thedailyexpress--2020-07-03--Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson blames EU for missing crucial deadline -as trade talks collapse

He said in a statement : “ As you know , the political declaration committed us to ‘ best endeavours ’ to finalise our respective assessments by the end of June .
“ The European Commission has therefore sent questionnaires to the UK , covering 28 areas where equivalence assessments are possible .
So far , the UK has only answered four of these questionnaires .
So we are not there yet.
” But the UK has instead blamed Brussels for the missed deadline , with the Government claiming it received the 1,000-plus pages of questions in April and May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 25 .
Boris Johnson 's official spokesman insisted : “ We have completed our own proportionate and thorough assessment of the EU on time .
2.46am update : No going back !
Barnier warned Boris WILL take no deal if Brexit deadlock is n't broken The two sides ended talks early this week with the EU ’ s chief negotiator , Michel Barnier complaining of a lack of respect and engagement by the UK Government .
Mr Barnier met with his counterpart , David Frost , this week in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks due to coronavirus but left with the areas of divergence still remaining .
The two sides have now passed the deadline to extend the transition period and have agreed to expedite talks in pursuit of Free Trade Agreement ( FTA ) .
1.36am update : Brexit stalemate : UK-EU trade deal talks stall on sour note over one serious disagreement The European Union official said that the EU ’ s stance must be “ better understood and respected ” by the UK if a trade agreement between the two sides is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The European Union official and David Frost , his UK counterpart , had been engaged in face-to-face talks since Monday .
Two weeks ago , Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU presidents Ursula von der Leyen , David Sassoli and Charles Michel agreed in high-level talks that “ new momentum ” was needed in UK-EU trade talks .
As things stand , the negotiations have faced a number of hurdles and sticking points with neither side agreeing on how to proceed .
This new round of talks is therefore meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are supposed to be more intent than ever on coming to some sort of agreement on issues such as competition rules and farming subsidies .
But in a statement issued yesterday , Barnier suggested that little progress had been made in the past four days .
10.10pm update : No going back !
Barnier warned Boris WILL take no deal if Brexit deadlock is n't broken Boris Johnson will walk away without a Brexit trade deal if an agreement can not be reached with the European Union , an expert has claimed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ University and director of Centre for Brexit Studies said : “ I still think a no deal Brexit is still the most likely outcome , though never say never , given how the UK Government caved-in on Northern Ireland which precipitated the withdrawal agreement - there is still time for a last-minute fudge .
“ That said , the hard-core Brexiteers in the Government reject any notion of continued adherence to EU regulatory thresholds so I think Johnson may be prepared to go down this road.
” 8.45pm update : Justice Secretary outlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Brexit The Government has launched a consultation on plans for UK courts to have the final say on legal disputes after Brexit .
Under proposals set out by the Justice Secretary Robert Buckland , more courts and judges in the country would be able to reconsider cases on matters like borders , taxes and fisheries and make the final decision .
Mr Buckland said : `` Since leaving the EU we are no longer bound by European laws , and it is absolutely right that British courts have the final say on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with judges and the legal sector to decide exactly which courts should have the power to depart from retained EU case law and will set out our plan in due course . ''
8.00pm update : Lord Heseltine blasts Boris after Brexit talks broke down – ‘ We were promised a deal ’ Former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Michael Heseltine has hit out at Boris Johnson after the latest round of Brexit talks broke down between the UK and the European Union .
Lord Heseltine told Sky News : `` We were promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal .
`` We were told there would be wonderful opportunities for new deals across the world .
`` Does anyone seriously think that President Trump in the dying days of his first presidency is going to be making great concessions to overseas interests such as Britain 's ? ''
7.20pm update : UK could lose access to European crime records after Brexit Britain could lose access to European crime records following Brexit , a watchdog has warned .
Biometrics commissioner Paul Wiles said he was `` deeply concerned '' about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' if authorities were no longer able to share intelligence as a result of the ongoing Brexit negotiations .
In his reports Mr Wiles fears police could lose access to crime fighting databases like The European Criminal Records Information System ( ECRIS ) , Prum - which shares fingerprints and DNA across Europe - and no longer be able to use the European Arrest Warrant ( EAW ) which allows suspects to be extradited between EU member states .
Martin Daubney wrote on Twitter : “ One year ago today , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anthem during the parliament ’ s opening ceremony .
“ Many hated it , but we captured the news cycle .
We started as we meant to go on .
No regrets !
” David Frost , the UK ’ s Brexit negotiator has issued a statement after talks with Michel Barnier ended a day early .
He said : “ We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days .
“ Our talks were face to face for the first time since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flexibility to our discussions .
“ The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful .
“ But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues .
“ We remain committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during July .
“ Talks will continue next week in London as agreed in the revised terms of reference published on 12 June.
” READ MORE : David Frost issues firm response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up early 5.20pm update : Laura Kuenssberg outlines why UK welcoming Hong Kong residents is 'testament ' to Brexit BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg has outlined why the UK 's ability to welcome Hong Kong citizens into its borders is `` testament '' to Brexit .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced three million Hong Kong residents would be offered the chance to settle in the UK .
Referring to the change in immigration rules , Mrs Kuenssberg said : “ The decision is a testament of the principle that the UK out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about who arrives and who leaves.
” 4.45pm update : Former Irish PM accuses Brexiteers of trying to ‘ wreck ’ EU Former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton has accused eurosceptics within the Tory party of attempting to “ wreck ” the European Union as post-Brexit talks continue to break down .
In an interview on euronews , he said : `` There is an issue of trust .
There is an issue of defining what is it that the British really want .
Do the British actually want a no deal Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest they do .
Though some people in the Conservative Party want to wreck the European Union .
`` I 've seen certain Tory MPs saying we must get Brexit right because we want others to follow us - because we want to set an example in the way we deal with Brexit so that others will leave the European Union .
`` Well , if that 's the approach of the British Government then it would be better to have no deal . ''
4.20pm update : Northern Ireland warned of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the COVID-19 ’ Half of all firms in Northern Ireland intend to reduce staff levels following lockdown , a survey shows .
Ann McGregor , chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber said : “ Businesses were already concerned about the impact of Brexit on the economy before Covid-19 .
“ However the recent pandemic has placed this in an entirely different context , with companies facing a double whammy of Brexit and the Covid-19 fallout , placing a huge challenge on the business community in Northern Ireland . ''
3.50pm update : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 50 percent – study finds Post-Brexit immigration into Scotland could be halved following news rules on the freedom of movement , a study has found .
The Home Office has outlined migrant workers will need to earn at least £25,600 a year to be able to work in the UK .
Analysis by the Scottish Government 's independent expert advisory group on migration and population ( EAG ) estimates a reduction of net migration to Scotland of between 30 percent and 50 percent based on forecasts of both EU and non-EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit Party MEP issues warning to Brussels over eurozone Former Brexit Party MEP Jake Pugh has warned the eurozone could be under threat during the post-Brexit negotiations on financial services .
He wrote on Twitter : “ Financial services ‘ negotiation ’ will be fascinating and pivotal .
“ If EU denies Equivalence and full access , UK can remove zero risk weighting for EU27 government bonds for capital and collateral purposes .
“ Would strike dagger to the heart of the Eurozone .
Overnight.
” The latest round of talks between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal have broken up early , with little progress once again apparently being made .
The negotiating teams had been meeting in Brussels in what was the first in five week-long rounds of negotiations .
They were also meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus crisis began inflicting chaos throughout Europe .
But the talks , which had been due to run until Friday , have now ended early .
1.10pm update : EU fisheries divide : Seven countries ' anger at Michel Barnier over Brexit talks revealed EU member states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fisheries - but seven countries fumed at Michel Barnier over a key agreement on the issue .
The EU is demanding the UK to keep its waters open to foreign vessels if it wants access to European markets .
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson pushes to take independent control of UK fishing grounds , this conundrum has created a deadlock between negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier .
The dispute around fisheries also caused Mr Barnier to come under pressure during negotiations with former Prime Minister Theresa May as she looked for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came under pressure from seven countries who were furious with a proposed arrangement .
12.20pm update : After Merkel 's no deal warning , should UK call EU 's bluff and walk away ?
VOTE Angela Merkel has warned the European Union to prepare for a no deal Brexit after trade negotiations made `` very limited '' progress .
Has the time come for Boris Johnson to call Brussels ' bluff and just walk away ?
Britain left the bloc on January 31 and pressure is mounting to agree a free trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transition period in which the UK remains in the EU single market and customs union expires .
But talks have stalled on a wide range of issues including fishing rights , security and data protection .
Ms Merkel told the German parliament the EU must now prepare for the future relationship negotiations ending without an agreement .
She said : “ I will continue to work for a good solution , but we , in the EU and in Germany , must also be prepared for the case that an agreement will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Government lashes out at EU over financial services position Economic Minister John Glen has told the House of Lords the Government has `` not had any significant feedback from the EU '' over the UK 's position around financial services .
But he is hoping there would be a similar approach , that there would `` not be a bonfire of regulations '' .
The UK missed Tuesday 's deadline to hand in 28 regulatory equivalency assessments to the EU relating to Britain 's financial service industry .
Earlier this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnier was left furious after confirming the UK had not completed the necessary equivalence assessments .
10.34am update : On this day in 2019 - Jeremy Hunt comes out fighting against the EU Jeremy Hunt fired a warning shot to Brussels yesterday as he vowed to walk away from Brexit talks if the EU does not give ground by the end of September .
Mr Hunt said he would then immediately order the Government to go full throttle for a no-deal exit on October 31 .
Going toe-to-toe with rival Boris Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't blink '' and would face down any attempts from the European Union to `` turn the screws on our country '' .
Setting out a robust 10-point exit plan , the Foreign Secretary said preparations for leaving without a deal would be ramped up from day one if he beat frontrunner Mr Johnson into Downing Street on July 24 .
Mr Hunt also said he would , if necessary , cancel August leave for Whitehall officials involved in Brexit preparations .
His tough talk comes as he attempts to woo the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin voting for Theresa May 's successor next week .
Rival and leadership favourite Mr Johnson has promised to leave the EU on Halloween `` come what may '' .
Mr Hunt has said he is prepared to delay Brexit beyond October if a deal looks likely , but will accept a no-deal with a `` heavy heart '' .
Speaking in central London , he said he would first seek Parliament 's approval for his new Brexit plan before heading to Brussels with a clear mandate to renegotiate .
10.20am update : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris over Brexit deal Lord Heseltine has said it is `` frightening '' people think the issue of the UK 's withdrawal from the EU had `` gone away '' .
He told Sky News : “ Yes and that is what is so frightening , that people think it has gone away .
It hasn ’ t gone away .
“ We were promised a deal , we haven ’ t got a deal .
We were told of wonderful opportunities for new deals across the world , well does anyone seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days his first presidency is going to be making great concessions to overseas interests such as Britain ’ s ?
“ So the whole thing is hanging by a thread and you ’ re quite right it has gone from the headlines but it hasn ’ t gone from the investment decisions of countless British people who are uncertain about what is going to happen and until they are certain aren ’ t going make decisions and therefore jobs are lost.
” 10.09am update : Eurozone crisis : EU alarm bells as 'hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eurozone chief Christine Lagarde has warned the European Union 's single currency bloc faces a rocky recovery from the economic devastation from the coronavirus pandemic .
The European Central Bank President said eurozone leaders had not yet witnessed the “ hardest ” impacts from shutting down their economies to curb the spread of the deadly disease .
Speaking at a United Nations event , she said : “ The worst is behind us and the hardest is yet to come.
” Ms Lagarde added the recovery is going to be “ as uncertain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisive across the board ” .
10am update : Pound rises against weaker US dollar as investors assess trade deal progress Sterling has been driven up by the weaker US dollar as investors look at the probability of the UK signing a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU by the end of this year .
The pound has risen to an eight-day , up 0.3 percent to $ 1.2508 .
The British currency had been slumping throughout the cource of June , losing nearly 2.7 percent of its value .
Against the euro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stephen Gallo , European head of FX strategy at BMO , said : `` The second to last week and the last week of July are going to be the extreme Brexit crunch point .
`` If there 's not movement by the week of 20th or the week of 27th , that may be the second wave of selling in sterling . ''
9.10am update : Anna Soubry in harrowing EU prediction that UK will 'rejoin in 10 years ' Remainer Anna Soubry has predicted the UK will be back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she blames any economic downturn after the coronavirus pandemic on leaving the bloc .
The former Tory MP has claimed history will record Brexit as a terrible mistake and that the British public is incredibly fed up with it .
Ms Soubry , who stood down from the Conservatives to form Change UK , went on to predict the EU will want the UK to adopt the Euro if the country rejoins .
Speaking to LBC , she said : `` When our economy suffers in the most dreadful way everything will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it will be on the fact we 've left the European Union .
`` It is the stuff of madness but we are where we are .
`` I just think it 's a terrible tragedy and I think that 's how history will record it .
Our country has made a terrible mistake . ''
8.36am update : German MP in vicious warning to Britain over no deal Brexit Norbert Roettgen , Chairman of Germany 's Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee , has issued a huge warning to the UK over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the country .
Speaking to channel 4 News on Wednesday evening , he said “ both sides are to blame ” if they both fail to reach an agreement .
Mr Roettgen admitted the prospect “ would be disadvantageous to both sides ” but it would “ hit Britain much harder ” .
He added : “ We still can do something … we are living in a threatening , chaotic world and we have to stay together because unity means strength .
“ Britain is alone – we are 27 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Scottish ministers `` need to wake up to the fact that we have left the EU and we will leave the transition period on the 31 December '' .
He said in the Scottish parliament : `` I know the Scottish Government do n't like the outcomes of referendums when they do n't go their way , but this is another one we 're delivering on . ''
SNP MP Pete Wishart ( Perth and North Perthshire ) raised Brexit and a second referendum on Scottish independence , asking : `` An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Scottish people back a Brexit extension on top of an overwhelming majority who opposed a Brexit disaster in its entirety .
`` The Secretary of State 's probably seen an opinion poll that finds 54 % of the Scottish people now want an independent Scotland .
`` What does the Secretary of State believe links these opinion polls and what does it tell him about where our country 's headed ? ''
Mr Jack replied : `` I think the whole House would like to congratulate him on giving up his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The answer is that we had a general election , we had resounding majority across the UK for a manifesto that said we would leave , we would honour the result of the referendum .
`` We are going to honour that result , we 're going to take back control of our laws , our borders , our money and we 're going to leave the hated Common Fisheries Policy - here 's the independent bit for ( him ) we 're going to become an independent coastal state . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventuality ' with Brexit deal - Downing Street Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said : `` We believe that there is a free trade agreement to be reached but we have also been very clear that we will be prepared for either eventuality at the end of the year , whether that be a free trade agreement or having a trading relationship based on the same terms that Australia currently has . ''
Downing Street added a `` very significant '' number of firms were already preparing for Britain leaving the customs union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trade deal is agreed with thew EU .
The UK had also `` learned a significant amount '' from the preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit at the end of October 2019 `` and we will ensure that we are ready to exit the transition period on December 31 '' .
8am update : Brexit talks to COLLAPSE !
Merkel orders EU leaders prepare for no deal in bombshell speech Angela Merkel has warned the European Union to prepare for trade talks with Britain to end without a deal .
Speaking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc must prepare for the future relationship negotiations ending without an agreement .
The German Chancellor said : “ I will continue to work for a good solution , but we , in the EU and in Germany , must also be prepared for the case that an agreement will not happen after all.
” The veteran leader was updating politicians on her priorities as Germany takes over the EU ’ s rotating presidency .
Mrs Merkel said only “ minimal ” progress had been made between Britain and Brussels during the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed talks could run into the autumn despite Downing Street repeatedly insisting a deal should be wrapped up this summer .


thedailyexpress--2020-07-03--Commons in stitches as Boris Johnson humiliates SNP's Ian Blackford in PMQs row

The SNP Westminster leader claimed the UK Government is `` heartlessly and cruelly '' denying extra funds to Scotland to ensure its election promise of levelling up the country is kept .
But Boris Johnson wittily dismantled his claim causing MPs in the Commons to laugh .
He said : `` Mr Speaker , I beseech the right honourable gentleman just to think that he may be mistaken .
`` The UK Government is absolutely dedicated to supporting people of all people across the country .
`` That 's why we 've actually increased spending on benefits by £7 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do more .
`` But I can tell him that there will be plenty of wonderful things that we want to do working with him , working with the Scottish administration to improve transport and other infrastructure across the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland . ''
Boris Johnson also said he found suggestions that people going to Scotland from other parts of the UK would have to be quarantined `` astonishing '' .
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie ( West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine ) said : `` Does ( Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration of the Scottish tourist sector , just as it 's getting back on its feet , that it 's having the legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible , damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closures and quarantining of visitors from across the United Kingdom ? ''
`` I must say I found the suggestion absolutely astonishing , '' Mr Johnson responded .
`` There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that but I would point out to ( Mr Bowie ) what he knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing as a border between England and Scotland . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked `` why was the Government so slow to act '' to implement a lockdown in Leicester after it knew of a spike in virus cases .
During PMQs , he told the Commons : `` At the daily press conference on June 18 the Health Secretary said 'there 's an outbreak of Covid-19 right now in parts of Leicester ' .
`` Yet it was only on Monday evening this week that the Government introduced restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days during which the virus was spreading in Leicester .
`` Why was the Government so slow to act ? ''
But the Prime Minister said the Government `` acted decisively '' and `` put on the breaks '' in Leicester .
DO N'T MISS : Nicola Sturgeon warning : Scotland in a ‘ worse position than Greece ’ [ ANALYSIS ] Sturgeon 's 'embarrassing ' plan to keep Scotland in single market [ INSIGHT ] Sturgeon scolded for criticising Johnson 's new deal 'Did n't even ask ! '
[ VIDEO ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government first took notice and acted that was going on in Leicester on June 8 because we could see there was an issue there .
`` We sent mobile testing units shortly thereafter .
`` We engaged actively with the authorities in Leicester , with public health in Leicester , with everyone responsible in Leicester , in the way we have done with other areas that have had similar issues .
`` Unfortunately in Leicester , it did not prove possible to get the results that we have seen elsewhere so on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope the right honourable gentleman approves of , to go into lockdown in Leicester .
`` Because I have been absolutely clear with the House and with the country we are going forward , we have made huge progress but where necessary we will put on the breaks .
We acted decisively and I think it was the right thing to do . ''

PMQs: Johnson tells Blackford he is 'mistaken' over benefits
The SNP Westminster leader claimed the UK Government is "heartlessly and cruelly" denying extra funds to Scotland to ensure its election promise of levelling up the country is kept. But Boris Johnson wittily dismantled his claim causing MPs in the Commons to laugh. He said: "Mr Speaker, I beseech the right honourable gentleman just to think that he may be mistaken.
Trending
"The UK Government is absolutely dedicated to supporting people of all people across the country. "That's why we've actually increased spending on benefits by £7 billion with Universal Credit and we stand ready to do more. "But I can tell him that there will be plenty of wonderful things that we want to do working with him, working with the Scottish administration to improve transport and other infrastructure across the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland." Boris Johnson also said he found suggestions that people going to Scotland from other parts of the UK would have to be quarantined "astonishing". READ MORE: Sturgeon crisis: Scotland faces eye-watering 50% rise in council tax
SNP Ian Blackford humiliated by Boris Johnson during PMQs
Boris Johnson sparked laughter in the Commons as he responded to Ian Blackford
Conservative MP Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) said: "Does (Mr Johnson) not share my anger and the frustration of the Scottish tourist sector, just as it's getting back on its feet, that it's having the legs pulled out from under it by deeply irresponsible, damaging and divisive talk of arbitrary border closures and quarantining of visitors from across the United Kingdom?" "I must say I found the suggestion absolutely astonishing," Mr Johnson responded. "There have been no such discussions with the Scottish administration about that but I would point out to (Mr Bowie) what he knows very well - there is no such thing as a border between England and Scotland." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked "why was the Government so slow to act" to implement a lockdown in Leicester after it knew of a spike in virus cases.
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PMQs: Boris Johnson slams Sturgeon for talks of ‘border closure’


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Frost bites back! UK issues angry retort to Barnier as Brexit trade deal talks on brink

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David Frost has @ @ @ @ @ remain between the UK and the EU after three days of intense discussions fizzled out @ @ @ @ @ negotiations .
Following the first face-to-face encounter since the COVID-19 pandemic , Mr Barnier reiterated @ @ @ @ @ unless the UK accepted Brussels ’ demands for a “ level playing-field ” on trade @ @ @ @ @ waters .
Mr Frost stated the personal meeting had provided “ extra depth and flexibility @ @ @ @ @ outstanding issued remained .
In a statement , Britain ’ s Brexit negotiator said : @ @ @ @ @ discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days @ @ @ @ @ face to face for the first time since March and this has given extra depth @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful .

Brexit: David Frost appointment ‘adding pressure’ says expert
David Frost has confirmed “significant differences” remain between the UK and the EU after three days of intense discussions fizzled out during the fourth round of negotiations. Following the first face-to-face encounter since the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Barnier reiterated there would be no deal unless the UK accepted Brussels’ demands for a “level playing-field” on trade and access to British fishing waters.
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Mr Frost stated the personal meeting had provided “extra depth and flexibility” to talks but insisted outstanding issued remained. In a statement, Britain’s Brexit negotiator said: “We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days. “Our talks were face to face for the first time since March and this has given extra depth and flexibility to our discussions. “The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful.
David Frost has warned differences remain to find a trade deal with the EU
David Frost and Michel Barnier ended talks a day early
“But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues.” The official deadline for an extension to the transition period officially expired on Tuesday. Despite the lack of progress, Mr Frost has insisted the UK will still look to strike an agreement before the December 31 deadline. The next round of talks will take place in London next week.
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Brexit talks will resume in London next week
Mr Frost added: “We remain committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement out of the intensified talks process during July. “Talks will continue next week in London as agreed in the revised terms of reference published on 12 June.” Following the discussions, Mr Barnier firmly pointed the blame towards the UK for the lack of progress. The French europhile insisted the EU had engaged "constructively" and added officials needed to see an "equivalent engagement from the UK side". READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: Second wave strikes as MORE towns and cities
Michel Barnier has called on the UK to respect the position of the EU
A timeline of Brexit discussions


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Corbyn's legacy being demolished as now allies of ex-leader lose control of Momentum

The grassroots group was set up in 2015 on the back of Corbynmania to help secure the Islington North MP 's victory in the leadership contest .
The socialist campaign movement was highly influential over the Labour Party during Mr Corbyn 's four-year tenure in the top job .
Following Sir Keir Starmer 's election victory in April , Momentum - which urged its members to back Rebecca Long-Bailey for leader - vowed to `` hold Keir to account and make sure he keeps his promises '' .
Demanding he stick with Mr Corbyn 's far-left policies , they added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Jeremy ’ s transformative vision , and this means appointing a broad shadow cabinet who believe in the policies and will work with members to make them a reality . ''
But , yesterday allies of Mr Corbyn who oppose Sir Keir 's leadership suffered a severe setback when they lost Momentum 's internal elections .
An internal faction called Momentum Renewal , backed by hard-left MPs including Richard Burgon , Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett , was emphatically defeated .
Not a single seat elected by members to the campaign group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faction .
All 20 member representative seats were won by the Forward Momentum , a rival faction which is more willing to support Sir Keir as leader .
One supporter of Forward Momentum said : “ There ’ s two kinds of left in the Starmer era — one that wants to critically engage with what he ’ s trying to do and another that just wants to carp.
” Drawing a line under the organisation 's previously uncompromising support for My Corbyn 's hard-left policies Gaya Sriskanthan , one of the newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a fresh start and a new direction '' for Momentum .
READ MORE : True extent of public HATRED for Jeremy Corbyn revealed in study Sir Keir Starmer has been Labour leader since his election victory was confirmed on April 4 .
In less than four months he has wasted no time in wrestling control of the Labour Party , quickly eradicating Mr Corbyn 's legacy .
In a reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet the week after his election victory , he sent all of his predecessor 's closest allies to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ms Long-Bailey , survived the cull but she too has since been dismissed .
Sir Keir sacked the Salford MP as Shadow Education Secretary last week after she shared a newspaper article that included an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory .
The Labour leader has also taken about replacing senior members of staff appointed to the Labour Party by Mr Corbyn .
READ MORE : Labour crisis as Corbyn 's toxic legacy lives on - report Jennie Formby , Labour 's General Secretary appointed in 2018 , left her role in April by `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party vote in May , Ms Formby was replaced by David Evans , a former worker under Tony Blair who was Sir Keir 's favoured candidate .
Earlier this week it was also announced Thomas Gardiner would be standing down as the party 's director of governance and legal .
Mr Gardiner was appointed by Jeremy Corbyn two years ago .
He sparked controversy in 2018 after he ruled Labour activist Kayla Bibby should not be suspended from the party after she shared an anti-Semitic picture online .
DO N'T MISS : Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wrong to sack RLB [ POLL ] Jeremy Corbyn sparks backlash after attack on Brazil President [ REACTION ] Len McCluskey turns on Starmer as Labour rift rips wide open [ LATEST ] In another clear sign of a break from the past , Seumas Milne , the former director communications and special adviser to Mr Corbyn , also left his senior role in the party .
Sir Keir vowed `` change '' in the party when he won the leadership election in April , saying the party had a `` mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
In his victory speech , he said : `` We 've just lost four elections in a row .
We ’ re failing in our historic purpose .
`` Be in no doubt I understand the scale of the task , the gravity of the position that we 're in .
`` We 've got a mountain to climb .
But we will climb it , and I will do my utmost to reconnect us across the country , to re-engage with our communities and voters , to establish a coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our regions with all creeds and communities to speak for the whole of the country .
`` Where that requires change , we will change .
Where that requires us to rethink , we will rethink .
`` Our mission has to be to restore trust in our party as a force for good and a force for change .
`` This is my pledge to the British people .
I will do my utmost to guide us through these difficult times , to serve all of our communities and to strive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will lead this great party into a new era , with confidence and with hope .
`` So that when the time comes , we can serve our country again in Government . ''

Keir Starmer vows to 'unite' Labour to be 'effective opposition'
The grassroots group was set up in 2015 on the back of Corbynmania to help secure the Islington North MP's victory in the leadership contest. The socialist campaign movement was highly influential over the Labour Party during Mr Corbyn's four-year tenure in the top job.
Following Sir Keir Starmer's election victory in April, Momentum - which urged its members to back Rebecca Long-Bailey for leader - vowed to "hold Keir to account and make sure he keeps his promises". Demanding he stick with Mr Corbyn's far-left policies, they added: "His mandate is to build on Jeremy’s transformative vision, and this means appointing a broad shadow cabinet who believe in the policies and will work with members to make them a reality." But, on Wednesday allies of Mr Corbyn who oppose Sir Keir's leadership suffered a severe setback when they lost Momentum's internal elections. An internal faction called Momentum Renewal, backed by hard-left MPs including Richard Burgon, Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett, was emphatically defeated. Not a single seat elected by members to the campaign group's governing body was won by the faction. All 20 member representative seats were won by the Forward Momentum, a rival faction which is more willing to support Sir Keir as leader. One supporter of Forward Momentum said: “There’s two kinds of left in the Starmer era — one that wants to critically engage with what he’s trying to do and another that just wants to carp.” Drawing a line under the organisation's previously uncompromising support for My Corbyn's hard-left policies Gaya Sriskanthan, one of the newly elected representatives, said the results represented "a fresh start and a new direction" for Momentum. READ MORE: True extent of public HATRED for Jeremy Corbyn revealed in study
Corbynites have lost control of Momentum as Starmer cements grip on party
Momentum helped project Jeremy Corbyn to victory in the Labour Party leadership campaign in 2015
Sir Keir Starmer has been Labour leader since his election victory was confirmed on April 4. In less than four months he has wasted no time in wrestling control of the Labour Party, quickly eradicating Mr Corbyn's legacy. In a reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet the week after his election victory, he sent all of his predecessor's closest allies to the backbenches. Only his former leadership rival, Ms Long-Bailey, survived the cull but she too has since been dismissed. Sir Keir sacked the Salford MP as Shadow Education Secretary last week after she shared a newspaper article that included an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. The Labour leader has also taken about replacing senior members of staff appointed to the Labour Party by Mr Corbyn. READ MORE: Labour crisis as Corbyn's toxic legacy lives on - report
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Rebecca Long-Bailey was sacked from the Labour front bench last week
Rebecca Long-Bailey: Keir Starmer explains reason for sacking
Jennie Formby, Labour's General Secretary appointed in 2018, left her role in April by "mutual consent". In an internal party vote in May, Ms Formby was replaced by David Evans, a former worker under Tony Blair who was Sir Keir's favoured candidate. Earlier this week it was also announced Thomas Gardiner would be standing down as the party's director of governance and legal. Mr Gardiner was appointed by Jeremy Corbyn two years ago. He sparked controversy in 2018 after he ruled Labour activist Kayla Bibby should not be suspended from the party after she shared an anti-Semitic picture online. DON'T MISS:
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Corbyn ally Jennie Formby stood down as General Secretary after Mr Starmer's leadership win
Corbyn aide Seumas Milne finally left his role in Labour this week
In another clear sign of a break from the past, Seumas Milne, the former director communications and special adviser to Mr Corbyn, also left his senior role in the party. Sir Keir vowed "change" in the party when he won the leadership election in April, saying the party had a "mountain to climb" to be taken seriously again. In his victory speech, he said: "We've just lost four elections in a row. We’re failing in our historic purpose. "Be in no doubt I understand the scale of the task, the gravity of the position that we're in. "We've got a mountain to climb. But we will climb it, and I will do my utmost to reconnect us across the country, to re-engage with our communities and voters, to establish a coalition across our towns and our cities and our regions with all creeds and communities to speak for the whole of the country.
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thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Nicola Sturgeon mocked by Rees-Mogg for 'modelling herself on Trump' with latest threat

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in Parliament `` there is no border between Scotland and England '' .
Ms Sturgeon said “ she couldn ’ t rule out ” quarantining visitors from other parts of the UK to control the number of coronavirus cases in Scotland .
She said in a St Andrews House briefing : “ If we did see an ongoing divergence between infection rates and levels in Scotland and other parts of the UK , from a public health perspective , we would require to give consideration about how we mitigate that and guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result . ''
But the leader of the House of Commons said it may not be a `` bricks and mortar '' structure in the vein of Hadrian 's Wall or US President Donald Trump 's border wall with Mexico , but Ms Sturgeon wants a `` metaphorical wall '' .
During Business Questions on Thursday , Mr Rees-Mogg criticised Ms Sturgeon 's `` shameful '' remarks after SNP Commons business spokesman Tommy Sheppard said the Government is `` led by someone who thinks the border does not exist '' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` He mentions borders , and I noticed that Nicola Sturgeon wishes to have a wall - perhaps she is modelling herself on other leading political figures - between England and Scotland .
`` But , as my right honourable friend the Prime Minister said , there is no border between England and Scotland and it was shameful to call for a border of that type of kind to be erected to stop people travelling freely between constituent parts of the United Kingdom .
`` One never thought that Nicola Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and want to build a wall - at least a metaphorical wall if not actually getting like Hadrian with the bricks and mortar . ''
It comes after Scotland 's First Minister criticised the UK Government for failing to consult her ahead of announcing proposed changes to the quarantine regime .
The FM said she wanted to `` take a bit of time to consider the public health impact '' of the plan and the evidence underpinning it .
With the proposals expected to be set out on Friday , Mr Shapps clashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Scottish National Party in the Commons .
Mr Shapps told SNP transport spokesman Gavin Newlands : `` I 'd appreciate his help in ensuring that air bridges can get going as quickly as possible .
`` I 'm very keen to get the devolved administrations , including the Scottish Government , on board so we can get this thing announced . ''
As many as 75 countries could be exempted from the quarantine restrictions when the list is finally published .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon blow : Senior SNP politician turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish border panic : Coronavirus infections surge [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon Island battle : Islanders seek their own path out of lockdown [ REVEAL ] A Scottish Government spokesman , added : “ To allow us to move out of lockdown , it is critical that we keep the transmission of the virus as low as possible , and that includes transmission from high to low-risk areas .
“ Scotland has in place enhanced surveillance to identify those risks and has long-established powers , enhanced by recent coronavirus legislation , to manage them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented steps to deal with the challenges that the pandemic brings .
`` As we hopefully suppress the virus further , we will continue to consider any measures that might be necessary to protect against the risk of imported cases of the virus . ''

Brexit: Rees-Mogg rejects SNP's request to debate pound status
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in Parliament "there is no border between Scotland and England". Ms Sturgeon said “she couldn’t rule out” quarantining visitors from other parts of the UK to control the number of coronavirus cases in Scotland.
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She said in a St Andrews House briefing: “If we did see an ongoing divergence between infection rates and levels in Scotland and other parts of the UK, from a public health perspective, we would require to give consideration about how we mitigate that and guard against infection rates rising in Scotland as a result." But the leader of the House of Commons said it may not be a "bricks and mortar" structure in the vein of Hadrian's Wall or US President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, but Ms Sturgeon wants a "metaphorical wall". During Business Questions on Thursday, Mr Rees-Mogg criticised Ms Sturgeon's "shameful" remarks after SNP Commons business spokesman Tommy Sheppard said the Government is "led by someone who thinks the border does not exist". But Mr Rees-Mogg slated the SNP MP and added: "He mentions borders, and I noticed that Nicola Sturgeon wishes to have a wall - perhaps she is modelling herself on other leading political figures - between England and Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon said “she couldn’t rule out” quarantining visitors from other parts of the UK.
He compared Sturgeon's border comments to Trump's Mexico wall plan.
"But, as my right honourable friend the Prime Minister said, there is no border between England and Scotland and it was shameful to call for a border of that type of kind to be erected to stop people travelling freely between constituent parts of the United Kingdom. "One never thought that Nicola Sturgeon would model herself on American political figures and want to build a wall - at least a metaphorical wall if not actually getting like Hadrian with the bricks and mortar." It comes after Scotland's First Minister criticised the UK Government for failing to consult her ahead of announcing proposed changes to the quarantine regime. The FM said she wanted to "take a bit of time to consider the public health impact" of the plan and the evidence underpinning it. READ MORE: Sturgeon crisis: Scotland faces eye-watering 50% rise in council tax
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President Trump has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.
With the proposals expected to be set out on Friday, Mr Shapps clashed with a senior member of Ms Sturgeon's Scottish National Party in the Commons. Mr Shapps told SNP transport spokesman Gavin Newlands: "I'd appreciate his help in ensuring that air bridges can get going as quickly as possible. "I'm very keen to get the devolved administrations, including the Scottish Government, on board so we can get this thing announced." As many as 75 countries could be exempted from the quarantine restrictions when the list is finally published. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon blow: Senior SNP politician turns on party saying IndyRef2 [REVEAL]
Scottish border panic: Coronavirus infections surge [REVEAL]
Sturgeon Island battle: Islanders seek their own path out of lockdown [REVEAL]
Jacob Rees Mogg.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Remainer campaigners PANIC as Brexit talks end a day early with serious divergences

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Mr Barnier and his counterpart , David Frost , concluded Brexit talks a day early today as the EU ’ s chief negotiator admitted the areas of divergence still remain .
Following negotiations today , Mr Barnier insisted the UK continues not to engage in talks .
However , in a damning “ indictment ” of the EU ’ s negotiating strategy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even hit out at the lack of progression in talks from both sides .
CEO of the group , Naomi Smith said : “ The lack of movement in these negotiations is a damning indictment of both sides ' negotiating strategy .
“ It is clear that though Britain would be hit hardest , both sides stand to lose from a failure to agree a deal.
” The main areas of divergence remain the concept of a level-playing field , state aid , fisheries and the access to the single market for financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will not drop its standards on the level-playing field or fair competition .

Brexit: Remainer clashes with Iain Dale over leave campaign
Mr Barnier and his counterpart, David Frost, concluded Brexit talks a day early today as the EU’s chief negotiator admitted the areas of divergence still remain. Following negotiations today, Mr Barnier insisted the UK continues not to engage in talks. However, in a damning “indictment” of the EU’s negotiating strategy, pro-European group, Best for Britain, even hit out at the lack of progression in talks from both sides.
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CEO of the group, Naomi Smith said: “The lack of movement in these negotiations is a damning indictment of both sides' negotiating strategy. “It is clear that though Britain would be hit hardest, both sides stand to lose from a failure to agree a deal.” The main areas of divergence remain the concept of a level-playing field, state aid, fisheries and the access to the single market for financial services. The EU has remained steadfast it will not drop its standards on the level-playing field or fair competition.
Brexit news: Even Best for Britain now criticises EU's negotiating
Brexit news: Talks ended a day early
After the talks today, Mr Barnier once again insisted there would be no deal without level-playing field conditions in any potential treaty including on state aid. He said: “Our goal was to get negotiations successfully and quickly on a trajectory to reach an agreement. “However, after four days of discussions, serious divergences remain. “We will continue to insist on parallel progress on all areas. JUST IN: Barnier warned Boris WILL take no deal if Brexit deadlock isn't broken
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Brexit news: The EU stated it will not sacrifice its standards
Brexit news: Mr Johnson has warned he will walk away from talks
Brexit news: Mr Barnier indicated several areas of divergence remain
Mr Barnier did add, however, that the UK’s red lines were now clear. UK officials have insisted the European Court of Justice should have no role in in the UK. There must also be no obligation to stick to EU laws and an agreement on fisheries which fulfils the UK’s right as an independent coastal nation. Mr Frost said: “We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days.
EU-UK trade negotiations
“Our talks were face-to-face for the first time since March and this has given extra depth and flexibility to our discussions. “The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful.
Brexit news: Talks will resume next week


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Boris urged to call EU’s bluff and quit Brexit talks -‘Should have walked away weeks ago!’

This website asked readers if the Prime Minister should call the EU ’ s bluff and abandon post-Brexit negotiations after German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned progress had been “ very limited ” and called on the bloc to step up preparations for a no-deal scenario .
A huge 97 percent of respondents said Mr Johnson should walk away from the talks while just three percent replied no .
Commenting on the poll , one reader said : “ We should have walked away a long time ago !
” Another pleaded with the Prime Minister : “ Please Boris walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU.
” A third insisted : “ We should have walked away weeks ago .
`` Then we should have said , 'These are the terms we will agree , they are not negotiable , come and talk if you accept them .
Do n't waste our time trying to water these terms down.
’ Had we done that we would be far further forward by now.
” Another fumed : “ The reason it is not progressing is the EU want jurisdiction over our fishing grounds .
They want jurisdiction over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose their rules on us .
NONE of this is possible and so long as they try there will be no progress , DUH !
!
!
” A fifth said : “ The EU never intends to reach a deal they want UK to surrender .
Time for UK to say Ciao.
” Another wrote : “ Should never have got to this stage in the first place .
Over 4 years and here we still are !
” One more added : “ Walk away Boris , the game is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all along that if we left the EU would collapse.
” READ MORE : EU warned 'no deal Brexit better ' in bid to stop 'wrecking ' of bloc Our poll comes after Mrs Merkel told the German parliament on Wednesday that progress in trade talks had been `` very limited '' and the EU must be ready for the possibility that `` a deal does n't materialise '' .
Germany has assumed the rotating EU Council presidency for the next six months giving Ms Merkel a key role in the final stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the German Chancellor ’ s comments , the UK said it wants to `` work constructively '' with the EU but insisted it is prepared to trade with Brussels without a formal agreement .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We believe that there is a free trade agreement to be reached but we have also been very clear that we will be prepared for either eventuality at the end of the year , whether that be a free trade agreement or having a trading relationship based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' DO N'T MISS Brexit talks END EARLY as stalemate hits - Barnier faces UK showdown [ INSIGHT ] Brexit LIVE : Boris Johnson blames EU for missing key talks deadline [ LIVE BLOG ] Brexit chaos : The one surprising compromise Boris Johnson must face [ ANALYSIS ] The negotiations , which have been taking place in Brussels this week with the teams meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak , had been due to continue to Friday The latest round of talks between Britain and the EU broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' remaining between the two sides .
The negotiations , which have been taking place in Brussels this week with the teams meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak , had been due to continue to Friday .
Mr Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost said that while meeting in person had given `` extra depth and flexibility '' to the discussions there was more to do .
Mr Frost added : `` We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just @ @ @ @

David Frost arrives in Brussels for Brexit negotiations
This website asked readers if the Prime Minister should call the EU’s bluff and abandon post-Brexit negotiations after German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned progress had been “very limited” and called on the bloc to step up preparations for a no-deal scenario. A huge 97 percent of respondents said Mr Johnson should walk away from the talks while just three percent replied no.
Commenting on the poll, one reader said: “We should have walked away a long time ago!” Another pleaded with the Prime Minister: “Please Boris walk away now and end it all with the EU.” A third insisted: “We should have walked away weeks ago. "Then we should have said, 'These are the terms we will agree, they are not negotiable, come and talk if you accept them. Don't waste our time trying to water these terms down.’ Had we done that we would be far further forward by now.”
Boris Johnson should walk away from trade talks with Brussels, Express.co.uk readers have urged
German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned progress in negotiations had been “very limited” and called on the bloc to step up preparations for a no-deal scenario
Another fumed: “The reason it is not progressing is the EU want jurisdiction over our fishing grounds. They want jurisdiction over our laws and courts and they want to impose their rules on us. NONE of this is possible and so long as they try there will be no progress, DUH!!!” A fifth said: “The EU never intends to reach a deal they want UK to surrender. Time for UK to say Ciao.” Another wrote: “Should never have got to this stage in the first place. Over 4 years and here we still are!” One more added: “Walk away Boris, the game is over for the EU, they knew all along that if we left the EU would collapse.” READ MORE: EU warned 'no deal Brexit better' in bid to stop 'wrecking' of bloc
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A huge 97 percent of respondents said Mr Johnson should walk away from the talks while just three percent replied no
Our poll comes after Mrs Merkel told the German parliament on Wednesday that progress in trade talks had been "very limited" and the EU must be ready for the possibility that "a deal doesn't materialise". Germany has assumed the rotating EU Council presidency for the next six months giving Ms Merkel a key role in the final stage of the Brexit process. In response to the German Chancellor’s comments, the UK said it wants to "work constructively" with the EU but insisted it is prepared to trade with Brussels without a formal agreement. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We believe that there is a free trade agreement to be reached but we have also been very clear that we will be prepared for either eventuality at the end of the year, whether that be a free trade agreement or having a trading relationship based on the same terms that Australia currently has." DON'T MISS
Brexit talks END EARLY as stalemate hits - Barnier faces UK showdown [INSIGHT]
Brexit LIVE: Boris Johnson blames EU for missing key talks deadline [LIVE BLOG]
Brexit chaos: The one surprising compromise Boris Johnson must face [ANALYSIS]
The latest round of talks between Britain and the EU broke up early today with "significant differences" remaining between the two sides
The negotiations, which have been taking place in Brussels this week with the teams meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak, had been due to continue to Friday
The latest round of talks between Britain and the EU broke up early today with "significant differences" remaining between the two sides. The negotiations, which have been taking place in Brussels this week with the teams meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak, had been due to continue to Friday. Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost said that while meeting in person had given "extra depth and flexibility" to the discussions there was more to do. Mr Frost added: "We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days.
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-07-02--Sturgeon blow: Senior SNP politician turns on party saying IndyRef2 would be illegal

Kenny MacAskill who served as a former justice secretary under Alex Salmond said that the issue could be decided by the next Scottish Parliament election in 2021 .
In a column in The Scotsman , he added : “ For those for whom this nationalist debate is a mystery , it ’ s code for what ’ s to be done if Boris Johnson , or any other UK PM for that matter , simply says no to allowing a second vote .
“ Of course , it has been ruled out by the Tories but that didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP leadership of there being a referendum later this year .
“ His comments come after a new poll showed more than half of Scots now back independence .
Think tank Business for Scotland commissioned the Panelbase survey , which questioned 1,070 Scots aged over 16 and found 54 percent back Scotland leaving the UK , while 46 percent oppose it .
But PM Boris Johnson has ruled out any independence referendum whilst he is Prime Minister .
But Mr MacAskill stressed : “ As with the second coming of the Messiah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least specified as being this autumn , not future millennia .
“ But now we ’ re in July and there ’ s no chance of one this year .
“ Coronavirus can be blamed with other priorities and social distancing all impeding , but the truth of it is , there was never any chance of it being held .
“ It wasn ’ t just that the necessary Section 30 order hadn ’ t been obtained , which is the magical bit of paper from Westminster needed to allow it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure nor the necessary policy platform had been laid.
” Joanna Cherry previously called on Nicola Sturgeon to consider the option if Boris Johnson decides to refuse a second vote .
The MP and lawyer , who is the party ’ s justice spokeswoman at Westminster said the proxy vote could be an alternative route and clear pathway independence as a “ Plan B ” .
But the East Lothian MP continued : “ Running an illegal referendum is a red herring to frighten folk .
It just can ’ t be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS 'dismal failures ' laid bare in new report 's [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon crisis : Scotland faces eye-watering 50 % rise in council tax [ REVEAL ] Ex-Scottish Government agency facing police probe [ REVEAL ]

Nicola Sturgeon 'has no plan B' to independence says Miklinski
Kenny MacAskill who served as a former justice secretary under Alex Salmond said that the issue could be decided by the next Scottish Parliament election in 2021. In a column in The Scotsman, he added: “For those for whom this nationalist debate is a mystery, it’s code for what’s to be done if Boris Johnson, or any other UK PM for that matter, simply says no to allowing a second vote.
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“Of course, it has been ruled out by the Tories but that didn’t stop the mantra chant continuing from the SNP leadership of there being a referendum later this year. “ His comments come after a new poll showed more than half of Scots now back independence. Think tank Business for Scotland commissioned the Panelbase survey, which questioned 1,070 Scots aged over 16 and found 54 percent back Scotland leaving the UK, while 46 percent oppose it. But PM Boris Johnson has ruled out any independence referendum whilst he is Prime Minister.
SNP MP Kenny MacAskill.
Ms Sturgeon has paused campaigning for IndyRef2 for now.
But Mr MacAskill stressed: “As with the second coming of the Messiah, it was to mysteriously arrive, albeit at least specified as being this autumn, not future millennia. “But now we’re in July and there’s no chance of one this year. “Coronavirus can be blamed with other priorities and social distancing all impeding, but the truth of it is, there was never any chance of it being held. “It wasn’t just that the necessary Section 30 order hadn’t been obtained, which is the magical bit of paper from Westminster needed to allow it. READ MORE: Scottish border panic: Coronavirus infections surge
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The SNP leader has been asked to abandon IndyRef2 by opposition parties.
“More importantly neither the organisational infrastructure nor the necessary policy platform had been laid.” Joanna Cherry previously called on Nicola Sturgeon to consider the option if Boris Johnson decides to refuse a second vote. The MP and lawyer, who is the party’s justice spokeswoman at Westminster said the proxy vote could be an alternative route and clear pathway independence as a “Plan B”. But the East Lothian MP continued: “Running an illegal referendum is a red herring to frighten folk. It just can’t be done. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon's NHS 'dismal failures' laid bare in new report's [REVEAL]
Sturgeon crisis: Scotland faces eye-watering 50% rise in council tax [REVEAL]
Ex-Scottish Government agency facing police probe [REVEAL]
The MP a close ally of Alex Salmond.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-03--Brexit space deal COMPLETE: UK sign £900million global satellite deal with India

The deal sees the UK join forces with India 's Bharti Global to buy satellite operator OneWeb with the aim to provide broadband and other services to millions across the world .
It places Britain at the forefront of the space race to build a low orbit satellite which can provide high-speed broadband .
A Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy official said the acquisition would put the UK at the `` cutting-edge of the latest advances in space technology '' .
The deal is also set to be a huge boost to UK manufacturing , providing scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This deal underlines the scale of Britain 's ambitions on the global stage .
`` Our access to a global fleet of satellites has the potential to connect millions of people worldwide to broadband , many for the first time , and the deal presents the opportunity to further develop our strong advanced manufacturing base right here in the UK . ''
The UK is part of a consortium with Bharti Global which won a bidding war for OneWeb , which went bankrupt earlier this year while trying to develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministers hope it will compensate for the loss of access to the EU 's Galileo programme at the end of the year in the wake of Brexit .
The Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) said the UK and mobile operator Bharti are each investing £400 million , with Britain acquiring a `` significant equity stake '' in the company .
Officials predict the deal would put the UK at the `` cutting-edge of the latest advances in space technology '' .
It will enable OneWeb - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete the construction of a constellation of Low Earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world .
OneWeb was formed in 2012 , and has been developing cutting-edge satellite technology from its bases both here in the UK and in the United States .
The UK Government will have a final say over any future sale of the company , and over future access to OneWeb technology by other countries on national security grounds .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pioneer in the research , development , manufacturing and exploitation of novel satellite technologies , while boosting UK manufacturing .
`` The deal will enable the company to develop technology to provide enhanced broadband and other services to mobile and fixed IT terminals in the UK and countries around the world .
`` It will also allow the UK to explore other potential strategic opportunities working with our international allies . ''
The deal remains subject to approval by the US Bankruptcy Court , as well as regulatory approvals .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 per cent since 2010 .
It already supports £300 billion of UK economic activity through the use of satellite services , with 25 percent of small telecommunications satellites manufactured in Britain .
Galileo has been a hot potato for several years , given the UK invested upwards of £1billion in the project and was instrumental in developing much of the technology .

Brexit: UK need to 'find other partners' claims David Davis
The deal sees the UK join forces with India's Bharti Global to buy satellite operator OneWeb with the aim to provide broadband and other services to millions across the world. It places Britain at the forefront of the space race to build a low orbit satellite which can provide high-speed broadband.
Trending
This deal underlines the scale of Britain's ambitions on the global stage Alok Sharma
A Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy official said the acquisition would put the UK at the "cutting-edge of the latest advances in space technology". The deal is also set to be a huge boost to UK manufacturing, providing scores of jobs. Business secretary Alok Sharma said: "This deal underlines the scale of Britain's ambitions on the global stage. "Our access to a global fleet of satellites has the potential to connect millions of people worldwide to broadband, many for the first time, and the deal presents the opportunity to further develop our strong advanced manufacturing base right here in the UK."
The UK has agreed a satellite project to boost its global influence
Sunil Bharti Mittal
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The UK is part of a consortium with mobile operator Bharti Global which won a bidding war for the company, which went bankrupt earlier this year while trying to develop a space network to deliver broadband. Ministers hope the deal will compensate for the loss of access to the EU's Galileo programme at the end of the year in the wake of Brexit. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said the UK and Bharti are each investing £400 million, with Britain acquiring a "significant equity stake" in the company. Bharti Global is a subsidiary of Bharti Enterprises, founded by Sunil Bharti Mittal in 1976. READ MORE: EU divided: Austria's Chancellor HITS BACK after German criticism
The launch of a Galileo satellite in French Guiana
Officials predict the deal would put the UK at the "cutting-edge of the latest advances in space technology". It will enable OneWeb - which has its headquarters in London - to complete the construction of a constellation of Low Earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world. OneWeb was formed in 2012, and has been developing cutting-edge satellite technology from its bases both here in the UK and in the United States. The UK Government will have a final say over any future sale of the company, and over future access to OneWeb technology by other countries on national security grounds. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said: "The deal will support the UK to be a pioneer in the research, development, manufacturing and exploitation of novel satellite technologies, while boosting UK manufacturing. DON’T MISS
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Did physicists accidentally discover dark matter in 2014? [INSIGHT]
Was coronavirus predicted by the Bible? [ANALYSIS]
UK space sector in numbers
"The deal will enable the company to develop technology to provide enhanced broadband and other services to mobile and fixed IT terminals in the UK and countries around the world. "It will also allow the UK to explore other potential strategic opportunities working with our international allies." The deal remains subject to approval by the US Bankruptcy Court, as well as regulatory approvals.
Brexit: UK should still be part of Galileo post-exit says Woerner
The UK space sector has grown by more than 60 per cent since 2010. It already supports £300 billion of UK economic activity through the use of satellite services, with 25 percent of small telecommunications satellites manufactured in Britain. Galileo has been a hot potato for several years, given the UK invested upwards of £1billion in the project and was instrumental in developing much of the technology.
Adrian Steckel, OneWeb CEO, pictured last year
Despite the Government's hopes the new deal will help make up for the loss of access, questions remain about precisely how this will be achieved. A £92million feasibility study launched in August 2018 looked at at ways to deliver a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capable of operating in a similar way to Galileo. Speaking last month, a source within the UK space sector told Express.co.uk: "The MoD are not on the same page as the UKSA on this programme.
Galileo factfile
"The MoD do not want the UKSA's proposed system that is, as I understand it, very similar to GPS, as it would share the same weaknesses, (eg a vulnerability to jamming and spoofing). "What the MoD want is a system that provides resilience by delivering a navigation capability in a different way. "There are a number of such alternate navigation options which would be considerably cheaper than the UKSA's solution."
Boris Johnson has signalled his support of a British GNSS system


thedailyexpress--2020-07-03--Sturgeon PANIC: Mass redundancy feared in Scotland as Boris rules out new help

The First Minister called on the Treasury to extend the financial support for workers and businesses which currently supports 650,000 Scots .
It comes as Unite Scotland said it was involved in redundancy consultations affecting more than 1,000 jobs at Edinburgh Airport , Scotland ’ s biggest transport hub .
Meanwhile , requests for advice on redundancy have soared by 100 per cent since February , Citizens Advice Scotland ( CAS ) said , with one in five employment queries now concerning redundancy .
But Boris Johnson insisted it was not `` healthy '' for either the economy or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its planned end date in October .
The scheme will start being scaled back from August with companies expected to pay a higher share of wages while the UK government continues to subsidise 60 percent of salaries up to cap of £2,500 a month .
But Ms Sturgeon called for an extension of Treasury Support stresing support was needed to address Scotland ’ s “ economic crisis ” .
Ms Sturgeon added : `` I have previously welcomed the UK Government 's interventions , especially the furlough scheme which has helped to preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my view it is now time to signal a further extension of Treasury support.
” “ The alternative to extended support being put in place is either that businesses are forced to reopen before it is safe to do so , and of course could damage health and it could cost lives , or businesses will have to take an even bigger hit and that will cost jobs . ''
But Mr Johnson said : “ I 've got to be very , very blunt with you .
We 've spent £120 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge commitment and we have put our arms around people .
READ MORE : Nicola Sturgeon fury : UK divided as Scottish leader erupts at Boris '' The best way forward for us now is to work together to beat the virus and get the economy back on its feet .
We 're going to do amazing things ; we 're going to build , build , build , invest massively in our country .
`` But I think people need to recognise the particular restrictions that furlough places on you are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either for the economy or for you as an employee .
`` You are keeping people in suspended animation .
You are stopping them from actually working .
I am being absolutely frank with you , we are pushing it out until October but in the end you have got to get the economy moving . ''
It comes after a new report produced by Nicola Sturgeon ’ s administration calls for the UK Government to produce an £80 billion UK-wide stimulus package to boost the coronavirus-hit economy and cut inequalities .
DO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer holidays [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon 's dream ruined as Scottish independence dubbed 'catastrophe ' [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon blow : Senior SNP politician turns on party saying IndyRef2 [ REVEAL ] It calls for a furlough scheme extension , or some other form of wage subsidy , for the hardest-hit sectors , indicating while the unemployment rate could still reach 10 percent in Scotland in 2020 , it could have peaked at 14 percent without the furlough scheme .
It urges the government to use the cash , equivalent to 4 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of actions , including cutting VAT to 15 percent for six months once lockdown ends , with a reduction to 5 percent for the hospitality sector .
Further recommendations in the Scottish Government report include cutting employers ' National Insurance contributions by 2p to reduce the cost of hiring staff .
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also requested for more financial powers from the Treasury last week .

Nicola Sturgeon imposes ‘travel restrictions’ on border counties
The First Minister called on the Treasury to extend the financial support for workers and businesses which currently supports 650,000 Scots. It comes as Unite Scotland said it was involved in redundancy consultations affecting more than 1,000 jobs at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland’s biggest transport hub.
Trending
Meanwhile, requests for advice on redundancy have soared by 100 per cent since February, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said, with one in five employment queries now concerning redundancy. But Boris Johnson insisted it was not "healthy" for either the economy or the employees concerned to maintain the scheme beyond its planned end date in October. The scheme will start being scaled back from August with companies expected to pay a higher share of wages while the UK government continues to subsidise 60 percent of salaries up to cap of £2,500 a month. But Ms Sturgeon called for an extension of Treasury Support stresing support was needed to address Scotland’s “economic crisis”.
Nicola Sturgeon has warned about the future of the Scottish economy.
Nicola Sturgeon.
Ms Sturgeon added: "I have previously welcomed the UK Government's interventions, especially the furlough scheme which has helped to preserve jobs during this period. "But in my view it is now time to signal a further extension of Treasury support.” “The alternative to extended support being put in place is either that businesses are forced to reopen before it is safe to do so, and of course could damage health and it could cost lives, or businesses will have to take an even bigger hit and that will cost jobs." But Mr Johnson said: “I've got to be very, very blunt with you. We've spent £120 billion supporting people, it's a huge commitment and we have put our arms around people. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon fury: UK divided as Scottish leader erupts at Boris
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Boris Johnson has rejected calls to extend the furlough scheme.
"The best way forward for us now is to work together to beat the virus and get the economy back on its feet. We're going to do amazing things; we're going to build, build, build, invest massively in our country. "But I think people need to recognise the particular restrictions that furlough places on you are not, in the long term, healthy either for the economy or for you as an employee. "You are keeping people in suspended animation. You are stopping them from actually working. I am being absolutely frank with you, we are pushing it out until October but in the end you have got to get the economy moving." It comes after a new report produced by Nicola Sturgeon’s administration calls for the UK Government to produce an £80 billion UK-wide stimulus package to boost the coronavirus-hit economy and cut inequalities. DON'T MISS:
Sturgeon’s DERAILED summer holidays [REVEAL]
Sturgeon's dream ruined as Scottish independence dubbed 'catastrophe' [REVEAL]
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1,000 jobs are under threat at Edinburgh Airport.
It calls for a furlough scheme extension, or some other form of wage subsidy, for the hardest-hit sectors, indicating while the unemployment rate could still reach 10 percent in Scotland in 2020, it could have peaked at 14 percent without the furlough scheme. It urges the government to use the cash, equivalent to 4 percent of GDP, to finance a range of actions, including cutting VAT to 15 percent for six months once lockdown ends, with a reduction to 5 percent for the hospitality sector. Further recommendations in the Scottish Government report include cutting employers' National Insurance contributions by 2p to reduce the cost of hiring staff. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also requested for more financial powers from the Treasury last week.
UK economy is a 'gathering storm' amid pandemic says expert


thedailyexpress--2020-07-03--Sturgeon left red faced as Scottish rail ranks bottom in UK - operator paid 65,000 claims

The Office of Road and Rail says Network Rail Scotland ’ s divisional score , which is funded by the Scottish Government , was 43.3 percent , compared to 74.6 percent for it ’ s best English counterpart .
The publicly-funded body is in charge of the country 's rail infrastructure , including tracks and signals .
The score takes into account a range of issues from punctuality and customer satisfaction to safety and financial management .
The other UK regions were Southern England , which scored 74.6 percent .
Wales and Western England scored 62.9 percent , Eastern England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central got a 56.1 percent mark .
The government rail watchdog also showed the body was 4 per cent short of their target in terms of service punctuality .
88.5 percent of services arrived at their destination within five minutes of schedule , lower than the officially set target of 92.5 percent which Network Rail forecast would not be met till March 2022 .
There was also 1.24 minutes of delay per 100km of train travel in 2019-20 - 0.18 minutes worse than official targets .
The ORR report added : “ Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set by the Scottish Ministers or those agreed with its customers .
“ However It has demonstrated that it understands what it needs to do to achieve its performance targets and , working closely with its customers , has plans in place to deliver these improvements.
” The pressure piles on as Network Rail Scotland is under pressure to deliver £347 million of efficiency savings over five years .
The ORR also scored Network Rail down after it failed to achieve targets for customer satisfaction , train performance , reduction in works complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim worker safety requires improvement with the body failing to reduce the number of minor injuries , especially slips , trips and falls among workers .
It comes after the regulator issued two national improvement notices concerning track worker safety in 2019-20 .
But the report said the rail body was “ responding positively ” to these .
DO N'T MISS : Sturgeon blow : Senior SNP politician turns on party saying IndyRef2 [ REVEAL ] Scottish border panic : Coronavirus infections surge [ REVEAL ] Sturgeon Island battle : Islanders seek their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Network Rail was previously investigated by the transport regulator as it emerged that it was responsible for 66 percent of delays .
It meant Scotland ’ s train operator Scotrail had to pay out 65,000 successful claims from passengers in nine months .
But the regulator said Network Rail Scotland ’ s strongest performing areas were in safety , investment and asset management .
The report added : “ While the reliability of Network Rail Scotland ’ s infrastructure is improving , it is important that it focuses on other areas where @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Nicola Sturgeon imposes ‘travel restrictions’ on border counties
The Office of Road and Rail says Network Rail Scotland’s divisional score, which is funded by the Scottish Government, was 43.3 percent, compared to 74.6 percent for it’s best English counterpart. The publicly-funded body is in charge of the country's rail infrastructure, including tracks and signals.
Trending
The score takes into account a range of issues from punctuality and customer satisfaction to safety and financial management. The other UK regions were Southern England, which scored 74.6 percent. Wales and Western England scored 62.9 percent, Eastern England got 56.5 percent while North West and Central got a 56.1 percent mark. The government rail watchdog also showed the body was 4 per cent short of their target in terms of service punctuality. 88.5 percent of services arrived at their destination within five minutes of schedule, lower than the officially set target of 92.5 percent which Network Rail forecast would not be met till March 2022.
Network Rail Scotland is ranked by the ORR.
Scotland's score is 30 percent lower than the best performing score in England.
There was also 1.24 minutes of delay per 100km of train travel in 2019-20 - 0.18 minutes worse than official targets. The ORR report added: “Network Rail Scotland did not deliver the targets set by the Scottish Ministers or those agreed with its customers. “However It has demonstrated that it understands what it needs to do to achieve its performance targets and, working closely with its customers, has plans in place to deliver these improvements.” The pressure piles on as Network Rail Scotland is under pressure to deliver £347 million of efficiency savings over five years. READ MORE: Sturgeon PANIC: Mass redundancy feared in Scotland
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Network Rail is publically funded.
The ORR also scored Network Rail down after it failed to achieve targets for customer satisfaction, train performance, reduction in works complaints and other management. The figures also claim worker safety requires improvement with the body failing to reduce the number of minor injuries, especially slips, trips and falls among workers. It comes after the regulator issued two national improvement notices concerning track worker safety in 2019-20. But the report said the rail body was “responding positively” to these. DON'T MISS:
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Scottish border panic: Coronavirus infections surge [REVEAL]
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Several aspects have improved however.
Network Rail was previously investigated by the transport regulator as it emerged that it was responsible for 66 percent of delays. It meant Scotland’s train operator Scotrail had to pay out 65,000 successful claims from passengers in nine months. But the regulator said Network Rail Scotland’s strongest performing areas were in safety, investment and asset management. The report added: “While the reliability of Network Rail Scotland’s infrastructure is improving, it is important that it focuses on other areas where the proportion of delay remains high.
Scotland has some of the most scenic railways in the UK.


thedailyexpress--2020-07-03--Brexit POLL: As trade talks end early is it time for Boris to compromise with the EU? VOTE

Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether the Prime Minister should back down in trade talks with the EU on key sticking points such as fishing or the level playing field on standards .
The latest round of negotiations , which have been taking place in Brussels with the two sides meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak , broke up on Thursday .
The talks in the Belgian capital had been due to continue to Friday .
In a statement , Mr Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost said that meeting in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to the discussions but he warned there was more to do .
He said : `` We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days .
`` The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful .
But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues . ''
The EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned there were still “ serious divergences ” between the two sides .
He said : `` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly on a trajectory to reach an agreement .
`` However , after four days of discussions , serious divergences remain . ''
READ MORE : Barnier warned Boris WILL take no deal if Brexit deadlock is n't broken David Frost said that meeting in person had given `` extra depth and flexibility '' to the discussions but he warned there was more to do Mr Barnier said Brussels had `` listened carefully '' to the UK ’ s demands but insisted there could be no deal without agreements on fisheries and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the EU ’ s standards .
He added : `` We will continue to insist on parallel progress on all areas .
`` The EU expects , in turn , its positions to be better understood and respected in order to reach an agreement .
We need an equivalent engagement by the United Kingdom . ''
DO N'T MISS Brexit LIVE : Brexiteer mocks Remainers after humiliating online poll [ LIVE BLOG ] Barnier ’ s final snub !
EU chief blasts UK on ‘ serious divergences ’ [ INSIGHT ] Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Ireland lie ahead [ ANALYSIS ] Another round of talks will resume in London next week .
It had been hoped the face-to-face meetings would lead to a breakthrough after negotiations had been taking place remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Fishing arrangements and the level playing field have proved to be major stumbling blocks in talks .
The face-to-face negotiations were agreed following a virtual summit between Mr Johnson and EU leaders in June in a bid to break the deadlock .

David Frost arrives in Brussels for Brexit negotiations
Express.co.uk readers can vote in our poll on whether the Prime Minister should back down in trade talks with the EU on key sticking points such as fishing or the level playing field on standards. The latest round of negotiations, which have been taking place in Brussels with the two sides meeting face-to-face for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak, broke up on Thursday. THIS POLL HAS NOW CLOSED CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS
The talks in the Belgian capital had been due to continue to Friday. In a statement, Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost said that meeting in person had given "extra depth and flexibility" to the discussions but he warned there was more to do. He said: "We have completed our discussion of the full range of issues in the negotiation in just over three days. "The negotiations have been comprehensive and useful. But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues."
Readers can vote in our poll on whether Boris Johnson should back down in trade talks with the EU
The latest round of negotiations, which had been due to continue to Friday, broke up on Thursday
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned there were still “serious divergences” between the two sides. He said: "Our goal was to get negotiations successfully and quickly on a trajectory to reach an agreement. "However, after four days of discussions, serious divergences remain." READ MORE: Barnier warned Boris WILL take no deal if Brexit deadlock isn't broken
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David Frost said that meeting in person had given "extra depth and flexibility" to the discussions but he warned there was more to do
Mr Barnier said Brussels had "listened carefully" to the UK’s demands but insisted there could be no deal without agreements on fisheries and the level playing field which forces Britain to follow the EU’s standards. He added: "We will continue to insist on parallel progress on all areas. "The EU expects, in turn, its positions to be better understood and respected in order to reach an agreement. We need an equivalent engagement by the United Kingdom." DON'T MISS
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Barnier’s final snub! EU chief blasts UK on ‘serious divergences’ [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson warning: Why more Brexit clashes over Ireland lie ahead [ANALYSIS]
Another round of talks will resume in London next week. It had been hoped the face-to-face meetings would lead to a breakthrough after negotiations had been taking place remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fishing arrangements and the level playing field have proved to be major stumbling blocks in talks. The face-to-face negotiations were agreed following a virtual summit between Mr Johnson and EU leaders in June in a bid to break the deadlock.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned there were still “serious divergences” between the two sides
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