier his mandate .
“ This mandate is very clear : we won ’ t sacrifice our farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: French EU minister warns Johnson over fishing
Amelie de Montchalin angered Britons by insisting eurocrats would not be prepared to “sacrifice our farmers, our fishermen, our businessmen”. Speaking ahead of her visit to London on Friday, Ms de Montchalin said Paris would not be blackmailed by Boris Johnson into signing a lousy trade deal and insisted her team would stick up for the rights of French fishermen. Express.co.uk readers took to social media to hit out at Emmanuel Macron’s minister for appearing to forget the waters French boats are fishing in belongs to the British.
One angered man said: “Amazing. It is our waters and our fish but they want to fight us for it. “Sod off France!” Another said: “Why do these people think that they are entitled to annex another independent country’s assets. “Where does that even come from?”
Boris Johnson is set to face off with Eurocrats over the issue of post-Brexit fishing
President Macron leaves a meeting with Amelie de Montchalin
READ MORE: Macron says Boris holds ‘fishing card’ but warns deal unlikely by 2020 And a third said: “If the French want some UK fish they can buy it in the fishmongers or supermarkets. UK fishermen will fish for it.” One Briton who had his feathers ruffled by Ms de Montchalin’s comments warned the Prime Minister and his negotiating team would not back down easily. The reader said: “Bring it on! We’re ready. “I seem to remember going down this road before.”
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Mr Macron pictured with Ms de Montchalin
Fishermen pull in a net in French waters
Amelie de Montchalin said France would fight for French fishermen
Talks will commence in March to strike a free trade deal before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. Mr Johnson has ruled out an extension. Some annoyed readers called on France to respect British fishermen’s right to fish in their own waters and not try to interfere with their work in the future.
Boris Johnson has ruled out an extension to the Brexit transition period
One man said “there is nothing to fight - they are our waters” while another said, “there’s no point in fighting for what belongs to someone else”. In an interview with France 2 on Monday, Ms de Montchalin said: “Tomorrow I’ll be in Brussels with all the ministers of European Affairs to give Michel Barnier his mandate. “This mandate is very clear: we won’t sacrifice our farmers, our fishermen, our businessmen.
Amelie de Montchalin speaks to reporters
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thedailyexpress--2020-02-24--Boris Johnson warning: Former Number 10 adviser reveals pitfalls which could trip PM up

Two months since his decisive poll victory , Mr Johnson is in a powerful position , with a united cabinet and an 80-seat majority in the Commons , said Mr Timothy , who quit his position in 2017 , apparently in response to the Tories ’ poor showing in the election of that year .
Mr Johnson ’ s historic 2019 victory was marked by the collapse of the so-called “ red wall ” as the Conservatives took seats in Labour heartlands in the north of England which hitherto had been considered essentially impossible to win .
However , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become complacent , stressing there was “ a line of issues that could cut right through his electoral coalition ” .
Writing in The Daily Telegraph , Mr Timothy explained : “ His new immigration policy , for example , landed well last week .
“ But while it ends free movement and takes back control of our borders , the number of people coming to Britain under such a system is likely to be at least as high as in the days of unrestricted European immigration.
” While the new approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proportion of highly skilled workers , as well as encouraging a more ethnically diverse intake , the overall numbers were unlikely to come down , Mr Timothy said .
He added : “ Time will tell whether this is what the Red Wall converts , or the majority of voters who say they want sharp reductions in immigration , expect from the government.
” There were similar uncertainties with respect to other areas of policy , Mr Timothy said – not least environmental pledges .
He explained : “ The Conservative manifesto promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the aggressive target set by ministers to go ‘ carbon neutral ’ by 2050 – and the likely carbon budgets needed to meet the objective – risk huge increases in energy bills , hikes in petrol prices and the enormous cost of refitting boilers and central heating in all our homes.
” Mr Johnson has signalled his intention to end the age of austerity ushered in by David Cameron and George Osborne ten years ago - but it was yet to be made clear this meant in practice .
Mr Timothy said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in infrastructure , funded by borrowing , and increases in resource budgets only for the police , schools and hospitals , we are likely to see austerity continue for public sector budgets that the PM ’ s voters value , from prisons to the provision of skills and training .
READ MORE : Brexit trade warning : US-UK deal at risk of 'undercutting ' farmers [ INSIGHT ] Brexit brinkmanship : PM ready to ditch NI protocol in hardball fight [ DEVELOPED ] Brussels ' 'insane ' law to 'PENALISE ' Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ANALYSIS ] “ And this brings us to one of the most meaningful choices Johnson ’ s government will face .
“ With the end of austerity , a programme to ‘ level up ’ the country , and an ageing population that will draw more on welfare , health and social care budgets , somebody will need to pay the bill.
” In order fund Mr Johnson ’ s grand plans , the overall tax burden would need to increase , Mr Timothy predicted , suggesting the question of who pays how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter coalition “ more than any other ” .
If the tax burden increased , Mr Timothy predicted Tory economic liberals would call for “ supply-side reforms ” in the shape of deregulation and tax cuts to boost economic growth .
He added : “ Certainly , the laws and regulations that underpin the planning system need to be reformed and reduced , but many supply-side reforms needed today , from infrastructure to skills , require active government , not deregulation .

Brexit: Johnson 'refuses to accept level playing field' says expert
Two months since his decisive poll victory, Mr Johnson is in a powerful position, with a united cabinet and an 80-seat majority in the Commons, said Mr Timothy, who quit his position in 2017, apparently in response to the Tories’ poor showing in the election of that year. Mr Johnson’s historic 2019 victory was marked by the collapse of the so-called “red wall” as the Conservatives took seats in Labour heartlands in the north of England which hitherto had been considered essentially impossible to win.
However, Mr Timothy stressed Mr Johnson could not afford to become complacent, stressing there was “a line of issues that could cut right through his electoral coalition”. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Timothy explained: “His new immigration policy, for example, landed well last week. “But while it ends free movement and takes back control of our borders, the number of people coming to Britain under such a system is likely to be at least as high as in the days of unrestricted European immigration.”
Nick Timothy has warned Boris Johnson significant challenges lie ahead
Boris Johnson will need to remain obsessively focused, said Mr Timothy
While the new approach would likely see an increase in the proportion of highly skilled workers, as well as encouraging a more ethnically diverse intake, the overall numbers were unlikely to come down, Mr Timothy said. He added: “Time will tell whether this is what the Red Wall converts, or the majority of voters who say they want sharp reductions in immigration, expect from the government.” There were similar uncertainties with respect to other areas of policy, Mr Timothy said – not least environmental pledges. READ MORE: Boris Johnson’s secret weapon - Economist reveals ‘bargaining chip'
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Former Prime Minister Theresa May
David Cameron and George Osborne
The 2019 election result
“A half-in, half-out austerity programme is a real danger. “And this brings us to one of the most meaningful choices Johnson’s government will face. “With the end of austerity, a programme to ‘level up’ the country, and an ageing population that will draw more on welfare, health and social care budgets, somebody will need to pay the bill.”
Boris Johnson factfile
In order fund Mr Johnson’s grand plans, the overall tax burden would need to increase, Mr Timothy predicted, suggesting the question of who pays how much would test Mr Johnson’s voter coalition “more than any other”. If the tax burden increased, Mr Timothy predicted Tory economic liberals would call for “supply-side reforms” in the shape of deregulation and tax cuts to boost economic growth. He added: “Certainly, the laws and regulations that underpin the planning system need to be reformed and reduced, but many supply-side reforms needed today, from infrastructure to skills, require active government, not deregulation.
Mr Timothy said an increase in the tax burden was inevitable
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