thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--They STILL don't get it! Deluded Lib Dem Remainers vow to re-join EU 'at future date'

The Lib Dems have passed a motion at their annual party conference to support Britain in re-gaining membership of the EU at an “ appropriate future date ” .
The position , backed by newly elected leader Sir Ed Davey , also wants to hand back control to Brussels and calls for the `` closest possible '' alignment between the UK and EU in relation to a customs union , single market and freedom of movement .
The long term vision was supported by a huge 76 percent of the membership .
It says any date would be `` determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assent , market and trade conditions and acceptable negotiated terms '' .
Hardline Remainers within the party did , however , see an amendment arguing for Britain to immediately re-join the bloc rejected by members .
In the crunch vote , just 24 percent of members supported the idea of the UK overturning Brexit when the transition period ends of December 31 .
At the last general election the Lib Dems were humiliated after leader Jo Swinson lost her seat after campaigning on a manifesto to stop Brexit , and defy 17.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
Ms Swinson lost her Dunbartonshire East seat to the SNP less than six months after becoming leader of the party .
A damning internal inquiry into the Lib Dems 2019 general election performance compared it to a `` high-speed car crash '' .
Following the debate on the Brexit motion on Sunday , Lib Dem Brexit spokeswoman Christine Jardine said the party would “ never turn our back on our pro-European values ” .
Ms Jardine also ordered Boris Johnson to secure a trade agreement with the EU and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last ounce of political energy towards stopping a no deal ” .
She said : `` With our country already facing the biggest economic and health crisis in generations , it is unthinkable that the UK would crash out of the transition period without a deal .
`` Boris Johnson must start putting the nation first , rather than sacrificing everything and anything in his ideological pursuit of Brexit .
“ This is about stopping the disaster of food shortages , medicine shortages , and more .
READ MORE : Coronavirus map LIVE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' At every step of the Brexit process , Liberal Democrats were clear in our pro-EU position .
“ We 'll never turn our back on our pro-European values because we are so much better off standing together than we could ever be alone .
`` That is why our duty now is to put every last ounce of political energy towards stopping a no-deal and opposing Boris Johnson 's efforts to drag the country 's reputation through the mud by breaking international law . ''
Earlier this month , Sir Ed Davey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK could re-join the bloc any time soon insisting the idea was “ for the birds ” .
Should students have fees SCRAPPED due to lockdown shambles ?
VOTE HERE [ POLL ] Oh dear , Guy !
EU 's tax plans will just drive companies to Britain [ INSIGHT ] BBC Weather : Arctic storms grip UK in record-breaking freeze [ FORECAST ]

Brexit: Sophy Ridge quizzes Sir Ed Davey on rejoining EU
The Lib Dems have passed a motion at their annual party conference to support Britain in re-gaining membership of the EU at an “appropriate future date”. The position, backed by newly elected leader Sir Ed Davey, also wants to hand back control to Brussels and calls for the "closest possible" alignment between the UK and EU in relation to a customs union, single market and freedom of movement.
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The long term vision was supported by a huge 76 percent of the membership. It says any date would be "determined by political circumstances, subject to public assent, market and trade conditions and acceptable negotiated terms". Hardline Remainers within the party did, however, see an amendment arguing for Britain to immediately re-join the bloc rejected by members. In the crunch vote, just 24 percent of members supported the idea of the UK overturning Brexit when the transition period ends of December 31.
The Lib Dems have backed a motion to pave the way for Britain to re-join the EU
Sir Ed Davey was elected leader in August
At the last general election the Lib Dems were humiliated after leader Jo Swinson lost her seat after campaigning on a manifesto to stop Brexit, and defy 17.4 million people who voted to leave the bloc in 2016. Ms Swinson lost her Dunbartonshire East seat to the SNP less than six months after becoming leader of the party. A damning internal inquiry into the Lib Dems 2019 general election performance compared it to a "high-speed car crash". Following the debate on the Brexit motion on Sunday, Lib Dem Brexit spokeswoman Christine Jardine said the party would “never turn our back on our pro-European values”.
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Jo Swinson lost her seat at the last general election
Ms Jardine also ordered Boris Johnson to secure a trade agreement with the EU and said the Lib Dems will “put every last ounce of political energy towards stopping a no deal”. She said: "With our country already facing the biggest economic and health crisis in generations, it is unthinkable that the UK would crash out of the transition period without a deal. "Boris Johnson must start putting the nation first, rather than sacrificing everything and anything in his ideological pursuit of Brexit. “This is about stopping the disaster of food shortages, medicine shortages, and more. READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: New lockdown hits THOUSANDS of Brits
Sir Ed Davey has described the idea of the UK re-joining the EU any time soon as 'for the birds'
"At every step of the Brexit process, Liberal Democrats were clear in our pro-EU position. “We'll never turn our back on our pro-European values because we are so much better off standing together than we could ever be alone. "That is why our duty now is to put every last ounce of political energy towards stopping a no-deal and opposing Boris Johnson's efforts to drag the country's reputation through the mud by breaking international law." Earlier this month, Sir Ed Davey admitted he could not envisage how the UK could re-join the bloc any time soon insisting the idea was “for the birds”. DON'T MISS Should students have fees SCRAPPED due to lockdown shambles? VOTE HERE [POLL]
Oh dear, Guy! EU's tax plans will just drive companies to Britain [INSIGHT]
BBC Weather: Arctic storms grip UK in record-breaking freeze [FORECAST]
A timeline of Brexit talks between the UK and EU


thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--Laurence Fox’s new party to ‘fight culture wars’ has already raised huge £5m, actor claims

The 42-year-old member of the famous acting dynasty unveiled his party , provisionally called Reclaim , on Saturday .
In a post on Twitter , Fox - who sparked controversy with his Question Time appearance earlier this year - said he has already received £5million in donations .
The actor ’ s new party aims to protect free speech , celebrate Britain ’ s history and reform public institutions .
Fox plans to stand candidates at the next general election .
In a statement , the former Lewis star said : `` Over many years it has become clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people they represent and govern .
`` Moreover , our public institutions now work to an agenda beyond their main purpose .
“ Our modern United Kingdom was borne out of the respectful inclusion of so many individual voices .
`` It is steeped in the innate values of families and communities , diverse in the truest sense but united in the want and need to call this island home .
`` The people of the United Kingdom are tired of being told that we represent the very thing we have , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are all privileged to be the custodians of our shared heritage .
READ MORE : Laurence Fox angers Twitter users with ‘ joke ’ at Black Lives Matter “ We can reclaim a respectful nation where all are included and none are ashamed to have somewhere to call home .
`` I have been so encouraged by the support I have received by those wishing to add their voices to this reclamation of our values .
`` Our country is now in desperate need of a new political movement which promises to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a divisive one .
This is now my endeavour . ''
A source described the new party as a `` Ukip for culture '' .
DO N'T MISS Laurence Fox slams 'British-hating ' BBC over Rule Britannia row [ INSIGHT ] Laurence Fox : Who is Laurence Fox ?
What TV shows has he starred in ?
[ ANALYSIS ] Laurence Fox praised for 'standing his ground ' in 'disgrace ' row [ VIDEO ] They told The Sunday Telegraph : `` This is basically a Ukip for culture and is exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about . ''
Sources close to Fox ’ s party insisted that `` it is a broad church , acknowledging left and right are dying distinctions '' .
The party has reportedly raised large sums from ex-Conservative donors .
Planning has been underway for the last two months and the name is subject to approval by the Electoral Commission .

Laurence Fox claims UK has a 'freedom of speech problem'
The 42-year-old member of the famous acting dynasty unveiled his party, provisionally called Reclaim, on Saturday. In a post on Twitter, Fox - who sparked controversy with his Question Time appearance earlier this year - said he has already received £5million in donations.
The actor’s new party aims to protect free speech, celebrate Britain’s history and reform public institutions. Fox plans to stand candidates at the next general election. In a statement, the former Lewis star said: "Over many years it has become clear that our politicians have lost touch with the people they represent and govern. "Moreover, our public institutions now work to an agenda beyond their main purpose.
Laurence Fox's new political party has already raised a huge £5million
The 42-year-old member of the famous acting dynasty unveiled his party, provisionally called Reclaim, on Saturday
“Our modern United Kingdom was borne out of the respectful inclusion of so many individual voices. "It is steeped in the innate values of families and communities, diverse in the truest sense but united in the want and need to call this island home. "The people of the United Kingdom are tired of being told that we represent the very thing we have, in history, stood together against. "We are all privileged to be the custodians of our shared heritage. READ MORE: Laurence Fox angers Twitter users with ‘joke’ at Black Lives Matter
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The actor’s new party aims to protect free speech, celebrate Britain’s history and reform public institutions
“We can reclaim a respectful nation where all are included and none are ashamed to have somewhere to call home. "I have been so encouraged by the support I have received by those wishing to add their voices to this reclamation of our values. "Our country is now in desperate need of a new political movement which promises to make our future a shared endeavour, not a divisive one. This is now my endeavour." A source described the new party as a "Ukip for culture". DON'T MISS
Laurence Fox slams 'British-hating' BBC over Rule Britannia row [INSIGHT]
Laurence Fox: Who is Laurence Fox? What TV shows has he starred in? [ANALYSIS]
Laurence Fox praised for 'standing his ground' in 'disgrace' row [VIDEO]
Reports of the new party prompted a positive reaction from many on Twitter
They told The Sunday Telegraph: "This is basically a Ukip for culture and is exactly what the Tory party should be frightened about." Sources close to Fox’s party insisted that "it is a broad church, acknowledging left and right are dying distinctions". The party has reportedly raised large sums from ex-Conservative donors. Planning has been underway for the last two months and the name is subject to approval by the Electoral Commission.
Reports of the new party prompted a positive reaction from many on Twitter. Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: “Exciting news!” talkRADIO presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer tweeted: “All credit to @LozzaFox and anyone who isn't afraid to stand up for what they believe and is willing to fight for those values in a democratic election.” Former Brexit Party MEP and director of the Academy of Ideas, Claire Fox, wrote: “Interesting thread about a new political party just launched by Lawrence Fox. Worth a look. Interesting development in #culturewars.
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--House of Lords must be SLASHED amid fury over ‘incredible indulgence’ to UK taxpayer

Darren Hughes told Express.co.uk that the building cost of the second chamber could only be justified if there were hundreds fewer peers that were democratically chosen and accountable to the UK public .
He added that as long as the public is shut out from the second chamber the peers behaviour will remain unaccountable .
Mr Hughes said : `` A good functioning democracy does cost money and that is better than the alternative which is a cheap dictatorship .
`` An expensive democracy is better than a cheap dictatorship , but it has to be a democracy .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer members of the second chamber and they were democratically chosen and accountable to the public then I think it would justify the cost of the building perhaps .
`` When it is not and you have 830 people and it is being run the way it is now , it does feel like an incredible indulgence of the political class that is paid for by the UK taxpayer . ''
READ MORE : John Bercow lashes out at 'foolish ' Boris and team for 'juvenile ' move He added : `` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in there right now that want to stay because they want to see out their time there .
`` You have got people in the House of Commons who might make the occasional noise about the House of Lords but secretly want to go to the House of Lords and retire .
`` So , it really is a bit of a racket really .
`` As long as this racket continues with the public shut out from having a say , we are going to see behaviour like we have . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Electoral Reform Society there is a disconnection between the House of Lords and the public .
He claimed that out of the 830 lords , hundreds do not take the role seriously and instead sign up for the title and other perks .
Mr Hughes said : `` I think there has got to be a democratic connection from the public to these members of the second chamber .
`` As long as there is no democratic connection and no accountability to the people then they will only be interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DO N'T MISS SNP MP throws tantrum as he 's left furious Brexiteers to be honoured [ COMMENT ] John Bercow reveals disappointment over peerage snub [ REVEAL ] John Bercow denied peerage while probe into alleged bullying resumes [ INSIGHT ] '' For all the talk of it having expertise , if you are an ordinary person on the street but you don ’ t know anyone in Westminster , you will never get yourself in there .
`` So I think that the main problem is this disconnection between the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country .
`` I think for as long as that happens you are going to get people appointed there for political reasons who find a way around the system in order to get the title , membership , the access to Westminster and basically sign up to get the expenses while doing a very minimal amount of work .
`` That is unfair on people that take it seriously because there are 830 of them and there are 100 who don ’ t take it seriously . ''
The House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express.co.uk .

House of Lords is an 'indulgence' for political class says expert
Darren Hughes told Express.co.uk that the building cost of the second chamber could only be justified if there were hundreds fewer peers that were democratically chosen and accountable to the UK public. He added that as long as the public is shut out from the second chamber the peers behaviour will remain unaccountable.
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Mr Hughes said: "A good functioning democracy does cost money and that is better than the alternative which is a cheap dictatorship. "An expensive democracy is better than a cheap dictatorship, but it has to be a democracy. "I think if we had hundreds of fewer members of the second chamber and they were democratically chosen and accountable to the public then I think it would justify the cost of the building perhaps. "When it is not and you have 830 people and it is being run the way it is now, it does feel like an incredible indulgence of the political class that is paid for by the UK taxpayer." READ MORE: John Bercow lashes out at 'foolish' Boris and team for 'juvenile' move
There are currently 830 lords in the House of Lords
Darren Hughes is the CEO of Election Reform Society
He added: "You have got all the people that are in there right now that want to stay because they want to see out their time there. "You have got people in the House of Commons who might make the occasional noise about the House of Lords but secretly want to go to the House of Lords and retire. "So, it really is a bit of a racket really. "As long as this racket continues with the public shut out from having a say, we are going to see behaviour like we have."
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House of Lords: Expert reveals some ‘don’t take role seriously’
During the same interview, the CEO of the Electoral Reform Society there is a disconnection between the House of Lords and the public. He claimed that out of the 830 lords, hundreds do not take the role seriously and instead sign up for the title and other perks. Mr Hughes said: "I think there has got to be a democratic connection from the public to these members of the second chamber. "As long as there is no democratic connection and no accountability to the people then they will only be interested in the opinion of the political establishment. DON'T MISS
SNP MP throws tantrum as he's left furious Brexiteers to be honoured [COMMENT]
John Bercow reveals disappointment over peerage snub [REVEAL]
John Bercow denied peerage while probe into alleged bullying resumes [INSIGHT]
Darren Hughes labelled the House of Lords a private members club


thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--Fishing fury: Ireland blows top as Boris masterplan stuns EU - 'Chaos at sea!'

Sean O ’ Donoghue , CEO of Killybegs Fishermen ’ s Organisation in Donegal , hit out at the Prime Minister ’ s Internal Market Bill , which seeks to override parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol , established to prevent a return to a hard border in Ireland .
The Government has said the proposed legal framework is necessary to protect the territorial integrity of the UK and counter EU threats to install a “ blockade ” in the Irish Sea .
Referencing the Brexit deal Mr Johnson signed with the bloc last year , the fishing boss told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be reneging on it which is not acceptable ” .
Trade talks between chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier have been rocked by the controversial bill , and Mr O ’ Donoghue warned of devastating consequences for the entire region if the UK and Brussels could not agree a trade deal .
He said : “ The likelihood of a no-deal is very much on the cards at this stage and that is going to be a really difficult situation for us .
“ This will be an absolute nightmare if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sustainable compromise .
“ If , come January 1 , we have the chaotic situation of a no-deal well then there will be no access either side and if that continues on for a long period of time , I ’ m talking a year or two years , you will see a dramatic problem not only in the Irish fishing industry but in the EU industry as well .
“ And likewise , you will have similar problems in the UK , it isn ’ t all one-way traffic.
” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland ’ s fishing industry if a deal was not struck as well as widespread chaos across the EU .
The CEO , who has 40 years ’ experience in Ireland ’ s fishing industry , said up to 5,000 jobs could be wiped out .
READ MORE : EU warning : Fishing compromise to break deadlock slapped down He stressed that in coastal communities such as Killybegs the effects would be particularly painful as more than 80 percent of the town ’ s economic activity is attributed to the seafood sector .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will estimate that we could have a loss of 40 percent of jobs in our sector which is mainly based in coastal peripheral areas where there aren ’ t other employment opportunities.
” Touching on the chances of a trade pact between London and Brussels , he added : “ At this stage , if you were to read the music at the moment , you ’ d say there wasn ’ t any chance .
DO N'T MISS Canada 's turbot WAR with EU sets example for Britain [ ANALYSIS ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about international law [ EXPLAINED ] Take back control !
Greenpeace put blocks in North Sea to stop fishing [ INSIGHT ] “ But I ’ ve enough experience to know that I would think it is in both sides ’ interest to reach a deal .
“ I ’ m still hopeful , I ’ m less hopeful than I was maybe two months ago with all the problems that have arisen in the last couple of weeks , but I still feel that a deal can be done .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what could happen in a no-deal scenario .
“ There will be chaos at sea and ashore and all over the European Union and the UK if that happens.
” Ahead of next week ’ s ninth round of trade talks in Brussels , Britain on Friday said there was still a lot of work to do in discussions as it called on the bloc to translate a `` more constructive attitude '' into realistic policy positions .
A Government official said : `` There remains a lot of work to do and @ @ @ @ @ @

Brexit: Expert discusses Internal Market Bill provisions
Sean O’Donoghue, CEO of Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation in Donegal, hit out at the Prime Minister’s Internal Market Bill, which seeks to override parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, established to prevent a return to a hard border in Ireland. The Government has said the proposed legal framework is necessary to protect the territorial integrity of the UK and counter EU threats to install a “blockade” in the Irish Sea.
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Referencing the Brexit deal Mr Johnson signed with the bloc last year, the fishing boss told Express.co.uk: “Unfortunately the UK seems to be reneging on it which is not acceptable”. Trade talks between chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier have been rocked by the controversial bill, and Mr O’Donoghue warned of devastating consequences for the entire region if the UK and Brussels could not agree a trade deal. He said: “The likelihood of a no-deal is very much on the cards at this stage and that is going to be a really difficult situation for us. “This will be an absolute nightmare if we don’t reach a sensible and sustainable compromise.
An Irish fishing chief has hit out at Boris Johnson's Internal Market Bill
Sean O'Donoghue warned of drastic consequences for Ireland's fishermen if the UK pursued a no-deal Brexit
“If, come January 1, we have the chaotic situation of a no-deal well then there will be no access either side and if that continues on for a long period of time, I’m talking a year or two years, you will see a dramatic problem not only in the Irish fishing industry but in the EU industry as well. “And likewise, you will have similar problems in the UK, it isn’t all one-way traffic.” Mr O’Donoghue predicted insurmountable damage to Ireland’s fishing industry if a deal was not struck as well as widespread chaos across the EU. The CEO, who has 40 years’ experience in Ireland’s fishing industry, said up to 5,000 jobs could be wiped out. READ MORE: EU warning: Fishing compromise to break deadlock slapped down
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An Irish fisherman with his catch
He stressed that in coastal communities such as Killybegs the effects would be particularly painful as more than 80 percent of the town’s economic activity is attributed to the seafood sector. Mr O’Donoghue said: “I will estimate that we could have a loss of 40 percent of jobs in our sector which is mainly based in coastal peripheral areas where there aren’t other employment opportunities.” Touching on the chances of a trade pact between London and Brussels, he added: “At this stage, if you were to read the music at the moment, you’d say there wasn’t any chance. DON'T MISS
Canada's turbot WAR with EU sets example for Britain [ANALYSIS]
Why Michel Barnier is 'completely wrong' about international law [EXPLAINED]
Take back control! Greenpeace put blocks in North Sea to stop fishing [INSIGHT]
Boris Johnson leaves Downing Street
Sean O'Donoghue said a no-deal Brexit would cause chaos across Europe
“But I’ve enough experience to know that I would think it is in both sides’ interest to reach a deal. “I’m still hopeful, I’m less hopeful than I was maybe two months ago with all the problems that have arisen in the last couple of weeks, but I still feel that a deal can be done. “It doesn’t bear countenance to see what could happen in a no-deal scenario.
European fisheries: Exclusive economic zones
“There will be chaos at sea and ashore and all over the European Union and the UK if that happens.” Ahead of next week’s ninth round of trade talks in Brussels, Britain on Friday said there was still a lot of work to do in discussions as it called on the bloc to translate a "more constructive attitude" into realistic policy positions. A Government official said: "There remains a lot of work to do and either outcome is still possible.
Fishing remains one of the most contentious topics in UK-EU trade talks


thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--Tory revolt warning: Leading MP Tobias Ellwood calls for Boris to 'rethink' COVID-19 rules

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The Conservative MP @ @ @ @ @ are growing concerns after six months of the UK Government using emergency powers .
He @ @ @ @ @ was the biggest handover of power that anybody can remember .
Mr Ellwood said : @ @ @ @ @ revolt , I hope this will be a front bench rethink .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ months of these emergency powers , that we face another six months .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ there will be further economic intervention .
`` This was the biggest handover of power @ @ @ @ @ can remember .
READ MORE : SNP power to 'distort ' post-Brexit UK trade thwarted @ @ @

Tobias Ellwood calls for 'frontbench re-think’ over COVID powers
The Conservative MP told Sky News that there are growing concerns after six months of the UK Government using emergency powers. He added that the Coronavirus Act was the biggest handover of power that anybody can remember.
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Mr Ellwood said: "Rather than a backbench revolt, I hope this will be a front bench rethink. "There are growing concerns that after six months of these emergency powers, that we face another six months. "A second wave is coming, there will be further economic intervention. "This was the biggest handover of power to the executive that anybody can remember. READ MORE: SNP power to 'distort' post-Brexit UK trade thwarted by Boris plan
Tobias Ellwood called for the Conservative Party to rethink their approach
The coronavirus risk chart
"Let’s actually check where our progress is and how we move forward." Earlier on Sunday morning, Conservative MP Steve Baker slammed the Government's quick-changing coronavirus laws and condemned the use of "Draconian powers". Mr Baker told Sky News: "100 Acts of Parliament have been used to put in place about 242 statutory instruments, and there have been about 200 changes. "When you've got a body of law that large, changing that fast, I doubt really anyone understands what that law is.
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Steve Baker: MPs 'increasingly helpless' over COVID-19 measures
The UK Government's coronavirus alert system


thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--Remainer CIVIL WAR: Desperate Lib Dems turn on each other - major vote today

Sir Ed Davey won the Lib Dem leadership race last month and he has committed to changing the party ’ s notorious anti-Brexit stance .
To mark the move away from its pro-EU rhetoric , the party has put forward a motion to ditch its goal of rejoining the EU at the start of the Lib Dem ’ s four-day virtual conference .
But the proposal has sparked a furious internal row , as several Lib Dem members oppose the change in party policy .
A member of the party ’ s federal policy committee ( FPC ) has accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the motion suggested that rejoining the EU should be an `` option on the table '' rather than a formal goal of party policy .
A major vote on the matter is set to take place later today , which could highlight a key split within the party ’ s ranks .
Party rebels will attempt to scupper the motion and instead install a commitment to a `` longer-term objective of UK membership of the EU '' .
But Sir Ed may shy away from the shift in policy , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several key party spokespeople are expected to back the amendment .
Olly Craven , a FPC member and former parliamentary candidate , said he and several other members of the group were shocked to see the motion had been tabled .
He told the online newspaper : `` We thought we had agreed one thing at the FPC meeting and then it was written up by officers , I suspect with a slight nudge from the leadership , as something much weaker .
`` There has been a considerable rebellion over it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain to customs union if he was PM' “ About half of the entire committee have signed up to the amendment to restore the original wording we thought we were approving .
“ I do n't think I 've ever seen members of the committee amending their own motion before .
`` It does feel like a stitch-up .
There was considerable anger when we saw what had been submitted , and emails have been flying back and forth ever since . ''
DO N'T MISS : Brexiteer claimed EU 's bailouts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] BBC 's Marr mocks Lib Dems after humiliating Brexit U-turn [ VIDEO ] EU showdown : Switzerland votes in crunch referendum [ DETAILS ] The motion tabled in the FPC 's name says the party will seek the closest possible relationship between Britain and the EU , but breaks with long-standing policy by making membership an `` option '' rather than a commitment .
It appears to reflect Sir Ed 's intention to move the Lib Dems away from being seen as a single-issue pro-EU party .
After winning the leadership election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingston and Surbiton suggested he will not campaign to take the UK backing in the EU anytime soon .
He said Britons had no appetite for reigniting the Leave and Remain debate .

Ed Davey grilled by Marr over what makes Lib Dems 'distinctive'
Sir Ed Davey won the Lib Dem leadership race last month and he has committed to changing the party’s notorious anti-Brexit stance. To mark the move away from its pro-EU rhetoric, the party has put forward a motion to ditch its goal of rejoining the EU at the start of the Lib Dem’s four-day virtual conference.
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But the proposal has sparked a furious internal row, as several Lib Dem members oppose the change in party policy. A member of the party’s federal policy committee (FPC) has accused the leadership of a "stitch-up" after the motion suggested that rejoining the EU should be an "option on the table" rather than a formal goal of party policy. A major vote on the matter is set to take place later today, which could highlight a key split within the party’s ranks. Party rebels will attempt to scupper the motion and instead install a commitment to a "longer-term objective of UK membership of the EU".
Brexit news: The Lib Dems are facing a civil war over its new Brexit stance
The Lib Dems campaigned to stop Brexit in the 2019 election
But Sir Ed may shy away from the shift in policy, as a Lib Dem source told the Independent that several key party spokespeople are expected to back the amendment. Olly Craven, a FPC member and former parliamentary candidate, said he and several other members of the group were shocked to see the motion had been tabled. He told the online newspaper: "We thought we had agreed one thing at the FPC meeting and then it was written up by officers, I suspect with a slight nudge from the leadership, as something much weaker. "There has been a considerable rebellion over it. JUST IN: Keir Starmer would 'tie Britain to customs union if he was PM'
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Sir Ed Davey was elected as leader of the Lib Dems last month
The Lib Dem leader wants to change the party's anti-Brexit stance
The motion tabled in the FPC's name says the party will seek the closest possible relationship between Britain and the EU, but breaks with long-standing policy by making membership an "option" rather than a commitment. It appears to reflect Sir Ed's intention to move the Lib Dems away from being seen as a single-issue pro-EU party. After winning the leadership election on August 27, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton suggested he will not campaign to take the UK backing in the EU anytime soon. He said Britons had no appetite for reigniting the Leave and Remain debate.
Brexit timeline


thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--Sturgeon warned: SNP 'big hitters' issued threat from Scottish Tories as election looms

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Tony Miklinski , @ @ @ @ @ told Express.co.uk that Mr Ross has a track record of bringing down SNP big hitters @ @ @ @ @ Carlaw as the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in August 2020 .
Mr Miklinski @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Ross is going to be an excellent leader .
`` Frankly , I do @ @ @ @ @ the right man .
`` He was the best of the ones put forward and @ @ @ @ @ with his age and particular style , I don ’ t think he was a @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those were always going to be a tough pair of shoes to fill @ @ @ @ @ ’ s position in jeopardy as SNP ‘ cracking ’ under pressure

Carlaw ‘was not a great successor for Davidson’ says Miklinski
Tony Miklinski, a Scottish Conservative Party councillor told Express.co.uk that Mr Ross has a track record of bringing down SNP big hitters. Douglas Ross replaced Jackson Carlaw as the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in August 2020.
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Mr Miklinski said: "I think Douglas Ross is going to be an excellent leader. "Frankly, I do not think Jackson Carlaw was the right man. "He was the best of the ones put forward and I voted for him but with his age and particular style, I don’t think he was a great successor for Ruth Davidson. "Those were always going to be a tough pair of shoes to fill. READ MORE: Sturgeon’s position in jeopardy as SNP ‘cracking’ under pressure
Douglas Ross is the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party
Nicola Sturgeon has been Scotland's First Minister since November 2014
"Douglas Ross being much younger brings a much fresher, energetic face. "He has fought great campaigns, he has brought down big hitters in the SNP. "I think that he will be a really good leader of the party and revive our fortunes." During the same interview, the Scottish Tory councillor for Cupar stated that the SNP's dominance of domestic politics in Scotland has to change and added it is not healthy that they have been in power for over a decade.
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SNP 'have been in power far too long' says Tony Miklinski
Nicola Sturgeon campaigned for independence in the 2014 referendum


thedailyexpress--2020-09-27--Oliver Dowden backs NHS Test and Trace app to be 'core tool in UK armour' against COVID-19

The Culture Secretary seemed unsure regarding certain aspects of the Government 's response to the pandemic , stating several times that Matt Hancock would be in a better position to answer LBC 's Tom Swarbrick questions .
However , Mr Dowden confidently backed the NHS Test and Trace app to become a key tool in Britain 's battle against COVID-19 .
Mr Dowden said : `` Well I think , this is being run by the Health Secretary .
`` I think you would have to ask him the specifics of the numbers , of how much money has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have that number to hand .
`` I ’ m responsible for digital policy , but he can give you the exact number of the precise amount of money that has been spent .
`` This process has been run through the Department of Health , so I don ’ t want to give you or your listeners misleading information on this . ''
READ MORE : Matt Hancock hits back at claims test and trace is still a farce The Conservative MP added : `` I was in touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we are working rapidly to resolve those challenges and most of the challenges have already been resolved .
`` Clearly when you launch something , in the first day or two there will be some issues like that , but we are getting on top of that .
`` It is not fair to say that this thing is not useful to anybody .
It enables people to know whether they have been proximate to someone who has the disease .
`` This is another tool in the armoury .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Test and Trace . ''
Earlier on Sunday morning Mr Dowden was quizzed on the Government 's 10pm curfew in pubs by the BBC 's Andrew Marr .
Mr Marr said : `` Those of us who remember the old days when there was a hard end to drinking in pubs remember what happened in the last hour to half-hour .
`` Everybody just drank harder and faster and poured out altogether , as is happening in London now .
`` In other words , there is no science behind this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could make things worse , not better . ''
DO N'T MISS Matt Hancock hits back at claims test and trace is still a farce [ VIDEO ] Whitty urges Britain to follow Belgium as under 30s blamed for spike [ GRAPH ] Greece quarantine : Furious tourism minister savages UK 's 'mixed bag ' [ INTERVIEW ]

Oliver Dowden admits to 'issues' with NHS Test and Trace app
The Culture Secretary seemed unsure regarding certain aspects of the Government's response to the pandemic, stating several times that Matt Hancock would be in a better position to answer LBC's Tom Swarbrick questions. However, Mr Dowden confidently backed the NHS Test and Trace app to become a key tool in Britain's battle against COVID-19.
Trending
Mr Dowden said: "Well I think, this is being run by the Health Secretary. "I think you would have to ask him the specifics of the numbers, of how much money has been spent, I’m afraid I don’t have that number to hand. "I’m responsible for digital policy, but he can give you the exact number of the precise amount of money that has been spent. "This process has been run through the Department of Health, so I don’t want to give you or your listeners misleading information on this." READ MORE: Matt Hancock hits back at claims test and trace is still a farce
Oliver Dowden is the culture secretary
Oliver Dowden backed the NHS Test and Trace programme
The Conservative MP added: "I was in touch with the Health Secretary this morning, I think we are working rapidly to resolve those challenges and most of the challenges have already been resolved. "Clearly when you launch something, in the first day or two there will be some issues like that, but we are getting on top of that. "It is not fair to say that this thing is not useful to anybody. It enables people to know whether they have been proximate to someone who has the disease. "This is another tool in the armoury. But the core tools in the armoury are the Test and Trace."
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Lockdown: Andrew Marr grills Oliver Dowden on curfew measures
Earlier on Sunday morning Mr Dowden was quizzed on the Government's 10pm curfew in pubs by the BBC's Andrew Marr. Mr Marr said: "Those of us who remember the old days when there was a hard end to drinking in pubs remember what happened in the last hour to half-hour. "Everybody just drank harder and faster and poured out altogether, as is happening in London now. "In other words, there is no science behind this, I put it to you, and it could make things worse, not better." DON'T MISS
Matt Hancock hits back at claims test and trace is still a farce [VIDEO]
Whitty urges Britain to follow Belgium as under 30s blamed for spike [GRAPH]
Greece quarantine: Furious tourism minister savages UK's 'mixed bag' [INTERVIEW]
The coronavirus risk chart


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--Sturgeon rattled as SNP dismantled over claim Scotland handling COVID better than England

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Following a number of coronavirus outbreaks across Scottish universities the First Minister 's press briefing was dominated by questions surrounding the welfare of students .
The SNP leader was also quizzed about the previous perception that Scotland was handling COVID-19 better than England , Wales and Northern Ireland despite the current statistics surrounding the pandemic demonstrating that the virus is at a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chree asked : `` Over the summer a narrative kind of built up , aided by your clear communication on coronavirus , that Scotland was doing much better than the rest of the UK on this issue .
`` In recent days looking at the data , the curves appear to be much the same across the whole country .
`` So why that difference between perceptions and what the numbers suggest ? ''
Scotland 's First Minister said : `` Over the summer it was not a perception it was a reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position in jeopardy as SNP ‘ cracking ’ under pressure

Sturgeon challenged over ‘false perception’ of COVID-19 handling
Following a number of coronavirus outbreaks across Scottish universities the First Minister's press briefing was dominated by questions surrounding the welfare of students. The SNP leader was also quizzed about the previous perception that Scotland was handling COVID-19 better than England, Wales and Northern Ireland despite the current statistics surrounding the pandemic demonstrating that the virus is at a similar level across Britain.
Trending
STV's Gordon Chree asked: "Over the summer a narrative kind of built up, aided by your clear communication on coronavirus, that Scotland was doing much better than the rest of the UK on this issue. "In recent days looking at the data, the curves appear to be much the same across the whole country. "So why that difference between perceptions and what the numbers suggest?" Scotland's First Minister said: "Over the summer it was not a perception it was a reality. READ MORE: Sturgeon’s position in jeopardy as SNP ‘cracking’ under pressure
Nicola Sturgeon has been Scotland's First Minister for over five years
"Because of the particular route we took out of lockdown we suppressed the virus more than some other parts of the UK, infection rates were very low." "Never think that was a waste of effort, it was not." She continued: "If we had not done that the resurgence as we come out of lockdown and go into winter, we would be dealing with it on a much higher threshold. "The challenge as difficult as it is right now would have been even tougher.
Nicola Sturgeon admits 'I have made mistakes' following restrictions
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Nicola Sturgeon is the leader of the SNP


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--How Labour has FAILED the working class: Starmer's disastrous 'dumbing down' plot exposed

On the first day of the Blue Collar Conservatism Conference 2020 in association with the Daily Express , the Education Secretary attacked the Labour Party and insisted the Conservative Government wants to drive standards up in education .
Mr Williamson also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people from white working class and ethnic minority backgrounds .
How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis ?
Vote in our poll The Education Secretary was asked by fellow Conservative MP , and founder of the Blue Collar Conservativism Movement , Esther McVey : `` Will the Government champion these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of all the education tables at the moment ? ''
He replied : `` Absolutely , what Labour wants to do is dumb down education .
`` What we want to do is drive standards up in education .
`` That is how you give the best service in terms of young people from whatever background .
JUST IN : Join Daily Express ' BLUE COLLAR CONSERVATISM revolution all week on Express.co.uk '' Whether they are white working class , whether they are from an ethnic minority community , driving up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is real rigor there , that is what will open up opportunities for young people .
`` That is what our focus has got to be . ''
Mr Williamson 's intervention comes as the Labour Party 's Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green has been forced to apologise for comments relating to the coronavirus pandemic when she said : `` I think we should use the opportunity .
Do n't let a good crisis go to waste '' .
Ms Green told ITV 's Good Morning Britain on Monday : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have caused pain and offence to people who 've suffered under this terrible pandemic and I should not have said that .
`` What I would say is that the crisis has exposed all sorts of things about our economy and about the pressure on our public services that we 've got to learn from , we have to learn the lessons of this pandemic . ''
She added : `` I apologise profusely for those comments , they were the wrong thing to say and I 'm particularly ashamed that people should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political capital out of a crisis . ''
For the next five days Express.co.uk will be bringing you exclusive coverage of the Blue Collar Conservatism Conference 2020 which will feature the best grassroots political debate and opinion from around the UK .
The event comes after a political revolution spearheaded by Boris Johnson last December when hundreds of thousands of former Labour voters switched to the Conservative Party .
Regarding the Blue Collar Conservativism Movement 's partnership with the Daily Express , Ms McVey insisted it would provide a springboard from which to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : “ This is the start of doing the traditional party conferences in a very different way .
`` It is a Party Political Conference first .
Travelling the country reaching out and speaking to the public and then getting Cabinet Ministers to reply.
” BBC 's Kuenssberg says UK 'supremely relaxed ' Brexit progress to be made next month [ VIDEO ] Andrew Neil shuts down Susanna Reid on why he quit the BBC : 'Ask THEM ! '
[ ENTERTAINMENT ] Johnson FIRES BACK at ‘ expansionist ’ China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ LATEST ]

On the first day of the Blue Collar Conservatism Conference 2020 in association with the Daily Express, the Education Secretary attacked the Labour Party and insisted the Conservative Government wants to drive standards up in education. Mr Williamson also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people from white working class and ethnic minority backgrounds. How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis? Vote in our poll
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The Education Secretary was asked by fellow Conservative MP, and founder of the Blue Collar Conservativism Movement, Esther McVey: "Will the Government champion these white working-class boys who find themselves at the bottom of all the education tables at the moment?" He replied: "Absolutely, what Labour wants to do is dumb down education. "What we want to do is drive standards up in education. "That is how you give the best service in terms of young people from whatever background. JUST IN: Join Daily Express' BLUE COLLAR CONSERVATISM revolution all week on Express.co.uk
Gavin Williamson was speaking at the first day of the Blue Collar Conservatism conference
Gavin Williamson criticised the Labour Party's education policy
"Whether they are white working class, whether they are from an ethnic minority community, driving up standards in education, making sure that there is real rigor there, that is what will open up opportunities for young people. "That is what our focus has got to be." Mr Williamson's intervention comes as the Labour Party's Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green has been forced to apologise for comments relating to the coronavirus pandemic when she said: "I think we should use the opportunity. Don't let a good crisis go to waste". Ms Green told ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday: "I regret it. I know it will have caused pain and offence to people who've suffered under this terrible pandemic and I should not have said that.
"What I would say is that the crisis has exposed all sorts of things about our economy and about the pressure on our public services that we've got to learn from, we have to learn the lessons of this pandemic." She added: "I apologise profusely for those comments, they were the wrong thing to say and I'm particularly ashamed that people should feel that I was seeking to make political capital out of a crisis."
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For the next five days Express.co.uk will be bringing you exclusive coverage of the Blue Collar Conservatism Conference 2020 which will feature the best grassroots political debate and opinion from around the UK. The event comes after a political revolution spearheaded by Boris Johnson last December when hundreds of thousands of former Labour voters switched to the Conservative Party. Regarding the Blue Collar Conservativism Movement's partnership with the Daily Express, Ms McVey insisted it would provide a springboard from which to conduct a revolution in party conferences. She said: “This is the start of doing the traditional party conferences in a very different way. "It is a Party Political Conference first. Travelling the country reaching out and speaking to the public and then getting Cabinet Ministers to reply.” DON'T MISS: BBC's Kuenssberg says UK 'supremely relaxed' Brexit progress to be made next month [VIDEO]
Andrew Neil shuts down Susanna Reid on why he quit the BBC: 'Ask THEM!' [ENTERTAINMENT]
Johnson FIRES BACK at ‘expansionist’ China as Beijing 'sparks' Queen Barbados split [LATEST]
Esther McVey is the founder of Blue Collar Conservatism


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--'You're state funded!' Gavin Williamson in angry warning at 'crazy' universities

Gavin Williamson insisted the refusal to host events with people from different political groups at UK universities violates freedom of expression and is a real danger to society .
The Conservative Party frontbencher insisted the Government should ensure state-funded organisations remain impartial and provide everyone with the same opportunities to speak .
The Education Secretary made his heartfelt appeal on Monday as part of the first day of the Blue Collar Conservatism Conference 2020 in association with the Daily Express .
How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis ?
Vote in our poll Speaking to fellow MP and founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Esther McVey , Mr Williamson said : `` We 've got to ensure political impartiality right across the spectrum .
`` Educational organisations that are state-funded , you 've got to ensure that you do have that impartiality .
`` And you 've got to make sure there 's a broad spectrum of views .
I 've often spoken about the importance of freedom of speech and making sure people are n't no platformed . ''
The Conservative frontbencher also expressed his dismay at the treatment former Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
JUST IN : Join Daily Express ' BLUE COLLAR CONSERVATISM revolution all week on Express.co.uk Ms Rudd had been invited to speak to the UNWomen Oxford UK in March but the invitation was pulled 20 minutes before the start of the event over her involvement in the Windrush scandal .
The former Tory frontbencher resigned as Home Secretary over the issue in April 2018 .
Mr Williamson continued : `` A very good friend of ours , Amber Rudd , whom we both agree is a very fair , reasonable , good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amber was being no platformed and attacked at Oxford University is completely crazy .
READ MORE : Labour MPs wouldn ’ t know a working class person if they tripped over one says ESTHER McVEY '' It 's certainly something we should not be tolerating so we 've got to make sure we have that freedom of speech in universities and , actually , voices are heard whatever background they come from . ''
It comes as the Department of Education instructed schools across England to stop using material `` under any circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting the end of capitalism .
The new guidance , headed `` Plan your relationships , sex and health curriculum '' , noted : `` This is the case even if the material itself is not extreme , as the use of it could imply endorsement or support for the organisation . ''
In addition to support for the abolition or overthrow of `` democracy , capitalism or to end free and fair elections , '' the document also included opposition to the right of freedom of speech and support for illegal activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BBC 's Kuenssberg says UK 'supremely relaxed ' Brexit progress to be made next month [ VIDEO ] Andrew Neil shuts down Susanna Reid on why he quit the BBC : 'Ask THEM ! '
[ ENTERTAINMENT ] Johnson FIRES BACK at ‘ expansionist ’ China as Beijing 'sparks ' Queen Barbados split [ LATEST ]

Gavin Williamson insisted the refusal to host events with people from different political groups at UK universities violates freedom of expression and is a real danger to society. The Conservative Party frontbencher insisted the Government should ensure state-funded organisations remain impartial and provide everyone with the same opportunities to speak. The Education Secretary made his heartfelt appeal on Monday as part of the first day of the Blue Collar Conservatism Conference 2020 in association with the Daily Express. How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis? Vote in our poll
Trending
Speaking to fellow MP and founder of the Blue Collar Conservativism movement, Esther McVey, Mr Williamson said: "We've got to ensure political impartiality right across the spectrum. "Educational organisations that are state-funded, you've got to ensure that you do have that impartiality. "And you've got to make sure there's a broad spectrum of views. I've often spoken about the importance of freedom of speech and making sure people aren't no platformed." The Conservative frontbencher also expressed his dismay at the treatment former Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd received from Oxford University earlier this year. JUST IN: Join Daily Express' BLUE COLLAR CONSERVATISM revolution all week on Express.co.uk
Gavin Williamson hit out at institutions no platforming public figures
Gavin Williamson said state-funded organisations must remain impartial
Ms Rudd had been invited to speak to the UNWomen Oxford UK in March but the invitation was pulled 20 minutes before the start of the event over her involvement in the Windrush scandal. The former Tory frontbencher resigned as Home Secretary over the issue in April 2018. Mr Williamson continued: "A very good friend of ours, Amber Rudd, whom we both agree is a very fair, reasonable, good person...the idea that somebody like Amber was being no platformed and attacked at Oxford University is completely crazy. READ MORE: Labour MPs wouldn’t know a working class person if they tripped over one says ESTHER McVEY
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Gavin Williamson hints at schools opening on weekends
Gavin Williamson expressed dismay at Amber Rudd being no platformed
"It's certainly something we should not be tolerating so we've got to make sure we have that freedom of speech in universities and, actually, voices are heard whatever background they come from." It comes as the Department of Education instructed schools across England to stop using material "under any circumstances" if they are created by groups supporting the end of capitalism. The new guidance, headed "Plan your relationships, sex and health curriculum", noted: "This is the case even if the material itself is not extreme, as the use of it could imply endorsement or support for the organisation." In addition to support for the abolition or overthrow of "democracy, capitalism or to end free and fair elections," the document also included opposition to the right of freedom of speech and support for illegal activities as other examples of unsuitable teaching material. DON'T MISS: BBC's Kuenssberg says UK 'supremely relaxed' Brexit progress to be made next month [VIDEO]
Andrew Neil shuts down Susanna Reid on why he quit the BBC: 'Ask THEM!' [ENTERTAINMENT]
Johnson FIRES BACK at ‘expansionist’ China as Beijing 'sparks' Queen Barbados split [LATEST]
Amber Rudd saw her invitation to speak to a Oxford University society pulled 20 minutes before the event


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--BBC's Kuenssberg says UK 'supremely relaxed' Brexit progress to be made next month

BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg said one minister admitted to being `` supremely relaxed '' about the next phase of Brexit talks with the European Union .
Negotiations have been plagued with complications , further exacerbated by the refusal from both sides to compromise on key aspects of the future trading relationship they have been trying to establish .
But with the deadline for a deal set for the middle of next month , Ms Kuenssberg reported the UK has remained positive a solution will be found .
How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis ?
Vote in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Kuennsberg said : `` The choreography has got so much in common with that of last year , a period of histrionics , briefings , provocations , a little progress and then stand back and repeat for a couple of months .
`` As we get to the end of the year but , more crucially , as we get closer to the EU Summit in the middle of October , there is more of an expectation .
`` In fact , some ministers quietly ... one has said to me they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grinding on over the next couple of weeks , and things will be resolved in the middle of this month .
`` But there is a danger they are being too complacent as there are still sticking points for sure . ''
JUST IN : Labour MPs wouldn ’ t know a working class person if they tripped over one says ESTHER McVEY Michael Gove will be travelling to Brussels on Monday to attend the latest round of talks with Brussels before meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier .
Fishing and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contention through the past few months of the negotiations .
The relationship further soured after the Government tabled the controversial Internal Market Bill which the EU has claimed would jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement .
If the talks are successful , UK negotiator Lord Frost and Mr Barnier are hoping to enter the `` tunnel '' , where the final details will be hammered out in total secrecy , at the end of this week .
The UK negotiator struck a more positive light on the negotiations with a rare statement before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` As we enter the final stages of negotiations we are all focusing on what it might take to get a trade agreement in place .
An agreement is still very much possible , but equally very far from certain .
`` The last two weeks of informal talks have been relatively positive , but there remains much to be done and time is short .
`` We have been saying from the beginning of this process that we simply want a standard free trade agreement like Canada 's .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been so straightforward and we continue to be asked to accept provisions which do not reflect the reality of the change which our exit from the EU brings .
UK would 've been 'second LARGEST contributor ' to EU recovery fund [ COMMENT ] Nicola Sturgeon 's EU dream crushed by top economist [ OPINION ] BBC host forces Lib Dem to admit 'Stop Brexit ' campaign was 'mistake ' [ VIDEO ] '' If the gaps in these areas are to be bridged , the EU still needs to scale back more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more realistic policy positions .
`` I hope this will be possible this coming week and I and my team are ready to work as hard as necessary to move things forward . ''
Despite the optimism from Lord Frost , Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed concerns about the future of the Brexit negotiations with the UK .
Speaking to The i paper , Mr Martin said : `` I ’ m not that optimistic , if I ’ m honest .
`` Just to let you know that the Government is preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the basis that there will be a no-deal Brexit .
`` That ’ s the basis on which we ’ re preparing the budget and we ’ re warning and alerting businesses to that terrible reality .
“ I think progress has been slow in the talks so far , I think there is still potential for a deal , I believe a deal is the sane and sensible thing to do .
`` And I think all of us as politicians have an obligation to those we represent – and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage possible to workers , to employers and to business and economy .
”

BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg said one minister admitted to being "supremely relaxed" about the next phase of Brexit talks with the European Union. Negotiations have been plagued with complications, further exacerbated by the refusal from both sides to compromise on key aspects of the future trading relationship they have been trying to establish. But with the deadline for a deal set for the middle of next month, Ms Kuenssberg reported the UK has remained positive a solution will be found. How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis? Vote in our poll
Trending
Speaking to the Today programme, Ms Kuennsberg said: "The choreography has got so much in common with that of last year, a period of histrionics, briefings, provocations, a little progress and then stand back and repeat for a couple of months. "As we get to the end of the year but, more crucially, as we get closer to the EU Summit in the middle of October, there is more of an expectation. "In fact, some ministers quietly...one has said to me they are 'supremely relaxed' to the negations grinding on over the next couple of weeks, and things will be resolved in the middle of this month. "But there is a danger they are being too complacent as there are still sticking points for sure." JUST IN: Labour MPs wouldn’t know a working class person if they tripped over one says ESTHER McVEY
BBC's Laura Kuenssberg said one minister is
Laura Kuenssberg said the current state of talks is very similar to the atmosphere last year
Michael Gove will be travelling to Brussels on Monday to attend the latest round of talks with Brussels before meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier. Fishing and state aid have remained the main point of contention through the past few months of the negotiations. The relationship further soured after the Government tabled the controversial Internal Market Bill which the EU has claimed would jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement. If the talks are successful, UK negotiator Lord Frost and Mr Barnier are hoping to enter the "tunnel", where the final details will be hammered out in total secrecy, at the end of this week. READ MORE: Brexiteer claims bloc's bailouts are illegal amid international law row
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Brexit: Bridgen warns EU it is a 'bad time' to fall out with UK
Brexit negotiations are due to end by December 2020
The UK negotiator struck a more positive light on the negotiations with a rare statement before the ninth round of talks begun. He said: "As we enter the final stages of negotiations we are all focusing on what it might take to get a trade agreement in place. An agreement is still very much possible, but equally very far from certain. "The last two weeks of informal talks have been relatively positive, but there remains much to be done and time is short. "We have been saying from the beginning of this process that we simply want a standard free trade agreement like Canada's. "Sadly the EU's position has not been so straightforward and we continue to be asked to accept provisions which do not reflect the reality of the change which our exit from the EU brings. DON'T MISS UK would've been 'second LARGEST contributor' to EU recovery fund [COMMENT]
Nicola Sturgeon's EU dream crushed by top economist [OPINION]
BBC host forces Lib Dem to admit 'Stop Brexit' campaign was 'mistake' [VIDEO]
Michael Gove will be travelling to Brussels to attend the ninth round of Brexit talks


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--Brexit latest: What's happening with Brexit talks now?

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Brexit negotiations between the UK and EU have reached high drama as the countdown to Britain ’ s official withdrawal from the bloc continues .
Even though the UK formally withdrew from the EU in January , it said it would abide by EU rules in a transition period until the end of the year until a trade-deal was agreed .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s proposal of the Internal Market Bill which would in effect override the withdrawal agreement reached by the two parties .
Negotiations have made slow progress and , at times , have proved tense with both sides criticising the attitude of the other .
Trading relationships between Britain and Northern Ireland remain a huge issue , alongside fishing rights , state subsidies and the rights of citizens .
Cabinet Officer Michael Gove will be in Brussels on Monday , September 28 , to discuss matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , September 29 , the ninth round of negotiations between London and Brussels will commence .

Brexit negotiations between the UK and EU have reached high drama as the countdown to Britain’s official withdrawal from the bloc continues. Even though the UK formally withdrew from the EU in January, it said it would abide by EU rules in a transition period until the end of the year until a trade-deal was agreed. But the situation was made even more complex in recent weeks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s proposal of the Internal Market Bill which would in effect override the withdrawal agreement reached by the two parties.
Trending
What’s happening with Brexit talks now? Negotiations have made slow progress and, at times, have proved tense with both sides criticising the attitude of the other. Trading relationships between Britain and Northern Ireland remain a huge issue, alongside fishing rights, state subsidies and the rights of citizens. Cabinet Officer Michael Gove will be in Brussels on Monday, September 28, to discuss matters with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. On Tuesday, September 29, the ninth round of negotiations between London and Brussels will commence. READ MORE: Brexit travel: easyJet holidays shares positive outlook
Brexit latest: What's happening with Brexit talks now?
Brexit latest: Boris's Internal Markets Bill was met with anger by the European Union
READ MORE Brexit row: Switzerland threatened to 'work with UK' over 'weak EU' Within their talks, they are likely to focus discussions on the looming Withdrawal Agreement. Brussels reacted very strongly to the controversial Internal Market Bill put forward by Mr Johnson which would override EU jurisdiction to continue trading with Northern Ireland. Mr Sefcovic, who chairs the EU-UK joint committee, said if the Bill wasn’t dropped by the end of September the UK would face extensive legal action for breaking international law. Both sides have said that a deal would need to be made by the middle of October in order for it to be ratified before the end of the year.
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Brexit latest: Michael Gove is currently in Brussels
However, doubt still lingers in Brussels, with EU leaders accusing Westminster of lacking “credible” ideas to break the deadlock. Lord David Frost, the UK’s negotiator, and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier, are said to be preparing to finalise details by the end of this week. If talks go well, they hope to enter “the tunnel” which is the final stage before the official exit of Britain. The Prime Minister is believed to want a Brexit deal and is coming under pressure to secure one from Cabinet ministers. DON'T MISS
Brexit backers ‘to be appointed to top jobs at BBC and Ofcom’ [INSIGHT]
Brexit trade talks thrown into chaos after EU misunderstands Boris [REPORT]
Five days that could make or break Brexit: Crunch talks resume with EU [ANALYSIS]
Brexit latest: A deal needs to be agreed by mid-October to make the deadline
READ MORE BBC's Kuenssberg says UK 'supremely relaxed' about Brexit progress Mr Gove, who is in charge of planning for a no deal scenario, is said to be “terrified” of the effects of a second wave of coronavirus combined with the failure to negotiate a deal. Both sides are said to have made compromises in the hopes a deal can be reached in the end. Brussels is believed to have watered down its demands for checks on the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland. In return, the UK would likely have to agree to abide by some “baseline rules” over the use of state aid to uphold British businesses.


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--Brexit trade talks thrown into chaos after EU misunderstands Boris Johnson's key demand

The ninth round of trade deal negotiations between the UK and EU will start this week .
Time is running out for a deal to be reached by the Prime Minister 's deadline of October 15 , when the UK could `` walk away '' from the crumbling talks .
But RTE 's Europe Editor Tony Connelly has warned Brussels could further hinder Mr Johnson 's plan because the bloc thinks his deadline is a few weeks later .
How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis ?
Vote in our poll He said : `` Brussels believes the deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadline that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set , which is when EU leaders will meet for a summit . ''
He added the EU also believes the UK has not made reasonable concessions over state aid and fishing arrangements .
The bloc is also still concerned about the controversial Northern Ireland border protocol after the transition period ends on January 1 .
He said : `` The EU believes the UK has still not made sufficient concessions on the so-called level playing field , including the question of state aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission is expected to push the UK for more details on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol , which is supposed to come into effect on January 1 .
`` Brussels is concerned that the construction of Border Control Posts , required by the Protocol , has not yet started .
`` London , however , wants the EU side to commit to simplifying some of the checks and controls the Protocol requires on goods moving from Great Britain and Northern Ireland , and in the other direction . ''
Michael Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sefcovic to discuss the future arrangements between the UK and EU this week .
READ MORE : Ireland Brexit panic : Taoiseach 'not optimistic ' for UK-EU trade deal An EU spokesman admitted their chief negotiator Michel Barnier was still determined to reach a deal despite concerns .
David Frost , the UK ’ s chief negotiator , added a deal was “ very much possible , but equally very far from certain ” .
He said recent talks had only been “ relatively positive ” .
Mr Frost said : “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its unrealistic ambitions and work on more realistic policy positions .
DO N'T MISS They STILL do n't get it !
Deluded Lib Dem Remainers vow to re-join EU [ REVEALED ] Brexit travel : Britons must be aware of 'crucial ' change from Jan 1 [ INSIGHT ] Keir Starmer would 'tie Britain to customs union if he was PM ' [ VIDEO ] “ I hope this will be possible this coming week .
`` I and my team are ready to work as hard as necessary to move things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stalling the talks is the UK wanting long-term fishing rights to come under a system called “ zonal attachment ” .
This has sparked outrage from the bloc as it would dramatically cut the European catch .

Brexit: Bridgen warns EU it is a 'bad time' to fall out with UK
The ninth round of trade deal negotiations between the UK and EU will start this week. Time is running out for a deal to be reached by the Prime Minister's deadline of October 15, when the UK could "walk away" from the crumbling talks. But RTE's Europe Editor Tony Connelly has warned Brussels could further hinder Mr Johnson's plan because the bloc thinks his deadline is a few weeks later. How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis? Vote in our poll
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He said: "Brussels believes the deadline is the end of October, not the deadline that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set, which is when EU leaders will meet for a summit." He added the EU also believes the UK has not made reasonable concessions over state aid and fishing arrangements. The bloc is also still concerned about the controversial Northern Ireland border protocol after the transition period ends on January 1. He said: "The EU believes the UK has still not made sufficient concessions on the so-called level playing field, including the question of state aid, and fisheries.
The UK and EU will resume post-Brexit trade talks this week
"The European Commission is expected to push the UK for more details on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is supposed to come into effect on January 1. "Brussels is concerned that the construction of Border Control Posts, required by the Protocol, has not yet started. "London, however, wants the EU side to commit to simplifying some of the checks and controls the Protocol requires on goods moving from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and in the other direction." Michael Gove will meet European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic to discuss the future arrangements between the UK and EU this week. READ MORE: Ireland Brexit panic: Taoiseach 'not optimistic' for UK-EU trade deal
Boris Johnson warned the UK could walk away from trade talks on October 15
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Michael Gove is heading to Brussels this week
“I hope this will be possible this coming week. "I and my team are ready to work as hard as necessary to move things forward.” One particular aspect that is stalling the talks is the UK wanting long-term fishing rights to come under a system called “zonal attachment”. This has sparked outrage from the bloc as it would dramatically cut the European catch.
Michel Barnier is still determined to reach a deal
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thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--Five days that could make or break Brexit: Crunch talks resume in Brussels to secure deal

The UK and EU will hold their final scheduled round of negotiations in Brussels this week , starting on Tuesday , in the hope they can make sufficient progress in order to justify extra sessions ahead of Boris Johnson ’ s October 15 deadline .
Both sides have expressed cautious optimism ahead of what is expected to be a make-or-break week for their future relations beyond the end of the year .
But talks start today with a meeting of the Joint Committee , chaired by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic , to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
Brussels is still reeling after Downing Street put forward legislation to rip up sections of the Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland .
However , the bloc believes completion of a free-trade agreement will alleviate concerns in No 10 about the province being cut-off from mainland Great Britain .
If by Friday enough progress is made in the negotiations , UK and EU officials will enter the “ tunnel ” – a top secret , intensive , round of talks – to hammer out the final details of the trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 15 .
European sources have suggested the bloc will need sufficient assurances on Britain ’ s future state aid policy , fishing opportunities and the Government ’ s Internal Market Bill ahead of sanctioning the talks .
An EU diplomat told Express.co.uk : “ We ’ re not at that stage yet , you can ’ t talk about entering the tunnel when you ’ re still many miles from its opening.
” EU27 capitals are also demanding an “ ironclad ” enforcement mechanism to ensure Britain abides by any free-trade agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing break international law .
The EU doesn ’ t want to take the UK ’ s commitment to any future treaty on mutual trust , but instead it wants to make them legally binding with clear sanctions if Boris Johnson moves unilaterally to break them .
The issue of the Brexit Bill is being kept at arms length from Michel Barnier and Lord Frost , the two chief negotiators , but officials close to them have suggested a bust-up in the Joint Committee could deliver a devastating blow to the trade talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ softened their rhetoric in recent weeks as hopes of a deal appeared to be rising in London and Brussels .
Mr Johnson is understood to be keen to secure a Brexit deal because the political ramifications of not signing a pact with Brussels would severely damage his premiership , which is already under strain due to the handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
If progress is not made this week , Britain would almost certainly leave the bloc without an agreement , a move experts claim would poison relationships with the bloc for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal which eliminates quotas and tariffs on goods would provide a platform for future cooperation .
Brussels has even privately suggested a deal could see the bloc turn a blind eye to some of its customs rules to facilitate smoother trade with Britain .
This could help solve the riddle of how to avoid huge queues in and around Kent after Mr Gove last week suggested 7,000 truckers could clog up the roads while waiting to enter the bloc .
It has also been suggested the Commission would offer assurances it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland protocol to crackdown on state aid spending by the Government .
Businesses on both sides of the Channel have expressed fears of a no deal at the end of the transition period .
DO N'T MISS Ireland Brexit panic : Taoiseach 'not optimistic ' for UK-EU trade deal [ INSIGHT ] Brexit travel : Britons must be aware of 'crucial ' change from Jan 1 [ UPDATE ] Reluctant European – A history of Britain ’ s relationship with Europe [ COMMENT ]

The UK and EU will hold their final scheduled round of negotiations in Brussels this week, starting on Tuesday, in the hope they can make sufficient progress in order to justify extra sessions ahead of Boris Johnson’s October 15 deadline. Both sides have expressed cautious optimism ahead of what is expected to be a make-or-break week for their future relations beyond the end of the year. But talks start today with a meeting of the Joint Committee, chaired by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic, to discuss the implementation of last year’s divorce deal.
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Brussels is still reeling after Downing Street put forward legislation to rip up sections of the Withdrawal Agreement relating to Northern Ireland. However, the bloc believes completion of a free-trade agreement will alleviate concerns in No 10 about the province being cut-off from mainland Great Britain. If by Friday enough progress is made in the negotiations, UK and EU officials will enter the “tunnel” – a top secret, intensive, round of talks – to hammer out the final details of the trade deal before a summit of European leaders on October 15. European sources have suggested the bloc will need sufficient assurances on Britain’s future state aid policy, fishing opportunities and the Government’s Internal Market Bill ahead of sanctioning the talks.
This week is pivotal in whether a Brexit trade deal with the EU can be secured
Lord Frost, the Prime Minister's top negotiator with the EU, is in Brussels all week
An EU diplomat told Express.co.uk: “We’re not at that stage yet, you can’t talk about entering the tunnel when you’re still many miles from its opening.” EU27 capitals are also demanding an “ironclad” enforcement mechanism to ensure Britain abides by any free-trade agreement after recent suggestions the Government would be willing break international law. The EU doesn’t want to take the UK’s commitment to any future treaty on mutual trust, but instead it wants to make them legally binding with clear sanctions if Boris Johnson moves unilaterally to break them. The issue of the Brexit Bill is being kept at arms length from Michel Barnier and Lord Frost, the two chief negotiators, but officials close to them have suggested a bust-up in the Joint Committee could deliver a devastating blow to the trade talks.
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Michel Barnier is the EU's chief Brexit negotiator
Both the UK and EU have softened their rhetoric in recent weeks as hopes of a deal appeared to be rising in London and Brussels. Mr Johnson is understood to be keen to secure a Brexit deal because the political ramifications of not signing a pact with Brussels would severely damage his premiership, which is already under strain due to the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. If progress is not made this week, Britain would almost certainly leave the bloc without an agreement, a move experts claim would poison relationships with the bloc for many years. But securing a skinny trade deal which eliminates quotas and tariffs on goods would provide a platform for future cooperation. MUST READ: Brexit LIVE: Irish leader Micheál Martin drops major hint EU
Michael Gove will also be in Brussels for meetings with the EU
Brussels has even privately suggested a deal could see the bloc turn a blind eye to some of its customs rules to facilitate smoother trade with Britain. This could help solve the riddle of how to avoid huge queues in and around Kent after Mr Gove last week suggested 7,000 truckers could clog up the roads while waiting to enter the bloc. It has also been suggested the Commission would offer assurances it would not abuse small print in the Northern Ireland protocol to crackdown on state aid spending by the Government. Businesses on both sides of the Channel have expressed fears of a no deal at the end of the transition period. DON'T MISS
Ireland Brexit panic: Taoiseach 'not optimistic' for UK-EU trade deal [INSIGHT]
Brexit travel: Britons must be aware of 'crucial' change from Jan 1 [UPDATE]
Reluctant European – A history of Britain’s relationship with Europe [COMMENT]
Brexit: Bridgen warns EU it is a 'bad time' to fall out with UK


thedailyexpress--2020-09-28--Labour Party's Andy Burnham proposes 9pm ban on alcohol sales to stop COVID-19 spread

The Labour Party 's mayor of Manchester called for a review of the 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants as he warned the measures could do `` more harm than good '' in the battle against the coronavirus .
Andy Burnham admitted he did not support the curfew but suggested additional policies could help contain the spread of the virus .
Speaking to the BBC Today programme , Mr Burnham said : `` I 'm not coming on to score political points , I 'm looking for a solution here .
How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand what the Government is trying to do so let me give a couple of suggestions .
`` Perhaps , if there was a 9pm curfew on sale of alcohol in supermarkets and shops , that would prevent the rush to shops once the pubs have closed .
And that 's what we certainly saw on Saturday and I guess it was n't just Manchester .
That would have been around the country . ''
Photos and videos shared on social media throughout the weekend , the first since the implementation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of supermarkets and off licences before continuing to assemble on the streets .
Mr Burnham also questioned the Government 's suggestion that the UK is now following the example of Belgium as he pointed out Brussels has also deployed officers to avoid people forming groups instead of heading back home .
JUST IN : First Tory MP in NE Derbyshire since 1935 LEE ROWLEY on why Labour blew it Up North He added : `` The Government is saying they 're following the example of Belgium - as I understand it Antwerp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well so there could n't be gatherings .
`` My personal view is that the curfew is doing more harm than good , it 's creating a major incentive for people to carry on drinking and partying at home and that 's where we are told the virus has been spreading . ''
The curfew was introduced amid a raising number of coronavirus infections recorded across the United Kingdom over the past few weeks .
Following months of cases being under control , the UK experiences a concerning rise to over 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The growing number of COVID-19 infections pushed public health officials to put London and other areas at risk under strict monitoring .
New lockdown measures currently under consideration , the hospitality sector may be forced to shut down once again to contain the spread of the virus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has maintained a new national lockdown would be the last line of defence for the UK but insisted the option is not being taken off the table .
Government sources say London ’ s fate is “ in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan warned it is at a “ tipping point ” .
DO N'T MISS Matt Hancock hits back at claims test and trace is still a farce [ VIDEO ] Whitty urges Britain to follow Belgium as under 30s blamed for spike [ GRAPH ] Sturgeon accused of trying to 'embarrass ' Boris with COVID-19 agenda [ ANALYSIS ]

The Labour Party's mayor of Manchester called for a review of the 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants as he warned the measures could do "more harm than good" in the battle against the coronavirus. Andy Burnham admitted he did not support the curfew but suggested additional policies could help contain the spread of the virus. Speaking to the BBC Today programme, Mr Burnham said: "I'm not coming on to score political points, I'm looking for a solution here. How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis? Vote in our poll
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"I can understand what the Government is trying to do so let me give a couple of suggestions. "Perhaps, if there was a 9pm curfew on sale of alcohol in supermarkets and shops, that would prevent the rush to shops once the pubs have closed. And that's what we certainly saw on Saturday and I guess it wasn't just Manchester. That would have been around the country." Photos and videos shared on social media throughout the weekend, the first since the implementation of the curfew last Thursday, showed people queing outside of supermarkets and off licences before continuing to assemble on the streets. Mr Burnham also questioned the Government's suggestion that the UK is now following the example of Belgium as he pointed out Brussels has also deployed officers to avoid people forming groups instead of heading back home. JUST IN: First Tory MP in NE Derbyshire since 1935 LEE ROWLEY on why Labour blew it Up North
Labour's Andy Burnham suggested the curfew could be improved with a 9PM ban on alcohol sales
Andy Burnham however questioned the effectiveness of the coronavirus curfew
He added: "The Government is saying they're following the example of Belgium - as I understand it Antwerp have an on-street dispersal situation in place as well so there couldn't be gatherings. "My personal view is that the curfew is doing more harm than good, it's creating a major incentive for people to carry on drinking and partying at home and that's where we are told the virus has been spreading." The curfew was introduced amid a raising number of coronavirus infections recorded across the United Kingdom over the past few weeks. Following months of cases being under control, the UK experiences a concerning rise to over 6,000 new cases per day in the past week. READ MORE: Brexiteer claims bloc's bailouts are illegal amid international law row
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The coronavirus risk level was raised from a level 3 to a level 4 last week
The growing number of COVID-19 infections pushed public health officials to put London and other areas at risk under strict monitoring. New lockdown measures currently under consideration, the hospitality sector may be forced to shut down once again to contain the spread of the virus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has maintained a new national lockdown would be the last line of defence for the UK but insisted the option is not being taken off the table. Government sources say London’s fate is “in the balance” after Mayor of London Sadiq Khan warned it is at a “tipping point”. DON'T MISS
Matt Hancock hits back at claims test and trace is still a farce [VIDEO]
Whitty urges Britain to follow Belgium as under 30s blamed for spike [GRAPH]
Sturgeon accused of trying to 'embarrass' Boris with COVID-19 agenda [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus death rates could spike again if the virus is not kept under control, Whitty and Vallance warned last week